Address Newsletter
Our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design, with expert advice and insider neighborhood knowledge.
Rhode Island
A 1788 Rhode Island home that houses the ‘oldest gingerbread ovens in America’ for $754k
Real Estate
In the basement, Stephen “Baker” Greene created his beloved gingerbread that, in the 1800s, earned him acclaim throughout South County, Rhode Island.
From the wide-plank floors to the five fireplaces, 1724 South Road in Kingston is steeped in history. But the biggest clue of its storied past lies in its basement.
There, you’ll find the oldest gingerbread ovens in America, where Stephen “Baker” Greene created his beloved gingerbread that, in the 1800s, earned him acclaim throughout South County, Rhode Island, historic documents confirm.
The 1,803-square-foot home dates back to 1788 and is currently listed for $754,000, is a three-bed, one-and-a-half bath home, dubbed the “Gem at Little Rest.” (Little Rest is the original name for the town of Kingston.)
“When we bought it, it was in bad shape. There was wallpaper peeling off the walls. Plaster was coming down, but the structure itself was in good shape,” said owner Chris England, who has lived in the home for 13 years with his wife, Emily, and their four children.
Pull through the old horse gate onto the property that’s surrounded by 18th-century stone walls. Stroll the walkway up to the back foyer, which was originally the back porch of the house back in the 1700s. It features slate floors and wood walls. You’ll find the downstairs bedroom with an outside entrance, which was added in the 1930s as a garage for a Model T, and is now ideal as an in-law space or guest room.
Follow a narrow hallway, and on your right, you’ll find the library, where a giant working fireplace and a small beehive oven are tucked within the inglenook under a built-in bookshelf mantlepiece made of hand-planed wood.
Keep going straight to the kitchen, where the countertops are made of the original wide pumpkin pine boards used by Baker Greene to bake his gingerbread. A stove is tucked away in a small, separate nook, and there’s a center island that sits under a chandelier. The cabinets are pumpkin pine wood, adorned with iron hinges. Back in the hallway, you’ll find a powder room on the left, which has a stacked washer and dryer that’s included in the sale of the home.
In the dining room, a wall of curved multi-paned windows streams in natural light. The black oak floors are illuminated by sconces, and a large working fireplace creates a centerpiece that reminds us why the space is meant for conversation. The front foyer, which is completely original, features a stairway, as well as the entrance to the original basement that’s the size of the entire house. In addition to the gingerbread oven, there’s a fireplace in the basement that’s almost seven feet wide, which was used to heat the entire house throughout the winter.
Back on the main floor, the living room features the original 18th-century raised panel fireplace wall. Everything there is also “largely original,” said England. The space overlooks the front of the house, which looks out onto South Road.
Upstairs, you’ll find two bedrooms. The first is the primary, a strong remnant of its time with low, sloping ceilings and wide-plank floors. It features a fireplace, two closets, and storage spaces. The second bedroom overlooks the natural wooded setting, and the upstairs bathroom features a full bathtub with a shower.
Outside the home, the right side of the house has been cleared for a dye garden, which was traditionally used to grow plants and herbs used to dye wool. The back of the house is surrounded by woods and welcomes wildlife ranging from deer and foxes to owls and turkeys. On the left of the house, a rolling lawn space is a peaceful setting.
The carriage house, which functions as a separate two-car garage, also has a heated office space.
“It’s largely original, but the electric, plumbing, and major systems have been updated,” England said of the home, which is currently listed by Edward H. Berube of FLAGSHIP Real Estate Advisors and FORBES Global Properties.
As for England and his wife, they’re taking off for sunnier pastures: They’re leaving for their condo in Honolulu, where their youngest son is currently in college.
2026 Day of Portugal Festival and Parade dates, lineup and more
Rhode Island’s Day of Portugal — June 5-7 in Providence: live music, food, dance & family fun; parade
Maria João “MJ” Albuquerque Martins and John Furtado will serve as the grand marshals of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade.
Martins, a longtime RI Day of Portugal volunteer, will be recognized for “her lifelong dedication to preserving and uplifting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Furtado will be recognized for his “lifelong dedication to volunteerism, cultural preservation, and service to the Portuguese‑American community.”
“This year we honor two of the most humble and hardworking individuals who have supported not only RI Day of Portugal, but many Portuguese organizations across Rhode Island,” said James Ferreira, president of the RI Day of Portugal Committee.
“These are the people who roll up their sleeves, the ones in the kitchen, cleaning up, setting up, and making things happen,” he added. “They represent the true spirit of service and community, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication.”
The 49th Annual Rhode Island Day of Portugal Parade will step off Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m. from the Rhode Island State House. It will proceed to Smith Street Terrace, Canal Street, Memorial Boulevard and South Water Street, and end at 195 District Park.
From Clube Juventude Lusitana to RI Day of Portugal, Martins’ leadership, cultural preservation and community impact
Martins, a native of Maputo, Mozambique, has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island through leadership, education and the arts.
“Maria João’s lifelong commitment to service, cultural preservation, and community pride embodies the spirit of Portugal — resilient, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Martins joined the Clube Juventude Lusitana at age seven, later mentoring students and strengthening its cultural programs.
After studying at the University of Coimbra, she returned to Rhode Island and served the organization in multiple roles, including secretary, public relations officer and interim director of its Portuguese school, where she led a successful transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recognized photographer, Maria João has earned several awards, including honors from the Pawtucket Annual Mayor’s Calendar.
