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History of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
Journey back in time to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA.
About Woonsocket
Woonsocket is also Indian named, the word signifying "at the place of mist."
How New England Towns Received Their Names
The Day
New London, Connecticut
October 21, 1914
Woonsocket Falls Village was founded in the 1820s. Its fortunes expanded as the Industrial Revolution took root in nearby Pawtucket. With the Blackstone River providing ample water power, the region became a prime location for textile mills. Woonsocket as a town was not established until 1867 when three villages in the town of Cumberland, namely Woonsocket Falls, Social and Jenckesville, officially became the town of Woonsocket. By this time the beginnings of the French Canadian emigration had definitely been felt.
In 1871, three additional industrial villages in Smithfield, Hamlet, Bernon and Globe, were added to the town establishing its present boundaries. Woonsocket was incorporated as city in 1888.
During the Great Depression the local textile industry closed, causing high unemployment. At this point 75 percent of the population was of French-Canadian descent. French-language newspapers were published and sold here, and radio programs and movies shown were also in French. Most conversations in public were also in French. The city's fortunes were revived in World War II, when it became a center of fabric manufacturing for the war effort. In the postwar years, the Woonsocket economy adjusted to a mix of manufacturing, retail, technology and financial services operations... kids.kiddle.com
Woonsocket Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
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Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to WOONSOCKET

ROCKY POINT, RI Amusement Park Mug – Vintage Rhode Island Postcard Coffee Cup
Take a nostalgic trip back to the iconic Rocky Point Amusement Park with this ceramic mug featuring four charming vintage postcards from Rhode Island's beloved seaside destination. Showcasing iconic scenes like "Getting Ready for a Clam Bake," the bustling "Dining Hall," and the lively "Promenade on the Midway," this mug brings the magic of Rocky Point to your daily coffee or tea ritual. Celebrate the golden days of Rocky Point every morning!

I Love RHODE ISLAND Mug – Clam Chowder, Coffee Milk & Johnny Cakes Ceramic Coffee Cup – Ocean State Food Lover Gift, 11oz & 15oz
Celebrate the flavors of the Ocean State with this Rhode Island-inspired ceramic mug! Featuring iconic local favorites—clam chowder, coffee milk, and Johnny cakes—plus the “I Love Rhode Island!” slogan, it’s perfect for locals, food lovers, and anyone who cherishes Rhode Island’s coastal charm.

RHODE ISLAND ROOTS - "I'm from Rhode Island!" Quahog Lover's Ceramic Mug
Embrace your Rhode Island roots with this charming and humorous ceramic mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite hot beverages, this mug features the witty caption: "I'm from Rhode Island! That explains a lot about my love for quahogs that I pronounce with confidence, even though I'm not sure what they are."
Discover Woonsocket: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Woonsocket through the years.
The entire loss thus far must be near $100,000. Roughly estimated as follows:
N. Elliott & Co., $55,000; W. E. Hubbard, $10,000; O. S. Fuller & Co.,...
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WOONSOCKET, Jan. 18. - The bells had scarcely ceased tolling the hour of midnight Saturday when three pistol shots rang in sharp succession on Clinton street. One man fell and a group of nearly 20 others scattered in every direction. The cry of murder and the noise of the shots awoke the people and brought one of the members of the police to the scene. Mitchel Deluge was found, shot in the left side by a man named Lacoste. The murderer had fled and the police were quickly upon his track, but have not yet found him.
Saturday evening a dance was held at the residence of Louis Degre. Beer and liquor were brought in, and before 11 o'clock several of the party were much under their influence; among whom were Deluge and Lacoste. Finally a quarrel arose and about 20 persons left the house. As they crossed the street Deluge put out his foot and tripped Lacoste, when a...
Although extending back nearly two and a-half centuries, there is little interest connected with the history of Woonsocket up to within a comparatively recent period. It was, in fact, an insignificant place fifty years ago. From an unimportant village it has grown during the lifetime of a generation to be one of the great industrial centers of the country. The value of the cotton and woolen goods manufactured here annually is something enormous. Of the latter, Woonsocket produces more than any other town or city in the United States, while in the former industry it is excelled by few. There are now in operation in this place seventeen cotton-mills and seven woolen-mills with an aggregate capital of about $5,000,000.
Among the other important industries are the manufacture of rubber goods, machinery, tools, castings, wringing machines, thread, silk, jewelry, sash, blinds, doors, etc.
Altogether there must be upward of ten thousand hands employed in the...
From all over the state and villages in Connecticut and Massachusetts come reports of the French Canadian exodus. From Woonsocket alone 21 persons have left this week, and dozens of families had fled before. The Pawtucket valley villages tell the same story, and what is true of this section is also true of other New England villages.
It must not be supposed that all the French-Canadians in...
Also Being Held on Bigamy Charge, the Police Declare Today
The dragnet cast out by the Woonsocket police for the apprehension of the husband of Mrs. Emma Luczkewiz, charged with attempted murder, by throwing her from the "Band Wagon" bridge into the Blackstone river at Woonsocket Saturday night, succeeded in bringing to toils the fugitive in Worcester last night. The Woonsocket authorities have another charge against the man, giving the name of Lukasz Luczkewiz, besides attempted murder, being that of bigamy. The Woonsocket police say that he admits the charge that he has two wives, and, also, that he pushed his first wife from the bridge, but denies that he attempted to murder her.
Luczkewiz' first wife was rescued from the Blackstone river, into which she had been thrown by her husband, assisted, it is claimed, by another woman, after she had given the couple all of her savings of $265. The police say...
River Island Art Park: Located along the Blackstone River, this beautiful park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. It's also a hub for local artists, with sculptures and art installations throughout the park. Keep an eye out for special events and art shows that often take place here.
Woonsocket Falls Dam: If you're a fan of natural beauty, don't miss the Woonsocket Falls Dam. It's a great spot to take in the scenic views of the Blackstone River as it cascades over the dam. The area is also popular for fishing and bird-watching.
Boulevard Park: This small but lovely park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the...
Discover YOUR Roots: Woonsocket Ancestry
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA
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