 The Governor
Sprague Mansion
The small family homestead was constructed in the late 18th century. Featuring a central chimney, low
ceilings, simple woodwork, it was a spacious type of home of the well-to-do farmer and merchant of the post-Revolutionary era.
Over the years there have been many changes to the Mansion but the most dominate changes were made in the 1864 by Col. Amasa Sprague when he upgraded the house from the
simple homestead to an elegant home where he entertained his social contacts. Instead of the plain straight steep stairs of the old part of the house, the staircase in the 1860's part of the mansion is wide and winding. The woodwork of the balusters and railings is carved and decorative.
The mantles of the fireplaces in the new section of the house are also representative of the times, Italian marble graces the fireplace in the grand ball room on the first floor where the Sprague's would have entertained many visitors from the financial, political and sporting circles. To compliment our ball room is a 1880 Steinway Centennial Concert Grand Piano. This nearly nine feet long piano was a gift of Shaw Safe Family of Newport and has a history. It was purchased in November of 1880 by William
Gammell, a Brown Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature and History and Political Economy. Professor Gammell served as President of the Rhode Island
Historical Society
The most striking feature of the mansion at first glance is the cupola high atop the new section of the mansion. From here the Sprague's viewed their panorama of Cranston holdings, the orchards; vineyards; woodlands; reservoir; a railroad; a horsecar company; the Cranston Print Works Manufacturing Company and its two villages of mill houses, complete with a school, community store; boarding houses, meeting house, post office, and counting house, sometimes called the Cranston Bank and a horse racing track. They were Masters of all they surveyed.
By Gladys M. Brayton 1966
The Mansion has been well maintained in its original condition down through the years. Modern facilities have since been tastefully added making the building suitable for the use of large groups when required. Now restored to much of its elegance and splendor the Mansion is once again used for cultural and civic activities. Furnished throughout by gifts and items on loan, the Mansion holds items that belonged to the Sprague family. Donations: Children under 12 years $3.00. 12 years and over $10.00 The Cranston Historical Society is a private, non-profit educational and
historic preservation organization. The Cranston Historical Society is
categorized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and membership
donations and other contributions are deductible for Federal income tax purposes
to the extent permitted by law Write to us at the Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston St, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920. 
|
The new addition included a wide hall lighted by a fan-shaped window above the entrance door.