Roger W. Wheeler State Beach History

 

ACREAGE: 27 Acres

DATE STATE ACQUIRED: 1929

PREVIOUS OWNERS: John Bull (a Tory)

ORIGIN OF NAME: The beach was renamed in grateful remembrance in 1970 by the people of the State of Rhode Island for Captain Roger W. Wheeler (1907-1969) who developed the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System.

OTHER NAMES: Sand Hill Cove (prior to 1970)

DEDICATION CEREMONY: August 15, 1970

GENERAL HISTORY: The Tory and Wig Parties were in constant conflict with Parliament in England during the American Revolution on the mid 1700's. The two parties alternated between power in Parliament and also in the colonies. In the middle to late 1700's the land was confiscated by the State. In 1935 it was transferred by the Secretary of State from the Metropolitan Park Commission to the Department of Agriculture and Conservation, Division of Forest, Parks and Parkways. Then in 1949 to the Division of Parks and Recreation and Department of Transportation. Later in 1965 it was transferred to the Department of Natural Resources which, in 1975 became the Department of Environmental Management. After much litigation with the heirs and with about ninety "squatters" who had built summer homes along the waterfront, title was finally cleared in 1943, and a large modern bathhouse and parking facilities were constructed between 1955 and 1956. In 1977 a 160 foot ramp that extends from the parking lot to the beach was built for handicapped people so that they may enjoy the beach. In 1979 another 160 foot ramp was constructed on the opposite side of the bathhouse also to help the handicapped.

RECENT HISTORY: In October of 1996, demolition of the "modern bathhouse" built in 1955 began, and soon after, construction of a new facility. The new bathhouse, a $1.3 million building, was officially opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 21, 1997. Funding for the new facility came partially through state financing and partially through the National Park Service. Architectural designs are by William L. Burgin, Inc., and the construction of the building was performed by Berkshire Construction Services. The new pavilion, which was specifically designed for ease in maintenance, has such modern amenities as: special doors which won't rust or corrode, aluminum and stainless steel hardware, aluminum grates at bathhouse entrances to prevent sand-clogged drains, heavy-duty barn like doors used to close off sections that are not in use, modern men's and women's bathhouses with coin-operated hot showers, a playground, concession building, lifeguard tower, and naturalist area.