Synopsis
Secret Rhode Island: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure by Robert Curley is a captivating exploration of the hidden facets of the Ocean State, revealing the quirky, macabre, and little-known stories that define Rhode Island's rich tapestry over nearly 400 years of history. As the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island might seem unassuming, but Curley, a seasoned local writer and connoisseur of the odd, uncovers 90 unusual tales that showcase its diverse culture, from forgotten World War II prisoner-of-war camps scattered across the landscape to hidden beaches and the enigmatic origins of iconic landmarks like the Superman Building in Providence and the giant termite sculpture looming over I-95. The book delves into bizarre historical events, such as street battles fought over the price of pasta in immigrant neighborhoods, the tragic murder of Betty the Fabulous Learned Elephant in Chepachet in 1826—complete with a memorial still standing in her honor—and the ignominious sinking of the Endeavour, the most famous ship in Australian history, at the bottom of Newport Harbor. Curley's narrative weaves together these threads with a sense of wonder, drawing on his decades of experience writing for publications like Rhode Island Monthly and Newport Life to illuminate the state's unique quirks that often escape the notice of even lifelong residents.
Throughout the guide, Curley transports readers across Rhode Island's compact geography, from the bustling streets of Providence to the coastal enclaves of Newport and Narragansett, and northward to Woonsocket and Westerly, highlighting obscure inventions and cultural oddities that shaped the nation. He explains why Rhode Island boasts a monument to a chicken, commemorating Little Compton's 19th-century status as the U.S. poultry capital, and traces the origins of sideburns to Civil War general Ambrose Burnside, a Rhode Islander whose facial hair became a global trend. More eerie entries include a collection of books bound in human skin housed in local libraries, the story of "poison" tomatoes once feared as deadly fruits, and the peculiar tale of a tree that seemingly "ate" a priest, entwining the remains of Rhode Island founder Roger Williams in its roots. Curley also spotlights whimsical modern icons like Mr. Potato Head statues and smiling spud sculptures in northern Rhode Island, alongside magnetic mystery rocks and Hobbit-like houses tucked away in rural corners, offering practical insights into visiting these sites as weekend day trips or hidden gems for travelers seeking the road less traveled.
Beyond the sensational, the book serves as a thoughtful reflection on Rhode Island's resilient spirit, touching on sports lore like the Providence Steam Roller, the NFL's first indoor team that played in a bicycle racing stadium, and the contributions of local athletes such as Pawtucket's Gerry Philbin to the New York Jets' Super Bowl III victory. Curley shares anecdotes from everyday life, including the rotting Milk Can diner along Route 146 as a relic of quirky roadside eateries, the first gas-lit street lamp in America on Newport's Pelham Street, and the final resting place of the man credited with inventing Thanksgiving. His prose is engaging and accessible, blending historical facts with personal curiosity—many stories stem from questions he pursued for himself—making the book not just an informative guide but a celebration of the weird sibling to his earlier bucket-list volume, 100 Things to Do in Rhode Island Before You Die. Whether unraveling myths about the kicked can or praising local haunts like Wright's Dairy Farm for its hermit cookies and party pizza, Curley invites readers to rediscover their home state (or discover it anew) through its obscure underbelly, proving that in Rhode Island, the smallest package holds the most surprising secrets.