Gaspee Days 2024

arade grand marshal can run a Revolution P

DBy ADAM ZANGARI

ean Scanlon grew up with a view of Gaspee Point from his house, and still enjoys that view today. And with a month remaining until the 2024 Gaspee Days Parade kicks off, the owner of Pawtuxet’s Revolution Bistro is ready to lead the parade commemorating one of the biggest events that led up to the American Revolution.

“It’s such a memorable celebration every year, and there’s never been any negativity associated with it,” Scanlon said. “And that’s really what I love about it.”

As Scanlon’s business name implies, he’s an American Revolution buff, and said that he could talk for an hour about everything leading up to the Gaspee affair. In 2014, he officially rebranded his business both to fill a void in Pawtuxet- which at the time had no American-style restaurants- and to honor the local event.

Past grand marshals include radio legend Salty Brine, philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein, and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline- last year’s co-marshals.

Joining that list, Scanlon said, was an honor that he never expected to receive until Gaspee Days Parade Committee Chair Tracey Miller let him know that he had been chosen around three weeks ago.

“I’ve often felt that this was offered to be bestowed upon people of importance, and frankly, I just didn’t consider myself to be in that company,” Scanlon said. “I really was blown away by the offer, and I instantly accepted.”

PARADE READY: Dean Scanlon, the owner of Revolution Bistro in Pawtuxet Village, said that he’s grateful to the Gaspee Days Committee for choosing him as their 2024 parade’s Grand Marshal.

According to Gaspee Days president Jerry Peshka, Scanlon stood out from the crowd because of his work in the Pawtuxet community.

“Dean has done an awful lot for that entire area,” Peshka said. “He’s run several fundraisers for people that were in distress for all sorts of things. He’s been a stand up guy.”

Among other things, Scanlon has helped conduct meat raffles- where attendees buy raffle tickets to win hamburgers, hot dogs and other meats- and has raised $10,000 in the past to bring in Clydesdale horses for the parade.

While Scanlon said that he doesn’t view the money raised as charity, he does see it as a way to give back to his community and

“We’re putting on a party,” Scanlon said. “We’re putting on a commemoration of our history and our legacy and the first blow for freedom prior to the Revolutionary War, which was ignited right here.”

There’s still plenty of work to do before the parade is ready to kick off. Having the grand marshal on board, though, is a major step towards a successful 2024 parade.

Scanlon, meanwhile, is going to have to get used to not being at the bistro while the festivities are going on. He knows he’s leaving it in capable hands, though.

“I’ve got a phenomenal staff,” Scanlon said. “[The honor is] a recognition not just of my time and effort, but everything my staff and team has put in over the years.”

There’s a lot going on in Scanlon’s life right now. He’s officially getting his bachelor’s degree from Providence College, and will be starting another business, called That’s A Wrap, which will offer wraps, paninis, bowls and similar foods in Providence.

For Scanlon, getting to lead the parade in the community he’s called home for so long while reaching major milestones is an opportunity that he’s grateful for.

“We’ve been part of this community for a long time,” Scanlon said. “And we’re going to have a lot of fun with it.”

Happy Gaspee Days

Coastal1 Credit Union was founded on the principle of “people helping people.” That’s

M

issives before matches made it clear colonists

wouldn’t be intimidated

By KELLY SULLIVAN

In 1772, the HMS Gaspee sailed into Narragansett Bay for the purpose of inspecting ships’ cargo and enforcing the customs laws. Commanding the schooner was 32-year-old Rear Admiral William Duddingston of the Royal Navy, a man who quickly became disliked by those not content to have their business interfered with.

Prior to an army of irate Rhode Island men setting the Gaspee ablaze, it might have been believed for a while that the matter could be settled through written communication. What followed was an exchange of calligraphic insults and wit.

On March 22, 1772, Governor of the Rhode Island Colony, 67-year-old Joseph Wanton, put quill to paper in order to convey his concerns to Duddingston. “Sir, A considerable number of the inhabitants of this colony have complained to me of your having, in a most illegal and unwarrantable manner, interrupted their trade by searching and detaining every little packet boat plying between the several towns. As I know not by what authority you assume this power, I have sent off the high sheriff to inform you of the complaint exhibited against you and expect that you do, without delay, produce me your commission and instructions, if any you have, which was your duty to have done when you first came within the jurisdiction of this colony.”

Duddingston, responded to Wanton the following day, inking up his own nib to convey, “I have done nothing but what was my duty and their complaint can only be founded on their ignorance of that.”

The letter was delivered to Wanton that same day and he wrote back immediately. “Yours of this day I have received, which does not give me the satisfaction I had a right to expect.”

