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The Westerly Historical Society

Prominent Westerly Personalities

We Preserve Memories of the Past

Web master: Susan Cline

Donald R. Bonner

Carved in Stone and Woven Forever into

the Fabric of Westerly, Rhode Island

Donald R. Bonner, Westerly native, college graduate, veteran, civic leader, elected government official, businessman, and volunteer, died on December 11, 2002. As a recognized historian and lecturer, he was particularly interested in the development of the Pawcatuck River, the Pequot War and the life of Thomas Stanton.

During his tenure as President of the Westerly Historical Society (1975-1977), he oversaw the revision of the 1913 Constitution and By-laws. One enacted change stated that prospective members no longer had to be individually affirmed before membership was extended. Additionally, the dues structure was amended to allow larger and more regular contributions. To be collected annually, individual dues were set at $5.00 while the sustaining level was placed at $10.00.

With the renovation and opening of Westerly’s Museum House, he helped foster and maintain a solid relationship between the Babcock-Smith House and its docents, the Orlando R. Smith Trust, and the Westerly Historical Society.

In January 1976, the first issue of the newsletter was published and mailed to all members. The following, taken from the Publication’s Committee Report, observed….’Although it contains only one page, it has been well received and has proven to be highly informative’……

Perhaps President Bonner’s greatest accomplishment was his carefully organized and maintained binder with documents that addressed the Westerly Historical Society’s publications, correspondence, treasurer’s accounts, and reports from the Babcock-Smith House. It’s a lasting legacy which provides an open view of our recent past.