On the first Tuesday of every month, Woonsocket Patch readers can identify the person in a photo provided by the Woonsocket Historical Society for the chance to win a $10 gift card to Dunkin' Donuts.

Irene Blais shares the story of the individual pictured in our Feb. 7 contest.

Alphonse Gauline

I was born in Woonsocket in 1874.  I have the honor of being the only Wooonsocket mayor to be a Harvard graduate, class of 1896. I was elected Mayor in 1902 in a campaign in which I was the definite underdog candidate.  I was the youngest elected mayor at age 28.  I was mayor from 1903-1905 In 1905 I resigned as Mayor to accept an appointment by President Theodore Roosevelt as US Consul to France.

My administration as Mayor was truly memorable because of all the physical changes that took place in Woonsocket. The repaving of Clinton, Main and Cumberland Streets; the reconstruction of the Globe and South Main Street bridges; and the construction of the first Woonsocket police station were just a few of the accomplishments of my administration.

I was one of Woonsocket’s early Mayors who ushered Woonsocket into the 20th century.

There is a street named after my family and my family home still stands.

As the first person to correctly identify Mr. Gauline, Meesh has won the gift card! Please contact sandra.phaneuf@patch.com to let us know where to send your prize.