Duddingston evidently lost his patience with filling the role of an unwilling pen-pal and forwarded Wanton’s missives to 53-year-old Royal Navy Officer Admiral John Montagu. On April 6, Montagu himself addressed a letter to Wanton which read, “Sir, Lieutenant Duddingston, commander of his majesty’s armed schooner and a part of the squadron under my command, has sent me two letters he received from you, of such a nature I am at a loss what answer to give them.” The letter went on to issue a warning to the governor. “I would advise you not to send your sheriff on board the King’s ship again on such ridiculous errands.”

Unfazed by the threat but obviously having taken some time to mull over how he wanted to respond, Wanton re-plied in May, “As to your advice not to send the sheriff on board any of your squadron, please to know that I will send the sheriff of this colony at any time, and to any place within the body of it, as I shall think fit.”

The writing was clear long before the June 9th destruction of the Gaspee, the representatives of his majesty should have been quite aware that the inhabitants of the Rhode Island Colony wouldn’t be intimidated into submission.

he fire the Gaspee survived T

By KELLY SULLIVAN

The 1901 Pan-American Exposition, a world’s fair created upon 350 acres of land in Buffalo, New York, was scheduled to run from May 1 to Nov. 2. One of the features, designed by architect Josephine Chapman, was the New England Building, reminiscent of an old colonial mansion. The impressive structure measured 104 feet long and 52 feet wide. The exterior was painted to resemble red brick with white marble trim and was adored with beautiful piazzas and terraces. Along the front of the building were the shields and flags of the six New England states.

Surviving the fire of Oct. 19, 1901 was a painting of the burning of the Gaspee owned by RI Historical Society.

Located on a pathway connecting directly to the Grand Court, the building cost $20,000 to construct and each of the six states paid a share of the expense. The ground floor contained a 47-square-foot reception hall supported by four columns, a bureau of information, coat room, custodian’s quarters and two rooms equipped with large colonial fire-places and antique furnishings which served as a writing room and lounge. At the rear of the building, two colonial staircases, facing in opposite directions, led to the second floor.

The upstairs held six large rooms, one for each New England state to display its history. Upon the walls of the Rhode Island room hung four valued paintings. Two were on loan from Brown University; a portrait of Oliver Hazard Perry and another of Colonel William Barton. The only portrait known to be in existence of Nathanael Greene had been loaned by one of his descendants, while the Rhode Historical Society lent a painting entitled “The Burning of the Gaspee.” A portrait of Governor William Gregory also adorned the walls along with a large watercolor painting of the new State House, which was on loan from the State House Commission.

Late on the evening of Oct. 19, a fire was discovered blazing inside the New England Building. It was later determined to have started in the partition dividing the Rhode Island Room and the New Hampshire Room, caused by a gas fireplace overheating the woodwork there. The windows in both of those rooms were smashed by guards in order to allow the smoke out. The work of attempting to rescue the building’s contents began immediately. The Perry portrait was removed to a nearby building. The portraits of Greene and Gregory, and “The Burning of the Gaspee”, were placed on the ground floor, unmarred. The State House painting fell from the wall, its frame being smashed while the Barton portrait suffered some smoke damage and minor ruin from the chemicals used to extinguish the fire. In other state rooms, historical artwork and antique furniture was completely destroyed as the blaze reduced nearly everything to ashes. The monetary loss of the building’s contents was estimated to be approximately $100,000.

The Rhode Island Room carried an insurance of $1,000 for anything on display which was lost or destroyed during the fair. Luckily, it all came back home.

Celebrate Gaspee

The New England Building at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY.

uickly fashioned compress, bandages saved commander’s life Q

By KELLY SULLIVAN

Eight longboats, each containing up to twelve men, approached the Gaspee beneath the dark veil of night. The schooner’s commander, William Duddingston, noticed the coming intrusion and quickly mounted the starboard gunwale. “Who comes there?” he demanded.

When no reply came, he repeated the question.

In one of the boats was the sheriff of Kent and he informed Duddingston of his identity and his purpose, which was to apprehend him. Another longboat occupant, Joseph Bucklin Jr., was eager to put an end to the ongoing tension that was lately being carried upon Narragansett Bay. He turned to look at boat-mate Ephraim Bowen. “Eph, reach me your gun and I can kill that fellow,” he suggested.

Bowen handed him the gun and Bucklin aimed it at Duddingston and fired. The commander fell to the floor of the deck. “I have killed the rascal,” Bucklin announced satisfactorily.

The longboats reached the schooner and his majesty’s vessel was taken over by the dozens of Rhode Island Colonists who had lost their patience with the policies lately being imposed upon them. They went about binding the hands of the crew so that they might easily be taken ashore.

