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Historic John Gladding Tin Shop & House, Bristol, Rhode Island

Located in the Bristol Waterfront Historic District, the John Gladding Tin Shop & House represent two of the few small-scale commercial buildings left on Thames Street, a once bustling area of activity with densely packed shops, warehouses, and outfitters related to maritime trade, fishing, and oyster harvesting. Referred to as the “compact part of town” in the Historical & Architectural Resources of Bristol, Rhode Island (1990), the Gladding structures remain an integral part of the historic waterfront and represent a rare glimpse into the town’s pre-industrial economy. Today, the Gladding structures stand alone, once flanked by narrow and extremely closely built shops and outbuildings toward the harbor.

Built by John Gladding III during the mid-19th century at the center of Thames Street’s commercial activity, the two buildings served as his residence and store. A well-known dealer in parlor stoves and tin roofing, Gladding also sold Japanware and tin goods advertised as “the best selected” and “ever before exhibited in Bristol.”

The first structure Gladding erected c. 1859 appears to be 205 Thames Street, a 2-1/2-story, 3-bay, end-gable-roof structure that served as his shop and residence. The second structure Gladding erected c. 1865 was 211 Thames Street, a simple 1-1/2-story 3-bay, end-gable-roof house likely used for the expansion of his business. Both structures retain many original details including exposed chaffered post and beam construction and 6/6 double-hung wood sash windows plainly trimmed. To a large degree, both structures also retain their original scale, dimensions, and openings.

Owned by the Town of Bristol, a public/private partnership was created in 2017 with a developer with historic preservation experience to restore and develop the properties. Through a long-term lease agreement with the Town, the full restoration to both buildings and development plan for adaptive re-use will eliminates blight, enhances surrounding property values, and complement the Town’s growing heritage tourism experience.