This week in Island history
The news of 10 and 15 years ago is from the Jamestown Press. The news of 100 years ago came from the collection of the Newport Historical Society.
100 years ago From the Newport Daily News, December 1, 1908
The first round of whist tournament, which has been held in Mr. J. E. Watson's den on Clinton avenue for four consecutive winters, was played last evening.
From the Newport Daily News, December 2, 1908
Mr. J. K. Sullivan is shipping a large quantity of hay and straw from his farm here to his Newport stable.
From the Newport Daily News, December 3, 1908
One of the lowest tides, if not the lowest of the fall, was experienced today; long stretches of shore, which are usually covered with water, were exposed for an hour or more.
From the Newport Daily News, December 9, 1908
A "Poverty Party" was given by the ladies of the Central Baptist Church last evening in the Gardner House hall to raise a small sum for some minor repairs to the church building. There was a good attendance, many of those present wearing amusing costumes.
75 years ago From the Newport Daily News, December 1, 1933
The newly organized Republican Club will hold an open meeting this evening at their rooms at the west ferry.
From the Newport Daily News, December 2, 1933
(At the town council meeting) J. Howard Ellis reported he had communicated with Mrs. Jeremiah Allen and the trustees of the Central Baptist Church in regard to building a stone wall between their property and the town's property and that said parties are agreeable.
From the Newport Daily News, December 4, 1933
The (fire) department hopes to have tournaments in whist, ping-pong, pool and pinochle underway in the near future.
From the Newport Daily News, December 5, 1933
At the fire drill at both the Carr and Clarke schools, the Carr School, which has classes on two floors, was cleared in 60 seconds, and the Clarke school in 35 seconds.
50 years ago From the Newport Daily News, December 5, 1958
The students of the Jamestown School's Grade 6, Miss Teresa Pinto, teacher, yesterday presented an original interpretation of Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel."
From the Newport Daily News, December 8, 1958
For the Friday Assembly, at the Jamestown School, Mrs. Mary Herlihy's fourth graders presented a program entitled "The First Christmas," in five scenes.
25 years ago From the Newport Daily News, December 5, 1983
Residents next month should learn their assessed property values following an island-wide property re- valuation. From the Newport Daily News, December 6, 1983
The Town Council Monday night moved closer to resolving the town's trash problem. Most of the Council supported a two-part ballot for the January special financial town meeting. If the Council approves this next Monday, voters will be asked to decide whether the town should participate in the South Kingstown regional transfer facility either with or without a mini-station in Jamestown.
15 years ago From the Jamestown Press, December 2, 1993
The Grange Hall on West Street may become the site of an activities center for Jamestown's senior citizens. According to Town Planner George Meservey, some 63 seniors and about a dozen Grange members agreed to pursue the idea, which may be the most economically feasible plan yet proposed for a senior center on the island.
The 14th annual Village Christmas Lighting at East Ferry will cap off a full slate of holiday activities in Jamestown this Saturday.
10 years ago From the Jamestown Press, December 3, 1998
At a workshop with the Harbor Management Commission on Monday evening, the Town Council members indicated they would be in favor of raising mooring fees in the coming year for the first time in a decade.
The streets of the Jamestown village will be full of bustling shoppers out and about this Saturday, Dec. 5, a day filled with a variety of island holiday activities.