A hidden gem in the town of Johnston is the historical museum maintained by the Johnston Historical Society at 101 Putnam Pike. Established in the late 1970s, it houses hundreds of unique items relating to the history of the town. I Recently met with Louis McGowan, president of the historical society who gave me a tour.
Perhaps the oldest items at the museum are the arrowheads, stone tools, and pottery shards, dating back hundreds of years before the founding of Rhode Island. Other collections focus on different facets of town history and include artifacts, photographs, and the stories behind them.
“We try to collect anything to do with Johnston history.” Louis stated. And of course, they’re always looking for new items to add to their collection.
There are displays honoring local residents who served in the military. One in particular contains a rare leather flight jacket, dress uniform, and other items relating to Johnston native George Sutcliffe, a World War II fighter pilot and ace. He was once featured on The History Channel for his amazing escape from a swarm of enemy fighters that were attacking him.
Another interesting display holds an antique, three-foot tall, ornately decorated, silver-plated trophy that came from the former Greystone Social Club. The custom trophy is adorned with cricket rackets, cherubs, and fancy engraving. Surrounding the trophy are photos of cricket players dating to the 1920s, with one photo showing players posing with the trophy.
Johnston’s police and firefighting histories are also represented. There’s an original campaign poster of Hiram Kimball, Johnston’s first Town Sergeant, and later Chief of Police. Louis explained that he once held eleven different positions within the town, but not all of them were paid positions.
Personal items belonging to Chief Kimball are included in the display as are vintage photos, obsolete badges, and uniform patches once worn by Johnston’s finest.
Johnston’s fire department was once all volunteer, and each of the town’s former fire companies are represented with uniforms, helmets, early equipment, radios, banners, and vintage photographs.
The museum also has items related to Johnston’s industrial past which include rare architectural drawings of former mills that were created for fire insurance companies.
One illustration depicts the Pocasset Mill, which once employed a thousand people. The building still stands today and has been converted to housing.
The owners of the Pocasset Mill built a community center for employees to enjoy. It served as a bowling alley, dance hall, and wedding venue. The mill also featured an annual garden contest with prizes awarded.
Another drawing shows the Merino Mill, located in a portion of town that was deeded to Providence in 1898. The mill no longer exists.
The Priscilla Worsted Mills, built in 1885, was occupied by the British Hosiery Company of England, which began producing men’s hosiery as a way to avoid paying tariffs – a topic that’s still relevant today.
The school display includes two brass bells once used by teachers of the former Simmons and Belknap schools to summon students to class.
Johnston once had three soda companies; Rose Beverage Company, Ochee Spring Bottling Company, and Bare Rock Beverage Company. Bottles relating to all three can be seen.
The museum also features memorabilia relating to everyday life in Johnston. Louis showed me a photo of a young boy dressed as a school crossing guard, and informed me his name is Bill Conti. He later wrote the theme song for the movie “Rocky” starring Sylvester Stallone.
Another photo was of Victor De Costa, who came up with the idea for the 1950s television series, “Have Gun – Will Travel”.
There are original banknotes from the Rhode Island Agricultural Bank that date to the 1830s and ‘40s. (In those days banks issued their own currency.) This was the only bank ever chartered in Johnston, and one note was signed by Samuel Ward King, who became Rhode Island’s governor.
The museum has a function room where meetings and lectures are held. Built into the back wall is a federal style door, complete with original hardware and ornate hand-carved architectural details. It dates to 1795, and was rescued from the former Daniel Manton, Jr. House during demolition.
Another rescued item is an eight-day clock with a reverse-glass painted image of the former Morgan Mill.It came from the estate of Mabel (Atwood) Sprague and dates to c.1880. The mill image is significant because the mill was lost to fire in the 1970s, and no known photos of it exist.
Also in the function room is the beautiful walnut pulpit from the former Belknap Church, and an early “penny farthing” bicycle dating to the 1870s.
And, the items mentioned here are but a small portion of the museum’s collection.
The museum is open by appointment and during regularly scheduled monthly meetings. All are welcome.