Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Archives for 18th century

Varnum House Museum 2022 Tour Season

June 5, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

The Varnum House Museum will be open to the public for the 2022 tour season on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM weekly starting on July 10, 2022. Tours for groups are available by appointment.

Visit the 1773 mansion of General James Mitchell Varnum, a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War and early-American politics. An on-site colonial herb garden includes dye and medicinal plants that are appropriate to the era.

Varnum House Museum
Varnum House Museum

HOURS

Open to the public on Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

GROUP TOURS

Available by appointment.

CONTACT

401-884-1776 or email house@varnumcontinentals.org

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum House Museum Tagged With: 18th century, varnum house museum

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1797 Arrest Warrant for “Failure to Parade”

January 5, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

Some of the historic documents at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum are more interesting than incredibly important.

For example, here we have a 1797 dated arrest warrant for East Greenwich resident, Thomas Howland, for not paying his fine and late fee ($2.22 total) for skipping out on parade duty as a member of the Kentish Guards!

  • 1797 Arrest Warrant for “Failure to Parade”
  • 1797 Arrest Warrant for “Failure to Parade”
  • 1797 Arrest Warrant for “Failure to Parade”

An arrest warrant! Apparently, the 18th-century EG Parade Committee didn’t mess around.

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 18th century, historic document, varnum memorial armory

[GALLERY] Varnum House Colonial Yuletide 2019 a Big Success!

December 9, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

On December 7, 2019, the Varnum House Museum hosted its Annual Colonial Yuletide Celebration featuring festive holiday decorations, music, and guided tours by docents in period costume.

Our many visitors toured the museum and took in many new exhibits and revamped rooms in this 1773 mansion museum. Built in 1773 by General James Mitchell Varnum, the museum contains a wide variety of rare, early American furniture, letters, books, musical instruments, children’s toys, and other antiques.

Check out this image gallery from our Christmas celebration!

Filed Under: Varnum House Museum Tagged With: 18th century, colonial yuletide, varnum house museum

18th Century Period Garden in Full Bloom at the Varnum House Museum

June 26, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Have you seen the Varnum House Museum’s period herb garden? This fantastic outdoor exhibit features 18th century flowers, plants, and herbs that were used for cooking, medicine, and cleaning, as well as dyes and paints. We also have a gorgeous rose garden! Each plant is labeled to let you know exactly how each herb was used in colonial times.

This garden is the result of a partnership between the Varnum Continentals and URI Master Gardeners. Every week, the Master Gardener volunteers do fantastic work to maintain and expand the garden.

While you’re at the house viewing the garden, you should also schedule a tour. Just click here!

Join the Varnum Continentals to support the period herb garden and our other efforts to preserve and promote U.S. history and heritage.

Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden
Varnum House Garden

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum House Museum Tagged With: 18th century, URI Master Gardeners, varnum house museum

Return to the Varnum House Museum: An Interview with Barbara Weaver

May 6, 2019 By Brian Wallin

Varnum House Museum
Varnum House Museum

It’s been a while since we sat down with Varnum Continentals Vice President and Varnum House Museum Curator Barbara Weaver. A lot has happened at the historic house on the hill. Thanks to an extensive series of renovations funded through both individual donations and the generosity of charitable foundations, the home of General James Mitchell Varnum and his wife Martha “Patty” (Child) Varnum, the house has been restored virtually to its appearance during the period when the Varnums called it their home.

Recently, we talked with Barbara about the projects she has overseen and what the future holds for the house at 57 Peirce Street.

Varnum News: The Varnum House was designed and constructed by John Reynolds in 1773, considered to be East Greenwich’s most important 18th century architect and builder. His design for the General replicated the popular Georgian style of the period. What were some of the key elements he employed? Varnum himself was certainly a well-educated and knowledgeable man of his time. Would he have offered input to Reynolds?

Barbara Weaver, Varnum House Curator and Varnum Continentals Vice President
Barbara Weaver, Varnum House Curator and Varnum Continentals Vice President

Barbara Weaver: It is quite possible that the house reflected Varnum’s personal taste. Reynolds had already built a couple of homes in town: the Eldredge House at the corner of Peirce and Division Streets and the Whitmarsh home at 294 Main Street, also known as the “Brick House”. These are known as Georgian style, and were a very common design in the colonial period between 1730 and 1776.

Varnum News: Why did Varnum choose to build the house in its location? There would have been other suitable lots available

Barbara Weaver: The house was built across from the Kent County Courthouse, which was very convenient since Varnum was a prominent lawyer at the courthouse. The building was frequented by the most influential leaders of the colony and was also one of the locations where the colonial general assembly met (the assembly rotated meetings between East Greenwich, Providence, Bristol, Newport, and South Kingstown). He bought the plot from John Peirce for $90.

