Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Central Falls, Rhode Island


There is not one word about Izannah Walker on the Central Falls, Rhode Island website. Central Falls had a large growth in population in the 1800's due to the increase of the textile industry. It makes sense that Izannah might have settled in an area where textiles were readily available for her dollmaking business. One of Central Fall's claims is that it has been recorded in Ripley's Believe It or Not for being the smallest most densely populated city in the nation. They do mention Elizabeth Buffum Chase, an abolitionist and conductor in the Underground Railroad. But no mention at all of Izannah Walker? 

2 comments:

  1. I can't believe she is not mentioned! She is a major claim to fame. Izannah F. Walker was the first recipient of the Central Falls Hall of Fame in 1990. This was instituted by Historic Central Falls to give the young citizens a sense of place and the knowledge that you can rise above circumstances to become successful in your chosen field. I submitted a detailed nomination, and she was selected #1. I was presented a plaque, and a duplicate is/was on display with other winners at the CF Middle School. If I can find the slide of the plaque, I'll send it along.

    Monica Bessette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you, Monica! I'm sure the financial troubles Central Falls has faced has affected their focus.

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Another Izannah Walker Doll Advertisement

Michelle Brown contacted me with information she found researching old newspapers online - it's an advertisement by E. W. Billings descr...