Rhode Island Picture Post Cards
The Hygeia Hotel - New Shorham, Block Island, RI - 1907

The Hygeia Hotel was built in 1883. The original hotel burned to the ground, however guests continued to stay at the Hygeia House, (originally the Hygeia Hotel Annex used to house the staff) until the owner, Dr. John C. Champlin and his wife passed away. At the time Dr. Champlin was Block Island's only physician and he used the Hygeia House as his home and office. The Hygeia House was abandoned many years ago and suffered years of neglect. Champlin Starr, the great grandson of Dr. Champlin purchased and restored the old Hygeia House in 1999.  Current room rates range from $65 to $315. The "new" Block Island Fire and Police Station was built on the site of the old Hygeia Hotel.

The restored Hygeia House can be seen in a photo at the Hygeia House Website.

(This updated information was given to me by a local historian - with many thanks to Steve W.)