' / t vs G R E E N LIG H T

L L, ti T I N O F 1 1 1 E P 0 1 N ' T A S S O C I A T I O N

FEBRUARY 1989 The GREEN LIGHT

Vol. XXXIV -No. 1

FEBRUARY 1989

FEATURES OFFICERS President's Message 3 Richard Peters Association News 5 & 6 President

Newport on Video 7 Mary Lynn Rooke 1st. V. President Another Point Collector 8 & 9 Roberta Majewski The Founding of Newport 10 & 11 2nd. V. President Who Cannot Love a Tree? 12 & 13 Donna Flynn Rec. secretary A Young Contributor 14 Jeanne Desrosiers Movie on the Point -1915 15 Corr. secretary Twelfth Night 16 John Howard Treasurer Pointers-in-the-News 17

Colonial Cook's Corner 18 & 19

GREEN LIGHT STAFF

Virginia Covell, Editor COVER PHOTO: Settlers Stone, courtesy Florence Archambault of the Naval War College Museum. Esther Fisher Benson Catherine Hamnett Anita McAndrews Katharine O'Brien Dorothy Sanscliargin

Copies of the Green Light Curtis Magee, Ac tsing may be purchased for $1.00 Katharine O'Brif i Rowan Howard at Bucci's Covenience Store, Circuiat.iun Poplar and Thames Street and Florence Archambault, Typing at Third Street Liquors. Message from the President

More good news. The City Council has passed a resolution concerning the Washington Street shipyard site that rejects construction of condominiums and hotel now, authorizes the City Manager to negotiate a purchase price, and looks to State and Federal sources for funds to purchase the land. The Council envisions preserving this last boatyard on the Newport water­ front for marine repair in perpetuity. The City Council has petitioned the Coastal Resource Management Council for a hearing to challenge the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) plans for the Fishing Pier construction at the south end of Washington Street. The Council supports the project, but is attempting to negotiate with DEM to limit: the size of the project; its impact on the harbor channel; and the uses that would be permitted ashore. We have one new issue to consider. CODAC has announced the move of its clinic from 42 Spring Street to the old IRS offices on the corner of Thames and Marlborough, and plans to begin a Methadone Maintenance Program in these offices. The Board was petitioned by several members of the Point Association to take a stand against this move. The Board spent a considerable amount of energy researching and discussing the issues Involved and voted to send a letter to the City Council saying: we fully support CODAC, the work it does in Newport, and its move to the Point; we have serious reservations, however, with the plans to conduct Methadone Maintenance at this site; and we asked the Council to hold a Public Hearing with all parties concerned to look for alternative locations for dispensing the methadone. Most of us are familiar with the use of methadone in a con­ trolled environment, first as a substitute for heroin, and then in gradually reduced, dosages to break addiction. In a Methadone Maintenace Program however, the addiction is maintained by daily dosage which the addict purchases from the Maintenance site. Those in the Maintenance Program have been unable to beat the addiction but are judged able to lead relatively normal lives if sustained on methadone rather than left to seek the illegal heroin. There are risks involved in this program. We are advised that distribution should be made from carefully controlled s-ites such as hospital grounds or at police stations where gathering is less likely to occur. Distribution in Boston and Brockton MA is conducted from a special vehicle that goes to various controlled sites, further reducing the possibility of gathering.

Please let us know if you have any thoughts on these issues. I hope to see you all at the Pot Luck Supper at St. Paul's on the twelfth of February.

"Pete" Peters POT LUCK SUPPER DATEi SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

