Old Stone Bank, Providence

The Old Stone Bank, formally known as the Providence Institution for Savings, was founded in 1819 as a mutual savings bank. Unlike traditional banks, it had no stockholders or capital stock and was managed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. It initially shared space with the Providence Bank, maintaining a close connection while remaining a separate entity.

In 1854, the bank erected its signature domed building on South Main Street. This grand granite structure, topped by a green copper dome with gold-leaf accents, quickly became a recognizable Providence landmark.

By the early 1970s, the bank embraced a playful side by introducing Fred Flintstone as its mascot. In television commercials, Fred enthusiastically declared, 鈥淵abba-dabba-doo, love that Old Stone Bank!鈥� Even its ATMs got in on the fun, nicknamed 鈥淩eady Freddy.鈥�

However, the bank鈥檚 fortunes turned in the 1980s after it took over two failing savings and loan institutions at the federal government鈥檚 request. The financial strain proved overwhelming, and in 1993, the Office of Thrift Supervision declared the bank insolvent. The following year, it was acquired by Citizens Bank.

Since the bank鈥檚 closure, its original South Main Street building has undergone several transformations. In 2014, there was even a proposal to transform the historic structure into a single-family residence, highlighting its suitability for adaptive reuse.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Old Stone Bank
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Providence Historical Buildings Tour

Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island

Create Your Own Walk in Providence

Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Providence Introduction Walking Tour

Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England鈥檚 oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy鈥攈ence the name 鈥淧rovidence.鈥� Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Brown University Walking Tour

Chief among the iconic landmarks contributing to the cultural atmosphere of Providence, Rhode Island, is Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1764, this is the seventh-oldest university in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.

Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Providence Historical Buildings Tour

A beautiful city on the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is nearly as old as the United States themselves 鈥� founded in 1636. As such, the city has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks worth checking out that tell the story of its past.

Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

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