The history of Isle of Wight County and Smithfield are nearly as old as the settlement of the nation itself. In 1608, explorer Capt. John Smith visited the area south of his Jamestown Colony in search of food and trade with the Warascoyak Indians. The region's first inhabitants took root in 1619, and the town of Smithfield was established in 1752. A culinary specialty of the area learned from the Native Americans was introduced to the rest of the world in the late 1700s--a salt-cured cut of pork later known as Smithfield Ham. The popularity of the ham grew, and everyone from royalty (Queen Victoria ordered hams frequently) to presidents have dined on the delicacy, making the quaint village of 6,500 "Ham Town U.S.A." Today, the only place to get a genuine Smithfield ham is from this Virginia town.

Smithfield was originally part of the outlands of Providence. Incorporated in 17301731, it is said to be named after Smithfield, England. One of the first settlers was William Hawkins, who in 1663 was granted 50 acres of land by the Providence Town Council in an effort to encourage settlement of the area. From its humble beginning, Smithfield has grown to a sizable community of 20,000 people and boasts a state airport and Bryant University. This book of historical images has been compiled from the archives of the Historical Society of Smithfield and the personal collections of local citizens. Most of these rare images have never been published before and bring a unique perspective to bygone days of the towns history.

The legend of John Noforce- whose puzzling death may have been the result of a Native American Romeo and Juliet saga- 1676's bloody Nipsachuck massacre and the scandalous downfall of the poor farm and asylum are a few of the tales that linger among historic Smithfield's fields and forests. Once home to 'Apple King' Thomas K. Winsor and Arthur C. Gould, frustrated inventor of Rhode Island's first and only aircraft rest stop, this storied town has known both triumph and tragedy. Local author Jim Ignasher's expertly woven collection of vignettes speaks to the ever-enduring spirit of Smithfield's people. From illegal ice cream peddlers to a mysterious traveler killed by his own pet rattlesnake, the roots of this vibrant community extend far beyond its celebrated apple orchards

He's everything I've never wanted—too young, too weird, too wild. I wasn't impressed that I had to get my weekly massage from a guy with a toe ring. But when I discovered David Cooke's skills as a masseur were literally orgasmic, I couldn't stop thinking about him and his amazing hands, day and night. Especially at night. He's full of surprises. And despite my bad behavior, David's just as eager to explore this chemistry between us. Turns out, there's a lot more to him than hemp pants and tattoos. If he's so wrong for me, why does being with him feel so right? Previously published, newly revised by author. 32,000 words