COVID-19 Information.

Learn More >>

COVID-19 Information.


Learn More >>

COVID-19 Information.

Learn More >>

COVID-19 Information.


Learn More >>
  • Alerts
  • Jobs
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • About
  • Shop Gear
Block Island Ferry
  • Buy Tickets
  • Schedules & Fares
    • Pt. Judith Traditional
    • Pt. Judith Hi-Speed
    • Newport Hi-Speed
    • Promotions & Sales
    • Private Charter
    • Trip Planner
    • 4th of July Cruise
  • Extras
    • Passengers
    • Vehicle Reservations
    • Group Sales
    • Gift Cards
  • Information
    • Things to Do
    • FAQs
    • Job Opportunities
    • Our Fleet
    • Directions
    • Freight
    • Event Calendar
    • Traveling with a Vehicle
    • Accessibility
    • Contests
    • Around the Ports
    • Announcements

Our Blog

{ 6.10.2022 }   { Fun Facts }

Statue of Rebecca?

In the center of the Old Harbor traffic circle, you will find one of Block Island’s most recognizable landmarks: the Statue of Rebecca. When you exit the ferry onto Water Street, this young woman will greet you as you explore the interior of the Island from Spring and High Streets. Often photographed and regularly decorated for various celebrations, Rebecca is a staple of New Shoreham.

But who is she? Why erect a statue of her in such a prominent spot on the Island? And is she really who she seems?

“A Sober and Pure World”

In the late 1800s, the Temperance Movement was starting to build steam in the United States. Along with creating programs that promoted sobriety, many of the local chapters of the movement began erecting drinking fountains for the local citizens. It was believed that the lack of clean drinking water was leading some people to quench their thirst elsewhere, specifically from a bottle.

These Temperance fountains began popping up around the country including Union Square Park in New York, Boston Common, and even in downtown Pawtucket, RI. Not to be left out, the Women's Christian Temperance Union of New Shoreham also wanted to erect their own fountain on the island.

On July 22, 1896, the WCTU officially dedicated and opened “Rebecca at the Well” in Block Island. The zinc figure wore a flowing toga with grapes in her hair. The jar she held directed the viewer’s gaze down to the fountain below where they could get a clean, non-alcoholic drink. The statue was meant to depict a story from the Book of Genesis where Rebekah became the wife of Isaac by providing water to him and his camels.

Broken Pipes and Layers of Paint

As time passed and the Temperance movement came and went, Rebecca began showing signs of wear and tear. The first thing to go was the plumbing to the fountains. Then she started losing her luster. If you speak with anyone who lives near the ocean, you’ll find out that the sea is harsh mistress when it comes to facades. Between the salt air, New England weather, and the passing years, the statue was being held together by the layers of white paint applied to keep Rebecca looking fresh year-to-year.

Replacement Rebecca… or is She?

Around 2001, it was decided the existing statue could not hold out much longer. New Shoreham commissioned a replacement Rebecca to be made to swap out with the original. The original statue was removed in April of that year and sent to a Newport conservation company. There, the original was stripped down and a plaster mold was created to make an aluminum copy. The new statue was erected in December 2001.

An interesting piece of information came out of the restoration process, though. If the fountain was meant to depict a woman from the Bible pouring water, why does she have grapes and leaves in her hair? Upon further research, it was determined that the statute’s subject may not be Isaac’s wife, Rebecca, but rather Hebe, cupbearer and wine server to the gods of Olympus. New Shoreham’s symbol of sobriety might have actually been the original bartender to the gods!

The original Rebecca is not lost, though. If you would like to see the original statue, go on down to the Block Island Historical Society where she can be found in the West Gallery.

Block Island has such a rich history worth learning about. So go explore, ask questions, and go back in time!

Sail Away…

Photo Credits: @bi_historical_society

Share This Post

Comments

LEAVE A COMMENT

YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED

Plain text

PREVIOUS POST

Categories

  • Fun Facts
  • 5 Things
  • Block Island Experience
  • Island Life
  • Other

Blog Archives

select month
  • June 2022 (1)
  • May 2022 (2)
  • April 2022 (3)
  • March 2022 (2)
  • February 2022 (2)
  • January 2022 (2)
  • December 2021 (1)
  • November 2021 (2)
  • October 2021 (2)
  • September 2021 (2)
  • August 2021 (2)
  • July 2021 (3)
  • June 2021 (2)
  • May 2021 (2)
  • April 2021 (2)
  • March 2021 (2)
  • February 2021 (2)
  • January 2021 (2)
  • December 2020 (2)
  • November 2020 (2)
  • October 2020 (3)
  • September 2020 (2)
  • August 2020 (2)
  • July 2020 (2)
  • June 2020 (2)
  • May 2020 (2)
  • April 2020 (2)
  • March 2020 (2)
  • February 2020 (2)
  • January 2020 (2)
  • December 2019 (2)
  • November 2019 (3)
  • October 2019 (2)
  • September 2019 (2)
  • August 2019 (2)
  • July 2019 (2)
  • June 2019 (3)
  • May 2019 (2)
  • April 2019 (2)
  • March 2019 (2)
  • February 2019 (2)
  • January 2019 (2)
  • December 2018 (3)
  • November 2018 (2)
  • October 2018 (2)
  • September 2018 (2)
  • August 2018 (2)
  • July 2018 (2)
  • June 2018 (3)
  • May 2018 (2)
  • April 2018 (2)
  • March 2018 (3)
  • February 2018 (1)
  • January 2018 (2)
  • December 2017 (3)
  • November 2017 (2)
  • October 2017 (2)
  • September 2017 (2)
  • August 2017 (2)
  • July 2017 (2)
  • June 2017 (3)
  • May 2017 (2)
  • April 2017 (2)
  • March 2017 (2)
  • February 2017 (2)
  • January 2017 (2)
  • December 2016 (1)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • September 2016 (3)
  • August 2016 (2)
  • July 2016 (2)
  • June 2016 (2)
  • May 2016 (2)

Follow Us

Newsletter

Popular Posts

  • A Quarter to Call Our Own
    A Quarter to Call Our Own
    Jul 14, 2018
  • 5 Things to Bring to Block Island
    5 Things to Bring to Block Island
    Jun 11, 2016
  • Winter on the Island
    Winter on the Island
    Feb 04, 2017
  • Block Island Sights You Simply Have to See
    Block Island Sights You Simply Have to See
    Apr 20, 2019
  • History of the Block Island Ferry Series: The Fleet
    History of the Block Island Ferry Series: The Fleet
    Mar 11, 2017
  • Tickets
  • calendar Schedule
  • hat Shop Gear
  • compass The Ports
  • cards Gift Cards
  • car Vehicles
  • megaphone Events

401-783-7996   •   866-783-7996 TOLL FREE info@blockislandferry.com

304 Great Island Road.   •   Narragansett RI, 02882

Sitemap     Site by GLAD WORKS

translate site with google  

Copyright © 2022 Block Island Ferry. All rights reserved.

Stay Up to Date!

Join our email list for sales & specials, safety alerts, and other updates.

Translate