Restoring the Hog Island Boat House

Hog Islanders is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Patrick Hess.

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Friends of Hog Island,

On July 1st, our beloved Boat House was engulfed in flames.

We are beyond grateful that no one was hurt. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to every Fire Department who responded to extinguish the fire and contain it from the rest of the island.

The Boat House was one of the first buildings built on Hog Island in 1901. Its unique architecture and grandeur made it one of the most iconic buildings of Narragansett Bay.

While it’s not a public building, it has meant so much to the families of the island and those who vacation here. For generations it has been the place where we gather; where we used to meet the ferry & visit with family, where all the camp kids first walked onto the island, where our Fourth of July parade culminates, where we dance the night away barefoot after Field Day, where we boldly jump off the dock. It is a place of memories & love, but even more than that it represents the beating heart of our island community. Our heart is broken and we are devastated.

The 120-year-old building was lovingly cared for throughout the years. The roof had just been replaced and, with recent renovations, the Boat House had never looked better.

The fire burned quickly and the building sustained major damage. The stone base of the structure seems to have survived, but we don't yet know the full extent of the damage or what it will cost to restore and repair.

While we mourn this terrible tragedy, many friends have asked how they can help. We are so grateful for their kindness and support. We started this Go Fund Me with the goal of rebuilding and restoring this beautiful building. The money raised with this fund will be given to Hog Island Inc. (the owners) for that sole purpose.

Any donation, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated by those who love this magical place.

With gratitude,
Fellow Islanders