Welcome to Constance Witherby Park, a serene historic space nestled in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island. This park, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, is not only a place of natural beauty but also a tribute to the poignant story of a young girl named Constance Witherby.
The park was donated in 1929 by Mr. and Mrs. S. Foster Hunt, in memory of Constance, Mrs. Hunt’s daughter from her first marriage. Constance Witherby lived a short but vibrant life, tragically passing away at the age of 15 due to heart failure while climbing in the Swiss Alps. Her spirit, however, has been immortalized in this park, initially through a remarkable sculpture, ‘A Memorial to Young Womanhood,’ by the artist Gail Sherman Corbett.
Ernest K. Thomas, the then-Superintendent of Parks, took charge of landscaping this beautiful area, creating a peaceful environment filled with lush trees and inviting benches. Though the original sculpture was removed towards the end of the 20th century due to vandalism and later relocated to Blackstone Boulevard, its memory still lingers here, echoing Constance’s youthful vitality.
Constance was not only adventurous but also creative. Her poetry, published posthumously in a collection titled ‘Sunshine & Stardust,’ captures her love for nature and adventure. Her words, engraved on the sculpture, continue to inspire visitors to this day.
As you walk through the park, imagine the vibrant life Constance led and the legacy of youth and adventure she left behind. Her story is a reminder of the fleeting yet impactful nature of youth. The park, with its quiet pathways and towering trees, offers a space for reflection and connection with the past, a vital part of Providence’s living history.