THE WARMTH OF WINTER TIME: 6:00 p.m. PLACE: St. Paul’s Church, Marlboro St. This warmth could certainly be felt on and around the Point at This Year’s Pot Luck Supper will be Christmas time. The Point Associa­ tion activity was the Holly Tea held A TRADITIONAL POT LUCK SUPPER the Sunday before Christmas at St. There will be no admission charge at the door. Paul's. Were you there? It's hard to believe that some residents still 1 % ) haven't found this special event. CsGpill MAIN COURSES Charlie Duncan's new sign outside the doors of St. Paul's lured in will be POT LUCK CASSEROLES some newcomers walking by. You Beverages (Coffee, Tea and Milk) will be provided. should have heard their comments and those of others for whom this was a You may bring wine, beer, cider etc. first. Then there was the Providence couple who came when they were first married and every year since, now EVERYTHING SHOULD ARRIVE PIPING HOT with growing children. For all of WRAPPED IN NEWSPAPER AND PAPERBAGS you who baked such delicious good­ Every Container and Server should be labeled ies, many thanks. For those who You will receive a phone call so please be prepared to sign up to bring: worked, thanks was in the enjoyment GREEN SALAD which serves 12 of being a part. Cakes and cookies VEGETABLES which serve 12 which were left were whisked to the MAIN. CASSEROLE which serves 10 Christian Action Center and disap­ DESSERT which serves 12 peared with pleasure. It’s a big job to put on the tea, all of which is done by Dede and Bob Elster and their willing workers. You'll be hearing more, come December, so put MEMBERSHIP NEWS this "must" on your new calendar. Welcome to our newest members: Another highlight which gets bigger and better every year is the Jean and Douglas Baker three day Candle Light House Tour Mr. and Mrs. Henry Foster sponsored by Christmas in Newport. William J. Kotchen (This and the craft fair at the Sue Maden Viking are the two money-making Sharyn Singer events for the organization.) Again Nancy Louise Sherman Stebor Dede arranged for the houses to be (daughter of a Born-on-the-Pointer| open and for hostesses in costume. It's obvious guests come from far Once more - a reminder that dues were and near and year after year. due Oct. 1, 1988. ("It seems to me Christinas in Newport has just been I've heard that song before - It’s listed among the top 100 attrac­ from an old familiar score...,"). tions in North America for 1989 by If you find a yellow line through the American Bus Association. No the address label of your Green Light wonder our neighborhood is so popu­ it means you have not paid up yet! lar. As next winter approaches, be (As of Jan. 15th) So please do, or sure to be a part of these Point bring your dues with you to the Pot attractions. Luck Supper on Feb. 12th. Hope to see you there! Katharine O ’Brien Eowan Howard Susanne Reynolds Bethlehem". At this point Captain CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON THE POINT Newell had to return home, as he was recovering from a severe flu and was It was on the first day of win­ now losing his voice. that 32 happy souls met on Bra- ter We were warmly received at the inaii Street for our annual Christmas Nesbitts with more refreshments; the Carol Sing around the Point. Our little shop was lit by candles and conductor, Captain Arthur Newell, seemed filled with the true Christmas gave his annual "how to sing Christ­ spirit. Thank you, Else and Alex. mas Carols" crash course within 20 The Rommels invited us in also, minutes. and as we sang carols in the living Under a full moon we walked to room, they prepared another spread Washington Street and headed for the for us; the hot buttered rum was Nina Lynette Home, our first stop. truly in the Newport tradition and We chose "Oh Come All Ye Faithful", delicious. Thank you for your hospi­ "Deck the Halls", and "Silent Night". tality again this year. A few minutes later we were outside We finished at the Sanford- Ade Bethune's home, and as soon as we Covell House where again we were in­ started "Good Christian Men Rejoice" vited in for some treats. Thank you, Ade appeared in her traditional apron Anne and Richard, for your hospital­ and joined us in "Joy to the World" ity. and "The Holly and the Ivy". After A big thank you to Captain these, we started our trek south­ Newell for conducting and to all the ward -- glad to be out on this clear, carollers for singing on such a cold starlit night. night. As we started to sing "Bring a A Happy New Year to you all. Torch, Jeannette Isabella" outside the home of Suzanne Aubois, we heard Taff Roberts another group of carollers making their way over Chestnut St. There were about 15 of them, mostly child­ ren. We crossed the road and sang a few carols for Mabel Watson, Jennifer Paul, and Libby Bogliossian. NOSTALGIA NOTE We walked briskly down Chestnut St. to the Elsters' home where we are This was the first year I felt always warmly received with sherry, my children were old enough (5 and 8) coffee, tea, and a selection of fine to join the carol singing on the home-made biscuits and soda bread. Point. We drove down from Providence, Thank you both for your generous hos­ had a quick dinner with my parents, pitality. The "Oh Come All Ye Faith­ and caught up with the carollers on for ful" that we delivered the Washington Street. Howards was probably the best of the What fun to join with friends evening due to the good cheer that we and neighbors singing the beautiful had received at the Elsters. words and tunes! Jane Walsh and I Miss Sullivan asked me last Au­ sang alto, but l heard some good bass gust if we were going to sing carols notes from our lively director, We for her this year, and we did. Arthur Newell. sang carol after carol as she stood The best part for me was the and listened in her red wool cap. One memories it brought back of carolling of her cats, sitting on her back every Christmas Eve when I was a fence, watched us carefully. child, and my Dad and Uncle King co­ After singing "Silent Night" at ordinated the group. The houses look the Newells, we went to Fisher Ben­ better now, but the smiles are still son 's house, where she joined us; the same; the kids loved it, and then across to the Peters' homestead somehow it made Christmas happen for where we rendered "O Little Town of m e .

