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3. Provenance 5. Inventory 6. Subjects |
Providence, R.I., realtors Records, 1966-1994 Size: 1 linear foot Catalog number: MSS 901 Processed by: Rick Stattler, April 1995 ©Rhode Island Historical Society Manuscripts Division |
Historical note:
Hill Realty Company was chartered in 1967, with the purpose of purchasing endangered historic homes on the East Side of Providence, restoring them, and selling them. The focus of their activity was on Benefit Street. This street remains one of the highest concentrations of eighteenth century homes in America, due in part to Hill Realty. They were responsible for the restoration of several houses, many of which were moved to Benefit Street from other neighborhoods. They company was dissolved in 1993.
Scope and content:
This collection contains the working papers of three Hill executives: Frederic L. Chase, Jr, treasurer from 1967 to 1977; Joseph K. "Darby" Ott, who served as a director, assistant treasurer, vice president and secretary from 1967 to 1993; and Barbara S. "Bobby" Gwynne, vice president and president from 1967 to 1981. Included are minutes, correspondence, financial records, stockholder lists and newspaper clippings. Also included are files on many of the houses that Hill invested in. These often contain sketches, deeds, contractor's bills, correspondence and notes.
Provenance:
The collection arrived in two gifts. The first was a gift of Mr. Ott in 1993, which contained both his papers and a larger collection of Mr. Chase's papers. A later gift from Mrs. Gwynne arrived in 1994; this gift also contained records from her husband John Gwynne relating to the Foxes Hill Corporation, which were removed to Mss 950.
Processing note:
The collection was unfolded, sorted and placed in an acid-free box and folders. Duplicates were discarded. Notes on the folders clearly show provenance. A photograph was transferred to the Graphics Division (see list).
Inventory:
2. 1981-1990
3. Minutes, etc. - unofficial and draft, Chase, 1967-1978
4. Minutes, etc. - unofficial, Gynne, 1974-1984
5. Minutes, etc. - unofficial, Ott, 1986-1991
6. Correspondence, Chase, 1967-1978
7. Correspondence, Gwynne, 1974-1982
8. Correspondence, Ott, 1966-1993
9. Notes, Gwynne, ca. 1974-1980
10. Ott, 1967-1993
11. Stock prospectus and notes, 1967, 1975
12. Stockholders - Lists, 1967-1976
13. - Lists, 1981 and undated
14. - Proxy certificates, 1987-1990
15. - Card file with certificate numbers, 1993
16. - Stock orders, 1967
17. - Stock orders, 1975
18. - Miscellaneous, 1967-1975
19. Financial - Treasurer's reports, 1968-1977
20. - Treasurer's reports, 1973, 1979-1980
21. - Mortgage documents, 1974-1976
22. - Checks, deposit slips, 1967-1976
23. - Miscellaneous, 1967-1976
24. Tax returns, 1967-1976
25. House files - 1 Benefit St. / 208 Main St.
26. - 38-40 Benefit St. / 46 Branch Ave. (Chase)
27. - 38-40 Benefit St. / 46 Branch Ave. (Ott)
28. - 42-44 Benefit St. (Chase)
29. - 42-44 Benefit St. (Ott)
30. - 144 Benefit St.
31. - 362 Benefit St. / 877-879 Chalkstone Ave.
32. - 420 Benefit St.
33. - Benefit St. and Sheldon St. / 88 South St.
34. - 25 Olney St.
35. "The Hill Realty Company's Hints on Moving a House", 1987
36. Grant materials, ca. 1975
37. Newspaper clippings, 1978-1994
Subjects:
Chase, Frederic L. Jr. (1905- )
Gwynne, Barbara S.
Historic Buildings - Providence - Preservation and Restoration
Ott, Joseph K.
Providence - Historic Buildings - Preservation and Restoration
Real Estate - Providence
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RIHS1822