When a building is forgotten and neglected, memories often fade away. Fortunately, Rhode Island has not only some of the finest architecture in the nation, but preservationist societies and groups that rally to protect, restore, and maintain these historic structures, so much so that one out of every five buildings in the Registry of Historic Places is in Rhode Island.

Over the years, the Westerly Armory, like most of the state-owned armories, was poorly repaired and mostly neglected. Westerly Armory Restoration, Inc., a group of volunteers, took over the Armory (with a long lease from the Town of Westerly) to restore and run it. A rental program has been developed and groups and individuals are welcome to call the Armory (596-8554) for details. Over half a million dollars has been raised for just the restoration. From the roof to the sprinkler and fire-alarm systems, new kitchen, new bathrooms, ramp, heating system, and the great front doors, the Armory is looking better each year.

The Westerly Armory is one of five and one-half armories designed by the architectural firm of William R. Walker & Son. The first Walker armory was the Pawtucket Armory, followed by Westerly, then the great Providence (aka Cranston Street) Armory, then the small Warwick Kentish Artillery Armory (now an art museum), then the Woonsocket Armory, and lastly the back half (built first) of the Armory of Mounted Commands on North Main Street in Providence. All Walker armories resemble castles, with crenellated parapets and exteriors of brick and granite. Each Armory has a drill shed or drill hall where soldiers marched and trained when indoors. Now, the Walker armories (except the Armory of Mounted Commands which still houses the National Guard) are finding new lives while maintaining the history of their communities.

Rhode Island has 18 historic armories still standing -- many being well used and properly restored. These buildings are much more than structures designed for the military. They have amassed the memories and spirit and the history of their individual communities.

Defending our heritage

In its hundred years, Westerly Armory has seen car shows, bridal shows, Easter Monday balls, poultry shows, polio clinics, voting, Saturday-night dances, wedding receptions, basketball games, boxing matches, antiques shows, and much more. Young children often went to the Armory to visit the soldiers there. People from the community used the Armory as a community building with the military units welcoming them.

If you are looking for something different to do, come to the Westerly Armory's summer classes. They cover a broad range of subjects, from creating a healing garden to public speaking with panache. There are classes in writing newspaper columns, wine-making, antiques, and more. Then, there are special children's classes – from Bing, Bang, Boom, a class in horns and drums taught by members of the Westerly Band, to the Victorian Teddy Bear tea party, and an overnight for 8-12 year-olds at the Armory, as well as a 3-day class in soldiering – the summer session will give everyone the opportunity to "meet" the Westerly Armory. For details, see www.westerlyarmory.com.

The Westerly Armory is a prime venue for special events all year around. Children's concerts, Scottish Festival Banquets, quilting shows, Wine Festivals, USO shows and dances, veterans' meetings, historical society meetings, weddings and receptions -- people love the Armory. It has a new life as a place for groups to meet and for shows and events.

It always helps us remember our past and why we are free. For 100 years it has been there for people, and it continues to be host to the people of the community and state. It is important for all of us to be there for the Westerly Armory and all of our 17 other historic armories. Armories are our largest memorials to veterans, to community life, and to American freedom. The Westerly Armory's 100 years belong not just to the Armory but to all of us.

About the author, Roberta Humble: Roberta Mudge Humble is Professor of English at the Community College of Rhode Island, and founder and President of WAR. Her connections to the Armory date back to her great grandfather, its original custodian.

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