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Newspaper
Bristol Phoenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Jul 26, 1955
Page
1
A 75 year look back at the 200th anniversary notes the grand illumination event from the 1880 celebration. The column previews how traditions and public revelry of that era echoed modern times in the town’s anniversary year.
Spectacular bi centennial celebration lights up Hope street with Japanese lanterns bunting and colored fires. Homes of Mrs James DeWolf Perry Philip Bourn Col Charles A Greene and others display national colors at Linden Place and along Franklin street. A crystal refractor lanterns and a gold welcome sign illuminate the scene as crowds gather and local landmarks shine.
Civil Defense Director Nelson G. Beals proposes organizing salvage crews on Bristol's waterfront to protect boats and property during hurricanes. A meeting is set for August 4 with Harbor Development Commission officials, the 243rd AAA Gun Battalion commander, yacht club officials, harbor master, fishing industry representatives, and the town’s Civil Defense. The plan would haul out small boats, rescue others during storms, guard shoreline property with National Guard help, and use Explorer Scout posts as spotters.
Preparations in town for the approaching hurricane season include securing navigation buoys at the Coast Guard Depot with two-ton sinkers and heavy chain. Civil Defense plans a hurricane booklet and organizes the Red Cross, National Guard, and salvage crews to protect boatowners and shorelines including Ferry Point and Poppasquash Point.
Elm disease in the town rises to eighteen trees with tests from the University of Rhode Island labs. Tree warden Joseph Kinder notes rates may mirror prior years, with ten trees on private or state land and eight on streets. Removal is shared by state and town funded by yearly appropriations. Spraying for street trees occurred in April and June. private trees require owner action.
The 275th anniversary pageant has three episodes and seven fill-in groups still open for local organizations. A meeting at the Hotel Belvedere led by Mrs. G Andrew Roth drew fourteen attendees. Remaining episodes are Early Industries The Bombing of Bristol and World War II with specific roles and era costumes.
Samuel A. Mott, 68, ordered to refrain from driving the Hydraulion Hose Co. truck until he obtains an operator license. Fire Chief Oscar A. Rishe denounces the appointment as unfortunate and faults the Hydraulion Company for recommending him. The board investigates motives and shifts control to the Board of Engineers until the company proves town protection is the priority. Robert J. Anderson, a former fire chief, supported Mott’s election.
U S Fish and Wildlife Service researchers survey the 500 acre Mount Hope Farm estate of Rudolph F Haffenreffer Jr to assess trasform into a game preserve with shoreline fishery potential. The plan, possibly run by Agriculture and Cooperating with the federal government, envisions a model forest and dammed streams for fish. The price for the land is cited between 100000 and 200000 with federal funding covering three fourths under Dingell Johnson and Pittman Robinson acts. King Philip Chair and Indian relics may anchor a historical exhibit within the preserve.
The weekly block dance moves from Thursday to Saturday at 8 15 pm as part of the Chamber of Commerce days finale. Council President Joseph F Bruno will announce prize winners donated by 25 participating merchants during the dance. Shoppers receive a ticket with every dollar spent.
A week of special events at the playgrounds includes a junior boys badminton tournament at Veterans Memorial Park directed by Manuel Marshall and a picnic hike and swim at the Common directed by A A Pansa. A ninth annual blueberry pie eating contest closes the Common on Thursday at 2 p m with sixty pies ordered by recreation director Anthony E Agatiello.
A new drive-in theater near Gooding Avenue faces opposition from residents led by Matthew Borgia who gathered 50 signatures aiming for 4,000. Councils split as Orlando Bisbano backs the project while Republicans voice discontent. State scrutiny over entrances and exits delays plans for an east shopping center across a brook from the site.
Cirillo reports that 1283 dollars have been collected in fees at the new town beach over four weeks. The board of recreation says most money comes from out of town visitors paying one dollar per visit and will be used for care and maintenance of the beach.
Brig. Gen. John M. McGreevy announced a new National Guard armory is imminent after Department of Army approval. The $200,000 project will fund three quarters federally with up to $50,000 state funds, on land south of the Veterans Home. Battery C of the 243rd AAA Gun Battalion will be based there. The old armory will be reassigned to the state Fish and Game division.
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