Cathy Covell Orloff PRESSURE POINTS

^ f r i e n d i n n e e d LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEWPORT OFFSHORE SAGA ! We all know about the new emergency telephone number 911, but On January 18, Capitol Growth may need an introduction to another Company submitted, new plans for the personal-response service available Newport Offshore site which do not to us here in Newport. The Lifeline include a public walkway or a ship­ Program has been publicized recently yard. The latest plans conform to the but really strikes home when some of Redevelopment Agency's guidelines. us have been asked to be emergency City Manager Frank Edwards and responders for a neighbor living City Solicitor Joseph Nicholson, Jr. alone here on the Point. The Newport met with the Capitol Growth officials Hospital Auxiliary has recently set on Wednesday afternoon at city Hall. up a service which has been offered There were no comments on the meeting, elsewhere in the United States and but the City Council had asked the Canada. Lifeline users are individ­ City Manager to have discussion about uals who benefit from knowing that the possible acquisition of the prop­ help is just a push of a button away. erty to preserve as a shipyard. You must be near the telephone to The legal aspects of a deed dial 911, but with a personal help restriction will be researched by the button, worn around your neck or on City Solicitor before action is taken your wrist, you can be in touch with on the resolution at the next City the Newport Hospital Lifeline Emer­ Council meeting of February 8th. gency Response Center whenever and wherever. It's really very simple and RECYCLING REMINDER the fee for installation and rental of the equipment is modest. This pro­ Please remember: gram of the Newport Hospital Auxili­ ary is headed by volunteer, Katherine Use paper bags or string for Hayward, who would be happy to give newspapers. Wet newspapers can you all the details (846-64001. She’s and will be recycled. been a fomer visiting nurse for the point so may be an old friend. For the blue bin:

Rinse soda bottles, plastic milk/water jugs-- without caps.

Rinse tin cans, remove labels and lids. Labels are OK on all other recyclables.

Do not overfill bins. Use additional cardboard boxes or containers marked recycle.

Liz Bermender

Dip i n t o Arnolds ! BILL DEL NERO CLEANERS >r prints, posters,fra m in gand art supplies) AND LAUNDRY INC. 11 FAREWEU ST., NEWPORT, R. 1.

THOMAS C. BENISCH (401) 847 6800 Production Managers ARNOLD ART STORE WILLIAM F. BENISCH II 210 Thames St.N e w p o rt-847-2273 . NEWPORT ON VIDEO When he visits the mansions, he gives just enough architectural and If you have access to a video horticultural detail without being cassette player, you have a treat in didactic or confusing. When he store. A very fine video tape of arrives at Beechwood, there are Newport has been issued by Video activities with people in 19th-cen­ Memories of Jamestown. It is avail­ tury costume, adding to the sense of able in local bookstores and variety history unfolding. shops. The actor, Theodore Boyd, plays I wish he had dwelt a bit more the part of Benjamin Franklin. The on the Historical Society and the first scenes set the tone, with Ben Art Musuem, and that he skipped some in full 18th-century dress on the questionable details (such as the deck of the slope Providence ex­ organ at Trinity having been played plaining that he is making a return by Handel!) but these are minor visit to Newport to see what changes flaws in an otherwise delightful have been made in the last two cen­ performance. turies . At the very end of the film Starting with the type of inn there are about 30 or 40 kaleido­ he was most used to (the Melville scopic views of the city that are House) he tours the city explaining photographically excellent --- a the landmarks as he goes. In Touro fitting way to end a unique video Park, for example, he explains the experience. theories regarding the origin of the Stone Tower; the scene is beautiful- Virginia Covell trees in full pink blossoms, green deep green. Redwood Library, being near, is next, and Washington's statue re­ minds him of Rochambeau, the Colony House, and the Vernon House, build­ ings where they consulted. The stops are thus worked in naturally with just enough history and too much talking; it never becomes tiresome. The tape's creator has inter­ posed some of Edith Price's draw­ -I- ings , plus old prints, and these add ^IfL ^aiissepie immeasurably to the feeling of the Colonial era.

