West Warwick

“The Mills”

The mills were the cornerstone of life in West Warwick in the early 1900s, providing income, housing and fulfilling the American dream for many different immigrant populations. This segment describes the relationship between the families and mills that were the foundation for the town of West Warwick.

“Bradford Soap Works”

This is the world’s largest custom manufacturer of specialty bar soap and one of the oldest manufacturers operating in Rhode Island. The segment visits the history of this Original Bradford Soap Works, founded in 1876, which is still manufacturing soap from its granite mill building in West Warwick on the banks of the Pawtuxet River.

“The House on Maple”

This segment features excerpts from a book of the same title, written by lifelong West Warwick resident Edna Butler Holdsworth. In the segment, Edna’s descendants read excerpts from her book, sharing what it was like to grow up as the daughter of immigrant mill workers in the heart of a West Warwick mill community.

“St. James Church”

This episode delves into one family’s history with the church from its early years to the day the Catholic church closed its doors. In the 1900s, churches formed the centerpiece of immigrant community life, the site for prayer services, schooling and social gatherings that united families.

“The Railroad”
“The Railroad” recounts the connection generations of one West Warwick family had to the railroad. West Warwick was on the main railroad corridor for the Northeast region, making it a great jobocal residents. Describing a typical day, the segment explores different jobs railroad workers might have, and the type of living the railroad provided to families as the town’s second main source of income.

“Union Cornet Band”

The band may have been called the main entertainment for the town of West Warwick in the early 1900s. A group of town residents shared their love for music by playing at dozens of community and private events. A family member of one of the band’s original members provides a unique look into the history of the band and displays some of the original instruments and costumes of the Union Cornet Band.

“Hometown Hero”

This program profiles George Luz. He was a typical West Warwick resident who grew up in a family of 12 during the Depression. He worked as a shoeshine boy and sign boy for the town shops, doing anything he could to help his family put food on the table. In 1942, Luz joined the Army’s Airborne division and headed off to fight for his country. Luz’s unit landed in Normandy and became well known for their actions in World War II. Upon his return, Luz and his unit became the subject of a book, and eventually the HBO mini-series, “Band of Brothers.”

“Theater & Arctic”

This segment explores the role theater played in the town’s early history. The main theater in the Arctic section of West Warwick has deep roots in the town but has also evolved and survived while some other businesses have not.

“The Jaycees”

This episode profiles the leadership group that has helped build self-esteem and leadership skills in West Warwick’s young men and provided the community with a group of volunteers to help make West Warwick a better place. This segment also traces how the Jaycees were instrumental in bringing a central library system to town, spearheading the fundraising effort that made construction possible.

“A Central Library”

The current library system in West Warwick is profiled. The segment shows how the library was established, born from several smaller libraries throughout the mill communities. It also reviews how the library has changed through the years in preparation for its 50th anniversary.

“Fire Department” and “Police Department”

These segments trace the evolution of the town’s public safety units.

“Historical Society”

The show examines how the West Warwick group got started.

“Community: Then and Now”

The resiliency and unifying community spirit of town residents is celebrated despite the changes to West Warwick over time.