The Little Compton Blog

Before designer brands, there was Little Compton Road Race status. One of my favorite pieces of Little Compton memorabilia is a well-worn Little Compton Road Race t-shirt from the year 2000. Every summer, the race unveils a new shirt design, and every runner who crosses the finish line earns one. More than just a souvenir, these shirts become a snapshot of a particular year in town history. The 2000 shirt features the words "Little Compton Road Race Summer 2000" in a playful, wavy font. Above the lettering is a drawing of the Sakonnet Lighthouse rendered in the same flowing style, giving the design a distinctly coastal feel. On the back, time has faded most of the print, but I can still make out the names of that year's title sponsors: Humphrey's Building Supply and Cox Communications. After more than two decades of use, the shirt has certainly seen better days. It has a few holes, plenty of wear, and has long since been retired from regular rotation. These days, it s...

  Rare late-1990s Commons Lunch polo shirt from Little Compton, Rhode Island. Sold to customers, worn by staff, and part of the same series regularly worn by owner George Crowther. The cranberry-colored polo shirt featured here is a cherished piece of Little Compton history. Printed with “Commons Lunch, Little Compton, RI” and a lobster graphic, it was produced in the late 1990s by legendary chef and Commons Lunch owner George Crowther. While The Commons Lunch was famous for its chowder and fritters, many locals would argue that it also served the best lobster rolls in Rhode Island. Crowther and his kitchen team took great pride in serving only the freshest seafood, sourced directly from commercial fishermen working out of Sakonnet Point. Guests were consistently impressed by both the generous portions and exceptional value that became hallmarks of the restaurant. Although these shirts were available for purchase, relatively few survive today. Many were bought by loyal Commons regu...

  Rhode Island Red looks ready for road-race glory. The 2006 T-shirt for the 26th Annual Little Compton Road Race remains a favorite among race participants and collectors for its creative celebration of local landmarks and traditions. The design features a whimsical cast of competitors—including a cow, the iconic Sakonnet Lighthouse, and a Rhode Island Red chicken—running alongside a human racer. Capturing the unique character and charm of Little Compton, the shirt exemplifies the race’s tradition of creating distinctive, themed artwork each year. The ultimate post-run motivation: Gray's Ice Cream AND Margaret's Corner Cones on the sponsor list! Flipping the shirt over reveals a snapshot of the local community from two decades ago. The back is crowded with the names of hometown staples that made the race possible, featuring stalwarts like Humphrey Building Supply, Country Woolens, Country & Coastal Properties, and Dennis Talbot Construction. It’s a fun trip down memory lan...

There's a mug in the cabinet that always seems to draw an abundance of curiosity and questions. It's the heart shaped 'My Heart is in LC' coffee mug! If memory serves me correctly, this unique product was sold by Wilbur's in the late 80s and early 90s. Probably not available anymore, but you may luck out and find one at the Thursday Thrift Shop!  This quality mug has withstood decades of staining coffee, full bodied tea, and relentless punishment by the dishwasher. I'm happy to report that it still looks like new and is in my normal mug rotation. I can't explain why, but my coffee tastes bolder, sweeter, and ever more delicious when drank from this mug. Forever, My Heart is in Little Compton! The Commons, Little Compton, Rhode Island by Fiedler_Mundt

Little Compton was a particularly active religious community in 1934. This 'Church Services' page was included in the 1934 'Summer Locater' publication, presented by The Village Improvement Society. Churches listed were: St. Andrew's-By-The-Sea Sakonnet - Rev. Arthur H. Beaty St. Catherine's, Little Compton - Rev. John Todorowski St. Theresa's, Sakonnet Congregational, Little Compton - Rev. Thomas E. Thompson Methodist Episcopal, Little Compton - Rev. Sidney Adams Free Will Baptist (Stone Church) Adamsville Little Compton, RI Summer Beach Cabanas (LC) by Fiedler_Mundt

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 Cross ...