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W - 4 4 ^‘’"GREEN LIGHT The Point Association XLIXNo. 3 FALL 2004 The Point Association is a group of neighbors working Contents together to improve the quab Letter From the President ...... 3 ity of life in our ncighliorhood Membership Report ...... 4 by getting to know tairh ofhcr; Bom on The P o in t ...... 4 Pointers in the N e w s ...... 5 preserving our lit-a.-ww h-*-’ New to The P o in t ...... 6 tage; maintaining the Point’s residtaiti;.' ■ : - • ^ o The Point Picnic ...... 7 beautifying our parks, streets, and p n w , i ^ Plant Sale R ep o rt ...... 7 moting public policies that strengthen all oi Waterfront N otes ...... 8 Newport’s neighborhoods. Members’ Cocktail Party ...... 9 Scenes from Storer P a r k ...... 10 St John’s Church Summer Events ...... 11 y g g p R/iJjyBOV ' .....'-/ Tall Ships Past and Present ...... 12 ' ' ' ' nearby liristol, RI, on May 14, 1954. u 7 Tall Ships P o e m ...... 13 iR , ras Cup defender launched by the Herh 'o, Remembering the Elsters ...... 14 unit tnc u.\u! t ii / f/ I'.ti trt Jenofh overall. Photo courtesy of fhe Rosenyeid C.ollectioH at Shsiii Seaport, httpf jwmr.mysticseaport.orgjresearch!ro- Elizabeth Covell Ramsey Poem ...... 14 Walking on The Point ...... 15 msenjeld. btm. ” First Ward Candidates...... 16 Secret Garden T o u r ...... 17 USS Constellation in N ew p o rt ...... 18 Nostalgic Moment from Our Scrapbook ...... 19 From the Editor Save the Date ...... 2) As this issue goes to print, 1 have to wonder what became of the summer. Fm sure that same thought is on Staff everyone’s mind to some extent. It seems like just yesterday that I was writing a similar letter for the E d ito r...... Abfl Wall Summer issue of The Green Lightl And yet as I look out Advertising Loretta Goldrick my window, I see the tomatoes are tuniiog red on those Business...... Tom Goldrick plants that I would swear I just planted, I recall last Circulation ...... Marcia MaUorj' night’s excellent Point Association members’ cocktail party that I would swear was still a month away on the L ayout...... Donna Maytum calendar, and my wife reminds me that our daughter just Photography ...... Sarah Gill, Jane Hence had her 4-month birthday. Time flies. It happens every Production ...... Jane Walsh, Martha and Alan W’all summer! I hope yours was as enjoyable as mine. Sketches ...... Jane Hence Given the Tall Ships and the America’s Cup racers this summer, this issue was originally intended to have a Point Association Executive Committee Officers maritime theme. Inevitably, however, too much was going President, Jack Maytum ...... 849-4395 on to restrict ourselves to just that area. So you will find another sampler of items that will, I hope, touch on First Vice President, Hillar Sarepera ...... 848-9906 something of interest to you. In addition to the summer’s Second Vice President, Louisa Boatwright ...... 847-4956 happenings, we also look ahead to the coming Fall Recording Secretary, Diane Quint ...... 619-0525 Though The Green Light generally remains apoli thought it might be helpful to introduce to you I Corresponding Secretary, Isabel Griffith ...... 849-6444 candidates running for the First Ward City Coma ■ ■ Treasurer, Mike Simmons...... 847-1403 the November election.
Finally, don’t forget that The Green H The Point Association—welcomes yoi Meetings are generally scheduledfo r the first Monday of the month and tion. Whether it’s story ideas or the st are open to Association members. Please call Jack fo r time, date, and photos, or other contributions, we wel location. and assistance. (A nd I thank those wfi uted.) Finally, don’t forget the Mcinbt O ctober! Copies o f the Green Light may be purchased for $ 1.00 at Alan Bucci’s Convenience Store, Poplar at Thames.
2 The Green Light FA L L 2 0 0 4 PRESIDENT’S LETTER The summer of ’04 is rapidly closing and most of The Point Association’s official, and very successful, summer-time events such as the plant sale, picnic, and cocktail party have all come and gone. N o w it’s time to gear up for the fall season and prepare for our annual meeting on October 21“ and a very important election on No v e m b e r 2”'^.
It’s been relatively quiet in our neighborhood this summer. Except for the Tall Ships’ weekend, few m e m bers have bothered to phone or otherwise complain about increased noise, traffic, construction activity, vandalism or other seasonal maladies. There seems to be a notable decrease in “party house” incidents. Whether this is due to economics, demographics, improved police vigilance or other cause is unknown, but w e ’re thankful antnvay.
The Tall Ships’ festivities highlight the dilemma posed by Newport’s position as both a tourist mecca with a beautiful deep-water harbor suitable for berthing large numbers of ships and also as a quaint N e w E n gland colonial city with compact neighborhoods and narrow streets. The city administration planned well in advance to facilitate the movement of large crowds. The Rhode Island National Guard was mobilized to provide traffic direction and a fleet of busses shuttled visitors from satellite parking lots to the ships on Goat Island. City Manager Jim Smith briefed me on his plans for reducing car traffic and tourist parking on the Point. Jim is a Bridge Street resident and is well aware of our allergy to the congestion that large summer events can bring to our neighborhood.
