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"In the Arena:" A Concerned American.

Aram Pothier's Mansion Should Be Saved

It has been on the market for months.   The once elegant residence on Pond Street in Woonsocket - the "mansion" of Rhode Island's most popular and most elected governor, Aram J. Pothier.

The home has undergone two near misses since the late Dr. Paul Aubuchon's passing.  First as a rooming house for the workers at a Chinese restaurant and most recently as a gift shop for a nonprofit group, the house should be a museum dedicated to so many things: Pothier of course, industry, political science, international business, good government - all associated with the Canadian immigrant who went from teller to president of the same bank.

These are difficult times for Woonsocket.  Many of us still take pride in our city on the Blackstone.  A Pothier Museum or Institute would add to the luster of our city much like the Museum of Work and Culture or the Stadium Theater.

Think about it.  This is the man who no one has come close to matching at the ballot box or in terms of foreign investment.

Vive Pothier!  Vive Woonsocket!!

Rene M. Lafayette

5:16 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012

According to information obtained from zillow.com, the asking price is $94k.

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Memere

8:38 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012

I agree. This mansion should be saved and should be a museum. Other communities save such properties but Woonsocket unfortunately does not. Perhaps if we did they would become tourist attractions to our city. We have lost a great deal in this city, I hope we don't lose yet another historical building.

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Rene M. Lafayette

7:20 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Merci Memere,
your comments are on target! There are so many treasures lost...often for no valid reason. Let's unite and make this a reality!

English first

9:46 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012

I am surprised the Woonsocket Historical Society isn't publicizing this.

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Former Woonsocket Resident

9:14 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The state of Rhode Island should consider the Residency Curator program that other states are now using. In MA, historical homes are being restored to their former glory at no cost to the state at all. The find someone that has the means, ability, and desire to restore the mansion. They give this person a 25 year "rental" lease for $0 per month. The "leasee" signs an agreement to restore the mansion. MA, CT, DE, and MD all have such programs that are turning out to be very successful.

russell archambault

10:33 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

the historical society under new leadership wanted to try to get their head quarters on hamlet.in the old brick building that is front of the new middle school. it was too difficult for them to take on this task to restore. maybe they can try again with new folks that have a little more expertise in the field of resoration projects. i think the idea on lease agreement is is a great idea. the mansion or whats left of it in its former grandeur may in this case unfortunately not work. its been pretty much torn up in there. in any case it would be nice to help the historical society get their feet well established. then 10 of thousands of historical items,artifacts, documents,photos, including pothiers personal items, that are being stored in many secret locations could be shown to the public.a complete history of woonsocket since the beginning could be explained. if someone really wants to donate their time this would be a worthy cause. i now have a lot of respect for those who work hard for the society, and the museum. thanks to all. god bless

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russell archambault

7:15 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

RENE; im so glad that you got some of pothier's collection. i was there that night. ive seen other items float around in other auctions and got some of them. maybe its still together in a unique way. i mentioned that the building has been torn up.but just to make sure you know that im not against saving it for woonsocket.

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Rene M. Lafayette

7:16 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The year was 2002. A friend and I were visiting the former Coyle's Auction House, then located on Pulaski Blvd in Bellingham. To my amazement there before me was a copy of the official portrait of Governor Aram J. Pothier that I had seen for years at the State House in Providence. This was the "family copy" by the same artist. Poking around I found more and more artifacts, jewelry, clothing, documents, silver, crystal photographs, etc... of Pothier. I contacted the Museum of Work and Culture but was told "we don't have any money for acquisitions." Later that evening I attended the auction and purchased several items that collectively make up the largest collection of Pothier items. This would be a shame if this opportunity passes. I disagree that the mansion is beyond saving. A few years ago the American French Genealogical Society of Woonsocket, in October 2010 inducted Pothier into their "Hall of Fame." I was asked to represent him and lent some of my collection for a display. In prepared remarks, before a sympathetic audience, I threw the challenge of honoring the memory of the single greatest benefactor of Woonsocket. He brought millions in foreign investment that in turn made Woonsocket the textile capital of the world. Perhaps I will post my speech. This can be done. Is there the interest Woonsocket? Should we have a public meeting? Who would come? Will you???

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newresident

1:38 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

I was surprised to recently learn the history behind this house I've passed so many times. While I agree that a museum would be fitting is there sufficient funds to 1. restore the property, and 2. to sustain it. Perhaps there could be some additional uses to generate income. Just wondering what your proposal is and whether there is any news on the property. It appears that the listing is down and maybe the house went to auction? Appears pretty empty.

Rene M. Lafayette

7:18 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

In the entrance of Woonsocket High School is a plaque containing the quote by George Santayna: "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it." Think about it.

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Mew

8:28 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Having lived across the street from the Pothier Home for many years ( 40) I would love to see somthing done with this great house. when the Cavedon Family lived in the home i was invited to visit many times. this home is just a wonderful place and should be preserved. I don't know what is wrong with this city!! We destroy all the great landmarks in Woon.!! Just ask Larry Poitras!!!!

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Rene M. Lafayette

7:06 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Enough is enough! Fellow readers of the Patch, if you can provide more responses to this story, I will host a public meeting to discuss this situation and resolution. This is too important to let it go.....unless you are so apathetic to let it. Looking forward to more comments.

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Rene M. Lafayette

7:11 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Can't you imagine it? Representatives from France, Belgium and the US descend on Woonsocket. Their purpose? To honor the Governor, Aram J. Pothier. He managed the investment of millions (back then) of European textile dollars that resulted in the leap forward of Woonsocket. Pothier is the father of the RI State Police and more.....This deserves to be recognized. Fellow citizens, join me and make a difference.

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newresident

1:20 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Just wondering whatever became of this. Online there was some loose eference to auction proceedings on the property. It appears somewhat abandoned at this point.

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Rene M. Lafayette

1:31 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thank you for the inquiry. I don't know what has happened to the Mansion. I know that the "for sale" sign is removed but otherwise???? This is a sad situation for our city.....

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newresident

1:50 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

There are a few photos online on zillow apparently from when the house went on sale. While hardly a complete view of the house it seems to be fairly well kept. I would hope that it doesn't end up in a demolition pile with so many of the other historic buildings in the city.

Rene M. Lafayette

2:07 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

The interior was in great condition when the Aubuchons' owned it. I believe that in one of Dr. Thomas' books about Woonsocket there was reference to the curved glass doors of the living room being based on either the White House or Versailles. Do you think there is enough interest to save/preserve this landmark?

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newresident

2:57 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

I'd like to say yes but I'm not certain that is the case. I wonder if the local school system even teaches much in the way of local history. If there's something which can be done I would be interested.

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English first

2:17 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012

Perhaps pur local historians can teach a roving class, from school to school about the architectural history of Woonsocket using a computer slide show.

Rene M. Lafayette

3:42 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Over the years, Woonsocket HS had a great Social Studies elective called "Woonsocket History." As one of my teachers used to say (when I took the course nearly - gasp - 40 years ago.. "national history is local history, somewhere." I don't know if it is still offered. In any event, I would like to see if there is enough interest to move on this. Your thoughts? I believe you can message me if you prefer. Thanks

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newresident

12:54 pm on Monday, October 15, 2012

Rene, I posted to you "board" - appears my comments are still "pending approval"

newresident

2:00 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012

The mansion is back on the market this time asking 85k.

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russell archambault

2:47 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012

Outside vinyl siding and many changes. Inside, what a mess, very little historical significance. Too bad. Another Woonsocket failure.

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