Mill Town Messenger | July 2019

Overview

The newsletter details Newport Historical Society activities centered on the Corbin Covered Bridge’s 25th-anniversary restoration and the planned October festival. It highlights recovered charred timbers, fundraising efforts, museum updates, and a July benefit concert by pianist-vocalist Tim Kelly to support society programs.

Operational notes cover ticketing, Square-enabled sales, volunteer requests, recent artifact donations (including Sid Bickford paintings), and festival events like a parade, promenade, and dinner by the bridge.

You can read the online version of the newsletter here.

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

Main Points

• Corbin Covered Bridge is Newport’s only remaining highway covered bridge, rebuilt after being destroyed by arson in 1993/1994; its reconstruction symbolizes community spirit and resilience.
• Anniversary Festival: The 25th anniversary of the bridge’s rebuilding was celebrated on October 12, 2019, with a festival featuring a parade, music, historical activities, and a special dinner by the bridge.
• Original Timbers: Remnants of the original bridge’s timbers, estimated to be over 350 years old, were recovered and considered for keepsake items for the festival.
• Festival Events: Activities included a fun walk/run, a heritage parade showcasing various forms of historic transportation, a promenade through the bridge, and a professionally catered dinner.
• Community Involvement: The festival and museum rely on volunteers and donations, with calls for help and support from locals for events and ongoing operations.
• Tim Kelly Concert: Pianist and composer Tim Kelly, a North Newport resident, performed a benefit concert with proceeds supporting the Corbin Covered Bridge Festival and the Newport Historical Society.
• Museum Artifacts: The Newport Historical Society museum features local history items, including a collection of paintings attributed to Sid Bickford, and offers Corbin Covered Bridge memorabilia for sale.
• Membership and Donations: The Newport Historical Society offers various membership levels and accepts donations to support museum operations, with payment options including credit/debit cards and mail orders.

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