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Archive for November, 2011

While several Rhode Island mansions lure residents and out-of-towners to tour their confines for the architectural marvel of the Gilded Age, Governor Sprague Mansion of Cranston compels us to step over the threshold to channel the tragedy which befell one of its occupants. The progression of events spawned a travesty of justice which continues to haunt Rhode Islanders till this day, giving pause for our governor to ponder and pardon. The lure of the lore is interwoven between the mansion and the family’s prominent and prosperous cotton printing plant.

The Homestead: Birthplace of two Rhode Island governors, the Governor Sprague Mansion on 1351 Cranston St. Cranston, RI, exemplifies the prosperity of its former residents. The original twenty-eight room, 2 ½ story, 5-bay, gable-roofed abode was built in 1790. Early construction of a simple homestead revealed a central chimney, low ceilings, and simple woodwork. As the family acquired greater wealth, many changes were wrought by 1864 with the addition of a new section. Stepping inside today, we’d note a wide hall lighted by a fan-shaped window above the entrance door. The woodwork and railings are decoratively carved. The mantles of the fireplace are made of Italian marble. According to the Cranston Historical Society which acquired the mansion in 1967, the most striking feature is the cupola atop the new section of the homestead. “From here the Spragues viewed their panorama of Cranston holdings– the orchards, vineyards, woodlands, reservoir, railroad, horse car company, Cranston Print Works, its two villages of mill houses complete with a school, community store, boarding houses, meeting house, post office, and counting house sometimes called the Cranston Bank.” Tours may be arranged through the Cranston Historical Society by appointment.

Cranston Print Works: Established in 1807, originally called, “Sprague Print Works,” William Senior converted the gristmill on the banks of the Pocasset River into a small cotton mill for carding and spinning yarn. Eventually, he and son, William II, installed water-driven power looms on a large scale which lowered production costs and increased output-one of the hallmarks for a thriving business. The Spragues were also the first entrepreneurs in the country to print calico.

Brothers Amasa and Will II took over the biz after the death of their father in 1836. Though both brothers were active in politics, Amasa took over the lion’s share of running the Print Works. William II served in the capacity of state representative, governor, and lastly– US senator. He resigned to manage the company after Amasa’s murder, an atrocity which continues to haunt Rhode Island today.

History in the Making: On New Year’s Eve day of 1843, Amasa Sprague’s bludgeoned body was found in the snow along the road outside the Cranston mansion. The Gordons, Irish immigrants, who owned a liquor store, came under suspicion as Amasa Sprague appealed to the city council to revoke their liquor license, presumably because it irked him that his employees frequented the store during lunch hour and returned to work at the mill drunk. Authorities felt the license revocation established motive. Purportedly, the police arrested every one of the Gordon family including the elderly mother and the dog.

The state trial commenced in 1844 during a time of prejudice against Irish Roman Catholics, a new wave of immigrants constituting a perceived threat against the reigning Yankee Protestants. The trial of brothers William and John Gordon proceeded with scant circumstantial evidence: coat, broken rifle, and footprint in the snow; William had an alibi whereas John did not. Over the course of nine days, 102 witnesses gave confusing and contradictory testimonies. The presiding judge instructed the jury comprised of Yankee males to give greater credence to Yankee witnesses rather than Irish. After deliberating for 75 minutes, the jury acquitted William and convicted John of murder. Another jury came back hung at Nicholas’ trial. Though John’s second trial was scheduled after his execution date, an appeal for postponement was denied. John Gordon was hanged on February 14, 1845, the last person to receive the death penalty in Rhode Island. Capital punishment was abolished in 1852.

In hindsight, this travesty of justice which resulted in a wrongful hanging has tormented Rhode Island for years. A state lawmaker has currently sponsored a measure calling for the governor to posthumously pardon John Gordon for the murder of industrialist Amasa Sprague.

The Sprague Mansion has earned the reputation of being one of America’s most haunted mansions. Accounts of blankets pulled off beds, the sound of footsteps, lights going on and off by themselves, and dolls moving on their own in the “Doll Room” have spooked those who’ve crossed the Sprague’s threshold. An investigation conducted by Ghost Hunters also disclosed strange occurrences.

