Johnston, Rhode Island native, Gerald Fandetti, an architect with a celebrated career in historic preservation, has donated $50,000 to the Johnston Historical Society, a contribution aimed at ensuring the town’s history remains a vibrant part of its future.
The donation, presented by Anthony J. Ursillo, a Trustee of the Historical Society, and Fandetti’s cousin, underscores a shared family commitment to safeguarding Johnston’s historic legacy. Ursillo is the owner of the Historic Shang Bailey Roadhouse, a stored property in Johnston that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For Fandetti, this gift is more than a financial contribution, it’s personal. A native of Johnston, he grew up on Spring Hill Drive, and was a member of the first graduating class of Johnston Senior High School in 1963. His path from Johnston to the Rhode Island School of Design and on to Harvard University laid the foundation for a career devoted to restoring historic landmarks across New England.
A Vision for Preservation
Fandetti’s career is defined by a series of ambitious preservation projects that combine historical fidelity with modern utility. In 1991, he and his wife, Charlotte, purchased the Prentiss House, an abandoned nursing home in Harvard Square. The couple painstakingly restored the building, transforming it into the Mary Prentiss Inn, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Two years later, they turned their attention to a more precarious case: Engine 7, a firehouse in Cambridge, Massachusetts, slated for demolition. Built in 1894, the firehouse was reimagined as the Kendall Hotel, a boutique property designated a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Memorabilia from Engine 7 adorns the hotel, which remains a cornerstone of Cambridge’s historical identity.
In 1999, the couple embarked on the restoration of Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Originally built in 1902, as a summer retreat for Boston lawyer Bradley Palmer, the mansion had fallen into disrepair. Under Fandett’s leadership, it was restored and repurposed as an event venue that now hosts hundreds of weddings annually. It has since been recognized as one of the premier wedding venues in the Boston area.
The Fight to Protect Local History
Fandetti’s cousin, Anthony J. Ursillo, shares this passion for preservation. His stewardship of the Shang Bailey Roadhouse, a grand 19th century home with Italian tiled fireplaces, wide plank floors, and intricate details, reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding local heritage.
But the fight to preserve such properties in Johnston lacks historic district protections, leaving even nationally restored landmarks vulnerable to demolition. For Ursillo, this makes his commitment all the more urgent.
The roadhouse, run by its namesake, Shang Bailey, has a history as colorful as its architecture. In the early 1900s, Bailey operated the property as a brothel, until a spiritual epiphany inspired him to convert it into a Christian meeting house. Today, Ursillo and his partner, Tim Kee, serve as its caretaker, frequently sharing the property’s remarkable history through tours.
Supporting Johnston’s History and Its First Graduates
Fandetti’s $50,000 gift represents both a personal and professional connection to Johnston. Though he now divides his time between homes in Florida, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, his roots in Johnston remain deep.
“My family has a long history here,” Fandetti explained. “I grew up in this town, and those years left an indelible mark on me. I’m proud to contribute to the preservation of its rich history.”
The Johnston Historical Society expressed heartfelt gratitude for Fandett’s donation. “This generous gift will support two important projects: the preservation of the Elijah Angell House, a cherished 19th century landmark, and the creation of a new archive honoring the 1963 graduation class of Johnston Senior High School,” said a Society representative.
Society’s plans include restoring the structural integrity of the Elijah Angell House and maintaining its historic character. Simultaneously, the funds will be used to gather and preserve records, photographs, and ephemera, related to Johnston’s first high school graduates. Fandett’s own educational history and its connection with the broader community identity.
A Call to the Community
In addition to the projects funded by Fandett’s gift, the Historical Society invited the community to contribute to e the 1963 graduating class archive. Residents with photographs, memorabilia, or stories related to Johnston Senior High School’s inaugural graduation class are encouraged to contact the Society. These contributions will help create a comprehensive and meaningful tribute to this historic milestone.
For Fandetti, the message is simple, yet profound: “Keep the history of Johnston alive.”
With this donation and the community’s support, the Historical Society aims to ensure the Johnston stories, landmarks, and memories remain a cornerstone of its identity.
