Newport Community Heritage Mural

The Train Mural - 1997

Wiggins and Kathy Hubert present a com memorative poster of the Artist Congress to Newport town manager, Dan O’Neill.

In 1996, Newport was selected to hold the New England Artist Trust Congress IV. This was the first time the Congress was held in NH and the first time it was located in a rural community. Patryc Wiggins and Kathy Hubert headed the committee responsible for obtaining this selection. Seven major community projects were established based on the Congress’s theme of “Culture Builds Community,” one being the Main Street Train Mural. Another mural located on Sunapee Street’s Coronis Market was completed the following year.

Three artists were selected to devel op the mural, Thor Carlson, Bryony Romer and Nick Scalera. Carlson, who knew Wiggins, due to their shared interest in tapestries, would head up the project. Find out more about these artists, as well as a listing of more than 100 participating community artists at libraryartscenter.org/ mural. The committee selected the train to be the focal point of the mural, mostly due to the fact that the mural would hang on the Johnson Block

Building on Main Street just feet from where the train tracks crossed Main Street. The site offered a prime loca tion for viewing. With that decision made, Scalera, being the “local” on the committee selected other buildings on Main Street which covered a wide spec trum of the historical, political, profes sional, spiritual, and social aspects of the community. The buildings spanned the 100 years of the train’s history. This mural also would feature activities important to the people of Newport like the Winter Carnival, sled dog rac ing and skiing. The mural’s theme was meant to serve as an educational tool for Newport residents and visitors.

During the summer of 1997, the New port Middle and High School cafeteria was turned into an art studio. Over 120 local artists, ages 6 to 82, were involved in the project. In addition to painters, local businesses contributed to the pro cess. When the painting and varnishing was completed, Nick Scalera, Frank (Fuzz) Wiggins and Rick Bressette installed the panels onto the south wall of the Johnson Building, completing the

Below: Newport student Thirza Driggs cuts the ribbon to dedicate the Train Mural as Nick Scalera, E. Thor Carlson and Bryony Romer assist. The mural was painted to co incide with the New England Arts Congress

IV. Photo by Paul Howe

Above: Artist Congress co-leaders Patryc

process of a mural that spanned 12 feet by 48 feet. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in mid-September. As stated by Patryc Wiggins and Kathy Hubert, in a letter called “Welcome and thank you” that appeared in the News Leader, “a strategy of the Congress was to leave

behind needed, lasting, treasured con tributions to the community” and “The artistic integrity and community spirit expressed in the completed public work of art serves to extend honor and ownership to all for years to come.”

A Mural in Disrepair - 2022

Restoration vs. Reproduction?

After 25 years on Main Street, the elements took their toll on the original mural. Once it was determined that there would be a community effort to save this public art piece, an assess ment of the original mural made it clear that it would be necessary to reproduce, not restore it. The wooden panels of the original had worn to such

disrepair that large pieces were missing, entire sections had disappeared and fallen off. Birds had actually built nests inside some of the holes in the mural. The decision to proceed with a reproduction also allowed use of the newest archival paints and materials, ensuring greater longevity for this public art piece.

The original mural suffered great wear and tear due to 25 years weather & sun exposure.

Mural Reproduction & Festival - 2022

While there had been occasional efforts to spearhead a restoration, none of the efforts were carried through to completion. After examining the worsening condition of the mural last year, the Library Arts Center, along with building owners Jeff and Heidi North determined that many of the mural panels would likely crumble to pieces upon removal from the building— Newport’s historic Johnson Block (occupied by local business Newport Fitness for much of the last 20 years.) The team decided that a reproduction was necessary—rather than a restoration that would have involved painting on top of the existing panels. The Library Arts Center spearheaded the effort, in partner ship with building owners Jeff and Heidi North of Newport. The Center launched a fundraising campaign in early 2022 to raise the $40,000 necessary to complete the project. Through generous contributions from local businesses and indi

viduals, coupled with a gener ous $15,000

matching donation from long-time Newport residents

Harold and Gerry LaValley, fundraising for the project was completed in early June.

