Central Falls Scavenger Hunt

#1. What is the name of the oldest health care provider in Central Falls?

The oldest health care provider is Notre Dame Hospital on Broad Street. It used to be a fully functional hospital for years until it merged with Memorial Hospital of Pawtucket, RI, and now acts as an urgent care center. Did you know you could distinguish a city from a town in Rhode Island by looking to see who has a hospital? Yes, if the location has a hospital, it is officially considered a city. 

#4. How many schools are in the city? Colleges and Universities?

There are 6 schools in the Central Falls School Department, and they are--Captain Hunt Learning (PK), Margaret Robertson Elementary, Ella Risk Elementary, Veterans Memorial Elementary, Calcutt Middle School, and Central Falls High School.

#6. Where is the satellite office of one of the oldest Child Welfare agencies in the city?

The name is Children's Friend, and is located on 621 Dexter Street. Not only is it the oldest Child Welfare agency in the city, but also it is the oldest in the entire state. 

#8. Central Falls Post Office

#8. Is there a post office in town?

Yes, of course there is a post office in town, and it can be found on busy Dexter Street. 

#9. Is there a fire station? A Police Station How are fire emergencies handled? What crime statistics are available for the community?

Emergencies are handled by dialing 9-1-1. Okay, so that was a no brainer, but Central Falls does have a police station and a fire station, side by side. Even though, Central Falls is only a square mile big, it is still considered a city, so they obviously have a fully functional police and fire department. Crime statistics can be obtained at the police station, or by obviously using a computer. 

#12. The back entrance to Jenk's Park

#12. Are there public parks?

Yes, and there's a lot more than I expected. Central Falls is home to Jenk's Park, River Island Park, Peirce Park, and Lewis and Hunt Park. It sounds like residents have plenty of options. 

#18. What is the major religion in the city/town?

#18. Holy Trinity Complex (St. Matthews)

The major religion, in Central Falls, is Roman Catholic, and there are many churches within the city. The churches include, Holy Spirit Parish (formerly known as St. Matthew's Church), New Life Church, Holy Trinity Complex, Holy Cross Catholic Church, and Bible Baptist Church.

#22. The first mayor looks down from his perch as students come into the school.

Well, the first mayor of Central Falls is Charles Moies who was elected in 1895. I was trying to capture a picture of this mayor, but I could not find him. Maybe, I wasn't looking hard enough, but I am just going to assume he took a much-needed vacation. 

#24. There are three professional baseball players from Central Falls. Name them.

Who knew Central Falls was so famous? I love it! It makes me proud to be a very close neighbor to this incredible city. The three professional baseball players from Central Falls are Max Surkont, who is most notable for his time with the Milwaukee Braves. Then there is Jim Siwy who actually played baseball for Central Falls High School before making it to the Chicago White Sox. Finally there is Charley Bassett who made it big back in the late 1800's, definitely old school.

#26. Cogswell's Tower

#26. Becoming wealthy during the Gold Rush of 1849, she remembered her hometown and donated $50,000 to build the most recognizable feature in the city. Everyone knows who she is and can see her donation...time after time. 

The monument is called the Cogswell Tower named after Caroline Cogswell. First of all, $50,000 was probably an insane amount of money in the 1800s, and to build a giant clock like that only means that Cogswell's pockets must have been pretty deep. 

Reflection:
      I actually found myself enjoying this scavenger hunt. Growing up as a Pawtucket native, Central Falls was always the city over the bridge, but after completing this assignment, I have grown to appreciate the smallest city in the country, a tremendous amount more.  I learned that every city has rich history, and Central Falls, especially, is bursting with legacy and culture.  While partaking in this Scavenger Hunt, I kept thinking about my city and history and landmarks within it. I realized that this history has somehow been woven into my upbringing, whether it was school field trips to Slater Mill, or enjoying a sunny day at Slater Park. The same applies to the residents of Central Falls, especially those that have been there for so long. This place means something to them, much more than just a residency. It is where memories can be created. It is this aspect that leads me to my questions. I want to know where people hang out, or what the people really think about the giant clock propped upon the hill, next to the high school. What emotions/memories do these places and monuments evoke? This scavenger will definitely help me in my career as a future teacher because it has taught me that I need to get to know the city/town in which I am teaching. This will help me better understand my students and the place that I will have to call my educational home. It will help understand the community.