Providence’s Subway Dream: A Century After Plans Were Derailled
In January 1913, Providence, Rhode Island, was a city brimming with ambition. Mayor Joseph Gainer took office with a vision to modernize and alleviate the growing congestion on its streets, caused by a mix of streetcars, horses, pedestrians, and the emerging automobile. Inspired by Boston’s successful subway system, city leaders enthusiastically embraced the idea of a similar project for Providence, even commissioning detailed subway maps.
The Early Plans
Mayor Joseph Henry Gainer, who served seven terms from 1913 to 1927, was a key champion of the subway project. Gainer envisioned a modern transportation system that would propel Providence forward. The initial plans aimed to address the city’s increasing traffic problems and accommodate a growing population.
The East Side Transit Tunnel and the Derailment
Whereas the ambitious plans never fully materialized into a comprehensive subway system, one significant piece was completed: the East Side Transit Tunnel. However, the broader project was ultimately “derailed,” leading to a shift in transportation priorities. The Providence Journal details how this decision continues to affect the city today.
Joseph H. Gainer’s Life and Career
Born in Providence on January 18, 1878, Joseph Henry Gainer came from humble beginnings. His parents, John and Margaret (Keogh) Gainer, were Irish immigrants who ran a grocery store in the city’s North End. Gainer received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 1899 and a law degree from the Catholic University of America in 1902. He practiced law in Providence before entering politics.
Before becoming mayor, Gainer served on the Providence School Committee in 1902 and as a councilman two years later, eventually becoming an alderman in 1908. He married Christina McPherson in 1915, and they had three children: Christine, Margaret, and Joseph. He passed away on December 15, 1945, at the age of 67.
Later Life and Family
Gainer’s daughter, Christine Gainer, passed away in Charlestown, Massachusetts, in January 2007. Her obituary notes her connection to her father, the former Mayor of Providence.
A Lost Opportunity?
The story of Providence’s abandoned subway plans serves as a reminder of the choices that shape a city’s development. The decision to prioritize highways over a subway system continues to be a topic of discussion and analysis, as the city grapples with modern transportation challenges.