On Saturday, June 18 2022, over 30 artists gathered together on the Newport Town Common to begin painting work on the Train Mural Reproduction through a large-scale, community-wide Mural Festival coordinated by the Library Arts Center. The Festival was the climax of months of planning to help revive one of Newport’s treasured, aging heritage murals. Prior to the festival, project Lead Artist Heidi Lorenz spent countless hours creating a sketch of the Mural’s design that was traced onto each of the 36 new ly-constructed panels. Lorenz also developed a common color palette

Clockwise

painting at the Mural Festival in June: Patti Warren, Kathryn Hanson, student artist Connor Clark, and Chris Rollins. Photos by Beth Rexford

Clockwise from Top Left: Artists help trace line work onto the mural panels in May 2022. More artists leaving their mark at the mural festival: Bambi De Filippis (top left), Pam LaFoundain (bottom right) and Marty Lovely (inset.)

used by all artists at the event, and pre-mixed many gallons of paint, specifically developed for use in outdoor murals. The Common was transformed into an outdoor paint ing studio under three large event tents on the North end of the green. Custom easels were built by Project Lead Builder Nick Scalera to hold the large 4’x4’ panels so the artists could work at eye level. The many hours of preparation paid off, as the coordinated effort allowed all the artists at the event to efficiently paint a substantial portion of the panels during the four-hour outdoor event.

Over the course of the next few months, Lorenz and a small team of artists spent countless hours in a small storefront located at 15 Main Street unifying the 36 individual panels into one large cohesive painting. Every effort was taken to ensure the reproduction has longlasting logevity, from the archival paints used, to the new pan els made of durable MDO (Medium Density Overlay). The completed mural was spray-coated with an automotive-grade UV protective

coating to help extend its life. The complet ed mural was re-installed on the Johnson Block by Nick Scalera and his team in early October.

Project Lead Historian Pam LaFoun tain researched the history of all the buildings and landmarks depicted in the mural in partnership with the Newport Historical Society. She developed an engaging Newport his tory “quiz” in the form of a brochure that was distributed to visitors at the Mural Festival. Over the course of the next several months, LaFoun tain continued to develop historical resources to educate town residents about the significance of mural landmarks (including the information found in this booklet.)

Extensive information about the Newport landmarks within the mural can be found by visiting libraryartscenter.org/mural.

Reproduction Project Partners

Above: Project Lead Artist

Project Facilitator

Library Arts Center

Lead Artist

Heidi Lorenz

Lead Builder

Nick Scalera

Project Historians

Pam LaFountain and the Newport Historical Society

Building Owners

Jeff & Heidi North

Mural Reproduction Artists

Nancy Barton

Chrissie Beaudet

Mary Bourdon

Kris Cairelli

Connor Clark

Bambi DeFilippis

Betsy Derrick Gwen Fuller

Heidi Lorenz consults with artist Chrissie Beaudet at the Mural Festival in June 2022.

