Blackstone Parks Conservancy

"Dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of historic Blackstone Park and Boulevard."

Trolley Shelter Restoration Campaign

That little windowless building built of uncut fieldstones opposite the entrance to Swan Point Cemetery? It’s a trolley shelter and it’s listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. It was built in 1905 across from the entrance to Swan Point Cemetery to provide shelter for Cemetery visitors who were waiting for the new Butler Avenue Trolley to return them from their visit to the cemetery. It was commissioned by the Directors of Swan Point Cemetery and designed by the prominent Providence architecture firm of Stone, Carpenter & Willson to complement the cemetery wall across the street. At the time, it was furnished with comfortable benches and a waterline for a drinking fountain. In 1948, the Butler Avenue trolley line discontinued service and the shelter became a resting spot for pedestrians enjoying the footpath that replaced the trolley rails. In 1978, the shelter was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The building was built to last at least one hundred years. Now, of course, that time has passed, and it is in need of some serious work. Almost all of the intricate cedar trim visible in contemporary photographs) has deteriorated and has been removed and many of the cedar roof shingles are falling off.  A number of the field stones have become dislodged and fallen to the ground, with the deterioration rate increasing in the last few years. Since it’s in a popular and unguarded area, in its present dilapidated state it has become hazardous.

We are about to begin a campaign to restore it, using on grants, funds from the Swan Point Cemetery, and community contributions. The first phase will include the removal and replacement of all of the wooden roof shingles and installation of new red copper valleys and a drip edge around the perimeter of the roof line.  The dislodged boulders will be set back in place and mortared as needed.  The second phase may add benches, historical/educational signs, landscaping tailored to anticipated public uses, and solar lighting. We are now accepting donations!

Please Take Our Survey

Please fill in our new online survey designed to help us learn about your use of Blackstone Park and Blackstone Boulevard. Give us your suggestions for how to improve both parks. Tell us whether you would use a drinking fountain on the boulevard. Survey

To contribute to our efforts please visit our Membership page.

To learn more about the history of Blackstone Park and Blackstone Boulevard please visit our History page.

For the history of the reforestation project please visit our Project page.