The Kennedys, Cocktails, and Colonial Culture

While numerous Bowen’s Wharf merchants participated and were recognized with awards this year, one st ands out as particularly well connected to our new Heritage Tourism ticket program. Don Roy, of Custom Canvas Newport, printed and displayed the photo above in their window during the Newport Flower Show (this year’s theme: Roses/American Beauty). This Dooney and Bourke window display came in 2nd Place for the retail division, and it’s obvious why! 13 negatives had been found recently in deceased photographer Frank Ataman’s dark room. Ataman was hired by the former Plourde’s Bakery (of Fall River) — credited for making the Kennedy wedding cake — to capture images of their creation for the bakery. This image as well as 12 otheres were sold at auction last fall for $34,000 to private collector in Las Vegas. (read full story here)

If you’re a history buff, or perhaps just interested in learning more about the Kennedys this Tuesday is the start of Four Faiths Historic Tours, a walking tour of Newport’s Historic Houses of Worship. Tours start at Loeb Visitors Center and continue to Touro Synagogue, Trinity Church, Newport Congregational Church, and finally St. Mary’s Church. If you choose to take the special Return to Camelot tour then you will re-live the Kennedy wedding, but either way you will share in four fascinating stories from Newport’s days as a cradle of religious freedom. Rhode Isl and’s unique role as Colonial America’s “lively experiment” in religious liberty comes to life at these historic houses of worship.

Speaking of Lively Experiments: Plan to join us on the waterfront during Bacardi Sailing Week and Sailing Dreams at Bowen’s Wharf (check out our events page here). The event begins with a book signing from author Rockwell Stensrud, at 5:00pm. His book “Newport: A Lively Experiment” has just been released in paperback and proceeds benefit Redwood Library & Athenaeum, to where we also sell tickets. For special exhibit info on America’s oldest lending library stop by in person in person or call our Pilot House (401-849-3478) for any and all tour information. 

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