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[MAR. 13 DINNER MEETING] Greenwich Bay Brass Performs at March Meeting

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We’re in for a treat for the March 13th Varnum Continentals Members Meeting: a live performance by the Rhode Island-based Greenwich Bay Brass, a British-style brass ensemble. This all-volunteer group includes both professional and accomplished amateur musicians. The ensemble typically performs with 10 to 12 musicians, about half the size of a full British brass band, which makes a smaller venue like the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum an excellent performance space for the group.

Rhode Island’s Greenwich Bay Brass Band

Greenwich Bay Brass has put together a special selection for the Varnum Continentals: marches (all by American composers), a piece by an Australian composer featuring the Civil War anthem, Battle Cry of Freedom, and a few classical pieces, all scored for brass ensemble.

Rhode Island’s Greenwich Bay Brass Band

Greenwich Bay Brass has been performing since 2006 throughout Rhode Island (including locally in East Greenwich) and the northeast. Musician Leif Reslow, who is part of the ensemble, is a Varnum member. For additional information, go to greenwichbaybrass.org.  You can also follow them on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Reservations must be received by 5 pm Friday, March 10. Call Scott Seaback at 401/413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
MENU: Traditional Irish fare in honor of St. Patrick’s Day: Corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and all the fixings.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

[FEB. 20 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Brian Wallin: “Down to the Sea by Rail – Short Rail Lines of Rhode Island”

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Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.
Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.

Unfortunately, the the Rhode Island-based Greenwich Bay Brass could not accommodate the new member dinner date (Monday, February 20).  But we have a brilliant replacement speaker!  Our February meeting will feature historian, author, lecturer and Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin, who will take us back in time for a richly illustrated, and sometimes humorous, ride “Down to the Sea by Rail”.

For most Rhode Islanders, a ride on the railroad means AMTRAK. But did you known that our state was once home to nearly three dozen rail lines in the 19th and early 20th centuries?

Possibly one of the most interesting (and quirkiest) was the 8 1/2 mile long Narragansett Pier Railroad, the pride and joy of the prominent Hazard milling family of South County. Running between Kingston, where it linked up with the New York, New Haven & Hartford RR, the NPRR chugged through the countryside stopping at PeaceDale (home of the Hazard’s mill), Wakefield and at the oceanfront at Narragansett.

Between 1876 and the last run in 1981, the line gave rise to stories and legends. Alas, the NPRR, like all the other short lines is lost to history. Today, it’s route survives as the O’Neill Bike Path.  So, climb aboard!

Please update Scott Seaback (401-413-6277 || scott@ritemps.com) by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 17 if your ability to attend has changed due to the new date. If there’s no change, then you do not need to contact Scott.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
MENU: Steak Tips with Bourbon Sauce & Chicken Marsala, served over Rice Pilaf, with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Salad , Rolls & Butter, Coffee and Dessert.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

[GALLERY] World War II German Parachute with Carrying Case

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Also shown is a 1943 MP-40 submachine gun.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Rhode Island Civil War Artillery Officer’s Frock Coat

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Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer's frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat

This Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat and pants belonged to a member of the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Capt. James E. Chace.  His unit was a storied regiment with a lot of combat experience in many of the biggest battles of the Eastern theater. At Gettysburg, Chace was a member of Battery G as a Lieutenant. He later became a Captain in Battery B.

The shoulder board on this frock coat shows that it was originally for a Lieutenant and then a single bar was later added to make it right for a Captain. So, it is quite likely this jacket was a witness to the great Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863.  So far, we’ve spent about 8 hours cleaning these items. They were both covered in moth cocoon remnants and waste. It’s tedious work; removing the waste without also removing fragile fabric or making existing holes bigger. It requires great care and slow progress. But the result is very rewarding.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Civil War Enlistment Document from the First New England Cavalry

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Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.

The First New England Cavalry was the brain child of Rhode Island Governor William Sprague IV, who wanted all New England states to contribute to a new cavalry regiment in the Fall of 1861. The unit ended up being comprised of only two states: two Rhode Island battalions and one battalion from New Hampshire.

After just a few months, the federal government made them change their name to the First Rhode Island Cavalry, as only state units were allowed at the time (much to the outrage of the New Hampshire men in the unit).  Documents having the cavalry’s original name are extremely rare. And here we have an enlistment document for a man who went on to become the First Rhode Island Cavalry’s regimental quartermaster.

Also in this gallery is a carte de visite (photograph) of Rhode Island’s “boy governor” William Sprague IV (circa 1861) when acting as Aide de Camp of General Ambrose Burnside, head of the Rhode Island Brigade. Sprague was the only acting Rhode Island governor to fight and lead men in battle, and had his horse shot out from under him at the First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861).

Welcome to the Varnum Continentals Website!

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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