Kathryn Hanson

Thomas Kelley

Pam LaFountain

Karen Little Marty Lovely

Sandy Luckury

Lissa Malloy

Caitlin Mauser Rowe Emily McCoy

Laura McCoy Marilyn McLaughlin Elizabeth Moore

Lucy Mueller

Annie Renner

Irene Nuñez

Chris Rollins

Debbee Skinner

Paula St. Jean Jennifer Stark Nathan Stark Kent Stetson

Ann St. Martin Stout

Carolyn Taggart

Patti Warren Mary Willis

Project Partners & Volunteers

Aurora Bakery

Paul Baird

Loretta Marie Blackwell

Chris Boyd

Ashley Farmen

Joan Hague Bryan Huot

Fran Huot

Lindsy & Daniel Huot Virginia Irwin Paula & Mike Johnson

Jill Kathan

Vera & Wolf Lorenz Jim Luppold

Kate Niboli Luppold

Peggy McKenney

Cameron Mull

Town of Newport Newport Chamber of Commerce Kathy Niboli Beth Rexford

Al Sandberg

Nicholas Scalera, Jr. Steve Smith

Calista Thurlow

Marshall Waterman

Pearl Waterman

Ryan Waterman

Loretta Whipple

Greg Young

Sponsors + Donors

This mural reproduction was made possible by a generous matching donation from

HAROLD & GERRY LAVALLEY

PANEL SPONSORS

Bar Harbor Bank and Trust

Bob Skinner’s Ski & Sport Carroll Concrete

Collins Electrical Services

DHI Technical Dorr Fabrics

E.C.O.N.

Eichenauer

Frank Wiggins Construction

Full Circle Farm Goodrich Oil Nancy & Larry Huot

William & Heidi Bartlett

Beaver Pond Farm Elliot, Jasper, Shklar, Ran son & Beaulac, LLP Richard Gassett

Barbara Jones

LaValley Building Supply

The McCrillis/Kessler Family

MJ Harrington & Co.

Newport Fitness & Spa

Jeff & Heidi North

Ruger

Sugar River Bank

Bill & Calista Thurlow

United Construction

Patti & Ken Warren Katie & Doug Wheeler

HALF PANEL SPONSORS

in Honor of Pris & Jerry Haguebusch Hodgepodge Yarns & Fibers

DONORS

Lori Barnes Kathy & Peter Hanson

Fran & Bryan Huot Susan & Jolyon Johnson

The Lovely Family Sandy Luckury Kate & Jim Luppold

The Mauser Rowe Family Stu & Peggy McKenney Lucy Mueller

Ed & Dianne Rochford Judith Rogers & Dotty Collins Christopher Rollins & Susan Kahn Judy Ross

Kathy & Guenther Hubert Pam & Dwight LaFountain Laura McCoy Designs Janice McMahon Newport Health Center Newport Montessori School Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home

Promex Service Center

Don & Margie Schagen Larry & Mary Schissel

Universal Physical Therapy Charen & Bob Urban Sen. Ruth Ward

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

HELPERS

Nancy & Doug Barton Donald & Elizabeth Derrick Edward English Larry Flint Sandra & G.B. Flint, Jr. Joan Z. Hague Elaine Heineman Beatrice Jillette Ryan MacLeay Marilyn & Paul McLaughlin Becky & Ken Merrow Gerald & Lisa Morse Jennifer O’Neil Michael & Joanne Truell John & Marcia Williams

FRIENDS

Mary Bourdon

Janice & Verne Brehio

Tafi Brown

Katharine Fischer Barbara Jarvis Nancy Parssinen

Andrea Thorpe & Mindy Thorpe Dan & Kathy Walsh

The Baptist Church

Right:

Drawing of

Baptist Church facing west towards Main Street

In 1779, eight farmers from Worces ter County, Massachusetts, who were religious descendants of the Roger Williams Separatist Movement, met in what is now North Newport, and established the Baptist Church of Croydon and Newport. The newly organized church group first met in homes, barns, and schools on Baptist Hill (Fletcher Rd.) where most of the congregation had settled.

Just 5 years before the turn of the century (1800s) the first church a small 40’ x 40’ structure, was built in North Newport (Northville) to the south of the Northville Cemetery. The cemetery is there but nothing remains of the church building.

In 1820 with a growing congregation, the church leaders decided to move into town, and built their church at

the north end of the Common facing Main Street.

When repairs became necessary about 50 years later, the church was turned to face the Common as part of the renovations.

A Revere Bell, cast by the heirs of Paul Revere still rings out from this church steeple.

Above:

Photograph of the Baptist Church after the chapel was added in 1872.

Left:

A popular scene in Newport: ice skaters on the Common in front of the Baptist Church.

