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History of Nat Porter The Restaurant was built in 1795 by sea captain Samuel Martin, and includes a section dating from 1750. It remained in the family for 150 years with very few changes in style or architectural detail. During the 1930s the house was sold to a slum landlord who converted it into a 5 family tenement. At one time 2 families alone totaled 24 residents. After more than 30 years as a neglected and deteriorating tenement a fire damaged the roof so the house was abandoned. Far the next 5 years continuing rain, snow and vandalism caused extensive damage as the old house became a shambles and was condemned to demolition. But the building was still remarkably original - few changes had taken place in its woodwork in all its 200 years, so the previous owners purchased the wreck, and commenced a 6 year restoration project. Structural repairs were substantial, but antique materials were retained wherever possible. The removal of 200 years of paint and wallpaper exposed original colors and decorations that were reproduced or restored to retain authenticity. The mural in the formal parlor reproduces some 1810 wallpaper too severely damaged to restore and the stencil work in the hallway and informal parlor is a restoration of the 1795 original - very early for stencil work. All 9 fireplaces were here in 1795 although one required re-building. During the colder weather 4 or 5 are in constant use, adding warmth and cheer to wintry evenings. The extent of effort to retain authenticity is well illustrated by the entrance portico and the windows:
The Nat Porter Building is among the very finest and most authentically restored commercial colonial Buildings in Rhode Island. Nathaniel Porter was an ancestor of the owners. In 1775 he was a teen-age minuteman at Lexington and Concord, the first Battle of the American Revolution. So today we unite the past of an illustrious sea captain with the heroism of a 12 year old Boy fighting in the Revolutionary War and invite you to enjoy the ambience of a true Colonial Inn. Today the restaurant combines the very best of old New England’s heritage:
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