ISLAND HISTORY


The town was awarded a $50,000 state grant to build a trail from the reservoir at North Pond to Weeden Lane, The Jamestown Press reported Feb. 16, 2006. The trail bordering the Dutra and Neale farms would utilize the wildlife tunnel under Route 138. Constructed by wood chips, this walking section is part of the proposed trail system designed to link the Jamestown Shores neighborhood with the schools.

100 years ago — Feb. 15, 1919 (Newport Mercury)

A naval dirigible balloon that sailed into Narragansett Bay attracted attention from government stations. The balloon floated over the torpedo station on Goat Island, then proceeded to the training station, where it circled twice at a low altitude. This type of craft was useful in shore patrol during the war.

75 years ago — Feb. 18, 1944 (Newport Mercury)

Jamestown contributors have purchased $46,025 worth of Series E bonds during the Fourth War Loan, which is nearly 71 percent of their quota. According to the U.S. War Finance Committee, however, the total will exceed that mark when the government’s enlisted personnel is counted.

Rhode Island is one of the few states to top its quota, totaling $17.8 million in war bonds versus a $17 million quota. During the Third War Loan, Rhode Island was seventh in the nation.

50 years ago — Feb. 17, 1969 (Newport Daily News)

Rebelle Felice, owner of Creek Bait Shop on North Road, is objecting to signs opposite his establishment that prohibit parking. He spoke during a meeting of the Jamestown Businessmen’s Association.

Felice said his customers “usually stopped early in the morning and late in the day.” Instead of the prohibition, the association recommended he ask the town council for signs that ban parking from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Felice also will ask the council to reduce the speed limit near his shop to 35 mph.

25 years ago — Feb. 17, 1994 (The Jamestown Press)

The Newport Pell Bridge was closed for two hours following a deadly four-car accident in the snow.

A 44-year-old North Kingstown man is dead after his car spun out of control and collided head-on with a 19-year-old driver in the opposite lane. The driver of that car, a Newport woman, was transported to the hospital with a fractured ankle and ribs. The two other drivers were treated for minor trauma and released. There were no passengers in any of the vehicles.

10 years ago — Feb. 18, 2009 (The Jamestown Press)

The traffic committee, which only met six times in 2008, will be revamped. The town council unanimously voted to relieve the current members of their duties because of questionable qualifications.

The councilors said they did not have the required knowledge of municipal personnel that work on the roads. The traffic board was reconstituted to include the town administrator, town planner, public works director and police chief.