Watson House Committee (Rec. Gr. 114)

Historical note

In 1888 the State of Rhode Island purchased the 140 acre Oliver Watson farm in Kingston Rhode Island for $5,000 to establish an agricultural school in Rhode Island. The farm house built circa 1790 remains in its original location and is the oldest structure on the campus. Over the life of the house, it has served as the farm manager's residence, a fraternity house, a dormitory, a tea room and finally as nursery school.

In 1958 when the new Childhood Development Center was built, the last occupants of Watson House vacated the building. Watson House was left abandoned and by the 1960's it was in dire need of extensive repairs. In 1962 the University administration grappled with what to do with the deteriorating building. The prospects of making expenditures for little return did not appeal to the administration. The then University President Francis Horn and the Board of Trustees proposed razing the building or selling it to a developer who would move the building from its original site. A grass roots effort was mounted by President Emeritus Carl Woodward to stay the wrecking ball and keep Watson House right where it was. The Board of Trustees pledged to support a restoration effort if $20, 000 could be raised. Woodward prevailed and the funds were raised. President Horn established the Watson House Restoration Committee with Frederick L. Jackson as chairman to oversee the restoration project. The Watson House restoration was completed by July, 1964 and on July 14, 1964 President Horn dissolved the Restoration Committee. The Furnishings Sub-Committee was continued as a permanent committee and renamed the Watson House Committee. Dr. William D. Metz was appointed chairman. The newly restored Watson House was formally opened on October 11, 1964.

Activity at Watson House has been sporadic over the years. The Committee was inactive in the decade after the tenure of Franziska Noring (Chair, 1980-1990). Watson House continues to serve as a museum and houses a student caretaker who is responsible for providing tours. The house remains under the purview of the Watson House Committee. The upkeep and maintenance is supported by the University and with the help of volunteers. Expenses are supported by a small budget from the College of Arts and Sciences.