EP History Scrapbook Drop-In:

Join an informal gathering where residents sit around a table to talk and listen to shared memories, from 60-62 years ago, of the construction of Route 195 (1957-1959) and the dedication ceremony (Dec. 15, 1959) of the freeway that divides the city of East Providence. Photos and scrapbooks are welcome. Local historian Susan Cady will display maps and photos of where houses were before the big dig and where some houses are now located. Was your house in the path of the freeway and had to be moved or razed? Where is your or your neighbor's house now?

Also since Route 195, in 1961, became the East Providence Veterans Memorial Expressway, (EPVME), names of EP citizens who served in the armed forces can be submitted in person at this meeting, for the virtual military Honor Roll. This honor roll will be posted on the EP Historical Society's website ephist.org in late January 2020. The list may be published also in the local newspaper for Veterans' Day. This collection of veteran names is part of a tribute to celebrate the 60th anniversary (11-11-2021) of the naming of the freeway for our veterans. Suggestions how to preserve this list of names so these men and women are not forgotten can also be discussed. Share comments and questions with Susan epvme@hotmail.com

Location: Weaver Memorial Library
41 Grove Ave., East Providence, RI 02914
in conference table room

Wednesday, January 15, 10- noon
Thursday, January 30, 2-4 pm

Names sought for EP Military Honor Roll
All present and former residents of East Providence, RI, living and deceased, who served in World War II and after, can participate. This includes residents who served during peace times and who are on active duty. Provide in “honor" of or in "memory" of, last name, rank, first name, military event name, country location, or actual years served, and branch.

Example, in memory of Carlton, Lt. Donald E., WWI, Army, unknown if graduated EP High School. For WWII veterans especially, please include the high school attended and graduation year or did not graduate. Graduation info will not be published. This detail is needed to reconstruct the missing alumni (1946) list of 2125 East Providence High School students who served in WWII. An attempt is being made to locate and include EP veterans of WWII who attended other high schools. Names of residents of Seekonk, MA who attended EP High School during WWII are also welcome to participate. Family and friends may submit names. Corrections and additional info (change from "in honor of" to "in memory of", rank, branch, etc.) can be made later if not known at this time. Names can be submitted to Susan Cady via email epvme@hotmail.com until Nov. 2021. During January and February 2020, efforts will be made to collect submissions in person, as not everyone uses email. Details of times and drop off locations will be announced in the local EP newspaper.