Downtown Providence in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Annye
In 1959, Annye came to Providence from Montgomery, Alabama. She'd answered an advertisement in the newspaper, placed by an East Side widower who was looking for a live-in caretaker for his children.
On this spring evening, ready to have her portrait made, she gets into my car and I suggest that we go to Roger Williams Park. She agrees, saying she remembers many evenings there, with her children in pajamas, enjoying a dinner under the trees, on a broad blanket spread with chicken, potato salad, chocolate cake, and punch.
We get out in front of a beautiful old tree—"This tree is older than the both of us"—and as I work, Annye is patient with me in ways I'm grateful for.
When we are finished and back in the car, she hands me something that she says she's written and would like me to quote. Here's an excerpt:
Annye R. P. Community Missionary
Is a fanatic when it comes to Serving God, Service
to your Fellow Man.
Not to Expect Anything In Return but God's Grace,
Mercy, and Blessings.
When it's all over remember whatever you have done
for the last one, you have also done it unto God.
May the Work I have done speak for me.
Erected by The City of Providence
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1959.
Location. 41° 49.37′ N, 71° 24.916′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. It is in Downtown Providence. Marker is on Washington Street just east of Snow Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 135 Washington St, Providence RI 02903, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Styles (within shouting distance of this marker); Fountain Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Hurricane and Flood of September 21, 1938 (about 500 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); First Professional Theater (about 600 feet away); Stephanie and Ashley (about 600 feet away); Chinatown on Empire (about 600 feet away); Carlos Davila (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
