On May 24, 2002, the Louttit Library of West Greenwich hosted the Exeter-West Greenwich DialogueÑmany thanks to Elsie Oltedale, Librarian, for making this former one-room schoolhouse available for our public conversation. Representatives from Exeter unfortunately could not attend the meeting but residents of West Greenwich spoke enthusiastically and knowledgeably about their town and its place in Rhode Island's history and future.

Among the various themes and fond memories raised in this Dialogue, residents consistently hoped to maintain the rural character of their town. They pointed out that a fair percentage of land is already protected by open space, specified acreage, and limited use zoning. Located in the central-west part of Rhode Island, West Greenwich extends from East Greenwich to the Connecticut border, and in the 17th century an even larger area that includes contemporary West Greenwich was called the "Vacant Lands." With its present day count of about 6,000 people, the town still has one of Rhode IslandÕs smallest populations. As the Dialogue participants pointed out, 18th- and 19th-century West Greenwich supported family farms, blacksmithing, some logging and sawmills, and grinding and textile mills, along with their related manufacturing activities. A major Boston-to-New York stagecoach road that cut through the area ensured contact with other parts of the region. In the 20th century, a summer community developed at Mishnock. It was an annual touchstone for the region that brought a flavor of city life to local girls and boys and of rural life to urban families out on weekend visits or living at their lakeside camps for the season. Besides swimming and boating at the lake, MishnockÕs entertainment center provided a merry-go-round, rollerskating, clambakes, and a hall for dancing, parties, and meetings.

As in other towns the Dialogue project has visited, West Greenwich is looking at its history to guide its development. One of the Dialogue participants suggested that West GreenwichÕs $1,000 Fund for Community Engagement grant might help support a new autumn event. Over the course of a day or weekend, tours of the area would include stops at "interpreters' stations" at several historic or notable places in West Greenwich. At these various sites and in the Town Hall Complex, scheduled activities would expose citizens and visitors of all ages to the sights, sounds, and tastes of West Greenwich. RICH understands that a working committee now has a proposal to present for FCE consideration.