Mill Town Messenger | April 2016

Overview

The Mill Town Messenger, published by the Newport Historical Society, chronicles local heritage, museum activities, and community events, centering this issue on the closure of Towle School and its historical significance. Articles blend historical narrative, preservation appeals, and practical updates about meetings, exhibits, and membership drives.

Features include a detailed history of Loren D. Towle and Towle School, museum display descriptions, fundraising and merchandise information, and a recipe tying local history to broader cultural anecdotes, alongside calls for donations and volunteer support.

You can read the online version of the newsletter here.

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

Main Points

• Towle School Closure: The Towle School in Newport is closing, prompting reflection on the difference between the objective cost of services and the subjective value of community resources and memories.
• Historical Significance: Towle School, built in the early 1920s, is valued not just as a building but as a place with nearly a century of memories and community identity.
• Loren D. Towle’s Contribution: Loren D. Towle, a Newport native who became a wealthy Boston real estate developer, donated funds and land for the construction of the high school, motivated by his attachment to his hometown.
• Community Debate: The original offer from Towle was rejected by the school board, leading to public uproar and a large town meeting that reversed the decision and supported Towle’s vision for a high school.
• Completion and Naming: After Towle’s death and depletion of his donated funds, the town raised additional money to complete the school, which opened in 1924. The main auditorium was named for Frank Chellis, not Towle, due to his passing.
• Evolving Use: Originally intended as a high school, Towle School later became a grammar school, contrary to Towle’s original wishes.
• Preservation of Memories: The Newport Historical Society encourages the community to donate Towle memorabilia to preserve the school’s history for future generations.
• Museum and Community Engagement: The Newport Historical Society maintains museum exhibits, hosts events, and seeks donations and memberships to support local history preservation, including artifacts from Towle School and Newport’s broader heritage.

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