The leader of the attack, John Brown approached one of his comrades, John Mawney, a young man of about 21 years of age who had been studying physics and surgery for three or four years. He directed Mawney to the deck. “There is one wounded,” Brown said. “And will bleed to death.”

Duddingston was in a sitting position, leaning toward the left. Bleeding profusely, he had a thin, white woolen blanket wrapped around him. Mawney threw the blanket aside to discover the entry wound of a musket ball in the commander’s left groin, about four inches below the navel. Mawney grabbed the collar of his own shirt and tore it down to the waistband. A compress and bandages had to be fashioned quickly.

“Pray, Sir, don’t tear your own clothes,” Duddingston told him. “There is linen in that trunk.”

Mawny asked Bucklin to retrieve linen from the trunk and ‘scrape lint’, a process of scraping a knife against cloth to break threads and create a loose, soft mass. When Bucklin wasn’t able to succeed in the task, Mawney told him to come and replicate the placing of his hands – the ball of the hand pressed against Duddingston’s open wound to stop the bleeding. “Slip your hand under mine and press hard,” he instructed.

Mawney attempted to scrape lint but the linen was too new so he tore it into thin strips instead and knotted the strips together. “Raise your hands,” he told Bucklin. He then quickly pressed five or six compressed strips to the wound. Tying a bandage around the thigh and over the wound, he pulled it tight and stopped the free flow of blood.

Duddingston was then carried away and Mawney never set eyes on him again. For a short time on the deck of the Gaspee, humanity replaced warfare.

Humanity antique medical chart

I know where to find the Gaspee

It is truly frustrating that recent searches for the remains of the HMS Gaspee have once again come up negative, but I know where to find it.

The British had sent the Gaspee into Narragansett Bay to enforce maritime trade laws. Rhode Island citizens had long avoided such regulation by simply smuggling their shipped goods into and out of our local ports. To rid the waters of this new nuisance, prominent local citizens lured the Gaspee aground in June of 1772, shot and wounded its commanding officer, captured the crew, and burned the schooner to its waterline.

But the importance of the “Gaspee Affair" as the spark that started the American Revolution had little to do with the actual lighting of that British ship on fire. Rather, it was the overzealous British reaction to this incident which stirred the furor of American patriotism — in a much broader and more important way.

King George III and his ministers were furious at this threat to their powers over the colonies. In addition to offering a huge reward to those who would turn in any of the raiders, the British appointed a commission of inquiry to further investigate the matter. But to the credit of Rhode Islanders, no one seemed to know anything when called to testify.

This kangaroo court of inquiry was specifically empowered to send suspects directly to England for trial. This concept was a novel threat to the basic liberties to which colonists had long grown accustomed. The Americans considered themselves British subjects who possessed the same rights evolved from ancient Anglo-Saxon law and the Magna Carta. Among such protections was the right to a trial by a jury of one’s peers, and the right to a local trial. The action of sending suspects out of the local area directly to England would make any defense nearly impossible. Any such persons charged with crimes would find it very hard indeed to have witnesses present to help prove their innocence. Local trials also ensured a jury that would be familiar with local customs and reputations. Colonial courts, long accustomed to judicial independence, tended to side with the defendant in many actions brought by the Crown against colonists, but British courts would likely not be so kind. Insultingly, this British commission of inquiry bypassed the existing American court system entirely. This threat to colonial rights greatly incensed American leaders and set off a chain reaction starting with Virginia, followed quickly by all other Colonies, to create the permanent Committees of Correspondence and to suggest the First Continental Congress. Thus, began the political and ideological movement from a collection of single, independent British colonies towards a unified American country

When the time came to cut ties with the Mother Country, Thomas Jefferson and the American leadership assembled in Philadelphia in 1776 to draw up a list of grievances against King George III. Included in this document were some injustices that were directly attributable to the Gaspee Affair --

"He has combined, with others, to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation.” .... “For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefit of trial by jury;” .. “For transporting us beyond the seas to be tried for pretended offenses.”

Yes, this is where we really find the Gaspee; enshrined in the words of our Declaration of Independence.

Dr. John Concannon, Historian, Gaspee Days Committee

(Continued from page 15)

Some background on Colonel Ronald W. Barnes

Ron was born in Cranston, and attended Cranston public schools, graduating from Cranston East High School in 1983.

He then attended the New England Institute of Technology, graduating in 1985 with an associate degree in computer technology.

He has worked in computer services all his life, including a position as Vice President of Information Technology at HMEA (the Horace Mann Education Association), a non-profit company that supports people with disabilities. Ron served in that position for 22 years.

