Discover 300 Years of History on Great Road Day

Dating back to 1683, the Great Road in Lincoln was created as a means to expand population outside of Providence and create a trade route north.  Now, over 340 years later, this road continues to serve as a busy transportation route, but still retains many reminders of this community’s past.  On Saturday, September 21st, the annual Great Road Day with free admission takes place between 11 am – 4 pm, when several historic sites welcome the public to discover the rich history here that thousands pass by every day. Many travel this road specifically for the scenic views it provides, including Chase Farm Park which was just voted “Most Scenic Spot” in The Valley Breeze’s ‘Voices of the Valley’ awards.  These historic sites set upon a backdrop of scenic views resulted in Great Road being selected as one of the first RI Scenic Roadways and helps to define Lincoln’s “sense of place.”  Several of the properties have individual listings on the National Register of Historic Places and sections of Great Road are also on the Register as historic districts, recognizing the historical significance they hold.

The Annual Great Road Day is a collaboration between several historic sites and organizations.  Visitors may choose to visit on their own schedule, and there is no particular order for the visits.  All the sites may be selected to visit, or just those of interest.  Maps to all of the participating properties may be picked up at any of the sites.  Parking areas are indicated on the maps and in the list of sites below.  A shuttle van will provide transportation to the Moffett Mill and Hearthside as well and pick-up is at Chase Farm Park.  Parking is also available at Gateway Park and at individual sites.  In addition to getting inside to see what these historic sites are like, some offer special features or exhibits for this one-day event.

The sites participating in this year’s Great Road Day include:

•       Historic New England’s Arnold House (1693) Learn about Lincoln’s founding family.  This rare stone-ender house has one of the largest fireplaces you’ll ever see.  487 Great Road
•       Saylesville Friends Meetinghouse (1703) One of the earliest and longest continuously used Quaker meetinghouses in New England.  Final resting place of the Arnold family. (374 Great Road)
Great Road Heritage Campus at Chase Farm Park 671 Great Road: Picturesque meadows to explore or bring a picnic; Visitors Center with Restrooms, view artist’s mural of Great Road in the 19th Century, and visit four historic sites listed below. Pick up the Shuttle to Moffett & Hearthside:
•       Pullen’s Corner Schoolhouse (1850) Lincoln’s last one-room schoolhouse, recently relocated, restored, and preserved as a 19th c. classroom.  Outdoors see reenactors at a Revolutionary War encampment with traditional craft demonstrations and military drills.
•       Hannaway Blacksmith Shop (1880) Watch the blacksmith at the forge and anvil forming hot metal into household objects, just as it was done during the 19th c. in this original shop.
•       Moffett Mill (1812) A rare relic from the early industrial era, this versatile former machine shop still has its original equipment and tools.  Accessed only through Shuttle Bus.
•       Hearthside House Museum (1810) This majestic stone mansion, hosted by costumed docents in 19thc. attire, offers an exhibit on the history of Lincoln Woods State Park and its connections to Hearthside and Moffett Mill. 677 Great Road (parking across the street or shuttle from Chase)
•       Butterfly Mill (1812) A former textile factory built by Stephen Hopkins Smith at the same time he built Hearthside. The recently restored mill space will be opened from 11-2 by the homeowner. Take Shuttle or walk from Hearthside parking lot next door to it. 700 Great Road
•       Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge (1804) One of the oldest masonic lodges in the state that is still in use today. 1093 Great Road
•       Valentine Whitman House (1696) Stop by to check out this excellent example of a stone-ender house that has recently undergone total rehabilitation by Preserve RI and is now a private residence.  Outdoor viewing only.  1147 Great Road
•       Northgate (1807) Home of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, this original toll house for the Louisquisset Turnpike and later a Grange where social activities took place.  Exhibit of 19th & early 20thc. Photographs of Pawtucket. 1873 Louisquisset Pike
•       Arnold Bakery (1874) One-room original bakery relocated from Saylesville, adjacent to Northgate.
Location of Event: Great Road Historic District, Lincoln, RI