Dr. Currier’s House

The Dr. David Currier House sits across the street from the southern end of the Common. It was one of two identi cal buildings, originally built for the Richards Family (library and school namesakes). Materials to build the home came from the Tontine, a building that originally was located on this site. The “twin” to the Currier residence was eventually taken down to make room for the new Post Office Building.

Dr. Currier became known for his treatment of cancer, which he en countered during his practice in cas es from at least 1891 - 1907. In 1902, he was asked by the Academy of Science to send his research on this subject to the University of Uppsala in Sweden. He was also reported to have used radium to treat cancer in a patient in 1904.

Left: Winter Carnival events on the Common in front of the Currier home.

As a local doctor in rural NH, Dr. Currier’s patients were not just New porters; he also had patients in Henniker, Plainfield, Cornish, Lyme, and Claremont. He could be seen riding his horse “Fanny Fern,” who accord ing to a NH Argus and Spectator news article was “ probably the oldest horse” in town at the age of 35.

On March 1, 1921, Dr. David Morri son Currier died at his home of old age. His beautiful home was later occupied by Dr. A. S. Mardin and then in July of 1925, Dr. Clagett bought the house. The home will probably always be known as the David Cur rier Home, a tribute to the man who fulfilled Newport historian Edmund Wheeler’s description of the medi cal professionals of Newport being of “strong character, influence and ability.”

Above: On the left stands Dr. Currier’s House, and on the right the location of the Newport Post Office.

Right: A view of the home in present day.

Methodist Church

Sometime around 1786 - 87, Peter Wakefield along with his brothers and sisters, came to the Newport area and settled in what is now North Newport (then North ville), near the “plumbago” (graphite) mines. Their father had been killed at Dorchester Heights, north of Bos ton, presumably during the American Revolution.

Christmas gift to God”, the Park Street Newport Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated at the southern end of the Common.

Two trompe l’oeil murals were paint ed around 1920 by Baron Albert von Rieger, a German who was interned in the US during World War I. It was the scene portrayed on one of these murals, showing Jesus as a shepherd, that led to the church changing its name to “The Church of the Good Shepherd” in 1934.

Peter was a member of the Baptist faith, but was expelled when he voiced opposition to some of the Baptist teachings. Soon after, al though he had never heard a sermon from the Methodist faith, he invited Methodist preacher Elijah Hedding who often preached in Sunapee, to come to Newport and give a sermon. After this meeting, a group of 6 family members formed the congregation.

Membership fluctuated over various controversies for the next 50 years until on December 25, 1851, as “a

The Bandstand

The John Economu Community Bandstand hosts concerts, children’s shows, an apple pie contest and graduations.

In 1879, many in town were very excited at the prospects of a bandstand and the activities that could now be added to the town’s calendar. The first bandstand was built in the center of the Common, about where the Soldiers Monument stands today.

The bandstand would also occupy locations on the Little Common and on the southern end of the Common. Unfortunately, the bandstand was not always welcome in its many locations! Be cause the bandstand was painted green, constant upkeep was needed to keep it looking fresh and clean, sometimes the structure was considered an “eyesore.” In 1902 an editorial in the newspaper stated, “It seems a pity to have the stand go to rack and ruin. Fix it up and paint it, or else take it out of sight.”

The bandstand was not always a permanent building. It was described as being “peripatetic” which means “traveling from place to place, in par ticular working or based in various places for relatively short periods.”

On July 6, 1986, after many years

without a bandstand, the new “gazebo” as it is now called, was named the John Economu Community Bandstand in honor of Mr. Economu, the major financial contributor, an immigrant who in his words wanted to give “thanks for a wonderful life in Newport.”

Above: For some time the Bandstand was on the south end of the Common.

Left: The Bandstand was in the center or the Common until it was moved to make room for the Soldiers Monument

Below: The Bandstand did spend some time on the Little Common. People would sit on the library steps in the background and eat snacks during concerts.

