Westerly Library and Wilcox Park Victorian Gardens Tour

Enjoy two tours of Westerly Library and Wilcox Park located in historic Westerly, RI (located on the CT
border). The Association, owner of the library and park, was established in 1892 to commemorate the
volunteer soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War. The library opened its doors in 1894 through
the initiative of local industrialist-inventor, Stephen Wilcox.

Originally the Westerly Library included a bowling alley, gymnasium, art gallery, museum, and meeting
space for the Grand Army of the Republic. The library opened its doors in 1894 and additions were
constructed in 1902, 1928, and 1992. The final addition won the 1994 Historic Preservation Award which
nearly doubled the size of the building to 50,000 square feet. Brigitte Hopkins, Executive Director, will
lead us through three historic floors covering the old and new areas.

The original parcel of land for Wilcox Park was donated in 1898 by Harriet Wilcox in memory of her
husband, Stephen. Harriet envisioned the area as a walking park to be enjoyed by Westerly and
Pawcatuck, CT. Today the park is considered a Medallion Park by the American Association of Landscape
Architects and has been nationally listed on the National Register of Historical Places since 2004. Warren
H Manning of John Charles Olmstead Co, creator of Central Park, designed the park. Manning
incorporated much of the existing flora into his design creating an oasis in the heart of downtown
Westerly. The most important part of the 15-acre Victorian park is the meadow. Alan Peck, Park
Superintendent, will lead our group through the park.

Meet at 9:30 just inside the main Library door (44 Board St.) for the first tour. Please wear comfortable
shoes since there will be extensive yet slow and not hilly, walking. Join us afterwards for a delicious
lunch at The Bridge Restaurant located on the Pawcatuck River at 37 Main St., Westerly. Please park at
the restaurant and the Library is a short block away on 44 Broad St. Even if you are not joining us for
lunch, also park at the Bridge Restaurant (parking is limited in Westerly).

Questions: Sue Hotaling Ogle, Class of 1968, C 401-741-3346 or [email protected].