Mill Town Messenger | April 2022

Overview

The Newport Historical Society newsletter recounts local heritage projects, notable personal histories, and ongoing museum activities. It highlights André Cheronnet-Champollion’s service in World War I, the deteriorating Train Mural and its planned restoration, and the recent donation of a detailed 3/4” scale Pollard dollhouse to the museum collection.

The publication also updates readers on meetings, volunteer opportunities, fundraising for a $40,000 mural restoration, museum hours, recent acquisitions, and a clothing sale, emphasizing community involvement and preservation of Newport’s cultural memory.

You can read the online version of the newsletter here.

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

Main Points

• André Cheronnet-Champollion: A Newport resident and descendant of Jean François Champollion, André returned to France in 1914 to fight in World War I, ultimately dying in 1915 and being posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre.
• Train Mural: Newport’s Train Mural, created in 1997 by over 100 community members and professional artists, depicts the town’s railroad history and local landmarks; it now requires restoration due to weather damage.
• Mural Restoration Project: The Library Arts Center is leading a $40,000 project to restore the Train Mural, involving construction, repainting, and community participation, with plans for ongoing maintenance.
• Community Involvement: The mural project emphasizes community engagement, with events like painting days and a Celebration Day planned to foster local pride and intergenerational exchange.
• Historical Significance: The Train Mural preserves images of lost Newport landmarks and traditions, such as the Newport House, Universalist Church, and sled dog racing.
• Earl A. Pollard Dollhouse: The Newport Historical Society Museum now features a detailed 3/4” scale model of the Pollard House, crafted by the Pollard family and renovated by Mindy Thorpe, reflecting mid-20th-century Newport life.
• Museum Offerings: The Newport Historical Society Museum showcases changing exhibits, including local artifacts, photographs, and historical documents; it is open Sundays or by appointment.
• Membership and Donations: Community members can support the museum and mural project through memberships or donations, with specific instructions provided for contributing to the Main Street Mural Project.

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