Architecture ~ the Spite Tower ~ Little Compton
4 Old Harbor Rd.
In the village of Adamsville in Little Compton is a three-story tower with a questionable past.
Not too very questionable, but mythology and rumor surround its construction.
Built in 1905 by the Hathaway family (who lived in the nearby Church house), it's said the "Spite Tower" was placed in its location in order to block their neighbor's view from his house to his store.
Shopkeeper John Manfield would be signaled to come home from his store for meals by a white handkerchief hung in a window from his house. Whether deliberate or not, the Spite Tower blocked his view.
Nobody seems to know why the Hathaways would have built the tower for that purpose. The most likely reason makes the most sense: There's a well underneath the tower and it served as a combination water tower and chauffer's residence.
Nevertheless, it's a curious bit of local lore, and has its place in online folklore culture:
New England Legends Podcast (episode dated 3/2/2023)
Rhode Tour
Comments
Post a Comment
I love to hear your thoughts! Chime in below.