Varnum News: The house was finished shortly after Varnum left to take part in the Siege of Boston. From that time until he ended his service in the Continental Army, was he able to spend much time in East Greenwich with his wife? She must have been like many other colonial women of the time, left to manage household affairs on her own.

Martha "Patty" Varnum
Martha “Patty” Varnum

Barbara Weaver: Since the Varnums were prominent and very wealthy, there would have been lots of entertaining. Guests were General George Washington, General Nathanael Greene, Marquis de Lafayette, Comte de Rochambeau, Governor William Greene, and many other prominent dignitaries. Although we don’t know exactly when Washington visited, he was in Rhode Island between 1776 and 1781. Lafayette stayed with the Varnum’s on at least one occasion and presented them with the beautiful bowl that is displayed in the second-floor bedroom named in honor of the French military leader.

Varnum News: After service to the state and new federal governments, Varnum was appointed a federal judge in the Ohio territory. He left Rhode Island in late 1788 and on the journey west was taken ill. He died in January of 1789 in Marietta, Ohio at the age of 41. Patty Varnum had remained in Rhode Island, not knowing she would never see her husband again. What happened to her after his death?

Barbara Weaver: The Varnums were a very devoted couple from what we know. He wrote her a very tender letter during his military service and we have the letter on display. They never had children. After her husband’s death, Martha (Patty) Varnum lived at her sister’s home in East Greenwich, RI. She never remarried.  The Varnum name was continued on his brother’s side. We have had their descendants visit the house in recent years.

James Mitchell Varnum Marker in Ohio
James Mitchell Varnum Marker in Ohio

Varnum News: So, take us through the decades up to the 20th century. What happened to the Varnum House? Through whose ownership did it pass? Were there any major changes during the years?

Barbara Weaver: In 1788, Varnum sold the mansion to the original architect, John Reynolds.  There were at least ten owners after that.  Clark, Brayton, and Bowen were some of the families that owned Varnum’s mansion in the 1800s.   The Trimmer brothers — current Varnum Secretary Mark and Varnum Trustee David — are direct descendants of Dr. William Shaw Bowen, and they serve as docents, as well as members of the Varnum Continentals Historic Military Command.

Varnum News: In 1939, then Varnum Continentals Commander Colonel Howard Allen took steps to acquire the Varnum House. What motivated the purchase?

Varnum House Museum docents in period costume
Varnum House Museum docents in period costume

Barbara Weaver: The property had come up for sale that year. Colonel Allen was responsible for saving the mansion from being sold for building lots.  “The Allen Room” on the second floor is named in his memory.

Varnum News: From that time until the turn of the new century, was there any major restoration?

Barbara Weaver: None, to my knowledge. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 but little was done to improve the property.  Colonel Allen did arrange to have the kitchen remodeled in memory of his wife. Other than that, only general maintenance was done for many years. You can imagine that a house as old as this requires considerable care.

Varnum News: Recognizing the importance of preserving the House and its history, you and your husband have undertaken and organized a renovation program at the house. Take us through that, please.

Barbara Weaver:  In 2015, I became a Vice President of the Varnum Continentals and Curator of The Varnum House Museum. I began doing a thorough cleaning and polishing of the rooms and hallways.  Next, my husband Bill, who is also a member of the Varnum Board of Trustees, reviewed every room and the grounds to see what was needed. It seemed that everywhere we looked something needed attention. We identified some key areas of concern. Both the house and carriage house required a complete exterior paint job. The two massive chimneys needed repointing. The second-floor ceilings were in dire condition, with some debris actually coming down. We also continued the renovation of the windows and shutters. Being a historic building, all this work had to be done by tradesmen experienced in such projects. Needless to say, this was an expensive undertaking.

After identifying the importance, Bill and I created a plan and identified a two-year initiative (Editor’s Note: the Varnum Board was simultaneously addressing capital improvements at both the Varnum Memorial Armory and the Varnum House during this period). In the first year, we turned to the Champlin Foundation, who had been generous in the past. We applied for a grant of $69,585 to make the first in a series of critical repairs and upgrades.  It was approved and these projects were completed. We were also delighted to receive a number of individual donations in support of small restoration projects.

Along the way, the Varnum trustees and members also pitched in with yearly cleanups of the grounds.   Speaking of the grounds, I would be remiss if I did not take special note of and express our sincere gratitude for the commitment of the URI Master Gardeners program. Over the past several years, they created and still maintain a colonial garden.

Hand-painted wallpaper from China (circa 1850s)
Hand-painted wallpaper from China (circa 1850s)

The following year, we returned to the Champlin Foundation and they generously responded with a grant of $ 101,745. This has enabled us to restore the circa 1850’s wallpaper,  hand painted in China and installed in the early  1900’s in the massive first floor hallway. We have also painted the exterior of the circa 1800 Carriage House at the rear of the property. Our window restoration was also completed under the most recent grant along with the repair of the massive stone wall that surrounds the grounds, which will be completed in the next few months .

