The Little Compton Blog

  West Island was home to several stately buildings in 1911. West Island was once home to the exclusive West Island Club. Organized by a group of influential men, the club was used as a fishing getaway until 1906, when the club closed. At the time of this postcard's writing, West Island would have been owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. It's unclear if the writer actually visited West Island or purchased the postcard at Sakonnet Point. M.M.C. raves about her 1911 lobster dinner at Sakonnet Point. In this letter, M.M.C. writes about the fine lobster dinner she enjoyed, probably at a hotel or restaurant on Sakonnet Point. M.M.R. addresses the postcard to Mrs. E.A. Taylor, 130 Pleasant St, Attleboro, Mass.  Interestingly, the postcard was made by the Excelsior Postcard Company, an outfit with offices in Leipzig, Dresden, and Berlin, Germany. C.R. Wilbur of Little Compton published the postcard. Here's the letter, as written by M.M.C. "Dear Missy, Wish you wer

  Swimming at Warren's Point with 'Onadune' and other cottages in the background. This 1919 postcard depicts a glorious summer day on the beach in Little Compton, RI. Although the postcard describes the beach as 'Sakonnet', locals will know this stretch of sand is Warren's Point. The beach is noticeably empty with only a few swimmers braving the surf, just where the waves are breaking. The Warren's Point Beach Club bathhouses had yet to be constructed, and amenities such as showers, restrooms, or a sandwich shop were mere pipedreams. Although out of view, one can only wonder if umbrellas and backboards had made their debut on the beach. Beachgoers don't have bodyboards, masks, or snorkels - relaxing in the refreshing ocean water was the activity of the day. Although LC's beaches have gotten busier over the years, it's reassuring to know that much also remains the same. The rock formations and summer houses in the background provide a comforting s