The Complicated Legacy of the Gorham Manufacturing Company

Did you know that Rhode Island was at one time the birthplace of the largest silver manufacturer in the world?

The Gorham Manufacturing Company was founded in Providence in 1831 by Jabez Gorham. With Jabez’s retirement, his son, John Gorham succeeded him in 1847 and this would usher in the company’s era of prominence from 1850-1970.  In addition to their chief product, silver spoons, Gorham artisans crafted beautiful pieces with special significance. Gorham silver could be found in the White House as Mary Todd Lincoln purchased a tea and flatware service.  Gorham artisans also had their hands in the famous Independent Man that sits atop the Rhode Island State House.  

The largest collection of Gorham items, now resides at the RISD museum. From now until December 1st, RISD has put many of these items on display in their Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance 1850-1970 exhibit. This exhibit is a must see for those curious about the history and beauty of this company and their impact on RI history.

Tragically, the legacy of the Gorham Manufacturing Company is not all positive.  The Adelaide Avenue facility in Providence’s Reservoir Triangle neighborhood operated for nearly 100 years during a time where there were few restrictions on what materials were allowed to be used.  As a result the soil, groundwater and the Mashapaug Pond on the site of the old facility were contaminated.

While the effects of Gorham facility are still felt in the pond and neighborhood, extensive cleanup efforts and water testing and remediation work have started to revive the site.  In 2006, the site of the Gorham facility became home to Alvarez High School. Events like the Urban Pond Procession brought awareness for ten years straight years to the health of Mashapaug Pond. 

Lastly, today(June 21st) marks the opening of a Mashapaug Park behind Alvarez High on the banks of the Mashapaug Pond.  

The Legacy of the Gorham Manufacturing Company is complicated but its place in Rhode Island history needs to be remembered.