Newport’s Original Town Hall: A Legacy of History and Architecture

By Ann St. Martin Stout

Newport’s original Town Hall was built in 1873 but tragically burned down about 12 years later. In 1886, it was replaced with the current Town Hall, a striking architectural landmark that has remained largely unchanged since its construction. Today, the building houses the Newport Opera House Performance Center, a cultural gem in the heart of downtown.

Construction and Architectural Design

The 1886 Town Hall was designed by Hira Beckwith in a style that has been variously described as:

• Queen Anne Style
• Queen Anne with brick paneling
• Restrained Queen Anne – Victorian Style
• Eclectic

Built for a cost of $26,000, this structure was a major investment at the time. Adjusted for inflation, that amount is equivalent to approximately $873,000 today. However, due to the rising costs of materials, labor, and modern building standards, constructing a building of this scale and quality today would likely cost at least $2 million or more. This makes its preservation even more remarkable.

A Center of Community Life

For over a century, this grand building has served as a hub for civic and cultural activities. Some of the many events and gatherings held here include:
✔ Town meetings and elections
✔ Dances and balls (including the Fireman’s Ball)
✔ Boxing matches
✔ Weddings and graduations
✔ Political rallies (including a Suffragette Rally led by Amelia Bloomer)
✔ Minstrel shows and magic performances
✔ Saturday night movies
✔ Concerts, including a performance by John Philip Sousa’s Band
✔ Winter Carnival activities

Upgrades and Renovations

• 1892: Electric lighting was installed.
• 1904: A large stage and a three-story fly loft were added, replacing a smaller stage that extended onto the Opera House floor. This expansion improved theatrical performances, allowing for professional lighting, scenery changes, and curtains.

The Town Clock: A Symbol of Newport

Perched above the Town Hall, the clock tower has long been an icon of Newport. According to The Argus Champion archives, the clock has had some memorable moments:

• In strong winds, the windward clock face has been blown off time.
• In November 1909, a large flock of birds landed on one of the hands, setting it back 15 minutes. Since the clock’s caretaker, George Woodbury, was away, the town had to wait for his return to correct the time.
• Originally, the clock mechanism and bell operated using 1,400-pound weights on a cable. However, in 1944, the cable broke, causing significant damage. Today, the clock and bell run on electricity.
• The gold-painted hands measure:
  • Minute hand: 4 feet long
  • Hour hand: 34 inches long
  • Roman numerals height: 14 inches

A USGS elevation plaque once marked the Town Hall’s elevation at 822 feet.

A Jewel in Newport’s Historic Landscape

From its early days as a civic meeting hall to its modern role as the Newport Opera House Performance Center, this building has been a cornerstone of Newport’s heritage. The fact that it has stood the test of time—despite changes in building practices and costs—makes its history even more remarkable. Its preservation ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy its rich past and architectural beauty.

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(Some of this piece was previously published in SooNipi Magazine. The author, Ann St. Martin Stout, has also published An Alphabet Book of the Sunshine Town: Newport, NH, available for purchase at the Newport Historical Society gift shop.)