Anthony Ursillo – a member of the Johnston Historical Society’s Board of Directors – and his family own the property that was once the Log Gift Shoppe on Route 6.
The building has another legacy, one deeply rooted in the town’s history, as the site of the infamous Shang Bailey Roadhouse. On Monday evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Ursillo will be at the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library in Johnston, giving a free, public presentation about the building and how its one-time owner, Frederick A. Bailey, was to have said, “God spoke to me and turned me from sinner to righteousness.”
“I’m excited to give this presentation on Shang Bailey,” Ursillo noted. “He was very much active in the Civil War, ending up in three Confederate prisons for over a year.”
Aside from his involvement in the Civil War, Bailey spent time at sea and was connected with the P.T. Barnum Circus. His notorious roadhouse was home to salacious activity before he turned to religion.
“He was certainly an interesting character,” Ursillo said.
Next Wednesday, Ursillo will be at the Johnston Historical Society’s Museum Barn at 101 Putnam Pike, introducing retired Chief Justice Frank J. Williams as the night’s guest speaker. Admission to that event is also free, and the building is handicap accessible.
“Frank Williams is a renowned expert on the life of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War,” Ursillo said. “That will be the topic of his lecture.”
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