Back in the Day

The call of the saloon

By KELLY SULLIVAN
Posted 2/19/20

By KELLY SULLIVAN In 1885, the Hand Rock House stood along Pontiac Avenue in Cranston. A multi-level structure with a saloon down below, it beckoned to those who just couldn't say no to the liquor habit. Mold-maker Thomas Borden heard the call. The

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Back in the Day

The call of the saloon

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In 1885, the Hand Rock House stood along Pontiac Avenue in Cranston. A multi-level structure with a saloon down below, it beckoned to those who just couldn’t say no to the liquor habit.

Mold-maker Thomas Borden heard the call. The 45-year-old resided in Cranston with his wife, Ellen, and their four children, the oldest being 7 years old.

The son of Frederick Borden and Clarissa (Sherman), he had served in the military during the Civil War as a member of the 5th Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers as well as Hancock’s Veterans Corps.

On March 23, Borden had gone to his brother and asked for a loan of $100, supposedly to purchase a team of horses so that he might go into business for himself. His brother gave him the money and it was later thought he used the funds to finance a drinking spree two days later.

Along with three friends, an intoxicated Borden entered the Hand Rock House around midnight on March 25. Finding business taking place as usual but the owner not around, the men decided to pilfer a few items. There in the saloon, several men and women were present who warned Borden and his pals against the theft.

A fight ensued and the violent tirade went on for nearly 45 minutes while Borden and his crew assaulted not only the men but the women as well. Finally, one of the house regulars, a carpenter named James Burbank, left the room and went up the stairs. When he returned to the saloon, he was carrying a double-barreled shotgun.

Borden lunged toward him and attempted to grab the gun away. During the struggle, the weapon went off, sending a bullet into the left side of Borden’s body.

A physician was sent for at once. After examining the wound, he concluded that there was little which could be done as the damage was fatal. Twelve hours later, Borden died from the effects of the injury.

Burbank was arrested and charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty and stated that he was in the act of self-defense when the victim was shot.

Borden was laid to rest in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Pawtucket, that final call to imbibing having cost him his life.

Kelly Sullivan is a Rhode Island columnist, lecturer and author.

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