South Elmwood in Providence in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Casino
Roger Williams Park
Providing recreational space to city residents is an urban park's main purpose. However, in the late 1870s, this park was far from the city center. In response, the Union Rail Company established lines to the park and in 1877 built the What Cheer Café for refreshments.
By 1896, a design by Providence architect Edwin T. Banning called for something more grand. Built in the Colonial Revival style, the Casino is symmetrical on all four sides with a brick exterior, includes a veranda adorned with ionic columns, has semi-circular porticos, and stands nearly three times the size of the café. Patrons would enjoy ice cream on the veranda, listen to music from the Bandstand below, or just enjoy the view. Upstairs, dancing in the whimsical ballroom brought joy to many in the 1930s and 40s. After World War II, the building fell into disrepair. Extensive restorations, interior and exterior, resulted in the Casino we know today.
Did you know?
This casino was never used for gaming. The word is of Italian origin, meaning "little house." In the 19th century, it commonly meant a public room for music and dancing.
[Captions:]
Above left, the What Cheer Café in approximately the same spot as the current Casino. To the right and below, the building served as a recreational
this page online
Information and photos courtesy of the RWP Museum of Natural History archives, the National Register of Historic Places, and "The Jewel of Providence" by David Marshall.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 41° 47.031′ N, 71° 25.044′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. It is in South Elmwood. Marker is at the intersection of Linden Avenue and Rose Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Linden Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence RI 02907, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bandstand (within shouting distance of this marker); Roger Williams (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Betsy Williams Sycamore (about 600 feet away); Seal House (about 600 feet away); Sea Lions (about 600 feet away); Betsey Williams Cottage (about 700 feet away); Carousel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 43 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