He is the father of three boys: Joshua, Zackary and Alexander, better known as Josh, Zack and Al.

Asked how he got involved with the Pawtuxet Ranger, he replied, “I played drums for the Cranston East marching band for a couple years. Someone from the Rangers saw me marching in the Cranston Memorial Parade, and came up to me and said “hey, we have a group that you might want to join”. That was 37 years ago!”

At this point he laughed and said, “I wonder if I ever thought of counting the number of miles that I have marched since then.”

He continued, “I started as a bass drummer, then snare drummer, and then I became a “musket man”, (which of course requires firearm training) and then marched in the Color Guard.”

With a budget of around $20,000 per year, which is used for upkeep and maintenance of their equipment, uniforms and the original armory built in 1843 in Pawtuxet Village (not far from the Aspray Boathouse), the Rangers rely on dues from its members (a bargain at $25 per year), and primarily from stipends for parade participation and sponsorships.

Under command of the governor

They are called upon for not only parades, but also can be requested by the Governor and the Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard (they are under his or her direct command), to perform at State events including the inauguration of the Governor and the State’s General Officers, where a partial regiment of 15 or 20 Rangers might be activated.

The Pawtuxet Rangers are invited to participate in parades and other events in other states as well, the furthest (so far) being Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

But the most well-known performance is always Rhode Island’s historically unique, and beloved Gaspee Days parade and festivities, celebrating the burning of His Majesty’s Ship Gaspee, in what many say (your humble scribe included), started the drumbeat for the Revolutionary War.

During Gaspee Days, the Pawtuxet Rangers not only lead the parade, but also set up an encampment in Pawtuxet Park, where people can see the recreation of colonial life through the Rangers and other historical groups.

Asked why people join the Rangers, Colonel Barnes said, “people join for various reasons. History, period music, the clothes people wore in the 1700’s, and the food they ate cooking over a fire.”

This year the State of Rhode Island will continue to plan all sorts of activities to commemorate our Semiquincentennial (say that three time fast), marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation in 2026.

The RI250 Commission has been hard at work and Colonel Barnes, through the appointment of Speaker of the House Joe Shekarchi, has a seat at the table.

National muster in Newport

But the big event this year will be the National Muster of Fifes and Drums held at Fort Adams State Park in Newport.

The Pawtuxet Rangers will co-host the event with the Kentish Guards, that remarkably share the same Charter date as the Rangers – October 29, 1774.

Colonel Barnes is justifiably both excited and proud to co-host this event of National significance being held on August 10th.

Over 50 regiments from throughout the country (and one from Switzerland) will attend what the Colonel describes as a “gathering of musical and periodic musicians carrying on the tradition of playing Revolutionary and Civil war music.”

Colonel Barnes welcomes a four legged member to the ranks of the rangers.

The Restored Armory in Pawtuxet Village

He is also awaiting word as to whether the “Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps of the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment will also attend.

“Festivities will include a parade into the Fort, and after that, the Opening Ceremonies where we expect our State and Local officials to open the muster,” Colonel Barnes said. “Each corps will take a turn marching and performing for 8 to 10 minutes each, and the performances will go on all day until each of the 50 or so regiments have performed. (He stressed that it is not a competition). There will also be a period encampment within the Fort so people can see how our colonial patriots really lived.”

The best part is that it is all free and open to

the public. Tickets aren’t required.

The cost of putting on this historical muster is around $30,000, most of which is borne by sponsors including the RI250 Commission and the Heritage Harbor Foundation, whose President is no stranger to events of historical significance.

Dr. Patrick Conley, who is also the State’s History Laureate, while volunteer Chairman of the then RI Bicentennial Commission, worked with Colonel Robert Lynch, Governor Phil Noel and the General Assembly to revive the Rangers historic 1774 Charter. He also made the Rangers the Commission’s go-to militia group for the 1976 celebrations.

Asked what’s next when his final term expires next year, Ron Barnes was

circumspect.

He said, “I will continue supporting the Rangers, but in the background. I will also be running for Second Lieutenant of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, which is the oldest chartered military organization in the Western Hemisphere, with a Charter date of 1638.”

So, if you want to catch the glorious group of Patriots, you can see them on Memorial Day weekend at the Pawtuxet Village Arts and Crafts Festival, where the Rangers will have a recruiting booth for anyone interested in joining.

Or, on May 27th, you can see them march in the West Greenwich Memorial Day Parade, and of course you’ll see them leading the nationally recognized Gaspee Day Parade on June 8th.

In a new twist you can also see them soon at your favorite pub.

Well not them personally, but their likeness.

Two RI breweries are brewing a special beer to mark the 250th celebration.

