The Little Compton Blog

Those wishing to contact the LC Volunteer Fire Department or State Police were instructed to   dial 'EMERGENCY'   According to the 1934 Summer Locator, five officers looked after the LC Village Improvement Society.  Honorary President: Mrs. C.F. Withington President: Miss Ruth Parks Vice President: Mrs. C.R. Wilbur Secretary: Mrs. J.H. Archbold Treasurer: Mrs. J.E. Newton The Little Compton Village Improvement Society extended membership to 'any person interested in the welfare of the town.' Annual dues were broken down into four categories, ensuring membership was affordable to all.  Annual Members $.25 Active Members 1.00 Contributing Members 5.00 Sustaining Members 10.00 Capt. Stephen B. Wilbur was listed as the LC Volunteer Fire Department contact, while Town Sergeant Chas E. Petty was the law enforcement point man. The Rhode Island State Police could be reached by dialing 'EMERGENCY' Arthur W. King was the town doctor, with an office in Adamsville. Red Cros...

  This handy 30-page pamphlet included a town directory and other important information. Living in Little Compton has never been for the faint of heart, particularly before modern day luxuries like cable TV, internet, and Amazon delivery.  This 1934 Summer Locator made life easier for Little Compton residents, providing phone numbers and a map detailing homestead and business locations. A list of town officials is included, as well as vital information like the town dentist and doctor.  Church services are listed along with hours of LC's two libraries. Many Little Compton businesses advertised their goods and services in the directory, some ads taking up an entire page. Numerous surnames in the Locater are familiar, their ancestors still living in LC today. There are even a few businesses that are still going concerns. All in all, it appears that 1934 was a great year in LC!

LC Children's Parade, featuring milk maids and horses pulling floats. Circa 1914.

Rocking chairs on the porch of this LC summer house provide an ideal place to enjoy the ocean breeze.  

  Technically located in Tiverton, the postcard's Adamsville label is accurate, as the church is found just over the border. The back of the postcard shows Lillie's note to friend Ruth. Lillie says breezes are 'pretty scarce down here."

According to the book Tiverton and Little Compton, Images of America Volume II , cottages such as Oneonta were built for a 'low key and informal' style of living.