At this point, sweat equity deserves a mention. We took furniture out of all the rooms to polish the floors and then polished all the furniture before it was returned to the rooms.  Bill and I personally painted several of the rooms. Our docents have also generously stepped up to help, as this was a massive job in itself. Incidentally, I have to add here that I don’t know what we would do without my husband’s generous dedication of his time and talents. No matter what I ask of Bill, he always steps up to the challenge.

Varnum News: During the renovations, did you experience and surprises? Any significant finds?

Barbara Weaver:  Yes, we found that many unexpected repairs were needed throughout the entire building. That is where “Yankee Ingenuity” came in handy with Bill’s knowledge of mechanical and structural skills. Having been involved in three other museums, I have a knowledge of period decoration and was able to draw upon that in putting the rooms back into shape.

Varnum News: As you look at the house today, what are the elements of which you are most proud to share with visitors?

William Frecker pianoforte and Lafayette bowl
William Frecker pianoforte and Lafayette bowl

Barbara Weaver: We are different from so-called “farmhouse” museums in that we have so many very fancy items that would be found in a well-to-do household of this period.  These include the “Lafayette bowl”, the circa 1850’s wallpaper (which is a treasure in itself) and a 1797 William Frecker mahogany pianoforte. That instrument is one of only a few existent examples. We also have on display a portrait of Joseph Bradley Varnum (the General’s brother) and portraits of Amy Varnum, (great granddaughter of J.B. Varnum).  One very special item is a miniature portrait of Patty Varnum, believed to be the only image of its kind.

Varnum News: You speak of the Varnum House Museum docents with special pride and affection.

Barbara Weaver: Oh, absolutely! Volunteers are the heartbeat of a non-profit organization in any capacity. However, docents, especially our talented and dedicated team, are a treasure. Without them we could not have accomplished all that we have. You usually think of docents as guides. But, our team generously pitches in with cleaning and polishing the rooms. They are available for special events to bring the house and its contents to life for guests. They provide tours to school groups and others. We are fortunate to be able to open the house for regular visiting hours during the summer with the presence of our docents. They dress in reproduction colonial garb, which adds a flair to the tour. In the museum field, we often speak of “keeping history alive”. Our docents are the epitome of that commitment. Using an instructional docents guide developed for the purpose, they have become extremely knowledgeable of the museum house, its contents as well as General Varnum’s life and career.

Docents Day at the Varnum House Museum
Docents Day at the Varnum House Museum

I have been a member of the Varnum Continentals for some 15 years now. As I mentioned, I worked in three other museums and am knowledgeable of museum workings.  Through my activities with the Daughters of the American Revolution over the years, I visited historical sites and attended programs on American history. (Editor’s Note: Barbara has also served as RI State Regent of the DAR). What the Varnum House Museum has that makes it so special is our large and truly dedicated team of docents.

Varnum News: It is said that the preservation of a major historic treasure like the Varnum House is an ongoing process. Do you have any special things you would like to see in the immediate future?

Barbara Weaver:  Oh, yes. I have a list. Of course, I am always adding to it. For example, I would like to acquire appropriate framing for the many portraits on the second-floor hallway and also add interpretive signage for the grounds at the museum.

Varnum News: If James Mitchell Varnum and his wife were to return to the house, do you think would they feel in familiar surroundings? What would you say to them as they entered their former home?

Barbara Weaver:  Yes, I think they would feel like they were home as we have tried to restore and now preserve the house as close to the original mansion as possible. I am so honored and privileged to act as Curator of this historic gem. We owe a great debt of thanks to the late Colonel H.V. Allen whose foresight made it possible for the building to be acquired for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. If the General and Mrs. Varnum were to walk through the front door, I would love to be able to say, “Welcome home. My team and I have tried to make your beautiful home as comfortable and as much like it as it was when you lived here.”

Varnum members are encouraged to make the community aware of the Varnum House operating schedule. Group tours are available by appointment in June and September. Summer hours for visitors in July and August are Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the Varnum House Museum Colonial Yuletide to be held Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

The House and grounds are available for special event rentals such as weddings and receptions. For more information, contact: house@varnumcontinentals.org or call 401-884-1776.

Filed Under: Feature Article, Varnum House Museum Tagged With: 18th century, feature article, revolutionary war, varnum house museum

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[MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor

March 5, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

On Monday, March 20, Varnum Armory Vice President Maria Vazquez is the featured speaker for our monthly members meeting. Her presentation, “A Brief History of Anchors and the Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor,” will give an account of the history of anchors, how they developed, and how they were used. The presentation will continue with Maria’s insight into the thought and research that went into conserving an anchor from the USS Constellation, a sloop-of-war ship.

About the Varnum Continentals

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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