My Newport
by Sam Bolton
Photographs by Nick Mele and Alex Kendall
Ward McCallister, in referring to Newport, the summer resort of the Gilded Age, once said, “The most charming people of the country had formed a select little community there.”
Newport “Society” is a bit reserved compared to the Hamptons. Also what was once considered a 10-week summer colony in those palatial “cottages,” has become a year-round community for many who used to spend just 3 months out of the year.
 |
 |
| A Plan of the Town of Newport in Rhode Island, 1777. |
 |
| One of the first schools I attended, originally the Seaview Terrace, currently the Carey Mansion. |
 |
| Thousands of spectators converge on Narragansett Bay for America's Cup World Series. |
 |
Today Newport is equally known for its diverse and varied architecture. During the last few decades, many of the great old houses of McAllister’s select little community were either torn down, or had been subdivided and turned into condos. In the past 10 years or so we have seen a change with a new generation rediscovering Newport and restoring houses back into private homes. The town was first settled in 1639.
In the 1970s, Doris Duke, the tobacco heiress and philanthropist, also financed the restoration of many of the 18th century houses, in the historic Point section of town.
Growing up in Newport, one of the first schools I attended was located in a dilapidated old mansion, whose facade can be seen in the opening credits to the 1960’s TV show “Dark Shadows.”
The summer months in Newport have always thrived on events, this summer being no exception. Every weekend and continuing into the week the town was at capacity, hosting one event after the other — the Newport Jazz and Folk festivals, the Tennis Hall of Fame, Tall Ships, Coaching, and the new to the mix, Newport's own film festival (NewportFilm) featuring documentary film series all year long.
Let's not forget the event that helped put the town on the map, the sailing map that is: The America’s Cup sailing race. For a number of years the race left town and went “down under,” but the trials returned this past summer with a totally new vitality and spot on national television no less!
Thousands were able to watch the races from the shoreline of Narragansett Bay with cocktails in hand without ever stepping aboard a boat. The multi-hulls careened around short courses at dangerously high speeds for short intervals a mere stone's throw from shore. They were all followed by a flag-flying spectator fleet, a melange of yachts of every conceivable size and shape, speed boats, canoes, even kayaks.
When I tell people I grew up in Newport they automatically assume I sail on boats on a regular basis. Actually most of my friends who live here rarely ever set foot on a boat. I did sail a bit as a child, so I was happy to be able to see one of the races with all the masses.
|