While the prior planning and consultation was admirable, we aU kn o w some procedures could be improved. For example, the busses were too large, too noisy, and too frequent. Smaller trolley-type vehicles would be better suited to Third Street. A suggestion by a Point resident led the city manager to temporarily cover the stop signs on Washington Street to reduce the brake and acceleration noise of the busses. The same tech nique should be used on Third Street in the future. National Guard troops weren’t in position early enough to prevent many visitors from occupying parking spaces on the Point. However, I have no doubt that the buses and other control measures implemented by the city were very effective in mitigating the impact of such a large swarm of tourists and their automobiles to our neighborhood. We need to admit that the beauty of our community and its nautical heritage is what brought ma n y of us to Newport in the first place. W e should do our best to accommodate those rvho want to enjoy that same heritage, if only for a day. JACK Fall Membership Meeting Hafbor House ~ Use Chapel Entfance on Battety Street Thursday ~ October 2 1 ®* ~ 7 : 0 0 p .m . Be sure to attend, for T H R E E iinportant reasons! #1 — Our special guest speaker ^ John “F u d ” Be n s o n wiU give a presentation on the stone carving work of T h e John Stevens Shop, which was founded in 1705, and has been located at 29 Thames Street since 1781. # 2 — There will be a presentation on a proposal to repair and enhance the Storer Park quay. This effort could require use of Point Association funds, augmented by funding from other sources. The Executive Committee is hoping for me m b e r comment and discussion on the proposal. # 3 - N e w Officers! The Point Association’s Nominating Committee has been seeking eligible, willing candidates to fill the following Point Association Executive Committee positions — President, 2"** Vice President, and Corresponding Secretary. The new officers wiU be appointed at the Fall meeting.
F A L L 2 0 0 4 Tbe Green Ligbt 3 MEMBERSHIP REPORT BORN ON THE POINT by Patricia and Rich Carrubba by Bill Hall, History and Archives W elcome, New Members! Marsha Francis The Born on the Toint program rec David Garvey & Julienne Stewart ognizes newborns and others w h o Catherine Koulouvardis w ere Point residents at the tim e o f their births.
New M embership Progfam W e have a ne w Membership Program to enlist more Certificates were distributed at the Point residents into our organization and we ’re seek April membership meeting for three ! ing the assistance of all our neighbors. Effective im newborns - Bryan Ty Babcock, Jake Harrison Sweeney mediately, a temporary complimentary membership (pictured above, born No v ember 26, 2002), and Cora Kathleen Wall. Bernard Mazza, currently a resident at will be available to all residents old and ne w wh o are not presently members. So, if you kn o w of someone Harbor House, also received his certificate. w h o has just mo v e d into the neighborhood, or some one you think would enjoy a trial membership, please The next round of Born on the Toint certificates will be readied for the October 21, 2004, membership meet contact Patricia Carrubba, Membership Committee ing. Anyone interested in information or an applica Chair, at 847-5815 so that we can contact him or her, tion m a y contact Kay O ’Brien at 847-7311. and offer a limited complimentary membership.
Applications must be returned by October 8, 2004. W e ’ll report the results of this new program in a fu ture edition of The Green Tight.
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The Green Light F A L L 2004 POINTERS IN THE NEWS Though not a Pointer in terms of his residence, stone carver Nick Benson, owner of The John Stevens Shop by Kay O ’Brien at 29 Thames Street— lower Thames is part of The Point— ^was highlighted in Nenport This Week in late Ma y A few years ago, Brian Comfort was contributing ar for his work on the ne w National World Wa r II M e m o ticles to The Green Ught. N o w he’s the editor of New rial in Washington, DC. Benson spent 11 months co m port This Week, writing informative and interesting ar muting to Washington, DC, from his Newport home ticles in depth. A recent example— “The Battle for to carve 3,875 individual letters ranging in size from Access” in the July 22 issue, discusses Newport’s origi an inch to over 19 inches. nal charter, which guarantees public access to the wa ter. Today, Newport is a far different place, but we Finally, wh o can beat this record? Claire Maytum, Jack can thank Friends of the Waterfront and others for and Do n n a ’s daughter, has graduated from Drexel Uni working to preserve these rights of ways. versity with a 4.0 average. Congratulations!
The Fall 1998 issue of The Green Ught told the story of converting a two-story concrete block building on Bridge Street from an auto repair business to a hand some ho m e for shops and offices. At 9 Bridge Street, Cottage and Garden, with ma n y one-of-a-kind items, is celebrating a fifth anniversary. Congratulations, Eleanor Gobis.
Almost forty years ago, Use Buchert Nesbitt and her late husband, Alexander, opened the Third and E l m Press, a Point treasure. Last September, Use visited the deserts of Utah/Arizona and has recently had a showing of monoprints called Desert Junipers at her gallery upstairs. Different from her woodblock prints, a monoprint is a single image. Using a broad brush and thinned printing ink. Use brushed each image di rectly on a plexiglass sheet. Next, the plexiglas is cov ered with a sheet of dampened etching paper and placed on the handpress, which pulled the print under heavy' pressure. Between each printing, the Plexiglas sheet is cleaned, and the process repeated. Y o u are welcome to stop in at Use’s shop and gallery, always educational and fascinating.
M a n y Pointers kn o w that Peter Martin has been a long time volunteer for the Old Colony & Newport Rail way. In June, Peter spearheaded the organization of a trash cleanup along the tracks. Volunteers from the O C & N R joined with volunteers from the Rhode Is land City Year program and a crew from the City of Newport Clean City Program to collect a total of 14 shopping carts, a couple of mattresses, an extremely large tire, and nearly two dozen garbage bags of trash.
