The Jewish Community in Providence
Congregation of the Sons of Israel and David Cemetery sits near the Pond, at 460 Reservoir Avenue. Why is it there? What is the Jewish history of the site?
Lucy Boltz
The Rise and Fall of the Gorham Empire
At the dawn of the twentieth century, the Board of Trade and other boosters of Providence, Rhode Island proclaimed that the city contained the “Five Industrial Wonders of the World” – one of them, the nation’s leading producer of silverware, the Gorham Manufacturing Company. How did such a large and important company disappear? [quote from John K. Towles, “Factory Legislation of Rhode Island,” American Economic Association Quarterly, 2 (Oct, 1908). [volume 9, number 3]
Sarah Yahm
Interview with Bill Smith
At the age of 19, Bill Smith landed a job at the Gorham Manufacturing Company. In his 25 years in Gorham, Mr. Smith witnessed company highs, such as a 60 Minutes special on Gorham, and lows, such turbulent times during a bad economy. Mr. Smith considers his time at Gorham one of his most meaningful job experiences.
Mr. Smith talks about a changes in day-to-day activities in American homes and how those changes affected silverware production. Slowly these generational changes transformed the role of Gorham silverware from a popular and common product found in every home to a virtually nonexistent role.
October 27, 2011
Interview with Scott Molloy
Gorham's later years were marked by increased conflict between employees and management. Scott Molloy, a professor of labor and industrial relations at the University of Rhode Island, grew up in Reservoir Triangle. In this interview excerpt, he recalls a particularly bitter strike in 1976.
October 25, 2011