CHATTER
Nostalgia
BY LAUREN CLEM • PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF AP IMAGES
Ellison‘ Tarzan’ Brown
TWO HOURS, TWENTY-EIGHT MINUTES AND FIFTY-ONE SECONDS Later this month, a group led by Brown’ s nephew, Byron Brown, will dedicate after the starting gun, Ellison“ Tarzan” Brown crossed the finish line in the a tribute to the man who was often spotted training on South County streets: 1939 Boston Marathon, setting a course record and claiming his second a statue sculpted by local artist Serena Bates and installed at the Westerly victory in the historic race. The Westerly native, who lived much of his life in train station. Byron says the statue will memorialize a local legend never fully Charlestown, was a member of the Narragansett Tribe and a proud representative of the state’ s champion running culture.( A second Rhode Islander, in a more literal way: Thawn Sherenté Harris will run the Boston Marathon in his
awarded his due. On April 20, another tribute will recall the runner’ s footsteps
Les Pawson, also won the race in 1933, 1938 and 1941.) In perhaps his great-uncle’ s memory, commemorating the ninetieth anniversary of Brown’ s most famous feat, Brown gave Heartbreak Hill its name when he retook the Heartbreak Hill triumph. Harris hopes to bring visibility to Indigenous people lead from defending champion Johnny Kelly after Kelly passed him on its and demonstrate their accomplishments for future generations.“ To step in slopes. Brown ran on to claim the 1936 victory, becoming only the second those same places that my uncle did is a blessing for me, and I think a blessing Indigenous runner to win the title. for our people as a whole,” he says.“ If I cross that finish line, it is a win.”
“ I love the new feature of Nostalgia that appears on the final page of each issue. Last month’ s photo was the best yet! It was a superb idea to highlight Tarzan Brown’ s legendary Boston Marathon win of ninety years ago. It’ s great to see him getting the recognition he deserves.”
— CORY JACOBSON, WESTERLY
128 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I APRIL 2026
“ Cocktail Culture,” April
Some folk find joy in a bar. I prefer ice cream by far. I’ ll have a sundae or a cone, And they’ ll have booze— to each, his own.
FELICIA NIMUE ACKERMAN PROVIDENCE
From the Letters @ RIMonthly. com inbox, March
I love you folks. You have so much more news that matters to shaping the state I was born in. And I just subscribed to get it physically in my hands, which is so much better than reading it online.
ROBERT LEAVER PROVIDENCE
“ Cranston Dunkin’ Surprises Local Stroke Survivor,” RIMonthly. com, March
This story caught my attention for a number of reasons. First, I was born and raised in Massachusetts. Though I don’ t live there now, my whole family does( my daughter is graduating from Northeastern soon), and you know the saying,“ You can take the girl outta Mass …” Second, I love Dunkin’. Third, and most importantly, I am a speech language pathologist who has devoted my twenty-eight-year career to working with adults just like Rich. In fact, I am going to share your article with one of my patients today and then with my graduate class on motor speech disorders at Towson University.
Thank you for highlighting such an important topic that does not get much attention. It would have been great if you could have mentioned any professional speech therapy services he used in addition to his wife and son’ s help. Our profession needs all the shout-outs it can get; there is a huge need for more speech therapists to work with adults with neurological conditions such as stroke.
I enjoyed your article on so many levels. Thank you!
DORINDA MALCOLM COLUMBIA, MARYLAND
“ Trendsetter: Anthony Perrotta,” March
What Anthony mentioned about embodying ascendant / descendant I find to be so true. How cool! Thanks for the knowledge!
@ MHAINEY. STUDIO VIA INSTAGRAM
“ Giant Bugs Are Taking Over Roger Williams Park Zoo This Spring,” RIMonthly. com, March
I might be more excited than when I got to sit in the dinosaur egg.
@ TENDERSTEMM VIA INSTAGRAM
“ The Dishtectives Is Like a Book Club but for Food Lovers,” RIMonthly. com, February
I do this by myself every week as well.
The conversation is a little dull and somebody in my group keeps eating too much but I refuse to let that stop me.
JUSTIN PASSOFARO VIA FACEBOOK
“ What Book Are You Reading?” February
Try the audio version of Viola Davis’ book, Finding Me, if you want a real treat.
PATRICIA M. JOYCE VIA FACEBOOK
“ Nostalgia,” January
Hello Rhode Island!! I just opened my January issue and noticed a new column titled“ Nostalgia” and a request for future subjects. So here is mine: NAS Quonset Point. Not only is it the birthplace of the Quonset hut, but it’ s my birthplace as well! I’ ve read a couple of books and know it has a very interesting and important history.
As always, RI Strong!!
RAY HILL TOLEDO, OHIO
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14 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I MAY 2026