History
WHO KNEW?
On Oct. 29, 1921, twenty residents in the Laurel Park Plat formed an organization that was composed mostly of landowners from Pawtucket who made Warren their summer home. This group worked with the town to bring in water and electricity. The assets were a playground, casino and a beach pavilion.
Three people among the twenty were Chester N. Morrill, Samuel H. Winterbottom and Fred England who went on to form a corporation four years later on June 5th, 1925 with Daniel J. Larson and Lottie H. MacDougall.
These visionary individuals agreed to associate themselves to form a corporation for the purpose of “promoting the interests of the community known as Laurel Park on the Kickemuit River, in the town of Warren, Rhode Island”. A fee of $5.00 was paid to the Office of the General Treasurer on June 1, 2025 for purposes of incorporation.
The Office of the Secretary of State of Rhode Island officially stamped the Articles of Association on June 8, 1925 creating a “non business” corporate entity called Laurel Park Improvement Association. See the Original Articles of Association here.
Today, LPIA is classified as a Domestic Non-Profit Corporation that is considered a civic and social organization. LPIA is a private association; donations are not tax deductible.
Hurry Up and Sleuth!
Calling all keepers of historical facts, figures and photographs documenting the Laurel Park Improvement Association over the years. Please dig into your old boxes, filing cabinets and albums so we can add to a new 100th image gallery and/or a display for the 100th Anniversary Celebration on July 3rd, 2025. Stroll down Memory Lane through the eyes of Ken Morrill (story courtesy of Maureen Khung and Peggy O’Neil)
Oldest known "Constitution and Bylaws" booklet
Fun Facts
Minutes from June Meeting 1935:
A motion was made to write a letter of complaint to the Chief of Police regarding foreigners who have been seen clamming in the nude on our beach.
Net profit made at July 4th Social Held at Kickemuit River: Chowder and Lollipops, Cake, Ice Cream, Frankfurts, Rolls, Clam Cakes and Lemonade... $40.48
Mrs. Jasper Achorn and Mrs. Charles MacDougall decorated the Casino with autumn foliage, corn stalks and softened the lights, lending an eerie atmosphere for the trick-or-treaters who entered...
October 3rd - Burning of Mortgage of Casino and Bean Supper
LPIA celebrates 20 years from its founding on October 29, 1921.
In 1937-1938, the LPIA was managed by 5 officers and 10 subcommittees, including groups for sports and history.
Entry from a Receipts & Expenditures Report 1958-1959: Dues per household: $5.00.
Entry from the Constitution and Bylaws dated 1970: There will an initiation fee of $2.