When we discovered that üCamp friends Mike & Marilee with their daughter Jesse and we would all be in or near Rhode Island the same weekend, we made plans to rendezvous for a shared adventure. A grand house tour and some great American history appealed to everyone so we met at The John Brown House immediately adjacent to the campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The house was constructed in 1786-1788 for John Brown, a descendant of one of the earliest Rhode Island settlers, successful merchant, benefactor of the College of Rhode Island which was later named for his nephew, and Patriot. He was an instigator in The Gaspee Affair in 1772. This elegant mansion was added onto in the latter 1800’s but remained in the family until 1901 when successful Providence businessman Marston Perry purchased it and added some Gilded Age decor. After Perry’s 1935 death a Brown family member purchased it, commissioned the Washington Wallpaper and then donated it to the Rhode Island Historical Society in 1942. Among the fascinating artifacts are what may be the oldest American built vehicle still in existence, a carriage in which George Washington once rode, and The Tree Root That Ate Roger Williams. From there, at the suggestion of locals, we made our way to Providence Oyster Bar for (could we resist?) New England Lobster Rolls, and more time to visit with friends. Thanks, Mike & Merilee, for the comment on the blog that led to this fun afternoon. And Happy Birthday, Jesse!
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