Newport House

The Newport House was originally a wooden structure, built by Colonel William Cheney in 1814. Two years later Joel Nettleton, took over ownership of the Newport House and ran it for 25 years along with his son. During the Nettleton tenure, a third floor was added, due to the be lief that Newport would become the county seat of a new Sullivan County and would need to host many region al activities. It was also during this time that the Newport House became a brick structure. Throughout its long history, the Newport House changed owners many times and so did its structural appearance. At one point a fourth floor was added, an observa tion tower was perched on the roof, and the hotel area was doubled in size with an addition on the north end that also included some storefronts and even later a movie theater. In 1907, Seth Richards and Bela Cutting took ownership of the Newport House and during this time every room included long distance telephones, elec tric lights, steam heat and a private bath. Also added were a dining hall for 125 guests, a smoking room for

Above: The original wooden Newport House Left: Brick Newport House after 1860 fire.

men, and a ladies reception room both with open fireplaces, balconies, granite walkways and a covered en trance on the south end. After these renovations, the Newport House was listed on the Automobile Club of America route from New York to the White Mountains.

On Christmas night, 1965, a fire destroyed the main building and was never replaced. The theater remained for a few more years and always had a “smoky smell.” Sadly, the grandeur of the Newport House had never returned and the area is a municipal parking lot now.

Left: 1874 - Expansion (north end) - what would become Latchis Theater.

Right: A scene from the 1965 fire.

Newport Winter Carnival & Sled Dog Races

Popular activities at the Winter Carnival through the years included ski jumping (left) and ice skating (below).

The first Newport Winter Carnival was a one day event planned by the local Y.M.C.A. One of the highlights was the parade of athletes and specta tors who were required to wear attire, or display some type of equipment such as skis, snowshoes, skates, or sleds. Events that day included snow shoe races, ski races, ski jumping, an obstacle race and a 5 mile run. For the next 104 years, the carnival continued to be held sometime in late January to mid February for anywhere from 3 to 8 days (sometimes not consecutively ). One of the most popular events in the long history of the Carnival has been the crowning of a Winter Carnival Queen. The first Carnival Queen was selected in 1921 at the 6th Winter Carnival. In the early days the Queen was the contestant who had sold the most tickets and buttons. Some years later the Queen was chosen during a pageant which featured a talent portion and a one-on-one interview with judges.

The first sled dog race in New port, was part of the 9th Annual Winter Carnival from January 22-24, 1925. Six teams participated in the event which followed a circular course. The first race began at the Newport House (where most of the drivers stayed). Their dogs were kept on the Common. Teams were typically 5,7,9,or 13 dogs. The race was about 25 miles long and the dogs traveled about 13 miles per hour. The route varied due to traffic or snow amounts. Newport’s race attracted some of the most popular drivers in New England.

In the 1960s, sled dog racing became less common in Newport. Costs of travel, lodging and dog care became too much compared to what the Car nival Committee could afford. With the introduction of snowmobile races as an event, sled dog races became less popular. By 1971, sled dog races were no longer a part of the Winter Carnival.

Left: Crowds lined the streets to get a close look!

Below: Races usually began and ended at the Newport House near the Little Common.

The Opera House

Left: The original Town Hall burned in a fire in 1885.

the town hall, having been pulled by an alert passerby.

The original Town Hall that sat on the location of the present day “Opera House” was built in 1872 and replaced the Old Courthouse which was needed to house a growing school population. Just 13 years later, early on a Sunday morn ing, on June 28, 1885, the town hall fire bell announced a fire which eventually engulfed three buildings on the corner of Main and Sunapee Streets. At the time Newport’s fire department included two hand tubs, “the Dexter,” and “the Torrent.” There were no fire hydrants as they would not be installed for some 7-8 years later and fire inspections were also a thing for the future. Firemen got the message of the fire by hearing a bell ringing in

Above (inset):

A steeplejack cleans and repairs the clock faces

Left:

A helicopter re moved the weather vane to be cleaned and painted and then returned to its perch.

