Grace Bourne Almy

Grace Bourne Almy

1877 – 1961

Grace was born on October 6, 1877 in East Providence, RI to Baylais and Ella Bourne. Grace attended Normal School for 2 years. She began teaching in a one room school house with 8 grades on Neck Rd, Tiverton, RI until her marriage.

Grace married Philip W. Almy Sr. on December 13, 1898 and became a Little Compton resident for 63 years. Grace and Philip had three children; Philip W. Jr., Charles B., and Lois B. Almy.

When Grace and Philip were first married, they owned the Steamboat Company. The boat ran from Providence to Sakonnet Point. Grace did the cooking for the travelers taking the excursion. On December 12, 1933, Grace started to work at the Little Compton Post Office. It was her 35th wedding anniversary, but that did not stop her from reporting to work for the first day of which was to become 15 years on the job. She was the assistant postmaster until the sudden death of the postmaster. Grace passed the civil service exam and was then appointed postmaster. Helen Peckham was her assistant until she moved away and then Agatha Gomez became assistant.

The post office was a small room in a building north of Wilbur’s Store. She worked until she reached 70 years old and was forced to retire on December 31, 1948. This was the official government retirement age.

Grace was a member of the United Congregational Church. She served as the church clerk and was the chairman of the music committee. Grace sang in the church choir and also led a junior choir. She was a member of the Little Compton Grange, Newport County Pomona Grange and the National Association of Retired Civic Employees.

A Wheelchair Reverie
Sometimes, so lonely, I sit in my chair, –
Gloomy thoughts fill me with despair,
Morbid thoughts; and sometimes I cry,
(To hide from others, my tears I try.)

Yet, why should I feel so sad?
I have much to make me glad,
Many there are who could envy me;
My good husband, home and family.

If Jesus could come by my way,
And, taking my hand, should say
“Arise, Thy faith hath make thee whole.”
How that would delight my soul!

Then, joyfully, would I run
To seek some good deed, just waiting to be done.
Then my heart would gladly sing
At the wonder of this thing.

No words of mine could express
The thrill of my happiness.
“Restore me, O my Lord above
That again I may serve those I love.

This is my earnest plea: –
Lord grant this to me.
All my thanks to Thee I’ll give
As long as I shall live.”
Grace B. Almy