Frederick J. Benson

1995

Frederick J. Benson, Doer, Centenarian, "If our humble little state has ever brought forth a true celebrity, it is that of Fred Benson, long resident and devoted public servant of Block Island. To his adopted home he would give a lifetime of labor and love. Fred became a fisherman, a baseball player and coach and worked as the deputy registrar of motor vehicles. Many would seek and acknowledge his wise counsel, as did URI in giving him an honorary doctorate degree, and he has also been inducted into the Heritage Hall of Fame. Most notably, with his winnings from the state lottery in 1976, Fred set up a scholarship fund for island residents to go off to college. The generosity wisdom and warmth of Fred Benson is legendary," from "Remarkable People: Rhode Island Family Album, 1993-1995, Photographs and writings by Stephan Brigidi, a publication and exhibition at the Newport Art Museum, April 6-June 2, 1996. Also exhibited in Image and Innovation, Fall 2012

Rhode Island

Gelatin silver print A/P 2

sheet: 16 in x 20 in; mat: 20 in x 24 in; image: 14 in x 14 in

Gift of the artist in honor of Gian-Stefano Brigidi

1996.001.004