Hello Pawtucket Resident:
.....I received several comments and replies from my letter of February 16 pertaining to the closing of the Weeden Manor . Upon doing a little bit research, the Weeden Manor is another one of those 'gems' that actually had a very interesting history - with only the best of intentions spelled out in the will of the donor, the late Elizabeth Higginson Weeden. Her wishes were to provide a safe home for indigent and infirmed women - a place where "more than one poor woman in the latter part of her life could live in pleasant surroundings and who would otherwise be dependent on the City". In 1905, several members in the community supported such a facilty - which included Capt. George H. Marsh of the Salvation Army Industrial Home, for the hope was that the home could be self-supporting. Capt. Marsh had years of experience with the needy, and he believed such a home was absolutely necessary, but asserted that such an institution could be "either a curse or a blessing to any City". "If properly conducted, the home could be made a blessing with the aid of money left for its support, but if no provision is made of the employment at the home of the indigent element, the latter may become so numerous as to cause much trouble". How true his words were some 90 years ago. I believe what is also tells us, is there is rich history hiding in our remaining historic properties.
I think we have some valid questions on the table, that being, the overall history that appears to be diminishing in the City of Pawtucket. Quality Hill resident, Joe Asermely is welcoming interested residents to come to his home at 24 Walnut Street - this Saturday - February 26 at 3pm - to meet each other and talk about if we can come together to preserve our history. Lets have a discussion on how we as a community can work with the City to prevent future demolition. Hope to see you there!
Pat Zacks
Joe Asermely
