Guide to the Cumberland Pennysaver Collection, 1956-1962
(bulk 1956-1957)
Cumberland Public Library, Reference Department
Cumberland Public Library
1464 Diamond Hill Rd
Cumberland, RI 02864
Telephone: 401-333-2552
Email: reference@cumberlandlibrary.org
Published in 2025
Collection Overview
| Title: | Cumberland Pennysaver Collection |
| Date range: | 1956-1962, (bulk 1956-1957) |
| Creator: | Simpson, Robert V. |
| Extent: | 0.42 linear feet |
| Abstract: | This collection consists of newspaper clippings, complete editions of the Cumberland Pennysaver, and typewritten copies of the “Cumberland History” column written by Robert “Bob” V. Simpson. |
| Language of materials: | English |
| Repository: | Cumberland Public Library, Reference Department |
| Collection number: | CPL002 |
Scope & content
The contents of this collection have been assembled and acquired by Arnold Mills Public Library Director, Martha Bullard, librarian Mildred Waterman, and the staff of the now closed Arnold Mills Public Library in Cumberland, Rhode Island.Access Points
Subject Names Subject Topics Geographical Names- Cumberland (R.I. : Town)
- Nine Men's Misery
- Grant's Mills
- Cumberland Hill
- Tower Hill
- Diamond Hill
- Arnolds Mills
- Abbott Run
- Chapel Four Corners
- Ashton
- Razee Neighborhood
- Sneech Pond
- Robin Hollow
Arrangement
- Series 1. Newspaper Clippings
- Subseries A. "Cumberland History" Clippings
- Subseries B. "Down Memory Lane" by Charles H. Leach
- Subseries C. Undated and incomplete clippings
- Series 2. Cumberland Pennysaver Complete Issues
- Subseries A. Volume II
- Subseries B. Volume III
- Subseries C. Unknown and undated complete issues
- Series 3. Typed Copies of the "Cumberland History" Column
Biographical/Historical Note
Robert “Bob” V. Simpson (1921-2004) was an author, teacher, and Rhode Island historian, perhaps best known for writing and publishing "North Cumberland a History" in 1975. He was also a past member of the Rhode Island Library Association, the first president of the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, and co-founder of the weekly newspaper, the Cumberland Pennysaver.Access & Use
| Access to the collection: | Items in this collection are open to researchers by appointment only. |
| Use of the materials: | Though the Cumberland Public Library physically owns the items in this collection, researchers are responsible for determining any copyright restrictions. |
| Preferred citation: | Item title, Cumberland Pennysaver Collection, Cumberland Public Library |
| Contact information: | Cumberland Public Library, Reference Department Cumberland Public Library 1464 Diamond Hill Rd Cumberland, RI 02864 Telephone: 401-333-2552 Email: reference@cumberlandlibrary.org |
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION | |
| Acquisition: | The contents of this collection have been assembled and acquired by Arnold Mills Public Library Director, Martha Bullard, librarian Mildred Waterman, and the staff of the now closed Arnold Mills Public Library in Cumberland, Rhode Island. |
| Accruals: | Accruals are not expected. |
| Processing information: | Clippings, complete editions, and typewritten copies of the “Cumberland History” column were removed from construction paper mounted binder sleeves and placed in folders. |
| ABOUT THE FINDING AID | |
| Author: | Finding aid prepared by Zoe Hammond |
| Encoding: | This finding aid was produced using the RIAMCO EAD spreadsheet, 2025 May 19 |
| Descriptive rules: | Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) |
Additional Information
| Alternative guide: | Printed finding aids are available at the Reference Desk. |
Inventory
Series 1. Newspaper Clippings
A collection of clippings from the Pennysaver, specifically of Robert V. Simpson's "Cumberland History" column. This column covered various facets of Cumberland history, including points of interest, profiles of town neighborhoods, and biographies of some of the town's founding families.
Series 1. Subseries A. "Cumberland History" Clippings, 1956 March 22-1956 September 22
48 items
Box 9, Folder 1-5
Series 1. Subseries B. "Down Memory Lane" by Charles H. Leach, 1962 January 13
1 item
Box 9, Folder 6
Series 1. Subseries C. Undated and incomplete clippings, Undated
Box 9, Folder 7
Series 2. Cumberland Pennysaver Complete Issues
A collection of complete issues of the Cumberland Pennysaver. Covers local news, local businesses and advertisements… Missing vol. 1.
Series 2. Subseries A. Volume II, 1956 April 12-1956 December 13
44 items
Box 9, Folder 10-17
Missing #1-13, 15, 16, 20, 21, 35, and 36
Series 2. Subseries B. Volume III, 1957 January 10-1957 March 21
8 items
Box 9, Folder 18-20
Missing # 3, 7, 8
Series 2. Subseries C. Unknown and undated complete issues, Undated
3 items
Box 9, Folder 21
Series 3. Typed Copies of the "Cumberland History" Column
A collection of typed transcribed copies of the "Cumberland History" column
| Container | Description | Date |
| Box 9, Folder 22 | #30: The Lovett Tavern 1 item |
1956 October 25 |
| Box 9, Folder 23 | Unknown #: Nine Men's Misery 1 item |
Undated |
| Box 9, Folder 24 | #31: The Ballou Family in Ashton 1 item |
1956 November 1 |
| Box 9, Folder 25 | #32: Ashton Village 1 item |
1956 November 8 |
| Box 9, Folder 26 | #33 and #34: The Razee Neighborhood Parts 1 and 2 2 items |
1956 November 15 and 1956 November 22 |
| Box 9, Folder 27 | #35: The Scott Family 1 item |
1956 November 29 |
| Box 9, Folder 28 | #36: The Staples Family of Old Sneach Pond Road 1 item |
1956 December 6 |
| Box 9, Folder 29 | #37: The Dexter Family in Lonsdale 1 item |
1956 December 13 |
| Box 9, Folder 30 | #38: Cumberland in 1756 1 item |
1956 December 20 |
| Box 9, Folder 31 | #39: Robin Hollow or Cumberland Mills 1 item |
1957 January 10 |
| Box 9, Folder 32 | #40: “From a Brochure Advertising the Sale of Cumberland Mills” 1 item |
1957 January 17 |
| Box 9, Folder 33 | #41: “The Dexter Family in Cumberland” 1 item |
1957 January 31 |