la ^Misserk Fine Pastries

SecondFloor 136 Thames Street CHARLES and THEO DUNCAN Newport, Rl 02840 Owners (401)847-0194 the Ida Lewis Doll Club are now ANOTHER POINT COLLECTOR planning for their tenth anniversary in 1990. Of the ten original members of the club, eight are still active; DOLLS! --- Tiny dolls, large one moved away, and the other was dolls, antique dolls, 20th century Miss Elizabeth Anthony, well-known dolls, baby-dolls, girl-dolls, boy- doll collector and doll maker, who dolls, dolls under glass domes, remained interested in dolls until dolls in baskets, dolls in old car­ her death at 102 years of age. riages, --- You name it, it is un­ doubtedly found in Sarah Plumb's In Sarah Plumb's collec­ collection. tion, the oldest doll is a two-inch The home of Ralph and Sarah one made from a piece of wood, with Plumb on Pine Street is a museum of a carved head and jointed limbs. The dolls. In the living rooms, the largest doll is 22 inches tall; it halls, the kitchen, they are the was made in Germany by Simon and ■ain decorations, changing with the Halbig and dates back to the 1890's. seasons or for special occasions. It has a bisque head and is beauti­ fully dressed. Sarah is a Born-on-the-Pointer but the Plumbs have lived in several Most of the dolls are displayed states since World War II. When they individually but a three-storied retired, they returned to live in doll house has miniature figures, the Newport house where they had va­ animals, and furniture. The house cationed for many years, and of has no kitchen, because in Sarah's course, brought the dolls with them. own kitchen, over the sink, there is Sarah says that she has always a built-in shelf that is a miniature old kitchen with tiny figures and loved dolls, but that she became a serious collector as an adult. When furnishings for her to enjoy while doing dishes. she lived in New Jersey, she follow­ ed a neighbor's suggestion, and Another interesting piece is an joined a doll club in a nearby com­ Ida Lewis diorama. The background is a water color of the Ida Lewis munity. It was some distance from her home, so before long, she start­ lighthouse; in the foreground is a six-inch figure of Ida, complete ed a doll club in her own town. When in a blue and white gingham dress and a the Plumbs moved back to Newport, "slimmer" hat with wide stiff brim, she found no club here, so she known as an "Ida Lewis hat". These started one in 1980. are copied from an old photograph. A The local club is named for Ida small model of a rowboat of the type Lewis of lighthouse fane, and is af­ she used in her famous rescues and filiated with the National Federa­ small rocks from the lighthouse tion of Doll Clubs. The members of shore complete the picture. Visitors to the Point Fair last Slimier were fascinated by the Doll Club's exhibit, and the doll-related wares which the members had. made to sell. They expect to be back this coming summer, and are making spe­ cial plans for their tenth anniver­ sary booth in 1990. Sarah Plumb invites other doll collectors to visit a meeting of the club. Contact her at 849-3973. WHAT a collection! And those fortunate to have Sarah enthusiasti­ cally tell about her treasure will The Green Light staff is looking for add WHAT a collector. other collectors on the Point. Con­ tact the Editor at Box 491, Newport, Kit Hammett R.I. or by telephone 846-1479.

People Shop Aidinoffs For QUALITY-SERVICE & VALUE

16 Warner St. Newport, R.I. Cail 846-'i'000 For Free Delivery The town was established on both sides of a spring which is located at the present site of Gold's Texaco station on Spring Street. Easton built the first home located on the east side of what is now Farewell Street, west of the Quaker Meeting House; Governor Coddington's house was located, on Marlborough Street; and Henry Bull built his house on Spring

Street opposite the site of the spring. Easton's house was burned by THE FOUNDING OF NEWPORT Indians in 1641, Coddington's house was razed in 1835 but Bull's house had In this 350th celebration of the distinction of being the oldest Newport's founding it seems house standing in the state until it appropriate to take note of the fact was destroyed by fire in 1912, that the founding of the town began on It seems there was a little the Point. confusion as where to locate the town On April 28, 1639, the entire because the land sloping down to what government of Pocasset (the settlement is now Thames Street was very swampy. located on the northern portion of The story goes that while the men were Aquidneck Island and later named contemplating the problem, some Portsmouth) headed by William Indians came along in a canoe. One of Coddlngton signed a covenant agreeing the white men asked them how much it "to propogate a Plantation in the would take to clear the swamp. midst of the Island or elsewhere." After a short consultation one of There is a difference of opinion them replied, "Your coat." The coat as to whether or not this was because was given to the warrior and he cut of dissension or because they felt the large brass buttons off, put them that the original town was becoming on a string, and hung them around his overcrowded. neck. Shortly after, the Indians set Nicholas Easton records that the fire to the underbrush on the swamp next day he and his two sons, Peter and, without any difficulty, cleared and John, came by boat to an island one great obstacle to the founding of where they camped and on the following the town of Newport where it now morning named Coasters' Harbor. The stands. name was derived from their boat, a The winter of 1639-40 was a coaster, so called because it was not memorable one. Due to the diminished suitable for travel except along the food supply (outside of game and fish coastline. which abounded) it was necessary to This entitles Easton to the honor count the residents in order to divide of being considered the first settler the store of corn and records show of Newport. The coast along Easton's that 108 bushels were divided among 96 Beach had been explored but the inhabitants. tremendous force of the surf there Lechford (a English lawyer who could not offer the settlers a safe was at the Massachusetts Bay Colony harbor. from 1637-41) visited both Providence In addition to William Coddlngton and Aquidneck and places the popu­ and Easton, the original settlers were lation of the entire island at around John Coggeshall, William Brenton, John 200 families in this or the following Clarke, Jeremy Clarke, Thomas Hazard, year. Irving B . Richman, author of Henry Bull, and William Dyre, all Rhode Island, Its Making and Its names that abound in Newport on Meaning feels that this computation is streets, buildings and other geograph- probably correct. At the same time the cal locations. Providence settlement was half that amount.

