Week of December 1

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 Journal, Dec. 1, 1911

Mrs. W. L. Arnold entertained the P. H. Society at Dutch Whist at her home on Howland Avenue.

The annual roll call meeting at the Central Baptist Church was well attended. Supper was served at 6:30 after which the company gathered in the audience room

A number of fishermen visited the rocks at Beavertail and the Dumplings Sunday, but returned with small catches of tautog. The fish have evidently struck off for the winter.

75 years ago

From the Newport Daily News, Dec. 1, 1936

Dr. H. Connor will be at the Carr School Dec. 3, 10 and 17 to give infants and small children the special vaccine treatment to protect them from whooping cough.

The Bayside Whist Club held the last meeting in the series Monday evening at the club room.

From the Newport Daily News, Dec. 3, 1936

At the meeting of the Town Council, the town treasurer was instructed to hire the sum of $15,000 for three months in anticipation of taxes assessed in June 1936.

50 years ago

From the Newport Daily News, Nov. 30, 1961

Increased water rates will go into effect in Jamestown tomorrow under authorization of the state Public Utilities Division. The town of Jamestown has appealed the rate increase. The minimum rate for Jamestown householders will be increased from $24 to $29, as against $36 asked by the company. From the Newport Daily News,

Dec. 1, 1961

Invitations to the second annual Holly Hop are out this week from the Jamestown Recreation Commission. This semi-formal dance for high school students of the town and their guests will be held on Dec. 28 at Memorial Hall. From the Newport Daily News,

Dec. 4, 1961

The Brenton Reef Lightship left Sunday at 5:30 a.m. for Boston where she will undergo annual dry dock overhaul.

25 years ago From the Newport Daily News,

Dec. 1, 1986

The Town Council tonight will conduct an open forum on the prospective town purchase of the Jamestown Country Club. Supported by most if not all town offi- cials, the purchase of the nine-hole golf course and accompanying restaurant-lounge will be weighed by voters at a Special Financial Town Meeting, Dec. 8. The town has signed a $2.1 million sales agreement with course owners Francis and Lily Costa. From the Newport Daily News,

Dec. 2, 1986

The head of a private foundation group [Champlin Foundation] today raised the possibility of providing financial help for the town’s prospective purchase of the Jamestown Country Club. From the Newport Daily News,

Dec. 3, 1986

The state department of Environmental Management has approved a $250,000 grant to the town to help it buy the Jamestown Country Club.

15 years ago

From the Jamestown Press,

Nov. 27, 1996

The Town Council has approved spending another $61,000 from the Marine Development Fund to repair the existing steel dock at East Ferry.

(Photo caption) The Pilgrims and the Native American Indians had much for which to be thankful Tuesday when the Jamestown School second graders presented their class’s annual Thanksgiving play.

10 years ago

From the Jamestown Press,

Nov. 29, 2001

The Town Council Monday recognized the proposal of its embattled Town Building and Facilities Committee Chairman William Kimball to zero in on two possible sites – the sewage treatment plant site or Lot 47 in the old landfill area for a new public works barn.

The doorway to the holidays offi cially opens this Saturday when island merchants put out the red carpet, the Christmas tree is lit and groups hold their annual holiday craft fairs.