F A L L 2004 Tbe Green Light NEW TO THE POINT Newport is the ninth city of which Jim has been the manager. H e has been a city manager for thirty-five by Jane Hence years, beginning in Draper, Utah, near Salt Lake City. Midway through this career, he found himself manag Charles and Patty S h u m w a y live at 14 Poplar Street, ing Berlin, Ne w Hampshire, where he met Kathy, wh o having been lured to Newport by several of the tradi was born and grew up in that state. tional and irresistible charms of our delightful city - sailing, grass tennis courts, and the remarkable col Jim is from Sandusky, Ohio, and while studying pre lection of architecture. The Shumways live here dur law in college, found a summer job with the city attor ing the summer half of the year and in Naples, Florida, ney. Circumstances changed before summer began and in the winter. he was asked to work for the city manager instead. This is a perfect example of fortuitous luck, as Jim Charlie knows Newport and Rhode Island well, as he found irresistible the possibilities of having an im m e went to Br o w n and has always been a sailor. H e is diate impact as a result of one’s work and decisions. n o w involved with the N e w York Yacht Club’s team H e mo v e d his focus away from the law and attended racing program and does quite a bit of racing on big the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) to ger boats both here and in Europe. Charlie is involved study public administration. in computer foren- sics, real estate and Jim and Kathy’s older children are grown and living in movie theatres in New Hampshire, Florida. Patty was N e w York, and Mo n born and grew up in tana, with the young Litchfield, Kentucky est child here in Ne w eventually went to port. The entire fam Chicago where she ily is happy to be in was a Playboy Bunny Rhode Island and on for m a n y years, and Bridge Street. Jim has then fell in love with always loved to sail N e w p o r t at first and spends his spare glimpse. She is cur time, wh e n he has it, rently writing a book. The Shumway home at 14 Poplar St. crewing on mid-size boats and involved The Shumways have restored the exterior of their with Sail Newport classic Newport cottage and are about to begin on programs, Smith the garden. They enjoy every aspect of living in Ne w port and feel fortunate to be living on the Point, which It is clear that the Smiths care about their city. Jim is full of “so ma n y wonderful old houses”, a wonder mentioned concerns about the condition of our infra ful complement to Florida. structure and funding for the two most highly impacted areas: police and fire. For a city of this size, the nu m N O LONGER N E W TO THE POINT.., ber of firemen and policemen is somewhere around but new to The Green Ught double the average figure, because of the demands of our tourism industry. I found the caring and knowl O n a recent beautiful summer afternoon, I met with edge the Smiths bring to Newport to be a comfort and Kathy and Jim Smith in Storer Park, which is less than their appreciation for and enjoyment of our unique and a minute from their house on Bridge Street, where charming city to be a very nice bonus. they mo v e d over a year ago and are no w in the midst of alterations and a small addition.
The Green Light F A L L 2004 PLANT SALE REPORT by Isabel Griffith
M a n y thanks to all wh o attended the Plant Sale on Sat urday, M a y 22. N o one seemed to be in a hurry, so there was plenty of time to visit and catch up. M a n y conversations were about plants and shrubs that did not survive the hard winter. Perhaps, because of that, sales were up; m a n y satisfied customers went h o m e with local perennials to fill in the bare spots.
Once again, Anita McAndrews and her son, Sean, gra ciously lent us their driveway and beautiful garden on Washington Street where w e had plenty of space for display. So m a n y people were part of making this a THE POINT PICNIC smoothly running, successful event! I apologize if I have left out some names — Marcia Mallory, Mike & A sizeable crowd gathered for this year’s Point Picnic Joan Simmons, Eleanor Flowers, Laurie Shaw' & Herb held on a gorgeous June 30. This year’s gracious hosts Rommel, Jack & Don n a Maytum, Ralph Padulla, Bruce were Lyn and Peggy Comfort, w h o opened up their Howe, D o n & Loretta Roy, Bill HaU, Gusina Powell, beautiful waterfront lawn to over 50 guests. S o m e Jane Walsh, Gail Gunning, Sarah Gill, Rich Carrubba, Pointers may recall that the Comfort’s ho m e at 62 Wa s h Merry Preston, Marty Williams, Deborah Kelsey, Trish ington St. was, through 1988, the site of ma n y previ O ’Connell, BiU Souza, Connie Heird, Nancy Quatrucci, ous annual picnics, wh e n the ho m e belonged to Esther SaUy MacKay, Elaine Cascio, Jennifer Hall, Use Nesbitt, Fisher Benson (who passed away in early 1999). Lisa Elliot, John Lingley, Ruth Shore, and Sarah Kessler.
A n d to all the “elves” w h o mysteriously deposited Our hostess plants without being seen, we thank you as well. Peggy Comfort with Dick Svelta N E X T YE A R : W e plan to hold the sale on Saturday, M a y 21. Marcia Mallory has volunteered to handle pub licity. N O T E : W e need someone to take over solicita Our host tions. Donations from local merchants are important Lyn Comfort to the success of the sale. W e can have the sale with with Bill Boatwright out them, but it w o n ’t be the same. If you are inter ested in hearing more about this job, please contact Isabel Griffith - 849-6444.
