Amid national and international challenges to his energy program, Jimmy Carter came to Rhode Island on Oct. 29, 1979, to meet with New England governors. Rhode Island Governor John Joseph Garrahy, popularly called “Joe” by Rhode Islanders, greeted Carter as he stepped off Air Force One.
Two weeks earlier, Carter had won a “significant victory” by a thin 257-135 margin to permit phasing out of government price controls on crude oil, the Globe reported.
Carter won the support of Massachusetts Governor Edward J. King and Connecticut Governor Ella T. Grasso with promises of winter fuel for low-income homeowners.
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The two-day summit brought more than 300 business, labor, and political leaders to Rhode Island for the energy summit, according to The Morning Union of Springfield, Mass.
Here are some of the pictures from Carter’s visit.
President Jimmy Carter made a trip to Rhode Island on Oct. 29, 1979, for an energy conference.Rhode Island State Archives
President Jimmy Carter greets the crowd during his trip to Rhode Island on Oct. 29, 1979.Rhode Island State Archives
President Jimmy Carter shakes hands with Rhode Island Governor John Joseph Garrahy on Oct. 29, 1979.Rhode Island State Archives
Rhode Island Governor John Joseph Garrahy, alongside President Jimmy Carter, addresses the audience at the Coalition of Northeastern Governors conference in Providence in 1979.Rhode Island State Archives
President Jimmy Carter speaks to New England governors during his trip to Rhode Island in 1979.Rhode Island State Archives
President Jimmy Carter addressed the crowd during his visit to Rhode Island on Oct. 29, 1979.Rhode Island State Archives
The two-day summit brought more than 300 business, labor, and political leaders to Rhode Island.Rhode Island State Archives
President Jimmy Carter made a day trip to Rhode Island on Oct. 29, 1979, for an energy conference.Rhode Island State Archives
President Jimmy Carter poses for a photo with Rhode Island Governor John Garrahy (1977-1985) and his family at the Coalition of Northeastern Governors conference on Oct. 29, 1979.Rhode Island State Archives
A letter from President Jimmy Carter to Rhode Island Governor John Joseph Garrahy after Carter attended the Coalition of Northeastern Governors conference in Providence. The letter was sent while Carter was aboard Air Force One.Rhode Island State Archive
Carlos Muñoz can be reached at carlos.munoz@globe.com. Follow him @ReadCarlos and on Instagram @Carlosbrknews.
