Moses Michael Hays Day

For those of you who enjoyed this past weekend's festivities in Washington Square, please join the George Washington Institute of Religious Freedom as they celebrate Moses Michael Hays Day.

THE EVENT:

Sunday, July 11, 2010 MOSES MICHAEL HAYS DAY

A commemoration of an event that took place on July 11, 1776, one week after America declared it's independence from Britain.

2:00 p.m.: A public procession led by Masons from around New England will leave the grounds of Redwood Library on Bellevue Avenue and proceed to the Colony House on Washington Square through Historic Hill and Patriots Park (at Touro Synagogue).
3:00 p.m.: Public reading in the Colony House of charges made against Moses Michael Hays, a Jew falsely accused of not supporting Independence, and Hays' response.

Moses Michael Hays was a Jewish patriot in colonial Newport who was called to appear in the Colony House before members of the Rhode Island General Assembly to affirm his commitment to the Patriot cause after he refused to sign an oath of allegiance. He had refused to sign the oath on religious grounds, as the oath required him to sign on his "faith as a Christian." Hays argued that the movement for American independence needed continue the religious freedom and tolerance that been a part of life in Rhode Island. His remarks foreshadowed values that would later be embodied in the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution.

Hays was also a leading Mason. Freemasonry was an important part of Newport’s colonial community, and in Hays‘ honor members of Masonic Lodges from around New England will lead the public procession from Redwood Library to the Colony House, where the statements made on that day in 1776 will be read aloud in a public event.

The event is sponsored by the George Washington Institute of Religious Freedom, which operates the Loeb Visitors Center at Touro Synagogue, with support form the Newport Historical Society and Redwood Library.

Getting Back to Our "Routes!" Fourth of July Itinerary of Events and Helpful Tips

With the Fourth of July coming up this weekend, please take a moment to review the following schedule of events, and some suggestions for those attending Washington Square Roots' celebration of the square's patriotic history.



9:00AM - The festivities will begin with the Artillery Company of Newport's march to the grave of William Ellery, where they will pay tribute to Newport's own signer of the Declaration of Independence.

9:00AM - Visitors are invited to begin the self-guided walking tour of the original 1810 Citizen's Parade of Newport, beginning and ending in Washington Square.

10:00AM - The Newport County Band will perform patriotic tunes in Washington Square's Eisenhower Park. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

10:30AM - People's Parade procession beginning at Storer Park. Visitors are encouraged to gather at Storer's Park for a procession up Long Wharf, through Brick Market, and into Washington Square. This is the path visitors to Newport took for centuries upon their arrival to the city.

11:00AM - A public reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Sons of the Revolution from the Old Colony House. Follow along with your free copy of the Declaration of Independence, distributed by the 'Sons!' As Newport was the first recognized Capitol of the State of Rhode Island, the old Colony House was our first State House.

Noon - A cannon salute by the Artillery Company of Newport using original colonial artillery!

12:30PM - Organized "Square" dancing in Eisenhower park. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and lawn chairs, and visit some of the local businesses in the square.

*Be sure to check out the fantastic collection of historical documents that will be on display at the Colony House, courtesy of the Newport Historical Society*



Additional tips for visitors

-As it will be a holiday weekend, visitors that arrive later in the morning may find it difficult to find parking. Our suggestion would be to park at the Gateway Visitor's Center on America's Cup Avenue and take the short walk into the square.

-Weather in our fair city can be somewhat fickle this time of year, and just because it may be cool in the morning, the temperature will surely be on the rise as the day progresses. While there is plenty of shade in Eisenhower Park, those people choosing to participate in the Citizen's Parade, and subsequent procession from Storer Park should remember to bring bottled water, sunscreen, a hat, and their most comfortable walking shoes.

-If you did not get a copy of the parade route in the Newport Daily News on Wednesday June 30th, there will be plenty of free copies distributed on the day of the event. This map will provide you with an unparalleled view of Newport 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and makes for a great memento of your time in Newport.

-Be sure to wear your most patriotic garb! And if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask the people around you - we are a friendly lot, and will be there to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day!!

