In A Newport Minute | 1956-1965

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This video is the 19th 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

Newport Junior High opened in September 1957 as a modern, fire-resistant facility serving grades 7–9 and selected sixth- and upper-grade vocational programs. Its 12 classrooms, shops, domestic-arts areas, library, and multipurpose activity room addressed the town’s pressing need for expanded educational space.

The school’s approximately $400,000 cost followed extensive public debate over construction, financing, economic uncertainty, and whether to expand Richards School instead. Newport’s history of philanthropic support, changing employers, and disagreement over a veterans’ memorial name ultimately gave way to civic pride in the completed school.

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

Sources & Credits:

• Richards Free Library Digital Archives
• Celebrating Community: Newport, New Hampshire, 250 Years and Beyond by Jayna Huot Hooper
• Newport Historical Society Archives
• Newport’s Bicentennial Booklet – 1961

Key Words:

Newport, Newport Junior High, Route 10, Superintendent Gordon Flint, Newport Veterans Memorial Junior High, Dexter Richards, Richards School, Wheeler Fund, George Baldwin Wheeler, Argus Champion, Loren Towle, Towle High School, Wheeler Gym, Guild School, International Shoe Co., Sportwelt Shoe Company, Court Square, County Records Building, Newport Towle graduate, Newport School Board, school committee, bond issue, WWI, WWII, Korean Conflict, domestic arts, auto mechanics, wood shop, home economics

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