m F A L L 2004 The Green Light WATERFRONT NOTES WASHINGTON STREET EXTENSION/ CYPRESS STREET RIGHT OF WAY By Liz Mathinos The city’s Washington Street Extension (WSE) lease agreement with abutters is still a cause of concern and With all the ma n y wonderful activities on the water under scrutiny by concerned citizens. Watch for new front this summer, it has been “all quiet on the water developments. front” as far as concerns about future developments. S o m e ongoing items to watch: CENTRAL NEWPORT URBAN DESIGN/ REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY VAN ZANDT PIER At a June workshop held by the Redevelopment Agency Because of its significance as a fishing pier, Van Zandt on the Central Newport Urban Design, K e n Taylor Pier is included in a study for repairs as part of a fed mentioned planned unit development. This planning eral grant to provide alternative fishing sites caused tool, mu c h like flexible zoning, will be the next “battle” by the demolition of the Jamestown Bridge. Please on the waterfront because the first item will be to re call and write your congressional delegation to sup vise parking requirements. W h e n planned unit devel port Van Zandt Pier repairs. opment reared its ugly head in the late 1980s, it was soundly defeated, and once again the pros and cons NEWPORT SHIPYARD must be carefully considered. If planned unit devel Thanks to Charlie Dana for the wonderful public ac opment or flexible zoning makes it far too easy to lessen cess provided during the mini-America’s Cup. This or eliminate parking requirements, it will set the pre first rate event showed ho w this last shipyard in Ne w cedent for making it fai ... m r future large devel port is so important to retain for our working water opments like expansioi (i;i Newport Harbor H o front. Possible development at this site is an office tel, Waites Wharf, etc. space and yacht storage building. Rich & Patricia S f j n a L y n e t t e Carrubba R e a l Es t a t e On the Point and throughout Newport County A private, non-profit boarding house for elders, founded in 1905 Cah us at 849-2800 Room, Board & Housekeeping provided or idsit us at 87 W ashington Street NewportCountyHomes.com For information about rates and availability, please call: 401-847-2674 m The Greea Light F A L L 2 0 0 4 SCENES FROM STORER PARK the Four Heads project over four years ago and has been maintaining Storer Park was the scene of mu c h activity over the it— and subtly changing summer. S o m e of it was routine and to be expected— it— ever since. H e also basketball players, dog walkers, and sun worshipers, admitted to just this for example— but there was the occasional special s u m m e r starting a event or surprising vignette that would catch the lucky small— but eventually observer’s eye. Here is just a sampling of those spe highly visible— topiary cial moments. at a well k n o w n Point home. W e leave it to the ate observer to iden- rhy the latest changes to the Four > ieads- -as well le location and identifi- cation of his newest project on The Point! ■ m . UBS TROPHY REGATTA BETV/EEN TEAM ALINGHI AND ORACLE/BMW IX RKLOCATION During the America’s Cu p Class sailboat races in June, Thanks to Scott Wheeler of the City’s Department of crews from the boats could be seen stretching out the Parks for responding to a suggestion to relocate two huge sails to allow them to dry at the end of the day of the hearty concrete planters out of the shade of a S o m e Pointers expressed concern that trees in the park tree and into the sun where plants can thrive. were being harmed by having sails tied off to them. In any case, the sight was not one normally seen in I Scott W'heeler and an anonymous assistant stabilise the park! a planter box as it is moved. THE FOUR HEADED S C U L P T U R E GETS A HAIRCUT Eugene Platt of the N e w port Preservation Society is the creator of what he has recently dubbed “The Four Headed Sculpture.” He was caught giving the topiaty' a much-needed trim late on a Friday afternoon in early August, and stopped to chat for a few minutes. Eugene covers a wide territory for the Preservation Society'. Besides Storer Park, his work can be seen on the Cliff Walk and at the Green Ani Job complete! mals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth. Eugene started I 10 The Green Light F A L L 2 0 0 4 S X J O H N ’S C H U R C H is also kn o w n for its magnificent organ and wonderful acoustics— all set in a g e m of majestic architectural SUMMER EVENTS beauty. by Mary O ’Neill-Barrett Summer Family Fair Bristol Cathedral Choir The 12th annual Summer Family Fair was held Saturday, The Choir of Bristol Cathedral, Bristol, England, was July 31, on the church lawn. Fair Chairperson was the the centerpiece in this years “Celebration X ” at The friendly and able Mrs. Mary Ostman, wife of the Rev. Church of St. John the Evangelist, on Washington St. Ostman. Mrs. Ostman once again forged a creative team The Choir’s four-day repertoire of sacred music was of parishioners and friends to make the fair one of the especially dedicated to the late Bruce J. Shaw, long most successful projects staged by the parish. time Parish Clerk at St. John’s, w h o also served as chairman of many previous English choir musical fes The fair’s lasting appeal has always been that it is geared tivals. The first service was a Sung Muss on Thursday for young and old alike - truly a family affair. Children’s evening, July 22, the day of their arrival. Their gifted games and special crafts kept youngsters of all ages choral efforts continued during Friday and Saturday busy and happy while adults wandered among a vari services, and were highlighted by their choral work on ety of specialized booths. Always a popular showcase Sunday’s Feast of St. James the Apostle in a beautiful were the homemade baked goods, which this year Sung Mass. showed off the creativeness of every baker in the par ish. Items ranged from simple but tasty sugar cookies Official Hosts for “Celebration X” were the Rev. Canon to very fancy tarts and cakes fit for an,y elegant dinner Jonathan Ostman, Rector, and Jonathan F. Babbitt, party table. Next was the booth that displayed a vari Organist/Choirmaster. A number of