Jack + Dee - A Providence Love Story

On 74 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI, used to stand an extraordinary building, The Girls’ City Club. In 1941, the GCC was asked to host social events for the 6th Army Corps stationed in the city; shortly after that, the Navy arrived at Quonset Point. Without a USO in Providence, the Girls’ City Club women again took up hosting duties. The club maintained a tradition of programs, dances, and outings with men serving in the military; this is evidenced by the numerous letters written to the club from men serving in World War I through Vietnam.

“Some Enchanted Evening…”

In 1955, a handsome Navy guy from Brooklyn, NY, asked a beautiful girl from Cleveland, OH, to dance. This love story began at The Girls’ City Club in Providence, Rhode Island. Jack was stationed at Quonset Point during the Korean War and stayed between tours. He was a Seabee who just returned from Puerto Rico. Dee was visiting her brother, Jim, a jewelry maker in Providence. As fate worked its magic, their friends convinced them to go there that night to dance and have some fun. As Jack entered a room on the 2nd floor, he heard a cute laugh and turned to see the girl of his dreams.

He can remember the pretty purple dress she had on. He saw her go up to the third floor where the dancing was, and he knew this was his chance to meet her. The music started, and as another guy walked towards her, Jack reached out to take Dee’s hand. He was the pitcher for the Navy baseball team and recalled that being the lunge of his life! She grabbed his hand, and as her knees trembled, this great dancer from Cleveland suddenly forgot how to dance. All she cared about was holding his hand. He felt the same way…and they never let go.

They were married in October of the same year they met. They went on to have three children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. They remained married for 68 years, and beautiful Dee went to heaven on November 27, 2023.

This magical spot was located after research by the Rhode Island Historical Society. In August of 2024, Jack and Dee’s daughter Patti and son-in-law Warren brought their 91-year-old dad back to this spot in Providence, RI, where the love story began. He stood in the empty lot for a bit, silently talking to his beautiful angel, remembering how love was at first sight and how they danced and kissed a lot that night. Although the building has been taken down, the story it tells will never disappear. 

Jack & Dee…a love story.