The Apponaug Brewing Company is now offering the “250th Pawtuxet Rangers Artillery Ale”, which is now available at the brewery and liquor stores in and around

Pawtuxet Village, and Moniker Brewery in Providence will soon be offering the “Pawtuxet Ranger 250th Anniversary American Wheat Ale”.

Hope the Brits don’t try to tax them.

If you want to learn more about the Pawtuxet Rangers, or support them financially, visit their website at www.pawtuxetrangers.com.

The label for “250th Pawtuxet Rangers Artillery Ale” from Apponaug Brewing Company.

Colonel Barnes and the Rangers at the 2022 declaration of Gaspee Days at Pawtuxet Park.

The Pawtuxet Rangers charter

O’ROURKE’S BAR AND

GRILLE—The only restaurant on the Warwick side of the bridge, O’Rourke’s is a village icon. Sitting at the corner of Peck Lane, the local spot offers outside and inside dining. My favorites are their Guinness battered fish and chips, corned beef Reuben and an innovative Irish Nachos made with kettle chips.

A DOZEN DELIGHTS

DEAR HEARTS ICE CREAM

Holding down the other side of the bridge is one of the best ice cream shops in R.I. Soft ice cream, cones, sundaes, and a wicked good coffee shake make for long lines.

Bring your appetite to Pawtuxet

By DON FOWLER

Would you believe, there are 13 places to eat along the Gaspee Days parade route, and that doesn’t include Poco Loco, the popular Mexican restaurant two blocks up Broad St. in the Edgewood section.

Add the many vendors and trucks along the way and in Pawtuxet Park during the Arts and Crafts weekend, and you’ll find something for everyone during Gaspee Days. Take it from an Edgewood resident who has eaten at every one on the list, Pawtuxet Village is a foodie’s paradise.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Polichetti

RIM NAHM—Thai food freshly prepared is offered at this tiny restaurant at 2218 Broad St., where you can enjoy water view dining. We like their pad Thai.

BAGEL EXPRESS

DELI—A popular gathering place at 2190 Broad, where folks stop for morning coffee and bakery goods, luncheon soups and salads, and, of course, bagels.

FELLINI PIZZA—Nestled back in the newly completed plaza, Fellini’s shares the area with Bagel Express and Revolution. A large indoor dining room and bar are popular spots for pizza and Italian food lovers. Uniquely created slices are available for takeout.

REVOLUTION AMERICAN BISTRO

A popular spot for the locals who enjoy Dean’s menu of tasty chicken, beef and seafood dinners, pizza, and great hamburgers. We love his Cajun jambalaya.

LUCY JUICY—Plant based foods and drinks are offered at2180 Broad, where the friendly staff offer an incredible selection of smoothies, fresh juices, acai bowls, coffees and teas.

VATSANA—At 2168 Broad St. Thai food for dine in or takeout, with some innovative curry dishes and soups.

CREPE CORNER—At 2170 is another popular local stop for crepes, waffles, paninis, wraps, and baked goods.

BEANS AND BUNS—At 2166

Broad—Scones, bagels, muffins and an incredible cinnamon bun are all freshly baked at this tiny but busy place, where you can also get pizza, soups and great coffee.

BASTA—The only one on the west side of the street, at 2195 Broad, Basta is one of the finest Italian venues in the state. People come from Federal Hill to eat there. While a bit pricey, the food is first class. If you are a veal lover, this is the place to go.

BLUE ROOM—Not an eating establishment, but after dining at Basta, Blue Moon is the place to enjoy a drink and listen to great music. Jazz, folk and occasional other genres have made this a place to go, relax and listen to great music.

RAINBOW—The Dessert Spot—Formerly Royo, at 2160 Broad, offers frozen yogurt with a humongous choice of toppings.

Coventry 23 Coventry Shoppers Pk Coventry, RI 02816 (401) 615-9975

1000 Division Street East Greewnich, RI 02818 (401) 558-0190

Cranston 550 Pontiac Avenue

Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 270-0087

4 Cedar Swamp Rd Smith eld, RI 02917 (401) 333-7979

Cumberland 2077 Diamond Hill Rd Cumberland, RI 02864 (401) 333-7979

Quonset/NK 105 Gate Rd North Kingstown, RI 02852 (401) 295-0019 Smith eld Crossings 371 Putnam Pike Smith eld, RI 02917 (401) 830-5650

Warwick - Hoxsie 18 Airport Rd Warwick, RI 02889 (401) 738-8300

Warwick - WSR 2574 West Shore Rd Warwick, RI 02886 (401)737-5860

Tower Hill Rd Wickford, RI 02852 (401) 268-3991