10 Picturesque Rhode Island by Wilfred H. Munro tells us, "On the first day of May, 1639, they landed near the site of Newport; on the 16th the town was laid out and named. Four acres were assigned for each house- Thirty years after the landing Peter Easton recorded in the margin of lot, and six acres were granted to Mr. a page dealing with the year 1639 in Coddington for an orchard. (This was his copy of Nathaniel Morton's New the second orchard planted in the England Memorial: State, william Blackstone had planted the first in 1635.)The first street In the beginning of May this year marked out was Thames Street. It was the Eastons came to Newport in about a mile in length, and was laid Road H a n d and builded ther the out 'according to the convenience of first English building and ther the shore,' as the quaint phrase of planted this year and coming by the olden time puts it. Almost all of boat they lodged at the Hand the dwelling-houses were placed upon caled coasters harbour the last the east side of the street. It was of April 1639 and the First of hardly supposed that buildings would May in the morning gave that H a n d ever be placed upon the west side, the name of Coasters Harbour and except in a few unusually favorable from thence came to Newport the locations. No room was therefore left same Day." for the purpose. But in course of time the necessities of commerce called for This is the inscription which was the erection of stores and ware­ placed on the stone when the monument, houses, the owners of the adjoining a large egg-shaped boulder to which is land encroached more and more upon the affixed a bronze plaque,was dedicated highway, and the narrow street which on April 30, 1924. now so surprises the visitor, is the result." Florence Archambault It was this commerce which led to the building up of the land which we -•-w know as "The Point" in the late If. ^ If * lO's and early 1700's by the Quaker •chants and the sea captains. The spot where the original Lers of the town of Newport landed that warm May day is commemorated FLOATING AN IDEA a stone located in front of the •al “Mar College. There will be many events marking Newport's 350th anniversary this year but hopefully none bigger or better than the parade being planned for May 7th by John Lauth. The suggestion has been made that the Point Association enter a float. What could be more appropriate than the boat and the first settlers landing on Coasters Harbor island? We'll be waiting to hear from you for suggestions and offers to help. Compliments of Nortons’ Oriental Qallery This chance doesn't come around very often so please contact any one of 415 Thames Street Newport, Rhode Island #284# your officers or the staff of The 401-849-4468 -401-847-2307 Green Light.

11 WHO CANNOT LOVE A TREE?

It IS interesting and of some concern to note that the Island of Aquidneck was, 350 years ago, heavi­ ly wooded. Oak, walnut, and chestnut trees grew in magnificent profusion; there were pine forests and cedar swamps. It was during the Revolutionary War that the British stripped this island of its timber and, since then, little forest growth has taken place. By the late 18th century no wood was available on the island; fuel and building commodities had to be hauled great distances. Lumber arrived in Newport by ship; mahogany and walnut the first choice of house joiners and cabinet makers. It was not until the early 19th century that Newport's population began to expand and wealth was accu­ mulated. Carpentry was coming into ished, and a rare white dove tree in its own. Sturdier and finer homes Arnold Park was allowed to die. Now, were needed to house the new high­ the Point awaits, with some trepida­ boys and clock cases. tion, the fate of the grand old The desire for a better house trees on the Stella Maris property led to further deforestation. The on Washington St. Point residents brighter side of this coin was that threaten to camp out under the a better house must have a larger Stella Maris trees to protect them garden and trees were needed to en­ from destruction. Mrs. Rommel, who hance these gardens. In his book, lives on Bridge Street in what was The Trees of Newport, Richard L. once the Pitts Head Tavern, has her Champlin relates how the wealthy own orchard --apple trees, a cherry families of Newport vied with one and a pink chestnut. Her holly another importing trees from every­ tree, seeded in Bristol, R.I., is 75 where in the world. These trees, years old. "One tree," Mrs. Rommel many still flourishing today, make told us, "is worth $35,000--ecology- Newport a fabled arboretum. city-and people-wise. However, deforestation contin­ The Point Assoc, sponsors a ues on Newport streets. On sites of program of planting trees in memory industries, and condos, trees are of a person or an event. There are low on our list of priorities. Mary three cherry trees in Storer Park, Rommel, 'chairman of the Beautifica­ given by the Weaver family; two wal­ tion Comiiittee for the Point Assoc., nut trees on Walnut Street. streets told us that "nowadays, people on the Point were named in 1800 but don't like trees." It would appear not named for trees already there. so when we realize that there is no Not long ago, a resident of Second Newport law against the cutting down St. asked the Point Assoc, for a of trees on private property. Many- tree outside her window. This tree valued trees have been destroyed in bloomed in the spring time, giving this manner. A white oak, an e'ndan- great pleasure to the woman before gered species, was recently demol­ she died the following summer.

