Rhode Island Topic List – 2021 “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding” Topic: The Advance Abstract: The Advance was a weekly newspaper published by the Advance Publishing Company beginning in 1906. The paper was specifically founded for African-American readers by William Ward (editor), Arthur B. Williams (President and general manager), Fillmore R. Purnell (treasurer), and John H. Maddox (secretary). They were located in 910 Westminster street in Providence. The paper remained in print until the December 1935. (Edited from The Advance’s, ““Advance” Extension” printed November 16, 1906 pg. 2.) Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: Rhode Island Newspapers on Microfilm o The Advance Topic: Walter “Salty” Brine Abstract: For more than half a century, Walter "Salty" Brine, was a cheerful and comforting presence on local radio and television. He helmed WPRO-AM's morning show from 1943 to 1993 and was the popular host of WPRI Channel 12's children's show, Salty's Shack, from 1955 to 1968. He used his popularity to fundraise for children with physical and mental disabilities. As television and radio host, Mr. Brine specialized in different forms of communication, and used that position to help others. (Edited from, “Salty Brine: A Genuinely Nice Man,” (Quahog: 2015), https://quahog.org/factsfolklore/index.php?id=121.) Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: MSS 1029, Walter "Salty" Brine Papers MSS 1000, WPRI-TV Records WJAR-TV, Film collection Topic: Charles Value Chapin Abstract: A Rhode Island doctor who was active in the medical field, Chapin focused his work on public health. He published dozens of articles on contagious diseases, and how they spread. Mr. Chapin used his research and writing to communicate with the nation to better understand, and fight, contagious disease. (Edited from, Harold Kemble and Lori Salotto, “Charles V. Chapin Papers in the Manuscript Collection of the Rhode Island Historical Society Library”, 2001, http://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss343.htm) Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: MSS 343, Charles Value Chapin Papers Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders, Providence: A Pictorial History by Patrick T. Conley, Rhode Island: The Independent State by George H. Keller and J. Stanley Lemons, An Album of Rhode Island History by Patrick T. Conley, Men of Progress compiled by Richard Herndon, VF Biog C463c (Chapin, Charles V.) Topic: Charles H. Dow and Edward D. Jones Abstract: Charles H. Dow and Edward D. Jones met as reporters in Rhode Island. One worked for the Providence Journal and one for the Providence Morning Star and Evening Press. After they moved to New York, they helped found the newspaper that became the Wall Street Journal. Writing and publishing are forms of communication, and their newspaper reached enough readers that their names have become synonymous with money and finance. (Edited from, “Charles Henry Dow,” (Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame: 2006), http://www.riheritagehalloffame.com/inductees_detail.cfm?crit=det&iid=543). Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: Rhode Island Newspapers on Microfilm o Providence Journal o Providence Morning Star o Providence Evening Press Topic: George T. Downing Abstract: A restaurant owner and manager, Mr. Downing (1819-1903) was an early supporter of civil rights. He used his position to lobby for the desegregation of education in Newport, Rhode Island and public accommodation laws while in Washington, D.C. Activism and lobbying are both forms of communications as they require verbal and written expression to gain support. (Edited from May Wijaya, “The World was his Oyster,” (Rhode Tour) http://rhodetour.org/items/show/41) Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders, Makers of Modern Rhode Island by Patrick T. Conley, From Slave to Citizen by Irving Bartlett, Negroes of the Island of Rhode Island by Charles Battle, Rhode Island: The Independent State by George H. Keller and J. Stanley Lemons, Gallery of Notables, October 12, 1965 by the Providence Journal, History of Newport County (594), Rhode Island History Vol. 36 (Nov 1977) Topic: Elleanor Eldridge Abstract: A business woman and property owner, Elleanor Eldridge (1784-c.1845) teamed up with Frances Harriet Whipple Green, to write two memoirs of her life. The money made from sale of the book helped to fund legal battles in order for Eldridge to retain her property. Writing is a form of communication that Ms. Eldridge recognized she could use to her benefit. (Edited from Rebecca Hansen, “No MAN Ever Would Have Been Treated So”: Elleanor