PHILIP WALKER HOUSE - c. 1724

Sitting prominently on a large lot of almost 2 acres at the intersection of North Broadway and Massasoit Avenue in the Rumford section of East Providence, the current Philip Walker House was constructed in several stages, the first being about 1724.  It contains remnants of an earlier house on the site that was built and left unfinished around 1679, at the time of Deacon Philip Walker’s death.  While it appears that the Deacon may never have lived in the present house, the name continues to be attributed to it until more conclusive research is uncovered.  

The Walker House holds great historical significance to the City of East Providence and to the State, noted as the earliest house in Rhode Island built completely of mill sawn timbers.  It was once thought to be the second oldest house in Rhode Island, but continuing investigation, including a dendrochronology study to date the year the trees used to build the house were felled, leads to the 1724 date of construction now assigned to it.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Stewardship

Since acquiring the property in 1983, Preserve RI has done several capital campaigns to improve and stabilize the house, including new exterior cladding, repairing structural deficiencies, updating systems and installing a new bathroom and kitchen.  Currently a private rental property, recent improvements include window sash repairs, new storm windows, roof replacement, exterior painting, interior painting and carpentry repairs, and a new second-floor bathroom.