The most haunting phenomena of all is that of the hanging of a man whose noose was tightened by an unfair judicial trial, stirring public indignation as to legislate the abolition of capital punishment in the state of “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” The Spragues may be the most renowned historical family in the city of Cranston for their vast accumulation of wealth, power, and influence stemming from textile manufacturing. However, the view from the cupola atop the mansion is overshadowed by the murder of Amasa Sprague and its shameful aftermath.

Whether you’re an avid skateboarder who likes joining competitions, or a fan who just likes to watch, we’re sure that you can’t get enough of the coolest skateboarding events. These events are great avenues to keep tabs on up and coming stars of the sport, see new tricks, and have tons of fun.

Skateboarding events are held throughout almost the entire year, moving from place to place. Some of these events are so small that you won’t notice them unless they’re being held in your area. Other events are so huge that people from other cities and countries flock to these events just to be a part of the action.

In this article, we’re going to show you some of the coolest skateboarding events ever. So, make sure your skateboard wheels are tight because this is going to be a fun ride. Read on.

Go Skateboarding Day

Although it is a relatively new event, Go Skateboarding Day is one of the biggest and most popular skateboarding events around the globe. The event is held every June 21 and skateboarders use it as an excuse to forget all about their obligations for the day and just ride a skateboard. First held in 2003, it is now a major event across cities in the US, South America and Europe.

Skateboarding is the main attraction of this event, but aside from that, organizers also encourage skateboarders to check out the fundraisers, skate shops, contests, and even hold protests connected with skateboarding.

Vans Warped Tour

Another major skateboarding event is the Vans Warped Tour. It began in 1995 and it combines skateboarding with BMX events and live music. There are several stages during this event with several bands playing at the same time. This is also a big event that often features over 100 bands playing throughout the festival.

Aside from skateboarding and music, you can also check out the latest merchandise here from some of the biggest names in the world of skateboarding. The Vans Warped Tour was first held only in the US, but it has since reached other countries including Japan, Canada, and Australia.

X Games

The X Games isn’t an exclusive event for skateboarding but it is definitely one where skateboard fanatics all over the globe converge. Other sports featured in this event include BMX riding and motocross. It began in Rhode Island in 1995, and has since seen some of the major highlights in the world of skateboarding. In fact, this was where Tony Hawk, one of the legendary skateboarding figures, did his first successful 900 in 1999 after 10 failed attempts.

Although the X Games are held in the US, it has since held demos and events outside of the country over the years.

There you have it, the list of the coolest skateboarding events around the world. So, the next time you’re looking for live skateboarding events, look no further than these three events. But of course, also check out your local events because who knows, the next big highlight in skateboarding could happen there. Keep on riding!

Europe is considered to have some of the best countries, where one can find diverse culture each one having its own unique identity. The breath taking view of the Alps and the beautiful cities having immense historical importance is something worth for the eyes and should not be missed at all costs. If you are planning a trip to Europe, then indeed it is a good choice. Since the size of Europe is quite large, if you do not plan your tour itinerary in an appropriate manner, you are surely going to miss something. However, with the help of Europe route planner, you can now accordingly plan the vacation and get the maximum out of this trip and that too within your budget.

With Europe route planner, you can systematically cover all the places of interest in an easy manner. But for that, you have to categorically mention your priorities such as choice of destination and the time, so that the itinerary can be designed as per your choice and requirement. Moreover, your budget is also taken under consideration. This way, the agents will not have any trouble while reserving rooms or making travel arrangements.

There is a greater degree of flexibility, as it enables you to specify your interest before getting the itinerary planned. if you are more interested in visiting historical sites, places of religion or you crave for the beautiful sea shores, everything is planned well in advance, so that you do not have any trouble. Besides, hiring a local guide, renting a cab and hotel reservations can also be done before hand, as per the plans and the routes chosen by the tour planners and approved by you. This way, you can relatively avoid and inconveniences and trouble that generally occur.

Another added advantage of Europe route planner is that you access its services at any point of time. As of now, the services have been extended online, from where you can collect all the detailed information and check out the viability of the trip. Moreover, you can also collect the smallest details that need to be taken care of while in tour. This way, you can escape from any inconveniences.