ISLAND HISTORY


Local telephone service is now state-of-the-art after a $1 million investment was made to switch the hardware, The Jamestown Press reported Oct. 25, 1991.

New England Telephone replaced the electromechanical switching device with a computerized electronic switcher. Services now available to Jamestown customers because of the update include call forwarding, call waiting, speed dialing and three-way calling. Phone lines also have been improved by adding fiber optics between switching offices.

100 years ago — Oct. 23, 1920 (Newport Mercury)

Republican Congressman Clark Burdick has been doing some strenuous campaigning, and he isn’t likely to have much rest until after the election. He has spoken in various parts of the district, and has been well received everywhere. The congressman is very popular through Newport County and is assured of a large vote on Election Day.

75 years ago — Oct. 26, 1945 (Newport Mercury)

Jamestown resident Myles O’Hara, 26, a first-class torpedoman’s mate, has arrived at the naval training station in Norfolk, Va., to undergo instruction for duties aboard a new destroyer. Before entering the service, he was employed at the Naval Torpedo Station in Newport.

News also has arrived from Jamestown resident Lester Lynde Russell, a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves, who is serving on an advanced base sectional drydock. The great floating shipyard has repaired 91 fighting ships in less than seven months at Guam.

50 years ago — Oct. 23, 1970 (Newport Mercury)

Superior Court Judge Eugene Cochran continued a hearing on a proposed propane tank in Jamestown to give attorney for E.B. Brooks Co. more time to prepare a defense.

The hearing was ordered at the request of Newport attorney Ralph Morrison, who represents Jamestown residents seeking to prevent construction of the tank. Morrison is attempting to permanently enjoin the Brook Co. from building the 18,000-gallon storage tank because nearby homeowners contend that it presents a fire and explosion hazard to neighboring houses.

Four subpoenas have been issued in connection with the case: Richard Queen of E.B. Brooks, Jamestown Town Clerk Rosamond Tefft, Jamestown Building Inspector John Ragland and Jamestown Fire Chief Arthur S. Clarke Jr.

25 years ago — Oct. 26, 1995 (The Jamestown Press)

After the town council overturned most recommendations from the planning commission, homeowners no longer have to worry about their neighbors turning family rooms into accessory apartments.

Following three gruelingly long public meetings, and considerable outcry over proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance, the town council voted not to legalize accessory apartments. The planning board had recommended the amendments.

Instead, the councilors said the apartments are prohibited in all zones, and also directed the building official to actively enforce the ordinance.

The council also denied a recommendation from the planners to allow bed-and-breakfasts in all zones. With the down vote, those inns only are allowed in commercial districts. The council also decided the Fort Wetherill boat basin will keep its open space designation. The planning board wanted that land to become commercial waterfront property, which would have allowed restaurants and shops.

10 years ago — Oct. 28, 2010 (The Jamestown Press)

With all the economic fears and controversies swirling throughout Rhode Island, it is entirely possible Jamestown voters will turn out in greater numbers than they usually do for a midterm election.

There will be three polling places, the recreation center and both schools, during the election. According to statistics provided by canvassing clerk Karen Montoya, there are 4,749 residents registered to vote, which is up 3 percent from the last midterm in 2006.

Of the 4,749 voters registered, 1,425 are registered as Democrats, 700 as Republicans, four as Moderates and 2,620 as unaffiliated.