12 There is a Japanese weeping cherry tree in Storer Park, planted by friends of someone gone but not forgotten, and there are several pine trees on Washington St. set there by friends in memory of a friend. The Point Assoc. hopes to plant a maple tree in Battery Park in memory of Adm. Eccles. It is dif­ ficult to plant a tree in this park due to the deep pitting of the earth by old battlements; also those who reside across from the park do not want to lose their view of the har­ bor . Plant a tree in memory--it is a lovely idea. But perhaps, as Mrs. Rommel says, not enough people respect trees. She speaks from experience because her committee recently planted a Christmas tree in Storer Park and that tree was immediately stolen, roots and all. Nothing left but a large hole in the ground! Yes, just as park benches are uprooted; and flower borders and planters destroyed, so are trees ruined--by baseball bats, garbage, or outright theft. It is macho now, on the Point, to turn over the newly-acquired trash disposals. In my family, as children we loved trees. The beeches at the Elms were our "petticoat trees" - they were hiding place and palace; we A Newport Shopping Tradition would not have harmed a leaf. We would like to give a tree, Since 1796 in memory of other trees. If you For nearly200 years the Leys Store has been would like to do the same, or to re­ serving the families of Newport County and its member a loved one, call Mary many visitors with personal, friendly service Leys features nationally known brands and its Rommel, 847-7779. T r e e s are own selective merchandise. Be sure to stop in expensive, up to $100, but they will and visit our interesting store while in the last, almost forever, if we allow Newport area. them to. TLC--tender, loving care • Apparel & Fashion Accessories — and the continued cooperation of for Men, Women & Children the city of Newport is what is • Toiletries and Jewelry • Linens & Home Furnishings called for. It is we ourselves, and • Gifts for all Occasions our children, who must learn again • Mementos of Newport to love a tree. On ike Waterfront— Long WharfM ail Opposite Anita McAndrews Gateway Center Open Daily: 9:30-5:30, Fridays till 8:30, Sun: 12-5 A ll M ajor credit cards accepted Free validated parking

13 A YOUNG CONTRIBUTOR LONGEST RESIDENT ON THE POINT

Other challenges! Elton Manuel, we think you are too young! Leo DuTilley ; ’ : Walnut Street nomin­ ated his wife for this distinction. She is Julia (Lawrence) DuTilley, Born-on-the-Pointer on Elm Street in 1903. She has lived all her years on Elm, Cross, Marsh and Second Streets and since 1960 her home has been on Walnut Street. But is she the one? Mrs. Peter Bolhouse's daughter, Mary Bolhouse Gainey, submits her mother’s name. Gladys Bolhouse grew up on the Point and has been closely associated with it through all of her life. She is the Green Light's source of histor­ We’ve been trying to find the ical information, at her desk in the oldest resident on the Point, and now Newport Historical Society, where in we can talk about one of our youngest spite of her advanced years of 89, contributors. Chris Scott, who has she still puts in a full day's work. suminered -on Battery Street with his She lives on Charles Street, near grandparents, fional & Kay O'Brien, the Association’s meeting place in has written for The Green Light St. Paul's Church, and in the block several times the past few years. He just east of Thames Street. In every is now in Japan living with a Japan­ way, she is considered a Pointer! Is ese family and finishing High School. she the one? He’s taken tine out from filling out college applications to send us this Kit Hammett poem.

Questions about the Point's A Delicate Eternity history, or about people of the Point are welcomed by The A winter's morning Green Light staff. Who? What? Slowly dawning Why? When? Send to Editor, To a blanket of cold P.O. Box 491, Newport, R.l. Draped over the silent city The snow-covered landscape Frozen beauty A flawless fragment from nature's looking glass A momentary snowflake on my hand Melted too soon In a delicate eternity On an iced street, faces Issuing forth wisps of life from parted lips. WALLPAPfc'Rl MG.DECOIXAT) KlG, WOODC.UAI K1 I H G

HVW EL -f-AFF RO BERTS

*fOJ ■ S -4 -9 ■5 5 R .T Christopher Donal Scott

14 access were closed off. A fee of MOVIE ON THE POINT - 1915 $2.00 was charged for cars, 25 cents for adult pedestrians, and 10 cents The filming of "Mr. North" for children. in 1987 was not the first movie­ The Newport citizenry did not making to invade the Point. In 1915 take kindly to this development; they the Lubin company filmed "The Peril" had been drifting in and out of the here under the direction of a Mr. area for weeks without impediment. Terwilliger, and starring the hand­ Many ways were found to crash the some matinee idol, Earl Metcalf. gate, and there were loud cries of Several of our readers reminded us of "fishermen's rights" — although it, and some of them thought the there wasn't a fishing rod in sight! movie had a connection with "The The irate, milling crowd threatened Perils of Pauline", a series star­ to disrupt the peaceful destruction ring Pearl white. This was not one of of Lubin Street. When things became

