Providence Walks: The Jewelry District Historic Tour

Nehemiah Dodge is often called the “father of America’s jewelry industry” and Providence’s first jewelry maker. His innovations in plated gold paved the way for the production of affordable jewelry for a mass market.

Jabez Gorham, a silversmith and merchant, founded his first company in 1815 with three partners, inventing and producing a popular jewelry chain (“Gorham Chain”). In 1831 he founded his own company (initially called Gorham & Webster) to produce coin silver spoons.

Amos Chafee Barstow was a businessman, politician and civic leader. He founded the Barstow Stove Company in 1849, and was the first president of the YMCA and mayor for one term. His 1875 appointment to the Board of Indian Commissioners by President Grant led to several trips to the American West.

Thomas Arthur Doyle was mayor of Providence for three terms from 1864 until his death in 1886. During this time, the city's population grew from 54,000 to 120,000. He oversaw construction of City Hall, introduced the police force, improved schools and acquired the land for Roger Williams Park.

Champlin & Son was founded by Stanton and his son George in 1872 and produced gold rings and chains. George Champlin founded the United Wire & Supply Corporation in 1900. The family’s Champlin Foundation exists to this day, having donated more than $600 million in charitable grants since 1932.

Sarah Elizabeth Doyle, educator and educational reformer, helped found RISD and the Providence Athenaeum. Her campaign to admit women to Brown University succeeded in 1891 with the admission of the first six women. Doyle was the first woman awarded an honorary degree from Brown University in 1894.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman was a prominent American novelist, feminist and social reform activist. She wrote ad copy and designed trade cards for soap manufacturer Kendall Manufacturing Co. Her most famous work is the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper,” an important milestone for feminist literature.

Produced soap (Soapine French Laundry Soap)

The largest stove manufacturer in New England

Produced gold rings, gold-filled chains and wire supplies

Produced medical devices and hot water bottles composed of rubber

Producer of ribbed, knit underwear for women and children

A company specializing in jewelry findings, umbrella fittings and collar buttons

Once the largest costume jewelry manufacturer in the U.S.

Produced chains, and later, extendable bracelet watchbands (“Twist-O-Flex”)

Second largest jewelry company in the U.S., named after a popular comic strip character

Largest knife manufacturer in the U.S