Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1851-08-21
hBRiLD OF THE TIMES
CRANSTON & NORMAN.
TER RMS--$2 in advance, or 1925
at the end Of the year.
PLBLIsHED EVERY THURSDAY aoRfise, AT
No. I27 Thames Street.

w We propose 10 comment upon the
present condition and future prospect OF
Society in Newport during the fashion
able visiting season.
Having been an attentive observer OF
society here during the last ten years,
and closely watched all its different pha-
ses during that period, we have natur-
ally been led to think much upon the
subject, and although we may not have
come to any very satisfactory conclu-
sion, either to our own mind, or the
minds Of our rcaders,-still, our renec-
tions may cause others TO think upon
the subject, and some beneficial result
may ensue.
II is now some twenty-five or thirty
years since Newport was first resor,ed
TO as a watering-place. At that time
but few families, comparatively speak
ing, visited here, and those were most
ly from the South, and chiefly from
South Carolina. As general thing,
these persons came TO enjoy quiet
summer, and to be lnvigorated by the
cool brcezes Of our climate in short, to
pass the summer in rational u amer,
without ostenta,ion Of any Kind. This
continued for some time there were no
large hotels here, and the expence oi
living, then, was comparatively light.
For some years the only hotels OF any
note, Oh the hill were the Bellevue
House, first kept by Mr.. Windsor, and
subsequently, for many years, by Mr..
Potter and also the hotel in Touro
street, known as Whiifrld's. There
were also several private boarding
houses in the vicinity. Some Of the
visitors also boarded at private houses
in the more central parts Of the town. -
In The course Of time Newport became
more noted as n watering-place, and the
number Of visitors began gradually to
Increase T; accordingly enlarged accom-
modations were required in the same
proportion. Public attention was no
turned seriouf y to the subject howev-
or, nor was capital largely invested IN
this business, until after 1910. During
that and the Two subsequent seasons,
the increase Of visitors, not only from
the South, but from various parts Of the
country, had been 80 great, 1t was found
that the accommodations which then
existed we're entirely inadequate to
meet the demand. Au unsuccessful ef-
fort was made to build the Ocean
House ; in the summer Of l943 It was
renewed, and the hotel was built the
following winter, and opened in the
summer OF "A during ,ha, winter it
was enlarged, and on the Sd Of the fol-
lowing August, when The house was
full ofgues,s, it was destroyed by fire.
Just previous TO this, the Atlantic House
was built, and in the winter OF rs, the
present Ocean House was erected. In
the mean time both the Bellevue and
Whitficld's were several times matcr-
ally enlarged and improved.
One who has constantly and cateful.
" watched The complexion Of society
here, tor some time past, during the
fashionable season, must have observed
the markeu changes which have taken
place, from season 10 season, in the
character OF the nmusrmcn,s oil those
who assemble here. A first there was
nothing but social kind Of gatherings.
As the numbrrs increased, more reser.
va,ion C manner and intercourse was
noticeable. When the grand rush com
rcnocd, and since then up TO the pres.
cnt time, the greatest display has been
made, und the most eAtravngant and
costly array IN the style Of dress among
the ladies. Three summers ago, Dan
cling was carried TO the greatest posi-
bic excess, and it was the prevailing
amusement at Newport. There were
many very gay people here, ard large
proportion Of them participated IN this
luxury, from carly in the morning until
late at night the Balls and Hops were
very numerous and they were attended
by crowds OF all ages. At the Hotels,
particularly at the Ocean, they com
mcncej dancing Immediately after
breakfast, and it was continued until u
late hour OF the night, with but slight
interruptions for Bathing, &c. Since
then, tho Dancing has decreased, unit
the present season, when there is COM
paratively but little. This season the
visitors amuse themselves by dancing a
little, riding u great deal, walking, lis
,cning to the Germania music at the
Louscs, and attending their Concerts,
promonading at the hotels, gathering Ia
little companies aud converting pleas
ontly, &c.
Now comes the grand and dificu',