Just 5 days after the fire, citizens of Newport met at Rowell’s Roller Skating Rink on Pearl Street to begin planning a new town hall. Newport could not delay provid ing this building as Claremont was prepared to argue that they should be the county seat. The two-story building was quickly constructed with fire-proof vaults. The bottom floor was for the county including the county courthouse and town offices, while the second floor housed the town meeting room complete with a full size stage.

In 1897, the town bought the Revere bell that had hung in the Universalist Church across the street. It was located in the cupola, on the roof and was used as the town’s main fire alarm until 1923 when a new horn was purchased. This bell was used as a secondary bell until 1975 and was rung to announce the funerals of Newport firefighters. After many additions and renovations, the Opera House/ Town Hall still remains a busy center for social and political events for the community.

The Old Courthouse

Above:

Before the Records Building was built, Court Square stood in front of the Old Courthouse.

Col. William Cheney was responsible for convincing the NH Legislature, of which he was a member for 6 terms, that Newport could best serve as the county seat for the newly developed Sullivan County. It was carved out of Cheshire County to the south. The Courthouse was built one year before the county seat was awarded to Newport.

After years of neglect, the Old Court house, destined to be demolished was renovated as a district court for a short period of time before it became The Old Court house Restaurant. The building also houses the archives for the Newport Historical Society.

Above: Grange Hall Left: The Old Courthouse served as a school (*notice the school bell in the steeple

Below:

The Old Courthouse is now a beautiful restaurant for fine dining in downtown Newport.

Fifty years later, the Old Courthouse became Newport Village School. Then when Richards School was built, the Grange used the building for activities. The local Greek School used the Old Courthouse for some of its activities.

South Congregational Church

Just one day after eight men from Kill ington, Connecticut arrived in a land chartered to them, five years before, they met under the shade of an elm tree. They were probably all related. All that attended on that June day in 1766 were Congregationalists. Two buildings in Newport served as Congregational Meeting Houses both located on Unity Road, the first Main Street. Then in 1810, when the state determined that a turnpike route through town would be located on what is now Main Street, the congregation determined that their meeting house should be located in the town center. The present loca tion was chosen.

At the time, when the center of town was moving east to Main Street, a controversy arose. James Breck, a

prominent gentleman of the time, proposed that the new Congregational church be in the southern end of town near his home and store. He was in a rivalry with Col. William Cheney who wanted the center of town to be north, around the town Common where his home and businesses were located. The present location of the bridge on Main Street was the dividing line. Mr. Cheney’s church, the Baptist Church, was located in the north; Brecks, the South Congrega tional Church was in the southern end of town.

Universalist Church

The Universalist Society was or ganized in Newport on February 11, 1830, before any building was present. They met in what is now the Town Hall/Opera House. The church was built in 1837 and was used until 1870 by the Universalists. After the Universalist’s church was dissolved in Newport, a Unitarian Society was formed around 1873, and used the building for 20 years.

In 1888, the bottom floor was used as a restaurant/confectionary store that was known for its ice cream. In 1890, the church basement was used for gatherings including those for the local grange. In 1895, the building was sold.

Eagle Block/Hotel

In the early 1800s Newport was located on the intersection of two main stagecoach roads that brought travelers through the town. There was also anticipation that Newport would see more traffic due to it becoming the county seat. So, in 1826, James Breck and Josiah Forsaith built the Eagle Hotel for such travelers.

The Eagle Hotel had a rather unique sign. It was a “carved and gilded wood en eagle” that spun like a weathervane. It was originally placed on the corner of the 3rd story porch. When the hotel closed and a new owner bought the building, local legend claims the new own ers, the Edes, were given a sum of $1500 if they turned

the building into “anything except a hotel.” The money was given by the owners of the other large hotel in town.

For years the building has housed apartments, offices and retail busi nesses including the Newport Tele phone Exchange. After a devastating fire, the building was destined to be torn down. However, in the mid 1990s, “Save the Eagle Block” campaign began. By the end of the fundraising efforts, $2,150,000 was raised in grants and donations. According to a local historian, this was “one of the most stunning rescues in the history of preservation in NH.”

