By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
Those outside of Rhode Island might not understand coffee milk, hot wieners or why it’s a sin to drink Del’s through a straw. There’s lots of things only true Rhode Islanders understand. Here are 10 things only true Rhode Islanders know about the tiny state they call home:
1. It’s not a pineapple
It’s not a pineapple that’s suspended from the iconic archway over the entrance to Federal Hill in Providence…it’s actually LaPigna, which means “pinecone” in Italian. The pinecone is a traditional Italian symbol of abundance and quality.
2. His name isn’t “The Big Blue Bug”
Though he may be the mascot of Big Blue Bug Solutions, the oversize insect commonly called “The Big Blue Bug” has a real name: Nibbles Woodaway! Nibbles is technically a bright blue eastern subterranean termite. He’s been sitting atop the building off I-95 since 1980 and is 58 feet long, 9 feet tall and weighs 4,000 pounds.
3. Rocky Point had a saltwater pool
If you aren’t old enough to remember – or weren’t lucky enough to have visited – Rocky Point Amusement Park had a salt water swimming pool dating back to the 1930’s. Pumps brought in salt water from Narragansett Bay, which was filtered before being pumped out into the pool. Sadly, the pool was filled-in and paved-over in the latter years of the park.
4. It’s a Wimpy Skippy
It’s not a “Wimpy Skimpy.” And if you know how it’s actually pronounced, you’re probably well-versed in what’s inside a Wimpy Skippy. Caserta’s famous concoction is a spinach pie stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni and black olives. Yum!
5. People still live in The Breakers mansion
Well, maybe not year-round, but great-grandchildren and relatives of Cornelius Vanderbilt II still spend time during the summer on the third floor of The Breakers mansion in Newport. The rest of the mansion is open for tours, but the third floor is kept private for the Vanderbilts.
6. Brown University used to be RIC
It’s true: What we now know as Brown University used to be Rhode Island College. Founded in 1764 in Warren, Brown was originally named “College of Rhode Island.” It was renamed in 1804 in recognition of a $5,000 gift from Nicholas Brown. It moved to its current spot in Providence in 1770.
7. The Superman Building has no connection to Superman
The tallest building in Providence sits at 111 Westminster Street. Commonly called “The Superman Building” for its resemblance to the Daily Planet building in the “Superman” comics, the 26-story building was not actually the inspiration for the cartoon skyscraper. The creator’s is said to have modeled the Daily Planet off the old Toronto Star building.
8. There’s a vampire buried in Rhode Island
Believe what you will, but the tale of Mercy Brown is one many Rhode Islander’s have heard. Rumored to have been a vampire after many of her relatives died, Mercy is buried in Exeter and her grave is a popular (spooky) spot to visit.
9. A Brown grad is the voice of Siri
When you talk to your iPhone, the friendly female voice that responds belongs to Brown University grad Susan Bennett. Bennett graduated from Brown in 1971 and has provided her velvety voice to dozens of other companies.
10. There’s a big old house built on a rock
Called “Clingstone,” this massive home sits atop a rock off the coast of Jamestown. The three-story, 23-room house gets a healthy dose of sea spray and boasts panoramic views of Jamestown and Newport. You can read all about it here.
What other Ocean State facts do only true Rhode Islanders know? Leave them in the comments below!
