Inductees from 1969

Joanne Carner (1939-)
Categories: Sports - Golf, Women

Joanne Carner was a five time national women's amateur golf champion, and won the Rhode Island title three times, as well as the New England and Eastern championships. She also won a professional-amateur tournament that included most of the top women professionals in the field. She is thought to be the best female golfer in the world. Read more >
Van Johnson (1916-2008)
Categories: Theater, TV & Radio

Van Johnson, 1916-2008, a native of Newport and graduate of Rogers High School tried selling real estate for his dad, but after a year he departed for New York, where he eventually landed a part in a Broadway musical. After his role in "Pal Joey", he was signed to a Hollywood contract by an MGM executive who saw this redheaded, freckled face Rhode Islander as the star with a long succession of outstanding roles. He did a turn on the vaudeville circuit, starred in television guest spots and numerous films. Read more >
Dr. Joseph H. Ladd (1876-1974)
Categories: Education & Universities, Medicine & Health Care

Dr. Joseph Ladd was first superintendent of the Exeter School for the Mentally Handicapped, of which he was superintendent for more than fifty years, until his retirement in 1956. He gained a national reputation in the field of intellectual disabilities for his vision and improved methods of care. Read more >
Mr. & Mrs. Austin T. Levy (1880-1971)
Categories: Industry - Textiles, Philanthropists

Austin Levy was a successful textile manufacturer, and his gracious wife, June (Rockwell) Levy, was known as the "First Lady of Burrillville" Their philanthropic interest played a major role in the development of their town. Through their gifts the town gained its' Town Hall, the Harrisville Assembly Theater Building, a library, a post office, the Harrisville Courthouse, two school buildings, and an indoor hockey rink. Read more >
Chris Schenckel (1923-2005)
Categories: Sports - Other, TV & Radio

Chris Schenkel, 1923-2005, was Sports Director for the American Broadcast Corporation. He got his real start in sportscasting in Rhode Island after World War II, working at WFCI and WEAN. He did local radio and called the Thoroughbred horse races at Narragansett Park for six years. His work here was recognized by the Columbia Broadcasting Company and he became the ace sports announcer for that network. Read more >
Dr. Mary T. Thorp
Categories: Education & Universities, Medicine & Health Care
Dr. Mary Thorp was an educator, lecturer, and author, and became a First Distinguished Professor at Rhode Island College. She began her teaching career in Hopkington, then taught in Westerly, and served as Principal in Jamestown. A former director of Henry Barnard School and President of the Rhode Island Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease Association. Read more >
George H. Utter (1854-1912)
Categories: Literature / Writers / Newspapers

George Herbert Utter, 1854-1912, established the Westerly Sun, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in August 1969. It publishes the only Sunday afternoon paper in the United States - a custom which stems from the fact that he was a deacon in the Pawcatuck Seventh Day Baptist Church.

He served Rhode Island in the General Assembly, was Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor and Governor. He died in office while serving as Representative from the Second District of Rhode Island in the U. Read more >

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Inductees from 1969

Joanne Carner (1939-)

Van Johnson (1916-2008)

Dr. Joseph H. Ladd (1876-1974)

Mr. & Mrs. Austin T. Levy (1880-1971)

Chris Schenckel (1923-2005)

Dr. Mary T. Thorp

George H. Utter (1854-1912)

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