In the church steeple of the Universal ist Church was one of the three Revere Bells found in Newport. This bell eventually was purchased by the town for $200 in 1897, and became the fire alarm on the top of the Town Hall; now known as the Opera House. In 1977 it was moved to its present location in a glass enclosure in front of the Opera House

On May 30, 1896, J. W. Johnson opened his newly remodeled store which boasted “largest assortment of goods.”

By the 1930s Johnson’s had become one of the “5 and dime” stores known as Ben Franklin. The building, de stroyed by fire, is now Newport Fitness.

Soon after the turn of the century (1900), the First Citizens Bank, which then occupied the Safe Building (later the Newport Police Station, down the hill from the Old Courthouse) was running out of space, and needed to look for a new location to construct a larger facility. However, a controver sy between the bank and some citi zens of Newport arose. The Citizens Bank was negotiating to purchase property in Court Square (the land between the Town Hall and the Safe Building). Citizens however, want ed to see Newport’s center retain the“green space” of the courtyard.

The solution, was to move the house located across the street on the cor ner of Main and West Streets. It was occupied by Dr. F.P. Claggett. This made room for the First Citizens Bank, now the Lantz Building. Dr. Claggett moved his office to the second floor in the new building.

Citizens Bank Building

Banking in those early days was “a seasonal endeavor” according to an article in the Argus Champion that described the history of banking in Newport. The article explained that farmers borrowed money in the spring for seed, fertilizer, tools and wages for hired help until crops were harvested and sold in the fall. Then they paid their debts. In the interim, farm animals could be used for collateral. Cows, sheep, horses and other larger animals were listed by the number on their ear tags, while chickens were listed by quantity, for example 100 chickens.

Besides being a bank, the building has also been home to the Mt.Vernon Masonic Lodge, Bob’s Sportshop, and Harrington Jewelers. The top floor is now the location of the Newport Ballroom.

Above:

Left:

view

the Citizen’s

Main

Jewelers

Bob’s Sport

The Empire Theater

The building, which became known as the Empire Theater, was originally built in 1850 by Sullivan County and served as the county jail. In 1905, Dr. J. Leavitt Cain (father of John Cain, owner of local golf club) bought the building for $2,630 and owned it for 18 years during which time he remodeled the building with apart ments and a theater.

The newly renovated theater seated 300 on an inclined floor with 125 additional seats in the balcony. In the early days the movies were of the silent film on 35mm reels that had about 1,000 feet of film that could show about 15 minutes of action.

Some popular silent picture movies and actors and actresses whose performances were shown at the Empire Theater, were Sarah Bernhardt’s “La Tosca,” Mary Pickford’s “The Poor Little Rich Girl,” Georges Melies’ “Robinson Crusoe,” Anita Stewart’s “Virtuous Wives,” Lillian Gish’s “The Birth of a Nation,” Hobart Bosworth’s “The Sea Wolf,” and John Barrymore’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Movies cost 12 cents to attend in the 1910s.

Besides silent movies, the Empire Theater also hosted other performances and talks.

Far Above Left:

The building was first used as a County jail.

Above:

The theater showed silent films, as well as live performance theater.

Above:

Various shops and businesses occupied the build ing through the years.

Train & Depot

New port’s interior location surround ed by rolling mountains hindered railroad development. In 1848 the Concord and Claremont Railroad Co. was established and by 1850 it had extended from Concord to Bradford. The rest of the route from Bradford to Claremont, passing through New port, was considered too difficult for the line to be built. However after 20 more years, the railroad finally crossed Main Street through Newport, in front of the current site of the Heritage Mural.

rang and a cannon boomed.