Pearl's many cliff-hangers that we too much for the police detail to remember from Saturday afternoons in handle, Commander Frank T. Evens of our childhood, but a completely the Naval Training Station called separate movie. forth a large number of apprentice Seventy-five years ago the Lubin seamen who urged the crowd back of Company worked in Newport beginning the barriers. in the early Spring and ending There was a spirited "attack" on September 13th when the final thrill­ the village, Lubin Street became ing fire scenes were shot on the filled with a "fleeing populace", grounds of the Naval Hospital. Since people were being "shot" --*and over the story was about Army and Navy all, there was deafening sound of personnel, the area around Newport rifle fire. A horse from the Illumin­ was a "natural" for the setting. All ating Company reared and ran away, summer, the company filmed waterfront not having been trained to work in scenes of battleships, submarines, public commotion! yachts, and the ever-present flocks • f Navy men who frequented the city. Whenever there was a fire, the film Director Terwilliger shouted company would rush to the scene and directions through his megaphone, and record pictures of fire to be later during the course of the melee the spliced in with their own conflagra­ buildings were partially wrecked. tion at the end of the movie. Then the fires were arranged, people A complete street of quite solid were filmed "choking" from smoke and buildings was constructed along the flames, and finally the entire Lubin waterfront of the Naval Hospital Street was consumed in the flames. grounds, right up to Training Station M r . Terwilliger said that when road. It was called Lubin Street. viewed on screen through red film Solid, new lumber was used and the (which at that time was passed out to hrtiisos were finished on two sides, audiences to look through at fire .ding window frames, clapboards, scenes) flames would appear so rea­ real roofs. A most convincing listically on all sides that the public would wonder how anyone es­ caped unscorched. At last the day came for the Wouldn't it be great to see a . scenes --the complete de- revival of this cinematic gem? •’raction of Lubin Street and all its .uses: September 13, 1915. A huge Virginia Covell riowd was expected, and this fact ■ „ Mrs. Elsie French Vanderbilt an :dea for raising money for her I am indebted to Mrs. Louise Sherman ;.:.'ite charity: the Ambulance Fund who did much of the research for a . ,r France. Arrangements were made similiar Green Light article in ; r an entrance gate to a field near October 1963. ' .;r hospital, while other means of

15 TWELFTH NIGHT LOOKING

Now that Christmas decorations Point residents have been mem­ have come down, it's hard to find bers of the Swanhurst Chorus for bright spots during some of our gray years. days. There are many colorful poiii- "To Please a Lady", a Twelfth settias indoors, and some garden Night celebration in honor of Eliz­ catalogues are arriving. The trees abeth I, the latest Swanhurst Chorus are full of fat and frisky squirrels, production, was a fine performance. and birds come flocking into backyarc Voices and music, under the direc­ feeders. Canada geese can still be tion of Constance Andrews, were su­ seen and heard. Joggers look warmer perb, and we wished a repeat for than walkers, but walkers can stop tc every olde English song. pick up windblown litter. And one This Janaury 7 production cele­ bright spot - we do have some hand­ brated the 60th anniversary of the some new trash barrels by Battery anc Swanhurst Chorus. The Rhode Island Storer Parks. Oh, yes, another bright Shakespeare Theater and the Rhode note, the days are getting longer as Island Moving Company participated the sun starts creeping its way up tc ill the program which was performed the Jamestown shore at sunset. in the Rogers High School auditori­ um . The juggler, stilt-walker, and the accordlan player were among our DOORWAY DECORATION CONTEST WINNERS favorites. The children too deserve a round of applause, and the Queen This .contest was city-wide and herself was altogether bewitching, sponsored by Christmas In Newport. Lindy Nettleson's Queen Elizabeth First place went to Mr. and Mrs. was a true portrait of the great Charles Oxx, 214 Eustis Ave., New­ lady. port , The dancing was professional; Doorways receiving awards on staging and lighting were equally the Point were ; so. The production played to a full First: 47 Poplar St. house, and our only complaint was Second: a tie between 47 Second and that the pleasure given us did not 6 Bridge Streets last long enough. Sixty years of Third: 57/59 Farewell St. bringing fine music to a great many people - the Swanhurst Chorus de­ Honorable mention: serves community participation. Its 52 Second St., 43 Farewell St., and annual Spring Concert will be given 15 Walnut St. in the Chapel of St. George’s School, May 7. The box office ad­ Restaurants receiving awards were: dress; P.O. Box 3186, Newport, R.I. First: White Horse Tavern 02840-0994 . Second: Rhumb Line

Anita McAndrews Rue de France won first prize among businesses with honorable mention going to the Arnold Art Store.

TEN SPEED SPOKES 18 Elm Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840 401-847-5609

