Save Beechwood House - Historic Wickford, RI

In 1873, the politically and socially prominent Rhode Islander, Governor Elisha Dyer Jr. choose Cold Spring Beach in Wickford, Rhode Island as the location for his summer residence, formerly a farm owned by members of Wickford’s founding family, the Updikes. Today, the three-story, clapboard, Victorian residence named Beechwood House still stands, as the sole survivor of a lively era when wealthy New York families traveled to Newport via the Newport and Wickford Railroad and Steamboat Company. Many visitors stopped and lingered in picturesque Wickford, even then an appealing historic bayside village. Decorative Stick-style framing on the exterior, an intact Victorian parlor, and a column wrap-around veranda that offers visitors outstanding panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, distinguishes this building of 137 years. After serving as the Governor’s summer residence, the property became The Beechwood, an inn that stood near the seventy-five room Cold Spring House, a favorite of many Saint Louis families. Unfortunately, the Cold Spring House is now gone. In 1968, the Town of North Kingstown acquired the Beechwood House and in April of 1975, it began its “new life” as the North Kingstown Senior Center. For some thirty-four years it served the community in that capacity. In December 2009, the North Kingstown Senior Center vacated Beechwood House for a new, nearby facility. In February 2010, the Town Council, ordered that quotations be obtained for its demolition, but indicated that a window of opportunity still remained for the preservation of Beechwood House should an acceptable proposal be made for a sustainable reuse. Beechwood House represents an opportunity to preserve a unique part of the history of North Kingstown and many residents are asking the community to make every effort to preserve the building before an irreversible action is taken. Traditionally, the Town of North Kingstown is known for its historic landmarks and largely intact 18th century village as well as its desire to protect and preserve its historic assets. It’s no surprise that the Town’s recently revised Comprehensive Plan reflects and reinforces the value that this community places on the preservation of local history and culture. Following in that tradition, a broad coalition of concerned citizens has been working together in a community effort to preserve Beechwood House. With the demolition of Beechwood House imminent, time is running out. Become a Fan today and Donate to the cause.

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