The past and present melded together this past weekend to give the public a festive way to ring in the holiday season with the Cranston Historical Society hosting open houses at the Joy Homestead and the Sprague Mansion.
Both historical properties were bedecked for the season in styles befitting their history. At the Joy Homestead on Scituate Avenue, the decorations inside the gambrel-roofed house were those that might be typical for an 18th century farm family.
There was a small Christmas tree, fresh greens on the fireplace mantels, and blue-and-white china laid out for refreshments. Guests could enjoy homemade cookies and brownies at the long table in the keeping room or stroll around the two other cozy rooms on the ground floor.
The décor was much grander at the Sprague Mansion not far away on Cranston Street. A 9-foot Christmas tree sparkled in a corner of the ballroom, and garlands and wreaths accented gilded mirrors and fine furnishings. Large ornaments hanging from the hallway ceiling and vases filled with winter greens were also part of the decorations created by volunteers from the Western Cranston Garden Club.
The sprawling white shingled mansion was the birthplace of Gov. Wiliam Sprague III and his nephew, Gov. Willliam Sprague IV. The original part of the house was built around 1790, and a more elaborate portion of the structure was added in 1864.
Mayor Kenneth Hopkins brought greetings to the more than 50 guests who came to the open house and called the landmark home a “true treasure” of the city. An assortment of refreshments were served from the mansion’s long dining room table. In keeping with tradition, both open houses were free to the public and Sandra Moyer, president of the Historical Society, said the non-profit group likes to think of the gatherings as a Christmas gift to the community.
In addition to the mayor, other dignitaries included city officials, Secretary of State Gregg Amore and U.S Rep. Seth Magaziner.
The Joy Homestead was open earlier in the day, with Moyer and volunteers available to share some of the site’s history. It was originally the home of farmer and shoemaker Job Joy. It has three fireplaces, all connected to a central chimney, and despite its modest size was able to accommodate Joy’s 11 children.
The Sprague Mansion was home to three generations of the Sprague family whose wealth and political prestige meant they were at the center of both high society and scandal. As time passed and fortunes waned, the 28-room mansion eventually became the property of the Cranston Print Works, which intended to demolish it until the Historical Society intervened in the mid-1960s.
After mingling inside the large rooms, guests were invited to step outside to see a smaller Christmas tree lit with colored bulbs in a gazebo on the mansion grounds. Christmas music was provided by members of the chorus and band from Hugh B. Bain Middle School, with some Cranston High School West students participating as well.
At the open house, Historical Society Vice President and former Mayor John O’Leary reminded people to visit the two homes and enjoy the history that has been preserved in the city. He also noted that the Sprague Mansion and the Joy Homestead can be rented — providing unique venues for special occasions and support for the Historical Society.
Information on renting either the Joy Homestead or the Sprague Mansion is available by calling the property’s resident managers at (401) 94409226.