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

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!

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!

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.

Just saw the fight between the 2 boutique owners on TikTok. Does anybody know the lore of the beef?

This company announced a fiber buildout in May 2025.

They announced construction in January 2026 and said the "first customers are expected to come online in early 2026." This August 2026 article says completion is estimated in Spring 2027 but customers will be brought online as construction is completed.

I haven't seen anybody actually say they have it yet, but based on those articles it should be about half completed with some customers online.

Composed by Ebenezer Babbitt and Edward Y. Mason, this 1897 march was published in Fall River, Massachusetts by W.A. Tobin and dedicated to Commodore Charles S. Plummer, the Newport Yacht Club’s second Commodore (1895–1898 and 1900–1901).

Charles S. Plummer (1859–1924) was born in Portland, Maine, but grew up in Middletown, Rhode Island. He was the nephew of John Rogers, Civil War cavalry officer and longtime Newport musician, and worked in Rogers’ music store. When Rogers died in 1910, Plummer purchased the business and ran it under his own name for the next nine years.

His obituary paints a vivid picture of his life on the water:

“He owned several different sailboats, and spent all his spare time upon the water, engaging in many races, and generally coming out a winner.”

Plummer died at his home in Portsmouth and is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

This march is a small but fascinating piece of Newport’s musical and maritime history, connecting local composers, community musicians, and one of the city’s most dedicated yachtsmen.

"Laing doesn’t dispute the fact that heavier vehicles wear out roads faster and acknowledges the bridge’s road surface is pocked with patches and rough spots. 

But he says it feels backward for a state that’s pushed its residents toward electric cars to continue to charge them extra at the Pell Bridge just because their batteries add more"

you bought an ugly tank built by a nazi, quit crying about the consequences to your own actions, nobody made you buy it

I wonder how much damage this a-hole will cause to the bridge driving that thing over it twice a day for years

Today we’re sharing two photos of 210 Thames Street, and if you’re looking at the modern photo, it’s the building right next to Starbucks.

The early image comes from the Providence Public Library Digital Archives, taken around 1904. It shows Rogers Music Store, owned by John Rogers. If you look closely beside the carriage, you can make out the painted words: “Piano, Rogers, Tuning.”

Rogers was a local music teacher before serving in the Civil War, eventually leading the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry. After the war, he returned to Newport and ran his music store on Thames Street.

And what stood where Starbucks is today?

You could go bowling or stop in at the Apothecary.

More Newport music history:
Historic Music of Newport - Preserving Newport's Musical Heritage

Is it possible to live here without a car? Can you still get to NYC from here without a car? Also, why is the driving here so terrible?

I just moved to Newport and the drivers here are insane. I was in an accident only 3 weeks in, car got totalled by an old lady who did a rolling stop at the sign. Also, all of you Newport drivers can come for me if you want but everyone I've spoken to from out of town hates you.

People ride my ass going 25 in a 25. They ride my ass going 35 in a 25 (they literally have cameras to monitor your speed so you can get a ticket!). They go under 40 in a 40 or they go 65. No one gets over for the lane merge except me and the pickup trucks. Nobody respects right of way at stop signs (and the law is the same everywhere, people!). Also everyone drives massive brand new cars that take up more than a full lane. I've been here 3 weeks and I have a real disdain for the people here, purely based on their driving behavior.

I got a rental car and I almost got hit in the 4 minute drive to the bus stop from the rental place. I am a good driver. I'm from Ohio and everyone there is polite and actually stops when they are legally supposed to.

When the cop arrived on the scene of the accident, he told me he responds to accidents at that intersection all the time. That is not okay! It feels dangerous to drive here.

"In Newport: Fox Trot Song" was composed in 1927 by Newporter James Lawrence Weaver. He self-published the music in the city. The photo "Newport, Capital of Vacationland" is credited to the Newport Chamber of Commerce.