parishioners also ety of handmade gourmet foodstuffs that quickly sold opened their homes, acting as home-hosts for choir out. Other popular booths included handcrafted items members during their Newport stay. A n old fashioned for the ho m e and family plants for indoor decoration ice cream party on the lawn of St. John’s on Sunday and outside use, a traditional W h k e Elephant shop in afternoon hosted by Fr. and Mrs. Ostman marked the the Guild Hall, and used books and CD s plus used su m final event, which mingled parishioners, guests, and mer clothing for adults and children. members of the choir for a final gathering before their return to England on July 26. Newport merchants, parishioners, and friends of Mrs. Ostman allowed her to gtrw fair bidders a great array The Choir consists of 16 choristers, aU of wh o m are of items upon which to bid at the silent auction. The being educated at Bristol Cathedral School, and six lay silent auction boasted, a m o n g other things, specially clerks. The choir was supplemented by nine wonder selected pieces of clothing, a ship’s model, dining-out fully rich adult-male voices plus a combination of Su certificates, hats, silver bracelets, pearls, and even hard pernumerary lay clerks and deputies. Leading the group ware store tools. The popular luncheon tent— held to N e w p o r t was the Rev. Ca n o n Brendan Clover, under the trees on the front lawn— had a tasty me n u Precentor, wh o is responsible for the music and liturgy that was created especially by members of St John’s at the cathedral. The choir enjoys a wide range of ac- M e n ’s Club, wh o also staffed the luncheon booth. ■ tivities outside their church music, including radio, TV, and concert work throughout the United Kingdom. The Bristol group brought to Newport a rich choral history, as there has been a choir at their cathedral since the reign of Henry VIII. A tradition of sacred music F rench Country Living dates back to 1180 w h e n the Augustinians founded French homejurnishings. lace curtains migffmjmrn an abbey on the site of the present-day cathedral. Lejacquard and Palais Rqyal Bristol Cathedral has an illustrious musical heritage and was the site of the first performance of Handel’s 78 T hames Street ♦ Neweott • 401.848.3636 Messiah in an English church in 1758. The cathedral Monday - S aturday 10 to 6 ~ S unday Noon to 5 F A L L 2004 The Green Light 11 T A L L S H IP S ment. Warburton su m m e d it up wh e n he said, “the fi nal step in the process obviously is the undertaking of PAST AND PRESENT the need for self-discipline...It is at this point in life, by C D R Ralph C. Weiss, US N , Ret. wisdom begins.” This process was to take place by learning aboard ship, competing in tasks and games that W h a t is a Tall Ship? lead to shipboard safety, and by racing. The general The Tall Ship is the larg- public has lost sight of this purpose because of the ;st hand-operated ma- commercialism of the spectacle. :hine ever built. The Tall Ships races are a O n June 26, 1976, the Argentine ship Libertad entered product of the Cold Newport Harbor and fired a 21-gun salute to kick off War. A n English law our grand bicentennial celebration of 85 ships with over 1 yer, Bernard Morgan, a 4,000 crew members. This was the first Tall Ship race I m a n with no connec that ended in the U.S., and Newport specifically. It was tion to the sea, came up the greatest gathering of sailing ships that the world with the idea in the had seen in the 20th-century. The U S Coast Guard 1950s. H e was c o n ship Eagle and the Romanian ship Mircea, both of cerned that the political which participated this year, were also here in 1976. climate had reached such a level that it was The original Tall Ships races had two divisions. This year, haUng a deleterious effect on the youth of the 'world. there were three divisions: Class A - A U square-rigged Morgan conceived the idea along the same principle vessels over 120 feet and fore and aft rigged vessels of that Baden-Powell conceived the idea of training Boy 160 feet and over, Class B - fore and aft rigged vessels Scouts after World War I. Morgan’s plan called for each 100 to 160 feet, and Class C - fore and aft rigged vessels nation to come together in good will and vie in an in 30 to 100 feet. O f the 20 TaU Ships in Newport in ternational sailing competition. With the help of yacht designer and ocean racer Cap tain John Illingworth, and the support of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Morgan went on to draw up the A n rules and arrange the first race from Devon, England, to Lisbon, Portugal. The most important rule was that half the crew must be youth under training between the ages of 16 and 21. B y 1964, the biennial races sponsored by the British Sail Training Association were iL-jco.e Cf-AS,. well established. f A proud member of The Senior’s Choice® In 1972, Captain Barclay Warburton III of Newport took his 74-foot hermaphrodite brig Black Pearl to “...brinm m care & assistance home to you” England to participate in a race from Cowes, England, Companionship • Errands • Laundry • Meals • Transportation to Malmo, Sweden. H e was so inspired by what he We can help you stay at home saw at this international gathering that he decided to Non-medlcal • In-home care create a similar organization in the United States. In 24 Hours, 7 Days, Insured & Bonded the spring of 1973, the American Sail Training Asso ciation (ASTA) was formed. For a Free I n - H o m e A ssessm ent The goals of the sail training program are 1) to help 401 -846-0727 people gain sailing experience, 2) to increase under www.allabouthomecareinri.com standing of their relationship with others, and 3) to Newport, RI preserve the maritime heritage and marine environ - Serving Aquidneck Island & Surrounding Communities - 12 The Green U ght F A L L 2 0 0 4 2004, six were Class A, eight were Class B, and six were Class C ships. Finally, for those looking to the future, A S T A Newport will again host a sailing/training/racing international gathering in 2007 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the U S Naval C o m m a n d College. C D R Weiss served as the liaison officer fo r the 3 7 0 ft Spanish tall ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano in 1976 and the 376ft Russian Kruyenshtern in 2000; two of the world’s largest Fall Ships. Small shop but lots of SER¥ICES: SIGNS T-SHIRTS PRINTED STAINED GLASS SIGN MAINTENANCE DUNCAN SIGNS 6S Dr. M arcus W heatland Blvd. This poem was written by Edith Ballinger Trice, the first 8 4 6 - 0 2 9 4 editor of The Green Light, and originally appeared in the ------J u ly 1976 issue of the same. T H E TALL SHIPS Back to the welcoming harbor of the past They come at last! Square rig and towering mast cusn)MwooDi.....iiNe Again shall print their pattern on the sky; The sea gulls, wheeling high, IMCZIM Shall greet them with a shrill, remembering cry. 315 Main Rd, Tiverton, RI 02878 Perhaps, wh e n in the watches of the night Tel (401)625-5909 Fax (401)624-1441 Only a riding-light Stephen Plaud Thomas Duarte Shows them in shadowy sight, We spedalige in accurate reproduction of wood turnings Warehouse and wharf long gone will ghostly wake, for preservation and historic renovation. Highest quality' A n d for their sake work for 1 or 1000pieces. Into old business silently will break. N e w e ls Spindles B a lu s te rs Finials Turn back the centuries and bid them come! Porch posts B ed P o sts Fence posts Table legs Relive the h u m Fence finials R osettes O f ancient commerce - and the drum Curtain tods Industrial parts That sounded Freedom far across the main. We offer hand carving, fluting, “Tis not in vain reeding, roping and barley The Ships to Newport Harbor come again! twist carving. Edith Ballinger Price WCZZM F A L L 2 0 0 4 Tbe Green Ligbt 13 REMEMBERING THE ELSTERS 30 years. But everyone I know knew Dede and Bob, and their recent deaths remind us ho w important it is by Susanne Whitley to remember those wh o contribute to the community. In the Spring of 1967, Naval officer Bo b Elster, and This poem mas written by Elizabeth Covell Ramsey, age 95 on May 27, now his wife, Dede, bought the Pont Claggett House c.1753 a resident of the Nina lynette Nome on Washington Street. It was inspired at 59 Second Street. The sellers were Eleanor and hy the view of Narragansett Bay from her secondfloor window. Betty grew up in her family’s Sanford Covell House (‘Vpia Marina”) ai 72 W'ashington George Weaver, wh o had partially restored the house. Street (now owned hy her daughter Anne Ramsey Cuvellier), ernd we’re happy Dede and Bob, with the aid of college son Bobby and that she has come home to Newport and The Point after many years of living in an electrician, did all the rest of the work. the W'ashington, D.C. area. (Note: “AquidneckC means Isk of Peace.) Dede and Bo b were immediately involved in the ac NARRAGANSETT BAY tivities of the Association. Dede ran the pot-luck sup King PhiMp’s found out, to his grief pers and the “Holly Teas” at Christmas time. I can see Aquidneck is the isle of peace her n o w officiating in her lovely pastel colonial cos W h e n Pequots shook the tomahawk tume at the teas. She also ran for several years a tea for F r o m W A M - P A N - O - A G S , not a squawk. the benefit of “The Secret Garden Tour” in what was then the lovely garden of Nat Norris’ at Second and Bridge Street. To help with these events she had a large N o w Harbor Master sets the slots. collection of tea cups and saucers. As brawny me n pull lobster pots, The cruise ships anchor, white and tall. In addition, Dede ran the house tours for “Christmas A n d tourists visit Marble Hall. in Newport.” In aU of these events Bo b was her will ing helper. H e was a me m b e r of The Newport Artil The low-slung oilers, night and day, lery, members of which have for m a n y years served M o v e sluggishly their northbound way. as hosts in this Christmas event. Returning high, they seem to say. Farewell, aU anchors are aweigh. It is hard to reduce to a few paragraphs two people w h o were a vital part of this neighborhood for over Tel: 401 -847-5681 Fax: 401 -848-4508 GILBERT J. BRADFIELD Colonffis^ avel BROKER InmiporatecI For All Your Real Estate Needs 170 Spring Street • Newport "Bom on the Point" T: 401.849.6433 ~ F: 401.849.7503 P.O. Box 2551 Middletown, Rl 02842 800.887.4680 M D B , lie WfjoMep'L L ic i- o K t CARPENTRY Since 1996 Detailed House Cleaning Reasonable Rates 2 Sunshine Court ' Satisfaction Guaranteed One Time or Full Time Newport, Rhode Island 02840 Phone/Fax: 401-847-1831 Ask About My Other Household Services Ask for Robert Sevey 847-5940 M ichael Dennis-Bale 1 4 The Green U ght F A L L 2 0 0 4 WALKING ON THE POINT this crushing crowd? Thanks to a new spotless with extra trash bags filled an d ... by Kay O ’Brien Then came the Tall Ships. With only a small window After a long wait, summer seems a fleeting season, but of opportunity to arrange the July 16-19 visit, plans also the busiest of all. Here on the Point, the scene is were hurriedly set in motion. Basically the plan pro ever changing, especially on the waterfront. With or vided mooring spots for most ships at Goat Island. without a camera, images will linger. W h e n meeting Visitors were encouraged to leave their cars in desig neighbors or visitors, just mention the Fourth of July, nated parking areas near the PeU Bridge, with school Queen Mary II, and gridlock, or the four-day visit of buses providing further transportation to the Connec the TaU Ships, and hear their stories. tor/Long Wharf area where cars were not permitted. Inbound buses traveled Washington Street and exited on Third Street. All activities were on Goat Island where a $5.00 fee was required for a walk across the causeway with a security check before entrance to Goat Island. Extra trash containers were plentiful as were portable toilets, and streets were swept each night. Po lice, National Guard, and volunteers were everywhere. Lines were very' long to get across the causeway and to go onboard the ships, but spirits were high. N o w there will be studies and mu c h discussion on the pros/cons of handling such a popular event. At the same time as the Tall Ships, the “normal” yearly events, such as the Black Ships Festival, the Greek Fes With summer activities everywhere, there’s no better tival, the Music Festival, and many more, were “things place to catch the action than the