4th of July News Release

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 16, 2010) –The Washington Square Roots (WSR) initiative will participate in a series of traditional celebrations in Washington Square on Sunday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend the events that honor Newport’s original town common and its ongoing improvements. By encouraging Washington Square’s continued historic, architectural, cultural, and commercial significance, WSR supports prosperity for the Square, its surrounding neighborhoods, and the greater Newport community.

WSR encourages the public to walk back in time and retrace Newport’s July 4, 1810 bicentennial parade route. Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc. created a bicentennial map using an 1876 Tax Atlas that showcases both the 1810 parade route and Newport’s architecture at the time of our nation’s centennial. The Newport Daily News will print and distribute the bicentennial map as a newspaper insert on June 30th.

Homes and businesses located on the bicentennial parade route will be decorated with American flags and patriotic bunting. The 2.3 mile self-guided walking tour begins in Washington Square, travels through Newport’s historic 18th century neighborhoods, continues down Long Wharf, and concludes in Washington Square.

The July 4th festivities will include Newport Artillery Company tributes, Peoples’ Parade from Long Wharf to Washington Square, reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Colony House, a picnic and square dance in Washington Square, tours of the Square’s historic landmarks, and special menus at the Square’s restaurants. The Sons of the Revolution will distribute free copies of the Declaration of Independence and American flags. The July 4th celebration will be held rain or shine.

For more information about the Washington Square Roots July 4th celebration visit: www.washingtonsquarerootsblogspot.com


What is the itinerary for the Washington Square Roots July 4th celebration?

9 a.m. – Newport Artillery Company will march from Washington Square to Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery on Farewell Street.
9 a.m. – Self-Guided Walking Tours along Bicentennial Parade Route begin in Washington Square.
9:30 a.m. – Sons of the Revolution will pay tribute to William Ellery, signer of the Declaration of Independence, at his grave at the Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street.
10 a.m. – Newport Community Band at Salve Regina University will perform patriotic songs in Washington Square.
10:30 a.m. – Peoples’ Parade will begin on Long Wharf and proceed to Washington Square.
11 a.m. – Sons of the Revolution will read the Declaration of Independence from Colony House. They will also distribute free copies of the Declaration of Independence and American flags.
Noon – Newport Artillery Company will deliver cannon salute in Washington Square.
12:30 – 2 p.m. Community picnic and square dance will take place in Washington Square. Local restaurants will offer special holiday menus and take-out food.


Who is sponsoring the celebration?

The July 4th celebration in Washington Square is a collaborative effort led by the City of Newport, Washington Square Roots, Newport Historical Society, Newport Artillery Company, Sons of the Revolution, Newport Community Band at Salve Regina University, Opera House, Jane Pickens Theater, Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. Visitors Center, Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc., and local businesses .

Where will the bicentennial maps be distributed?

The Newport Daily News will print and distribute the bicentennial maps as an insert on June 30th. Free copies will be available in Washington Square on July 4th.

Which significant landmarks are located on the bicentennial parade route?

Colony House
Brick Market
Opera House
Jane Pickens Theater
Touro Synagogue
Trinity Church
Common Burying Ground & Island Cemetery
William Ellery Park & Tree of Liberty
Gravelly Point
Long Wharf

Where can the public park on July 4th?

Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 23 America’s Cup Avenue
Mary Street Parking Lot, Mary Street (Public Restrooms located here)
Touro Parking Lot, Clarke Street

What are the benefits to the community?

Washington Square’s restoration began in 1999 as a collaborative, community-based effort. The project’s objective was twofold: to preserve the town square that stands as Newport’s centerpiece of nationally significant heritage, and to enhance its economic and cultural vitality. Commissioning and installing a historically accurate bronze horse trough at the foot of the square represents the third phase of this extensive restoration campaign, which entailed:
· repairing or replacing the square’s roads, sidewalks, gutters, utility infrastructure, lighting, benches, amenities, and landscaping.
· widening and installing bluestone sidewalks and setting bluestone curbing around the Colony House, Court House, and Eisenhower Park.
· widening and installing bluestone sidewalks and setting bluestone curbing at the base of the park and square, including the sidewalk along the North side of the square.
· installing a decorative traffic signal
· installing a bronze replica of an 19th century horse trough
What future improvements are planned for Washington Square?
· Completion of the last Phase III of the restoration of Washington Square, which includes widening of the sidewalks along the North side of the Square (the Mall), completion of the repaving of Washington Square and Touro Street, resetting of historic lighting, final utility and infrastructure improvements.
· Architectural lighting of historic buildings.
· Trimming and up-lighting trees.
· Repairing Colony House Clock.
· Master plan for adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings.

