Mill Town Messenger | April 2017

Overview

The newsletter from the Newport Historical Society highlights seasonal renewal, membership encouragement, and community programming while soliciting donations of local artifacts and fountain pens to enrich the museum collection. It emphasizes spring activities, meeting schedules, and volunteer engagement to support preservation efforts and upcoming events.

Historical features profile notable local figures and structures—Dr. Thomas P. Sanborn’s life and service and the documented 1843 construction of the Corbin Covered Bridge—supported by archival research, museum acquisitions, and plans to expand exhibits and outreach at markets and public events.

You can read the online version of the newsletter here.

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

Main Points

• Spring Activities & Membership: The Newport Historical Society encourages spring-cleaning, artifact donations, and membership renewals to support the preservation of local history.
• Upcoming Programs: Free business meetings and historical programs are scheduled, covering topics such as waffle irons, town meetings, poor houses, and rural schools, with events at the museum, library, and senior center.
• Dr. Thomas P. Sanborn: Dr. Sanborn was a prominent Newport physician, Civil War surgeon, and state legislator who practiced in Newport from 1843 until his death in 1875; his son continued his medical practice.
• Corbin Covered Bridge Date: The Corbin Covered Bridge was built in 1843, not circa 1835 as previously believed, according to detailed records from the 1844 Town Report.
• Historical Bridge Research: Efforts are ongoing to determine the construction dates of other Newport covered bridges, with Kelleyville Bridge built in 1839 and research continuing on Elm Street, Ayers, and Oak Street bridges.
• Museum Donations & Priorities: The museum values donations, especially Newport-related artifacts and photographs, with a current focus on images of Sunapee Street businesses from the 1930s–1970s.
• Fundraising & Membership Goals: The Society aims to increase membership from 242 to 260 by September 2017 and is fundraising for organizational equipment and museum needs.
• Gift Shop & Merchandise: The museum offers local-themed merchandise, including discounted shirts and new owl-themed postcards, available during Sunday hours or by appointment.

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