16 POINTERS-IN-THE-NEWS

The calligraphic art of Kathryn Mary Rommel was shown in a Atkins of 10 Third Street has been Daily News photo, hanging mistletoe on display in the Redwood Library's as part of the holiday Colonial de­ showcase for several months. Recent­ corations at the Hunter House, in ly Kay and her work were featured on preparation for the Open House on the front page of The Newport Dally the day after Christmas. News■ Her "work" has to do with cal­ ligraphy, specifically the 1988 If you looked carefully at a publication of her book Masters of recent Daily News photograph of the Italic Letter, which details the three men enjoying the light from a art of the italic handwriting of 22 north window of the Redwood Li­ Italian masters of the 16th century. brary' s Reading Room, you perhaps The exhibit at Redwood, which caught Donal O'Brien nearest the ended on January 31st, showed the window. process of the ten years which Miss Atkins devoted to what she describes Kit Hammett as a "fearsome task". She began an interest in calligraphy in a college course in 1962; this led to other courses and to increased skill in her own artistry. She now teaches FUN FOR ALL courses at the Swinburne School in Newport. Her early teaching prompted Side trips through the lobby of what started out to be a small book­ the Marriott in December provided let to help her present to her stu­ glimpses of some creative construc­ dents the best examples of italic tion . The almost lifesize ginger­ handwriting; this eventually grew bread house taking shape was fun to into her remarkable treatise. watch. If you got an early start, Kay is on the staff of the Red­ you could see the plywood Interior, wood Library, and during the exhibit but it soon became plastered with was happy to discuss its contents gingerbread rectangles which arrived with interested viewers. She still on a trolley of baking trays. Day by is pleased to show the book and to day and step by step the bakers answer questions. baked and the builders built with the finishing touches provided by PICTURES OF POINTERS have been cookies and goodies. The ingredients ill the news in the past month, all must have been overwhelming so we of often-photographed Point resi­ won't include the recipe, but we are dents . hopeful this "tasteful development" on the Point will be an annual "Dede" Elster was pictured at affair. the tea table of one of the houses opened for the Candlelight Tour of historic houses on the Point, a Christmas in Newport event. She also appeared in a photo at the annual Turtle Frolic, a costumed party mod­ eled after an 18th century dinner. This, too, was a Christmas in New­ port event. Both were newspaper photos.

Saver's Wharf Newport, Rhode Island 02840

17 COLONIAL COOK'S CORNER RHODE ISLAND JOHNNYCAKES

Aren't we lucky that we don't 1 cup white cornmeal Boiling watfi have to cook like the early settlers 1/2 TSP. salt Bacon fat. who used an open fire and spent the entire day making a meal? Place cornmeal with salt in a lai'q.. We can, however, still make bowl. Scald by pouring boiling waf.-i some of the same dishes that they gradually over meal; mix to heavy m a d e . batter. Form cakes 1/8 in. tliickTaii.i Old-time New England cooking 3/4 in. in diameter and grill in was based on three vegetables; corn, bacon fat on spitting hot griddle. beans and squash. Dab a little fat on uncooked surfrve- Corn was unknown to the Old of cakes before turning. 4 servirnj?; , World before Columbus's discovery of (From Foods from the Founding the New World and is America's Fathers.) greatest gift to the food of the world. The Indians soon acquainted the stU - The early cooks discovered by tiers with a one dish meal called trial and error that corn containeci succotash which they frequently no gluten and would not rise as dined on. This dish, a combination wheat did. Thus was born the Johnny- of corn and beans, could also be cake . It is thought that the name e- made with meat, if it was avails’-' i • volved from journey cake as the flat Roger Williams' first meal in r ]- cakes were frequently carried on Island with the Indians was boih' journeys into the wilderness, fish and succotash. A true Rhode Island Johniiycake should be made with white cornmeal and contains no sugar.

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18 SUCCOTASH MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM

2 cups Lima beans (fresh or frozen) Name___ Tel 2 cups whole kernal corn (fresh, Address frozen or canned) 2 TBSP. butter 1 TSP. salt I wish to be active on the following dash of pepper 1 TSP. sugar committees; Activities/Programs______1/2 cup water 1/4 cup heavy cream Beautification "The Green Light" Membership ' >lant Sale_____ Cook Lima beans until tender. Mix Point Fair____ "Potluck Supper_ with corn (if fresh, cut from cob; Publicity_____ "Raffle if canned, drain; if frozen, use straight from package), and other Other Interests ingredients except for cream. Cook over a low heat for 10 to 15 min. DUES; Individual $ 8.00 Drain, then add cream. Heat through $5.00 Family $25.00 but do not boil. 4-6 servings. Sustaining $15.00 Patron (From The American Heritage Cook­ Please make checks payable to: book) THE POINT ASSOCIATION And mail to: The settlers were introduced to corn The Point Association meal mush by the Indians. Thrifty colonial women soon discovered that P.O. Box 491 Newport, R.I. 02840 cold leftover mush could be sliced and fried. When topped with molasses or maple syrup, it is delicious as the fried cakes do not absorb the STAFF NEWS liquid. Every box of corn meal has a recipe for corn meal mush on it. Sarah Plumb, contributor of In an era when women had to be crea­ Cook's Corner for several years, is tive when it came to using whatever taking a leave of absence. We will foodstuffs were available, they did; miss her seasonal recipes, and her and left us many delicious recipes. chatty comments, and we do thank her for all her good help. Florence Florence Archambault Archambault will continue the fea­ ture for forthcoming issues of The Green Light.

We welcome Mrs. Anita McAndrews to the Green Light staff. A journal­ ist and an historian, she makes her first contribution in this issue. Mrs. McAndrews lives on Washington Street in what is known as the "Eccles House", and which later be­ came the home of Virginia Wood. She has already been active in Point Association affairs, and was a Pointer-In-The-News in our October issue. We are happy to have her share her expertise and her enthusi­ asm with our readers.

19 POT LUCK SUPPER

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