Mill Town Messenger | Aug 2009

Overview

The newsletter from the Newport Historical Society recounts local heritage through nostalgic features, including the South End Kiddies’ Circus (1930–1936), cemetery preservation efforts at Pine Street West, and newly published local history titled Streets, Roadways and Byways of Newport. It highlights museum hours, membership details, and community acknowledgments.

The issue solicits community contributions—rules for historic children’s games and help identifying photographed youngsters—while profiling notable residents like Mary J. Hawes Wilmarth and thanking supporters who aided museum signage and programs.

You can read the online version of the newsletter here.

This quarterly newsletter is generally published in January, April, July and October.

Main Points

• South End Kiddies’ Circus: Ran from 1930/31 to 1936 in Newport, starting as a small neighborhood event and growing to include up to 75 children from Newport and neighboring towns, with acts ranging from clowns and magicians to animal shows and parades.
• Community Involvement: Organized by Mae Gobin, with parents and children collaborating on costumes and acts; children practiced individually and only gathered together on the day of the performance.
• Depression-Era Entertainment: The circus provided affordable, self-made entertainment for children during the Great Depression, reflecting the need for community-driven activities.
• Performance Venues: Initially held in barns on South Main Street and Elm Street, the circus later moved to larger venues like the Town Hall/Opera House as it grew in popularity.
• Acts and Attractions: Featured a wide range of performances including dancing girls, clowns, magic, animal acts (real and costumed), acrobatics, a circus band, and themed parades; acts became more elaborate each year.
• Financial Growth: Earnings started at $4.50 in 1931 and grew to over $100 by 1936, with proceeds divided among the child performers.
• Inclusivity Evolution: Initially limited to South Main Street children, the circus eventually united children from all areas of Newport and nearby towns, fostering broader community bonds.
• Historical Documentation: The event is remembered through the Newport Historical Society, with efforts to identify participants and preserve memories of the circus era.

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