The Little Compton Blog

West Island was home to several stately buildings in 1911. West Island was once home to the exclusive West Island Club. Organized by a group of influential men, the club was used as a fishing getaway until 1906, when the club closed. At the time of this postcard's writing, West Island would have been owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. It's unclear if the writer actually visited West Island or purchased the postcard at Sakonnet Point. M.M.C. raves about her 1911 lobster dinner at Sakonnet Point. In this letter, M.M.C. writes about the fine lobster dinner she enjoyed, probably at a hotel or restaurant on Sakonnet Point. M.M.R. addresses the postcard to Mrs. E.A. Taylor, 130 Pleasant St, Attleboro, Mass.  Interestingly, the postcard was made by the Excelsior Postcard Company, an outfit with offices in Leipzig, Dresden, and Berlin, Germany. C.R. Wilbur of Little Compton published the postcard. Here's the letter, as written by M.M.C. "Dear Missy, Wish you were ...

  Swimming at Warren's Point with 'Onadune' and other cottages in the background. This 1919 postcard depicts a glorious summer day on the beach in Little Compton, RI. Although the postcard describes the beach as "Sakonnet," locals will know this stretch of sand is Warren's Point. The beach is noticeably empty, with only a few swimmers braving the surf just where the waves are breaking.  The Warren's Point Beach Club bathhouses had yet to be const ructed, and amenities such as showers, restrooms, or a sandwich shop were mere pip e dreams. One can only wonder if umbrellas and backboards—though out of view—had yet made their debut on the beach. Beachgoers didn't have bodyboards, masks, or snorkels; simply relaxing in the refreshing ocean water was the activity of the day. Although LC's beaches have gotten busier over the years, it's reassuring to know that much also remains the same.  The rock formations and summer houses in the background provi...

Vintage photo of 'Sealands' estate on Warren's Point. Located on a town road—with no homeowners association to contend with—yet within walking distance of one of Rhode Island's finest private beach clubs, Sealands seemingly has it all.  Mott & Chace Sotheby's Realtor Cherry Arnold said, "With its rich history dating back to the early 1920s, it is a truly treasured Little Compton estate." While the house in its current form is smaller than the one pictured on the postcard, Sealands still boasts more than 8,000 square feet of living space. The home and its accompanying five acres last sold in 2020 for $7.3 million, a price not seen in the Little Compton real estate market since 2012.  Property highlights include limestone fireplaces, beautifully landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, and multiple patios. Although the front of the postcard reads "Sakonnet, RI," locals will recognize Warren's Point as the property's more precise location....

The Colonial Navy of Fall River, Massachusetts marching in Adamsville. The sleepy village of Adamsville came to life on March 18 for the second annual World's Shortest St. Paddy's Day Parade. Crowds strewn in green packed Adamsville's quaint Main Street in order to watch the 89-foot-long procession, often standing on stone walls to get a bird's eye view of the festivities. Hosted by the Kinnane Brothers, the parade featured a mix of local celebrities, Irish dancing from the Clann Lir Academy, and even a fife and drum rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy, courtesy of the Colonial Navy of Fall River, Massachusetts. Paula and Jim Downing served as grand marshals of the event, which was attended by an estimated 1000 spectators.  Besides making history, the parade and following dinner served as a fundraiser for the Little Compton Food Bank. According to The Sakonnet Times, nearly $10,000 was raised for the nonprofit. During the slow winter season, several local businesses receiv...

Standing on Lloyd's Beach and looking north to Rhode Island Road. There is no sandwich shop, ice cream stand, lifeguard, or even a bathroom. The northern section of Lloyd’s Beach is covered in smooth rocks, while the southern tip is often awash in pungent seaweed. You can find small patches of sand, but don’t expect a picture-perfect Caribbean getaway. Bringing an oversized beach towel is essential, as flies breed in the seaweed and are impossible to avoid completely. Still, swimming at Lloyd’s Beach is one of life’s great pleasures—especially without lifeguards blowing whistles every few minutes. However, a quick disclaimer: only confident, experienced swimmers should venture past their knees. Beginners, children, and seniors may be better off at South Shore Beach, which offers lifeguards on duty. While the lack of amenities helps keep some out-of-towners away, finding a parking spot has become increasingly difficult as visitors travel from afar in search of a free beach. Rhode Is...

Sakonnet Lighthouse, as seen from Lloyd's Beach. Townspeople have always been proud of the Sakonnet Lighthouse, and rightly so. Like Mount Rushmore and the Great Wall of China, Sakonnet Light is a symbol of strength and resilience. Built in 1884, Sakonnet Light has been a staple of the coastal landscape for longer than any of us have walked Little Compton's fertile soil. In an era of divided political loyalties, Sakonnet Light enjoys near-universal reverence from LC locals and visitors alike. Admirers should enjoy the Sakonnet Lighthouse from Lloyd's Beach, as it is not open to the public. This post contains an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the Little Compton Blog! The Commons, Sakonnet Point - Little Compton, RI

Welcome Sign to Lloyd's Beach - Leave Only Your Footprints. Lloyd's Beach was until recently a hidden gem where LC townspeople could enjoy a bit of sandy solitude, even on a weekend in July. Thanks to Instagram and similar online outlets, the secret is out - Lloyd's Beach has been 'discovered' by the masses.  These days, town residents are lucky to score a summertime parking spot on Sakonnet Point, never mind Rhode Island Road. While this sign is a helpful deterrent, out-of-towners looking for a free beach still find their way to Lloyd's.  As LC residents adjust to this harsh new reality, we can rest assured that Lloyd's is ours in the colder weather - we'll always have February. This post contains an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the Little Compton Blog! Lloyd's Beach, Little Compton, Rhode Island