Rhode Island photograph collection

The Rhode Island Photograph Collection is a collection of photographs that document the landscape and life of Rhode Islanders across the state from the mid 19th century through the 20th century. The collection grew over time as the Providence Public Library had photographs donated to them from a variety of donors. There are an estimated 6,000 plus images in this collection.
This collection is part of Providence Public Library Digital Collections, hosted by Providence Public Library.

Items in this collection

Long Wharf from Goat Island

Long Wharf from Goat Island

Providence Public Library

Image shows a ship docked at wharf on Goat Island. The "Pilgrim", a large ferry is docked at Long Wharf in background of photograph across Newport Harbor.

Long Wharf and Washington Street

Long Wharf and Washington Street

Providence Public Library

Image shows the intersection of Long Wharf and Washington Street. A sign advising "Stop. Look and Listen." at Railroad crossing stands in front of a large three story building. Windows on ground floor of building are partially boarded.

Long Wharf and the Basin, Newport

Long Wharf and the Basin, Newport

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of Long Wharf. Rooftops of shops and and houses are in foreground. Boats are dry-docked on wharf around Newport Harbor. City of Newport is in background.

Long Wharf & harbor

Long Wharf & harbor

Providence Public Library

Three photographs taped together on the back to form a panoramic rooftop view of Long Wharf and Newport Harbor. Industrial buildings line the wharf, and fishing and pleasure boats are moored in the harbor.

Long View of Galilee

Long View of Galilee

Providence Public Library

Image shows the harbor of Galilee. Fishing boats are docked at piers along the wharf.

Locust Hill Farm

Locust Hill Farm

Providence Public Library

View from across a snow-covered field of a house and outbuildings at Locust Hill Farm.

Line casting demonstration

Line casting demonstration

Providence Public Library

View of a group of people gathered around a long table watching a fisherman demonstrate line casting.

Linden Place

Linden Place

Providence Public Library

View from behind a decorated wrought iron gate of the lawn and front of Linden Place, a large building with a porch across the whole front of the building supported by columns, designed by Russell Warren. A porch is also seen on the third floor of the building.

Lincoln Downs Race Track

Lincoln Downs Race Track

Providence Public Library

Three horseback riders kneeling and talking. Two of the men are wearing jockey uniforms and one wears English riding attire.

Lime Rock Quarry

Lime Rock Quarry

Providence Public Library

View of limestone cliffs seen from across a flooded quarry, with water depths over 75 feet.

Lime Rock Light, Seaward Side

Lime Rock Light, Seaward Side

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Lime Rock Light, later called Ida Lewis Rock Light, now the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, facing Newport Harbor. The building is two stories and two chairs sit on surrounding deck.

Lime Rock Light

Lime Rock Light

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Lime Rock Light, later called Ida Lewis Rock Light, now the Ida Lewis Yacht Club in Newport Harbor. A large boats is docked at the island and a small rowboat is moored in Harbor near light house.

Lighthouse, Block Island

Lighthouse, Block Island

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Block Island Southeast Light at Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island. The light tower is attached to the keeper's house.

Liberty Tree - After Planting on Thames Street

Image shows the snow covered Liberty Tree at the intersection of Thames, Poplar and Farewell Streets. Streets and rooftops of houses in background are covered in snow.

Levin Street, North Side; Shows Building Detail of Cappuccilli Bar

Image shows an oriel window on a building on Levin Street (now Memorial Boulevard). The second floor of the building has rounded shingle siding. Two floral reliefs flank the oriel window. A sign for "Hurley's Newport" hangs below the window. A shoe repair shop is on the right of photograph.

Levin Street, Newport

Levin Street, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a Snow Bird snow plow running along the trolley tracks down Levin Street (now Memorial Boulevard). Snow covers the street, sidewalks and lays on the roofs of houses.

Levin Street, (Upper) North Side Near Bellevue Ave

Image shows abandoned storefronts on Levin Street (now Memorial Boulevard). Cars are parked further down Levin Street in front of the Levin Street Cafe. A Pabst Blue Ribbon advertisement hangs above the cafe's sign.

Lee's Wharf, Newport

Lee's Wharf, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows the back of buildings on Lee's Wharf in Newport, RI. The photograph was taken from Peckham's Coal Wharf.

Ledge Road, Ocean Drive; Newport

Ledge Road, Ocean Drive; Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows rowboats, lobster traps and fishing equipment lying on rocky shore of Boat House Gully. Mist is visible over the water near the shore and Coggeshall Ledge in background.

Lawton's Fish Market, Thames Street

Lawton's Fish Market, Thames Street

Providence Public Library

Image shows two men painting the side of Lawton's Fish Market. One painter paints below an advertisement for Lawton's Fish Market and the other stands on ladder.

Lawton's Fish Market, Thames Street

Lawton's Fish Market, Thames Street

Providence Public Library

Image shows two men painting the side of Lawton's Fish Market. One painter paints below an advertisement for Lawton's Fish Market and the other stands on ladder facing photographer.

Lawton Valley, Portsmouth

Lawton Valley, Portsmouth

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Lawton Valley Reservoir in the Lawton Valley. Trees line the banks of the reservoir on lily pads float in water.

Lawton Spinning Company

Lawton Spinning Company

Providence Public Library

Photograph of buildings of the Lawton Spinning Company in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Lawton Spinning Company

Lawton Spinning Company

Providence Public Library

Retouched photograph of the Lawton Spinning Company in Woonsocket. The mills are in the background of the image, while the railroad is in the fore.