In the heart of North Providence, one old house stands quietly as a living witness to Rhode Island’s evolving story.
The Smith-Cushing House on Smithfield Road is not just another Colonial survivor. With its unique stone-ender architecture and centuries-old fireplaces, this home is a community icon.
In 2025, the Smith-Cushing House entered a new chapter with a carefully planned roof restoration. As the roofing contractor selected for this highly sensitive project, our team at Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island was honored to work alongside the owners and preservation specialists to help ensure the home’s legacy endures.
The challenge: preserving a 1705 stone-ender
The Smith-Cushing House’s story begins in 1705. Built by Joseph Smith on land once owned by a companion of Roger Williams, its surviving stone chimney became the foundation for the home.
Expanded in 1762, the house served as a stagecoach stop known as the White Horse Tavern and sheltered generations of Rhode Islanders.
Architecturally, it is North Providence’s only surviving example of a stone-ender - a rare colonial New England style defined by a massive fieldstone chimney forming one end wall.
When it came time to replace the roof, the project required a contractor who understood the delicate nature of a structure featuring hand-hewn clapboards, original sash windows, and centuries-old structural beams.
Hard truths in historic preservation: wood shake vs asphalt
Preserving a house of this age means facing tough decisions.
Traditional cedar wood shakes can be historically accurate for early New England homes, but modern preservation often requires balancing aesthetics with practicality.
After careful consideration by the homeowners and the preservation team, wood shake was ruled out due to:
- High material cost and sourcing challenges
- Heavy long-term maintenance requirements
- Fire safety concerns and insurance compliance
The solution: premium architectural shingles designed to respect the profile
Premium architectural asphalt shingles were selected.
As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, our team was able to install a heavy-weight architectural shingle option that helps mimic the depth, shadow lines, and texture homeowners often associate with traditional materials - while providing modern weather protection.
This approach balanced the historic visual profile of the home with durability and affordability..
The execution: protecting the past, inspiring the future
Tearing off an old roof on a 300-year-old home requires precision. The goal is to remove existing materials without damaging antique framing or historic exterior details.
Our crews executed removal and installation with careful staging and protection so the Smith-Cushing House remains weather-tight against Rhode Island winters and Nor’easters.
Why this project matters to North Providence
The Smith-Cushing House is more than a building. It is a classroom without walls and a source of community pride.
It offers educational opportunities for local students and supports heritage tourism in North Providence. Most importantly, it keeps the traditions and stories of our town alive.
We extend our thanks to the owners for entrusting us with this project, and we look forward to seeing this remarkable home continue to inspire the community for generations.
If you own a historic home in Rhode Island and want a roof plan that respects the character of the property while delivering modern protection, we can help.
Contact Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island to schedule an inspection.
Call (401) 425-4108.
Rhode Island Service Locations:
Ashaway, Barrington, Bradford, Bristol, Carolina, Central Falls, Charlestown, Chepachet, Clayville, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Exeter, Forestdale, Foster, Glendale, Greene, Greenville, Harrisville,Hope,Hope Valley, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Kenyon, Kingston, Lincoln, Little Compton, Manville, Mapleville, Middletown, Narragansett, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Scituate, North Smithfield, Oakland, Pascoag, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Providence, Riverside, Rockville, Rumford, Saunderstown, Shannock, Scituate, Slatersville, Smithfield, Tiverton, Wakefield, Warren, Warwick, West Greenwich, West Kingston, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions: Historic Roofing in Rhode Island
Can you put asphalt shingles on a historic house in RI?
Yes. While wood shake or slate can be historically accurate, many preservation teams approve premium architectural asphalt shingles. They can provide a dimensional look while offering better fire ratings, lower maintenance, and strong wind resistance.
Who repairs roofs on historic homes in North Providence?
A contractor experienced with historic structures can plan tear-off and installation to protect antique framing and exterior details. Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island works on historic roof replacements and can recommend preservation-friendly options.
What is a stone-ender house?
A stone-ender is a rare 17th-century architectural style found in Rhode Island and parts of New England. It features a massive stone chimney that forms one exterior end wall of the home.