"SueRivet's new Pawtucket Page" Pawtucket by SueRivet

Pawtucket Travel Guide: 17 reviews and 33 photos

Pawtucket, a Native American name meaning "At the Falls", is an older mill town located on the Massachusetts border, 45 minutes south of Boston. The primary touristic site is the Slater Mill, home of the textile industry. Loom weaving technology was brought to this country by Samuel Slater. The Slater Mill is located on a pretty bit of land at the falls, which once powered the factory. The Wilkinson Mill, located in an adjacent building, maintains water power connections to the river. For more info, see <a href="http://www.slatermill.org">Slater Mill</a>.

<rant

The rest of the nearby downtown area is, well, sad. Pawtucket is like a lot of old mill towns in New England, in that it was once a bustling center of activity, but is now scarred with the results of the Urban Renewal fad of the 60's and 70's.

Actually, were it just a fad. At the moment the PRA is pursuing initial steps to acquire and demolish the largest remaining century-old brick buildings in the downtown area, to create a parking lot. "They paved paradise, ..."

The PRA's biggest claim to fame is the redevelopment, 30 years later, of its first redevelopment project, the Benjamin Chester building on Main St. Formerly a junior department store, the Chester building was redesigned as an office building. Occupying one-third of the building is, guess what, you're right, the PRA. And who, you ask, was Benjamin Chester? One of the founding fathers of the city? The former owner of the department store, perhaps? No, he is one of the founding fathers of the PRA!! As Yakov Smirnoff (remember him?) would say, what a country!!

/rant>

Note: postcard is by Stanley J. Szelka, 1854 Smith Street, North Providence, RI 02911

Intro Written Sep 11, 2002
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (11)

House of Pizza is THE best... - Pawtucket

House of Pizza is THE best... Restaurants (1)

House of Pizza is THE best Greek-style pizza in the state. Lip-smacking good! This is a favorite haunt for many... more travel advice

Few people know that Pawtucket... - Pawtucket

Few people know that Pawtucket... Off The Beaten Path (3)

Few people know that Pawtucket was the original home of the Blues Brothers. more travel advice

Pawtucket is home to a number... - Pawtucket

Pawtucket is home to a number... Off The Beaten Path (3)

Pawtucket is home to a number of very beautiful late-nineteenth century churches. Pictured is the interior of St. Mary... more travel advice

There is a small National... - Pawtucket

There is a small National... Off The Beaten Path (3)

There is a small National Register Historic District up the hill from the downtown area. Most of the houses in Quality... more travel advice

Comments (17)

Reply
- Report abuse
Pawtuxet Feb 8, 2008 at 4:54 PM

The artists are accumulating in Pawtucket lately. There are some wonderful working artist's lofts and a terrific artists' show at the holidays each year. A fairly recent visitors center is also worth the visit.
Reply
- Report abuse
frankcanfly Jul 16, 2002 at 3:09 PM

Hope to see Slater Mill while I`m here!
Reply
- Report abuse
Carmanah Jun 6, 2002 at 12:10 PM

Thanks for the info! I took a train through this region...
Reply
- Report abuse
JudyinPA Sep 24, 2001 at 8:31 PM

Sounds a little bit like my hometown needing repair
Reply
- Report abuse
patrikske Jul 21, 2001 at 11:04 AM

Very nice page
Reply
- Report abuse
Slydevil Apr 25, 2001 at 10:47 AM

loved your cultural tips!! :)
Reply
- Report abuse
yakacik Mar 19, 2001 at 8:38 AM

good recommendations
Reply
- Report abuse
brdwtchr Mar 18, 2001 at 6:47 PM

Great page and funny cultural tips.
Reply
- Report abuse
gkitzmil Mar 16, 2001 at 9:46 AM

interesting!!
Reply
- Report abuse
almogaver Mar 14, 2001 at 3:18 PM

Love your "cultural tips",Sue....