shipyard. Their public to do.” H o w popular Newport is! access promises excitement either outside or inside the fence. It tvas almost like former America Cup races in O n e of the perks of walking is the leisure to check Newport havingthe champion boat from Swit changes along the way — a house getting a new paint zerland, here in the shipyard with Oracle from San Fran color, where the squirrels have found acorns, new gar cisco. Watching weeks of preparation and then a week dens or spots of color, or just watching the boats or of racing here in the bay in our front yard was unfor the sky. Thanks must go to all those wh o help keep gettable. Photographs of these racing machines in our parks so inviting. They look great and are appreci action were spectacular. Also at the marina were beau ated by both residents and visitors — two-legged and tiful yachts readying for a quick sail to Bermuda. four-legged! FoUowing the National Guard Air S h o w at Quonset, Always intriguing are additions, renovations, and works the Air Force Thunderbirds stayed over extra days for photo in progress. The real “double-take” is no w the restora ops, roaring overhead to show off our great location. tion of the Fairchild stable on Second/Pine Streets. This carriage house was built in 1876 by Charles Mc K i m O n the Fourth of July, the huge, newly-built Queen and has a historic past and, before long, a ne w future. Mary II came into the bay and moored off Goat Island A n d at the busy corner of Washington/Connector Road so that passengers could view the fireworks. (Tight se stands the handsome colonial Simeon Potter House with curity kept them out of N e w York harbor.) O f the its restoration complete. The house received the Ne w thousands wh o came to the Point and nearby to watch, port Historical Society’s Historical Preservation Award each wiU remember ho w long it took to get home. A n d for a private residence in late May. what would Battery Park look Uke the morning after Continues on page 18 F A L L 2004 The Green U ght 15 CITY COUNCIL study the issues and act with confidence.’ FIRST WARD CANDIDATES Charles Y. D uncan E d ito r’s N o te : There are three candidates running in the upcoming No An Introduction to Charles Y. Duncan, Candidate, vember election for the First Ward’s City Council seat. To help Pointers get to know the candidates better, we asked each candidate to provide a short Councilman L‘ Ward, Newport. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, 1934. Education; Marvin Abney Graduate, Class of 1952,Louisville Male High. Butera A retired Army Officer, he holds Masters degrees in School of Art, Boston, Massachusetts. Scouting: Eagle Business Administration and Management, and a Scout, God & Country, SES. Quartermaster, Scout Bachelors in Public Administration. His wife Cheryl Master, Unit Commissioner. is the granddaughter of the late Leo Amado, once ow ner o f Tea’s First <& Tasl Stop, an early establish Vocation: US Merchant Marine 1952-1980. Licensed ment on the Point. He attends St. John’s Church on Master of all gross tons, steam or motor vessels. Li Washington Street. censed pilot of +1,200 miles. Marine Officers Assn. Local 54, Council 13, I.B.T. Author of Y O U ’R E Active in the community, he is L‘ Alternate, New TOOKING A T M Y RIPER. Owner Duncan Signs, Dr. port Zoning & Review Board, and serves on the Alarcus Wheatland Blvd. since 1980. Boards of the Martin Luther King Center, the List Academy of Arts and Music, the Newport County Community Participation: Parishioner of St. Joseph YMCA, Newport Community Schools, Newport Pub Catholic Church Community, Past Scoutmaster Troop lic Education Foundation, and the Commission on 79 (Tonomy Hill), 13 years member Newport Zoning Ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. Board of Review and 2 years as Chairman, Past Presi He is a member of the Newport Public Schools Stra dent Point Association, past member Newport Char tegic Planning Committee and Co-Chair of the School ter Review Commission. Improvement Committee, Coggeshall Elementary. Aly promise to you: When elected Councilman, I will “I believe communities are best served when mem actively represent the T Ward, being available for you bers step forward to actively participate in the deci at my shop, 65 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd. or my home sion-making processes that benefit the common good. 25 Third St, or by phone at 846-0294 and 846-0796. I Through voting, citizens place their trust and re promise to actively advocate for and respond to the sources in individuals who promise to honestly and needs of the residents of the First Ward. fairly stand for their interests in public matters. In my view, governments and elected officials at all levels should be responsive to the people to whom they’ve Peter F. L anouette been entrusted to represent. Ward I is large and di My message is simple. The past couple of terms the verse. My goal is to work hard to earn your confi 1 “ Ward hasn’t been properly represented. The desires dence and vote. As I talk with Ward members, many and needs of the diverse people in our tvard weren’t of you have the same concerns as I. I wiU work to being heard. ward bringing quality leadership to City government. The continued improvement of our schools depends The Van Zandt Bridge should be rebuilt. The increased in part on a solid relationship between our School traffic from the re-routing of early morning traffic has Board and City Hall. I want to ensure that the history added to the distress. School buses don’t use it but and character of our neighborhoods is alrvays a major tourists in the same buses can. factor in decisions made by the Council. I want to begin a process that allows for substantive dialogue The route of traffic during Tall Ships was IE planned. by citizens that addresses the tough issues that effect Proper contact and communication could have resolved not only Ward I, but also our whole city. Newport is the problem. Sending buses east on Admiral Kalbfus a leading city that deserves leaders willing to listen. Road (Rte 138) to the top of Broadway and into the 16 The Green Light FALL 2004 city via that broad and open main thoroughfare. Com SECRET GARiiLL 