Horse Trough Installation on the Front Page of the Newport Daily News - April 14, 2010

(Click images to enlarge)

Washington Square on NBC 10

This is the entire text of a report from NBC 10 in Providence, RI on the horse trough installation at Washington Square. The screen grab and content were reproduced from turnto10.com

Horse trough brings period look to Newport square

"NEWPORT, R.I.—A piece of Newport history has been recreated.

An 838-pound bronze horse trough commissioned by the Washington Square Advisory Commission was delivered to the square Tuesday morning.

The trough is a replica of the original landmark that functioned in Washington Square during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The trough is just one part of the ongoing historic restoration of Washington Square.

The horse trough was designed by Howard and Mary Newman, owners of Newmans Ltd.

A public unveiling ceremony is set for April 25."

http://www2.turnto10.com/jar/lifestyles/local/article/horse_trough_brings_period_look_to_newport_square/35109/

Be sure to check back for specific updates on events surrounding the horse trough unveiling and other upcoming events in Washington Square!

Letter from George Washington to the Town of Newport, 1790

Letter from George Washington to the Town of Newport in 1790

“To the Freemen of the Town of New Port:

GENTLEMEN: I receive, with emotions of satisfaction, the kind address of the Citizens of New Port on my arrival in this State.

Altho I am not ignorant how much the worthy inhabitants of this town have been injured in their circumstances by their patriotic sufferings and services; yet I must be allowed to say that nothing on their part has been wanting to convince me of their affection to myself and attachment to the Government over which I am appointed to preside.

I request, gentlemen, you will be persuaded that I take a due interest in your particular situation, and that I join with you in anticipating the happy period when, in our own country at large, commerce, arts, manufactures, and agriculture shall attain the highest degree of improvement.

My expressions would but faintly communicate my feelings, should I enlarge beyond the proper limits of an answer to your address, in evincing my sensibility of your affectionate wishes for my felicity in the present and future state of existence. It will be a better proof of my zeal for the prosperity of the inhabitants of this town, and their fellow citizens of this State, to lose no opportunity of attending to the advancement of their interests, in combination with the general welfare of the community. This I shall do with unfeigned satisfaction, and may all the happiness be theirs which can result in their social character from the uniform practice of industry, virtue, fraternal kindness, and universal philanthropy.

G. Washington”

(Thanks to Cheryl Hackett for providing the text of Washington's Letter)

New Photos

Washington Square and the Opera House c. 1905-1910

Washington Square c. 1907

Touro Street in September of 1938 following the Great New England Hurricane

(All images in this post were reproduced with
permission from the personal collection of John Doty)

Horse Trough Slideshows

Please enjoy these slide shows put together by Howard Newman about Washington Square's new Horse Trough Fountain, and be sure to follow Newman's Ltd Youtube channel for updates on this and other projects.

http://www.youtube.com/user/NewmansLtd

Part 1:



Part 2:

Misson Statement

Square Roots Mission Statement

Square Roots celebrates Newport, Rhode Island's historic past and seeks paths that ensure a more prosperous future for the city center. Square Roots' mission reawakens Washington Square as Newport's original town common and raises awareness among citizens and visitors for Washington Square's historic, architectural, cultural and commercial significance. Square Roots promotes a public/private partnership that supports the economic vitality and livability of Washington Square, as well as areas that radiate from the square, through historic preservation, adaptive reuse, infrastructure improvements, cultural tourism enhancements, and green space development.

Washington Square

Washington Square in the early 20th Century
(Photo courtesy of the Rhode Island State Archives)

Coming Soon...