Eldridge,” (Rhode Island Historical Society:2017), https://www.rihs.org/elleanor-eldridge/) Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal Memoirs of Elleanor Eldridge by Frances H. Green Topic: Anne Smith Franklin Abstract: Anne Smith Franklin (1723-1763), sometimes called “Widow Franklin” became one of the country’s first female printers and publishers after inheriting her husband’s business in 1735. Mrs. Franklin was a pioneer of her field, books and publishing are forms of communication. (Edited from Phoebe Bean, “A Woman’s Touch: Ann Franklin, Printing Pioneer,” (Rhode Island Historical Society: 2018), https://rihs.wordpress.com/2018/03/12/a-womans-touch-ann-franklin-printing-pioneer/) Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: Dictionary of Rhode Island Biography by Rosemary Enright Rhode Island’s Founders by Patrick T. Conley Notable American Women, 1607-1950 edited by Edward T. James, Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal A lively Experiment: Notes on the Collection of RIHS, “A Woman’s Touch: Ann Franklin, Printing Pioneer” by Phoebe Bean: https://rihs.wordpress.com/2018/03/12/a-womans-touch-ann-franklin- printing-pioneer/ Topic: Caroline Hazard Abstract: Caroline Hazard (1856-1945) was an educator, author, and philanthropist from South Kingstown, R.I. She was notable for helping to save Wellesley College from financial ruin and published books on the history of Rhode Island, in addition to many other topics. Writing is a form of communication. (Edited from Steve Dalpe and Rick Stattler, “Caroline Hazard Papers “, (Rhode Island Historical Society: 1998). https://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss483sg11.htm). Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: MSS 483 sg 11, Caroline Hazard Papers https://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss483sg11.htm o Mentions in other Hazard Family Papers, i.e. MSS 483 sg 6 series 1 subseries 3, Various books by Caroline Hazard (at least 21) Notable American Women, 1607-1950 edited by Edward T. James, Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders Topic: Joseph Pearce Hazard Abstract: Joseph Peace Hazard (1807-1892) was a dedicated spiritualist and considered himself clairvoyant (someone who can see and speak with the dead). He wrote an article titled "Dignified Versus Undignified" for the March 14, 1857 issue of the Yorkshire Spiritual Telegraph and British Harmonial Advocate, in which he talked about how spirits were trying to communicate with the living. He held séances, meetings in which a spiritualist attempts to communicate with the spirits of the dead in attempts to contact those spirits. He also believed that the spirits around him would communicate with him by ringing his pocket watch. (Edited from, Steve Dalpe & Rick Stattler, “Joseph Pearce Hazard Papers, MSS 483 sg 13” https://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss483sg13.htm) Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: • MSS 483 sg 13 Joseph Pearce Hazard Papers • Joseph Pearce Hazard by Elizabeth Grillo • Representative Men and Old Families of Rhode Island, Vol. 2 • History of Washington and Kent Counties Rhode Island by J.R. Cole Topic: Anne Hutchinson Abstract: Anne Hutchinson (1591-1643) was an early American religious leader. She criticized the beliefs of the Massachusetts Puritans for placing religious observance and the teaching of ministers above the conscience of the individual. Preaching is a form of public speaking and a form of communication. (Edited from, “The Arrival of Anne Hutchinson” (Redwood Library and Athenaeum: 2016), https://www.redwoodlibrary.org/blog/lwhite/2016/09/15/arrival-anne-hutchinson) Resources available in the collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society: Dictionary of Rhode Island Biography by Rosemary Enright Rhode Island’s Founders by Patrick T. Conley Rhode Island Box: Famous Rhode Islanders, Women in Rhode Island History: Making a Difference by the Providence Journal, Rhode Island History Vol. 49 (Feb 1991) VF Biog H975 (Hutchinson, Anne) Topic: Sissieretta Jones Abstract: Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones (1869-1933), was a famous concert singer of the 19th century who gained international acclaim after becoming the first African-American artist to perform at the Wallack's Theatre in New York. Singing and music can be considered a form of communication because the performer can use it to convey feelings and opinions. (Edited from Susan M. Filler’s, “Sissieretta Jones,” in Great Lives from History: African Americans; 2010, p67-67, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b6h&AN=51932112&site=brc-live) Resources available