2001 -- S 1001

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LC03395
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S  E  N  A  T  E     R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ANTOINETTE DOWNING

WHEREAS, It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learned of the passing of preservationist pioneer, Antoinette Downing; and

WHEREAS, Born in Paxton, Illinois in 1904, Mrs. Downing came to Rhode Island when her husband, George, was hired as Chairman of Brown University's Art Department in 1932; and

WHEREAS, In 1937, Mrs. Downing published her first book, Early Homes of Rhode Island, one of the first state-wide surveys of early American architecture; and

WHEREAS, In 1954, Mrs. Downing collaborated with Vincent Scully to produce The Architectural Heritage of Newport, Rhode Island: 1640 - 1915, which, to this day, remains the definitive book on Newport area architecture; and

WHEREAS, Fueled by the idea that an entire neighborhood could be historic, Mrs. Downing created and was a founding member of the Providence Preservation Society. Her idea that whole neighborhoods, not just individual buildings were worthy of "historic" status, were at odds with the federal government's large-scale urban renewal plan; and

WHEREAS, In 1959, the so-called College Hill Study was completed, incorporating many of Downing's ideas. This study helped to save much of College Hill. In 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act was passed by Congress, containing many of the same ideas and procedures from the College Hill Study; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, Mrs. Downing was appointed chairwoman of the newly created Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission. She received no salary for the post, but worked every day until her retirement in 1995 at the age of 91; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Mrs. Downing helped to launch a program to combat decay and urban blight in inner-city neighborhoods. Later known as S.W.A.P. or Stop Wasting Abandoned Properties, this group has restored numerous homes in South Providence and the West End; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman joined the Capital Center Commission in 1980, and accepted a lifetime achievement award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies to the Downing family on the passing of Antoinette Downing. She will forever be remembered by this entire membership and the citizens of the State of Rhode Island for her outstanding commitment to and passion for preserving the history of our State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the family of Antoinette Downing.