Newport is legendary and has been the summer home to the rich and famous since the age when America’s industrial barons built their “cottages”. With the renewed interest in Newport during the “America’s Cup” siting for the next challenge (Larry Ellison’s defender syndicate ultimately chose San Francisco), light was again shining on our city in the bay. But this interest has been growing for years, a reprise from the days when Newport sagged. In 2009, Deborah Davis published a book titled “Gilded - How Newport Became America’s Richest Resort” which highlighted the history of this fabled town’s past from the 1900 century to the present day. In it she recalls a story told to her from our Narragansett Realtor, Judy Chace, about the beginning of the invasion by the “modern day buccanneer[s] who [are] as high-rolling and freewheeling as any of the Gilded Age tycoons.” Recently, the Red Carpet Gala added some sparkle to the city once again. Held by the Friends of Jane Pickens Theater, many of Newport’s residents watched the 2011 Oscar’s, while wining and dining at the Theater and Event Center on Sunday the 27th of February. The event included two comedians who guided the people through the evening and an auction for additional fund raising. According to Board member Marisa Ferris, also a Narragansett Agent, the fundraising evening was a fantastic way to view the pageantry of the Oscar ceremonies, with Hollywood’s Stars decked out to the nines and parading down the real “Red Carpet.” The “Friends” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit created to help preserve the 178 year old building and allow the center to function. Besides movies or live screenings, like that of the Bolshoi Ballet and the upcoming royal wedding in England, the venue can be booked for special events.Gilded - a Newport Experience
- By Michael McCann
- Posted
Newport is legendary and has been the summer home to the rich and famous since the age when America’s industrial barons built their “cottages”. With the renewed interest in Newport during the “America’s Cup” siting for the next challenge (Larry Ellison’s defender syndicate ultimately chose San Francisco), light was again shining on our city in the bay. But this interest has been growing for years, a reprise from the days when Newport sagged. In 2009, Deborah Davis published a book titled “Gilded - How Newport Became America’s Richest Resort” which highlighted the history of this fabled town’s past from the 1900 century to the present day. In it she recalls a story told to her from our Narragansett Realtor, Judy Chace, about the beginning of the invasion by the “modern day buccanneer[s] who [are] as high-rolling and freewheeling as any of the Gilded Age tycoons.” Recently, the Red Carpet Gala added some sparkle to the city once again. Held by the Friends of Jane Pickens Theater, many of Newport’s residents watched the 2011 Oscar’s, while wining and dining at the Theater and Event Center on Sunday the 27th of February. The event included two comedians who guided the people through the evening and an auction for additional fund raising. According to Board member Marisa Ferris, also a Narragansett Agent, the fundraising evening was a fantastic way to view the pageantry of the Oscar ceremonies, with Hollywood’s Stars decked out to the nines and parading down the real “Red Carpet.” The “Friends” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit created to help preserve the 178 year old building and allow the center to function. Besides movies or live screenings, like that of the Bolshoi Ballet and the upcoming royal wedding in England, the venue can be booked for special events.