'L © ? mercial traffic is commonplace on Broadway. Visitors from all over converged on the Point for three We need a stop sign southbound on Third St. and Sy days in late June, searching for the white flags marking camore St. Kids from Bayside Village, Rolling Green the secret gardens hidden in our neighborhood. and Tonomy Hill walk there to get to the piers to swim and fish. Too often disaster has been narrowly missed there. Drivers heedless of the kids rush through that intersection. It’s a simple problem. What will it take? Marvin Abney and Charles Duncan are great candi dates for Councilman. I like their ideas, their dedica tion and atteiitiveness— something sorely missing for too long in the First Ward. I can’t decide which to vote for [however] so I’m voting for me. It’s a matter of principle. We must be heard! Democracy has fallen victim of cronyism. The call for residents only in city jobs is Garden of Walter Wdhitley, 45 EJm St. V-'alter IWhitky with xenophobia at its worst. The ineptitude this introduces of Port Fudhm, W'ashington. to our essential services will be paid for dearly in civil U k . . - suits against mistakes committed by the second rate choices this referendum will doom us to. Thank you. ■ Garden of Derek <& Anne Coulton (on left), visited hy sisters Marie Itedberg of Jamestown and Sigrid Gallagher of Bristol. VALE D E S I G N ■ V, -fllO'- . - fACiINC Ho* Garden of Anne PJtterhusch (in foreground), 7 Cherry St. Vi.sited by Carolann Thompson, Margaret Marcotte, Marie Horan, Cheryl Cummings, foanne Basile, and Ann Holleran; all of Massachusetts. FALL 2004 The Green Ught 17 THAT WAS THEN... participated in the 1914 Star Spangled Banner Cen tennial Tour. Its last appearance as a commissioned USS Constellation in ship occurred during the commemoration of the 150th Newport anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 5, 1926. Decommissioned by the Navy in 1933, the NOTE: Many thanks to Herbert E Rommel, CAPT (Retired), USN, for providing the source materials and CONSTELLATION was recommissioned in 1940and photographs for this story. Portions of the article were for a time during World War II held the honorary title taken, with permission obtained as a result of his ef o f Flagship of the Atlantic Fleet. She again had a post forts, from the July 2004 issue of the Universal Ship Cancellation Society Log. office throughout the war, although postm arks from this period are not common. In 1955, having been The Postal Service released a new stamp on 30 June decommissioned once again, the ship was brought to picturing the venerable Navy sail sloop USS CON Baltimore and d o nated by the Navy to a local non STELLATION, today a tourist attraction in profit foundation. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The stamp, reports the Postal Service, celebrates the 150th anniversary of her construction. There has long been debate as to - A " m / te-.. . ■ ^ the ship’s actual construction date, with some argu ing that she was originally launched in 1797, the same .. year as the USS CONSTITUTION. While this issue is worth exploring, our main interest here is on the ...1 Litri. /■ ■’tl -‘i- n-'-as- ship’s history relative to Newport. ><■ SL. The rear of the postcard, dated “Sept 20, ‘12”, is signed by “Roy” who was apparently assigned to the ‘Yeoman School, Naval Training Sta. Newport, RI. ” He notes that they’ve just moved off the ship and into a barracks. The CON.ITEL- LATION postmark is also visible. From page 15 USS Constellation dressed for Queen EJiyabeth’s birthday during visit of HMS York, Nenport, RI in 1937. In the decades after the Civil War, the CONSTEL LATION was one of America’s most impressive ships, showing the flag at various ports around the globe. She was retired in 1894 and laid up as a bar racks and training ship at the Navy boot camp at New port. She was there in 1908 when she became one of Real estate signs continue to come and go as do seller, the first ships in the Navy to get a post office. A com buyers, owmers, and renters. Have you greeted any new m on location to see her early postmarks is on picture neighbors? The long and short of our busy summer postcards of Newport sent home by recruits. included highs and lows. Yes, it was noisy and crowded at times, we shared our space with thousands, but there Over the next several decades, the CONSTELLA were happy times, and summer comes but once a year! TIO N continued to serve as a training ship. It also 18 The Greet! Light FALL 2004 Nostalgic M oment from Our Scrapbook k . ' . r W - -'. if- ■ ■■■ 4LLS'|«!!*fiS''»iift =«>«sas ' --4i , ’ ^ a m : ‘ (■■ .■ i.A-Srti’■'-' V The Neivport waterfront during the 1976 Tall Ships visit is alive with activity. This eZ blackwhite image is courtesy of Pwilph Weiss, and was derived from a large framed color print produced by TD . Lowes, Buffalo, N Y, and C. FremontSmith, Newport. The Point Association Membership Form Please make check payable to Tbe Point Association and m ail with form to PO Box 45f Newport, MI 02840. A subscription to The Green Light is included with all membersMps, Individual $10 _F am ily $15 Subscriber $25 JNtfoii $40 N a m e : P h o n e : F a x : E m a il: M ailing Address: Second Address ( if applicable): Com m ittees and Activities Your participation is welcome. Pleace check the categories of interest to you. O Beautification □ Harbor Watch O Green light □ Plant Sale O M e m b e r s h i p □ Program/Event Planning O H istory and Archives O CM ldren’s Activities □ Publications/Communications/W eb O Neighborhood Watch □ Underground Wires FALL 2004 The Green Light 19 Save the D ate Fall Membership Meeting Thursday October 21 7 p.m. Meet in Harbor House - Use the chapel entrance on Battery Street. See the announce ment on Page 3 for additional information about this important meeting. Fall Cleanup & Bulb Planting Saturday October 23 9 a.m. Join your friends and neighbors to clean up Storer and Battery Parks and to plants bulbs that will bloom next spring. For more information, please call Marcia or Coles Mallory, 849-5659. Get out and VOTE Tuesday November 2 Presorted THE GREEN LIGHT Standard U.S. Postage The Point Association PAID P.O.Box 491 Newport, RI Permit No, 36 Newport, RI 02840