In A Newport Minute | 1906-1915

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This video is the 14th in our series, In A Newport Minute, created by the Newport Historical Society as part of Newport’s contribution to America Turns 250. Each installment highlights a moment in American history within a ten‑year span, beginning in 1776 and continuing to the present day.

Across these 25 short videos, we’ll explore how Newport grew, adapted, and evolved alongside the nation—sometimes in step with national events, sometimes in its own unique way. Our goal is to bring local history to life and show how our community’s story fits into the larger American narrative.

We invite you to follow along every two weeks as we share new chapters in Newport’s past.

Overview

This video outlines Newport’s local response to World War I, illustrating how international events affected daily life, industry, and public sentiment in the town. It recounts key incidents—like the Lusitania sinking—and local reactions that shifted attitudes toward eventual US involvement.

The video details economic and social mobilization: mills securing large Allied contracts, community relief drives, enlistment patterns, and early wartime losses from Newport, showing how industry and civic efforts supported the Allied war effort.

All of the videos in the series can be viewed using the link below:

Sources & Credits:

Richards Free Library Digital Archives

• NH Argus & Spectator: July 30, 1915; August 27, 1915; November 5, 1915; November 12, 1915; November 19, 1915; November 26, 1915; December 10, 1915; December 18, 1915; December 27, 1915; December 31, 1915
• Republican Champion: May 13, 1915

Online References & Articles

• History.com – Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
• National WWI Museum & Memorial – WWI Prosthetics
• Journal Star – World War I’s Legacy
• Why Wait Italy – Reverse Migration Phenomenon
• Lost New England – Octave A. Lariviere Tenement Block
• The Nation – Woodrow Wilson Asks Congress for Declaration of War
• Stable Management – America’s Horses & Mules in WWI
• Find a Grave – Jean François André Champollion Memorial

Photo Credits

• NH Magazine – Explore Newport: The Little Town That Could
• Wikimedia Commons – Newport, NH Soldiers Memorial

Key Words:

Andre Champollion, Austin Corbin, Newport, Ireland, Concord NH, England, Richards & Sons, Brampton Woolen Co., Fairbanks & Dorr, Dorr Woolen, Windsor, Vt, New England Belgium Relief Committee, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Europe, Germany, Opera House, President Wilson, Congress, United States, Asia, Africa

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