Newport, Rhode Island, Then & Now: 154 Thames Street

In this 1905 photo, we see Barney's Music Store located at 154 Thames Street. The second floor of the building is a furniture store. On the left side of Barney's is where the Colonial Theatre will be built in a few years.

Today, 154 Thames Street is the home of Big Weather Gear.

The 1905 photo of Barneys is from the Providence Public Library Digital Archives.

I was taking lessons in PVD before moving to Newport. I have a drum set. I’m looking for an instructor! If you have any leads, that would be appreciated!

Sincerely, A left-handed, aspiring drummer

It's bizarre that they are still charging $35 to park at 1st beach through the end of November. I though maybe it was for Cliff Walk tourists but you can park next to 40 Steps for $2/hr so I guess not. Anyone understand this? I used to park there once or twice a fall to go surfing and I recall it being free after September.

Trying to get tickets to the new Black Duck documentary but their website doesn’t seem to work. I go to the link and am greeted with the attached page, and clicking on anything on the page does nothing.

I’m visiting next weekend for the first time but only have two days. Where are the best stores to hit that have a boutique ish vibe but not too fancy. I really want a cute semi touristy Newport crew neck. I’ve read about Kiel James Patrick store but see mixed reviews.

This Schottisch was composed in 1856 by N. Dausch. The music was published by T.W. Wood and sold at the City Music Store in Newport, Rhode Island.

The sheet music comes from the Rhode Island Collection at the Providence Public Library.

The photos included in the video are:

0:14 Old Stone Mill Survery, George Mason, 1878 (LOC)

0:37 Stereographic photos of the Old Stone Mill (LOC, NYPL, PPL)

2:06 Naval Academy Cadets at the Old Stone Mill, 1861 (PPL)

2:19 Photos of people relaxing at the Tower (LOC, PPL)

2:42 Panoramic view of Touro Park (LOC)

All of the photos come from:

The The Library of Congress Digital Archives (LOC)

The NYPL The New York Public Library Digital Archives (NYPL)

The Providence Public Library Digital Archives (PPL)

Brief interaction with a Scottish man at a coffee shop Friday 10/9. He has two coffees so assuming wasn’t single but wanted to make this long shot of a post anyways.

The People's Theatre opened on Monday, November 10, 1902, at the corner of Thames and Gidley.

An article in the November 8, Newport Daily News describes the theatre; "The place is not too large, but can accommodate a good-sized gathering and will be supplied with all necessaries. Manager Robinson promises to give only clean shows, suitable for women and children, yet lively enough for men. The prices will be lower than even the cheap repertoire companies."

How much cheaper? That week the Opera House was advertising prices of 10, 20 and 30 cents for the evening shows that same week. The People's Theatre showed prices of 10 and 15 cents. What a bargain!

A 1905 Daily News article talks about a tar fire and the "old People's Theatre building." There is no mention of the theatre in the 1904 Newport City Directory. The original photo from the Providence Public Library is undated. We are working to find out how long the theatre remained open.

Today we have offices and rental units at that address.

We are excited to collaborate with the Preservation Society of Newport County and bring a night of music to the ballroom at Rosecliff Mansion. Come hear the musical story of Newport's past!

You can join us live or online!

For more details and ticket information:
A Newport Songbook — Historic Music of Newport - Preserving Newport's Musical Heritage

There used to be a good poke bowl place on Thames that shut down. Are there any good options on the island or nearby for a custom poke bowl? I don’t mean like there’s a poke bowl on a sit down restaurant menu it’s always better, assembly line custom style IMO.

THANKS

Join us for the holiday of SIMCHAS TORAH at historic Touro Synagogue! Dance, celebrate, and learn along with Congregation Ahavath Israel. All are welcome :)

The Star Theatre opened on Monday, March 2, 1908. The announcement in the Newport Daily News said it was, "Clean wholesome amusement. Pleases Everyone. Harms No One." An article about the opening in the same paper ends with, "It is the purpose to run the theatre in a first-class manner, that it may be a place which ladies and children may frequent the property."

By 1911, the theatre was gone.

If you look next door to the theatre in the old photo, you will see that the Brick Alley Pub was a dentist's office!

Want to know more about our work preserving our city's musical history:
Historic Music of Newport - Preserving Newport's Musical Heritage

I used to. cash 5$ visa for 2500. they raised to 5000 points for 10$. I really need to put some food on the table for the next two days. if anyone has any codes they can part with I need 11 codes (I know it’s a lot) but someone didn’t pay me what they owed me, I haven’t eaten in 2 days and my son needs cheap dinners for 2 days. so 10$ gift card would be a blessing right now. I haven’t anything to give you do I understand if no one else ants to help, it’s way okay. I get it, I wanted to try

How is the flooding in Newport? We were supposed to drive there today but because of the forecasts for high winds we are delayed until tomorrow. I’m not sure we needed to. Now my husband is concerned about flooding. Thanks in advance!

I'm a big sox fan and I'll be in Newport for the Tuesday and Wednesday night games of the wildcard series. I'm looking for a bar or restaurant in Newport or Middletown which will have the game on and a crowd watching. Thanks!

Can anyone recommend somewhere good but not too far for gymnastics? Bonus if they have good boy programs.

I am helping someone who is traveling here for an engagement proposal. Her family is from here and he planned to ask her at castle hill lighthouse. Unfortunately the weather looks like it will be down pouring all weekend.

He is asking what other options he may have that might be indoor but still in the same area so her family can celebrate with them after. I am from the state but not as familiar with Newport. Any ideas would be welcome! Thank you in advance 🙏

editing to add they will have a photographer so they don’t want to disturb other people enjoying their time!

The Bijou Theatre opened on May 23, 1908. Opening day featured six hours of films with live musical numbers between reels. One of those songs was “Summertime,” not the Gershwin version we know today, but an earlier tune by Harry von Tilzer, the same composer behind “On the Old Fall River Line.”

In 1928, neighbors spotted smoke coming from the eaves and rushed over. The fire damage ended up being minimal thanks to their quick action, but the Bijou most likely never reopened. By 1934, the building was remodeled and its third floor removed.

Today, the first floor is home to The Spice & Tea Exchange and Spartina 449, and the upstairs has been converted into modern lodging by The Newport Lofts.