The Knowles House
One of the most interesting and
challenging
of all enterprises undertaken by the Kentish Guards in recent years has
been the purchase of the Knowles mansion located next to their armory
on Peirce Street. The exact date the mansion was built is not
known but it was shortly after the marriage of Samuel Knowles to Sarah
Arnold Peirce in 1859. Mr. Knowles was originally from Westerly,
Rhode Island, but moved to East Greenwich in 1856 when he accepted a
position in the newly formed State Bank of East Greenwich. Later
Mr. Knowles served as president of the Town Council for 13 consecutive
years, and was State Senator from 1882 to 1885. For a number of
years he also served as judge of the Probate Court. He lived in
the mansion until his death in 1919.
It is interesting to note that the land the house was built on originally belonged to the Kentish Guards. So, it is only appropriate that after all these years the Guards once again are in possession of this tract of land along with a historic and impressive structure.
The white clapboard Greek Revival style building has eight large rooms on two floors, built around a spiral staircase which climbs the inside of the house from the ground floor to the enclosed "widows watch" three floors up. Four chimneys lead to three open fireplaces on the first floor. Over the years, several fireplaces on the other floors were boarded up. Someday, it is hoped that all fireplaces will be opened and utilized. At one time a wrought iron fence surrounded the front yard which was graced by several stately trees.
The building had been planned to be used as a military museum and library after renovation. Unfortunately, a fire during renovations severely gutted the building, causing a massive rebuilding and repair job. Upon completion, the project was beset by seemingly irreconcilable disputes between fire marshal regulation and historical preservation requirements. The future utilization of the property is now on hold.
It is interesting to note that the land the house was built on originally belonged to the Kentish Guards. So, it is only appropriate that after all these years the Guards once again are in possession of this tract of land along with a historic and impressive structure.
The white clapboard Greek Revival style building has eight large rooms on two floors, built around a spiral staircase which climbs the inside of the house from the ground floor to the enclosed "widows watch" three floors up. Four chimneys lead to three open fireplaces on the first floor. Over the years, several fireplaces on the other floors were boarded up. Someday, it is hoped that all fireplaces will be opened and utilized. At one time a wrought iron fence surrounded the front yard which was graced by several stately trees.
The building had been planned to be used as a military museum and library after renovation. Unfortunately, a fire during renovations severely gutted the building, causing a massive rebuilding and repair job. Upon completion, the project was beset by seemingly irreconcilable disputes between fire marshal regulation and historical preservation requirements. The future utilization of the property is now on hold.