The first railroad station was built in 1871, west of Main Street, (north of the present Depot) but was destroyed by fire. Seven months later a new depot was finished and considered “a gem of a building.” In side there were waiting rooms, and a radiator heater. It was not long before the benefits of being a stop on a railroad line became apparent in Newport. Newport’s businesses, mills, and hotels experienced booms in the late 1800s and well into the 1900s. But with the increase in road travel, the railroad eventually came to an end.

Historian, Edmund Wheeler recounts the “groundbreaking event” in his history of Newport. He describes how on May 31, 1870, Captain Seth Richards, age 79 broke the first ground with a spade and mattock and Dr. Mason Hatch, age 90, carried the first dirt away in a colorful wheelbarrow. This ground breaking took place where the De pot now stands and was accompa nied by large crowds who cheered on the participants. Church bells

Far Above Right:

The train awaiting a journey in downtown Newport near the site of the Heritage Mural.

Above Left: The depot.

Above Right:

Train tracks crossed Main Street - but were dug up when the train no longer came through town.

Historical References

Many thanks to project historian Pam LaFountain for her extensive research of the landmarks depicted in the Train Mural. Pam worked in partnership with the Newport Historical Society.

Publications:

• Edes, Marcia J. and Samuel H., The Book of Old Newport, Sunapee, NH, SooNipi Publishing Co., 2011

• Hooper, Jayna Huot, Celebrating Community: Newport, New Hampshire 1761-2011, Eagle Times, Clare mont, NH, 2011

• Mahoney, Henry E. (Editor), Newport NH 1761-1961: Bicentennial Celebration., 1961

• McGuire, Mary Lou and Reid, Raymond, Newport New Hampshire: In Time and Place, Newport, New Hampshire, 2017

• Newport Historical Society, Streets, Roadways and Byways of Newport, New Hampshire, Newport, NH, 2009

• Reid Ray; Cote, Larry, and McGuire, Mary Lou, Mansions and Prominent Landmarks of Newport, NH, Newport, NH, 2007

• Wheeler, Edmund, History of Newport From 1766-1876, Concord, NH, Republican Press Association, 1879.

Digital Resources:

• Significant Fires, https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1044&context=newport_nh_ reports Annual Report of Newport NH, 1998, pages 31-55.

• http://www.Newport1779fbc.org - First Baptist Church.

• http://freepages.rootweb.com - Biography of David Currier.

• TouringNH.com - Bandstand in Newport, NH. (photo)

• http://www.newportnhhistory.org/ Hill, Evan, Chronology of Newport, NH, Newport Historical Society

• http://www.eagletimes.com - The Revere Bells of Newport, Aug. 6, 2018

• http://eatatthecourthouse.com/history - History of the Old Courthouse Restaurant

• South Congregational Church, Wikipedia.

• http://thesouthchurch.us - History of the South Congregational Church

• https://richards.advantage-preservation.com/ - Digital Archives of the Richards Free Library.

Periodicals - Listed by newspaper:

• Argus Champion - Newport, NH - 12/10/1997, 7/31/2002, 5/23/1929, 3/1/1921, 5/23/1947, 1/23/1991,1/28/2016, 1/9/1941, 12/11/1985,10/8/1986, 8/22/1879, 1/8/1986, 4/17/1902, 8/11/1938, 4/19/1972, 4/2/1936, 11/20/1941,12/4/2002, 5/18/1977, 6/12/1912

• New Hampshire Argus and Spectator - Newport, NH - 6/2/1882, 8/9/1889, 2/9/1883, 6/14/1907, 2/17/1882, 7/25/1913, 8/15/1873, 1/21/1881, 11/7/1879

• News Leader - Claremont, NH - 4/17/1997

• Republican Champion - Newport, NH - 10/22/1914, 12/9/1915, 9/16/1920, 3/3/1916, 5/29/1913, Pamphlets, Letters, Etc.

• New England Artist Trust Congress IV Program and Schedule of Events, 1997

• Overview, The New England Artist Trust Congress IV.

A photo of a process sketch by project lead artist Heidi Lorenz in early 2022.