Providence did have a pro team from 1925-1931 called the Steam Roller, and they won the NFL Championship in 1928. Their team goes back to 1916 however, pre NFL.
Interestingly, the Shepherd Company was the largest departments store in New England.
I'm guessing they must have also had a photography department in the store.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepard_Company_Building