Mill Town Messenger | Oct 2021

Overview

The Mill Town Messenger presents a newsletter from the Newport Historical Society highlighting historical narratives, community news, and museum operations. It recounts local memories—stories of the Argus-Champion anniversary, the Newport House fire, a sailor’s romance leading to Hollywood ties, UFO sightings, and Pickett’s Market pricing—framing Newport’s past with vivid personal recollections.

Operational updates detail meeting schedules, museum reopening and visitation hours, genealogy and property research resources, membership drive information, and a call for new board members and support through dues, donations, and gift shop purchases.

You can read the online version of the newsletter here.

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

Main Points

• Argus-Champion Newspaper: The Argus-Champion is named after Argus, a 100-eyed creature from Greek mythology, symbolizing a watchful guardian for the community through its reporting.
• Newport House Fire: The historic Newport House, built in 1814 and expanded over the years, was destroyed by fire on December 25, 1965, and was never rebuilt.
• Bing Russell and Louise Crone: Navy sailor Neil “Bing” Russell met Louise Crone in Newport during World War II; they later married, and their family included actor Kurt Russell.
• M.J. Harrington & Co.: This jewelry business, established in Newport in 1841, was operated by Mike and Phyllis Harrington from 1948, later passing to family members, and is recognized for community involvement.
• UFO Sightings: Newport and surrounding areas have had documented UFO sightings, notably on April 14, 1970, with police and residents as witnesses; sightings can be reported to MUFON.
• Pickett’s Market History: Pickett’s Market, a longtime Newport grocery store, was bought by the Pickett family in 1923 and faced social resistance due to Mrs. Pickett’s role as a female butcher.
• Historical Society Museum: The Newport Historical Society Museum at 20 Central Street offers genealogy and property research resources, is open Sundays, and welcomes new members and board volunteers.
• 1940s Prices: In the 1940s, grocery prices at Pickett’s Market were low by today’s standards, with items like boneless chuck roast at 18 cents a pound and butter at 55 cents.

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