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Photo credit: Jennifer Neves Photography
SOCIAL
One for the History Books
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The Squantum Association spans three centuries
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n a rocky peninsula where the Providence River meets Narragansett Bay, a beautifully preserved historic structure juts out over the water, providing a perfectly picturesque vista for The Squantum Association. The club has been a fixture on the East Providence coast since 1872, which makes it the oldest continuously running private club in the country. The immaculately manicured grounds, including two clubhouses, reflect the club’s history: a cannon from the battle of Bull Run sits on the lawn, and both structures maintain their 19th century construction. Unlike most local private clubs, the Squantum Association is exclusively a country club, with a focus on socialization and, as General Manager Correntin Corre describes, “the conviviality of fellow members – and, of course, the spectacular view.” Members enjoy exclusive club privileges, like sailing up to a deep-water slip to spend the evening enjoying cocktails and dinner, but the property is open to the public as a function space. The Main Clubhouse, with its sunroom for cocktails, brass fixtures, antique wood and two dining rooms, is the original 1872 structure. The daringly precipitous Bakehouse, built in 1889, extends over the breaking waves for a panoramic (read: perfectly romantic) view of the water that’s especially popular for weddings. Under the direction of Executive Chef Jonathan Prata, the chefs of the Squantum Association maintain their own website (www.squantumchefs.com) that highlights the club’s culinary prowess and shares recipes and techniques with the public. www.squantumassociation.com
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the Bay | April 2011