For more than 15 years, she has volunteered with the Rhode Island Day of Portugal, serving as art and culture coordinator and organizing exhibits across the state. Her 2025 exhibit at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket marked the first presentation of Portuguese history and culture at the Smithsonian-affiliated site.
Martins said she was grateful and honored to serve as grand marshal.
“Thank you to the RI Day of Portugal directors, members, and the community for this meaningful recognition,” Martins said. “Let us continue to stay united through our roots and traditions, preserving our heritage for future generations.”
Furtado honored for ‘quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action’
Born in Pawtucket, Furtado has spent more than 40 years dedicated to community service and preserving Portuguese traditions in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Those who know him speak of a man with a big heart, a gentle spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and traditions he serves,” RI Day of Portugal officials said, noting that he has never sought recognition for his efforts.
“His service has always been rooted in sincerity and a genuine desire to give back,” they added. “His lifelong commitment to service reflects the very best of our community — quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action.”
A second-generation Portuguese American, Furtado began volunteering at age 15 at churches and cultural organizations, including St. Anthony’s Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Rhode Island and the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England in Fall River.
He has also supported several Portuguese clubs, including the Pawtucket Social Club and Clube Juventude Lusitana, earning a reputation for reliability and quiet dedication.
In addition to his volunteer work, the Lincoln High School graduate built a lifelong career in construction, starting at age 16.
“Thank you to RI Day of Portugal, and thank you to the community,” said Furtado after learning he would be co-grand marshal of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade. “I’m grateful to be part of your families, and I hope our culture continues to grow for generations to come.”
BRISTOL, R.I. (WJAR) — A bill that puts restrictions on self-checkout lanes is headed to the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
The legislation would require grocery stores to have one staffed checkout lane for every three self-checkouts.
The bill was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on May 21.
Senate President Valarie Lawson said it is to help cashiers, as well as customers who may struggle with checking out their groceries, and Rep. Megan Cotter said the bill is about both cashier and customer protection.
Coastal ABC’s Cate Hanewich spoke with customers about the bill. (WJAR)
However, Scott Bromberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association, sees the bill in a different way.
Bromberg said he does not want limitations on self-checkout, and that consumers want the fast-shopping experience that self-checkout has to offer.
“The way modern consumers shop has changed, and they want a faster checkout,” he said.
However, Cotter claims that consumers want staffed registers.
Bristol resident Alan Gorbutt agrees and said he does not like self-checkout.
“I like the old-fashioned way. Just go to the regular checkout, seeing the regular lady with the happy smile. I get my groceries that way,” Gorbutt said.
Shopper Christine Auserwald said she will go between the two options but has a preference.
“I prefer manual checkout, but if the lines are too long, I do go to self-checkout,” Auserwald said.
Other customers said they only use self-checkout.
“More convenient, I’m mostly, in and out,” one shopper said.
Bromberg also voiced concern that the bill only limits grocery stores.
Customers using the self-checkout lanes. (WJAR)
“Right now, self-checkout is everywhere you can think of. It’s in hardware stores. It’s in pharmacies, dollars stores, craft stores, discount stores. And we just don’t understand why it only applies to grocery stores,” Bromberg said.
However, Cotter said the bill also includes retail stores Target and Walmart.
If passed, Rhode Island would be the first state in the country to have a statewide restriction on self-checkout.
COVENTRY, RI — Coventry area Kent County arrests in the RI Trooper Log May 18- 30 involved charges for possession of a stolen vehicle and fentanyl possession.
Here are the basics on those RI State Police Kent County arrests and Kent County arrests:
Kent County Arrests May 18 – 30
Stolen vehicle On Wednesday, May 27, at 2:04 p.m., troopers arrested Miriam Ndemba, 26, of 147 Devonshire Street, Providence Rhode Island, on an Affidavit and Arrest Warrant for Vehicle Theft, originating out of the Providence Police Department. The arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Route 95 in the Town of West Greenwich. The subject was transported to the State Police Hope Valley Barracks where she was processed and later turned over to the Providence Police Department.
Missed Court, Weapons Charge On Thursday May 28, 2026, at 10:52 p.m., troopers arrested Joshua Harrington, 19, of 9 Bunny Trail, Hope, Rhode Island, for a Third Division District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Pretrial Conference on the original charge of Weapons Other Than Firearms, originating out of the Coventry Police Department.
This arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Cowesett Avenue in the Town of West Warwick. Harrington was processed at the Hope Valley Barracks and turned over to the Adult Correctional Institutions Men’s Intake Center.
Fentanyl Possession On Friday May 29, at 10:32 p.m., troopers arrested Victoria Barrett, 33 of 981 Main St., West Warwick, Rhode Island, for 1.) Possession of Schedule I to V Controlled Substance – Less than 10 Grams (Fentanyl) and 2.) Affidavit and Arrest Warrant for Possession of Schedule I to V Controlled Substance, originating out of the Rhode Island State Police – Lincoln Woods Barracks. This arrest was the result of a Barracks investigation by Seargent O’Donnell and Troopers subsequently taking Barrett into custody at her residence. Barrett was processed at State Police Headquarters, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace, and transported to the Adult Correctional Institutions – Women’s Intake Center.
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