Providence, Rhode Island Wyland Whaling Wall 39

History of the Providence, Rhode Island Wyland Whaling Wall 39

-Maui Humpback Breaching

In some instances during the East Coast Tour, Wyland found it necessary to become personally involved in securing a site for one of his Whaling Walls. “Normally, the wall and most, if not all, of the permits necessary for the project would be cleared in advance by city officials,” he said. “The Providence city officials had yet to find a wall and we only had a few hours if we were going to stay on schedule with the rest of the tour, so I piled them into our van and drove them down the highway looking for a location.”

Wyland pulled the van into the parking lot of the building called the Cassiere Machinery Company, and went in to talk to the owner. The wall was long, not too high, but it had a great location where it could connect with people. The owner turned out to be an admirer of whales who actually had figures of the marine mammals on his desk. He agreed, and the city agreed., and it was done.” The mural bearing finback whales, was completed in time for the Providence Waterfront Festival, helping to draw tens of thousands to the event.

Did you know?

• While not one of Wyland’s most common subjects, finback whales remain one of the ocean’s most superlative creatures. These enormous cetaceans can reach speeds up to thirty miles per hour.
• In the early 1990s, finback populations were severely endangered, having dwindled to less than 30 percent of their numbers from pre-whaling days.
• The Wyland Foundation helps address shortfalls in understanding how humans upstream impact the causes of marine pollution downstream through art, science, and volunteer action.

Whaling wall 39

Cassiere Machinery Company, 145 Crary Street, Providence, Rhode Island
280 Feet Long x 24 Feet High
Dedicated June 28, 1993
By Mayor Vincent Cianci

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