Preface and selections from the Newport Directory, 1856. File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan W. Pieroth, (© 1997 Susan W. Pieroth) USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages are for the use of indivisual researchers, and may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. --------------------------------------------------------------------- All of the following articles are from THE NEWPORT DIRECTORY, CONTAINING THE NAMES OF THE CITIZENS, A BUSINESS DIRECTORY, CITY RECORD, GOVERNMENT OF STATE, &C; 1856-'57 WILLIAM H. BOYD, COMPILER AND PUBLISHER, 229 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PREFACE _____________________ The Publisher, in issuing the þresent book, would say that he has long contemplated the consummation of this undertaking, and feels flattered that the opportunity of publishing the first Newport Directory has been embraced by him. Newport, of late years, has become an important and fashionable watering-place, both for invalids and those seeking retirement from the busy scenes of the world. The many strangers sojourning here for the season, and the city itself having grown so rapidly, has created the necessity for the present work, which the publisher feels confident will supply a want long felt by the business men of the place, and be a source of convenience to visitors. Few are aware of the labor necessary to compile a Directory, especially a first one, where there is no data to work from, but all the information must be obtained from actual canvass from door to door; and here, too, a great difficulty is frequently found in eliciting from servants correct answers, through fear of giving information that will prove detrimental to their employers. But the Publisher is pleased to say that he believes he has as complete a return as could be collected at this season of the year, and under the circumstances, taking into consideration that many of the citizens have given up their own houses to strangers, and board for the season. From this cause, no doubt, duplicates will be found; for at the business place of a merchant he naturally gives his permanent abode, while the canvasser finds his family at some temporary place. In addition to the names of the citizens will be found a Business Directory of all persons in business on their own account, carefully arranged under appropriate headings; also, a list of city officers, banks, charitable and benevolent institutions, churches, societies and associations. For any errors or omissions in the work the Publisher would claim the indulgence of a generous public, and would tender his thanks to the merchants and citizens generally for their cooperation and liberal patronage and encouragement, but more especially would be mention Rev. Dr. Henry Jackson, for his personal friendship and assistance; also Rev. Dr. Dumont, Rev. S. Adlam, Col. Wm. H. Cranston, Mr. N. H. Gould, Mr. Albert Hammett and Mr. A. J. Ward, for their many kindnesses and courtesy; and he promises the public that in his ne×t issue he will give much valuable and statistical information which could not be prepared for the present edition. He also contemplates giving engravings of prominent building, private mansions, &c., from time to time, thereby making his Directory worthy of being preserved, to show posterity what their ancestors have done. He will be thankful for any historical information for his future issues; and as this contains Rev. Mr. John Callender’s Centenary Discourse, being the only recognized history for the first century of Rhode Island, he hopes to be able to follow up his historical articles, thereby adding value to his Directory as a standard work, and worthy of a niche in the family library and a place on the table. Respectfully, WM. H. BOYD. New York, Aug. 12, 1856. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BERKELEY INSTITUTE. NEWPORT, R. I. [advertisement] ______________________ This institution is now thoroughly organized, has a full corps of teachers, and three distinct departments, viz: English Classical, and French. The studies are so arranged as to afford boys the most ample facilities for preparing themselves for College, the Scientific School, or the Counting-Room. Our general plan is to lay a good foundation in the common English branches (so called,) in connection with the French language, with special reference to writing and speaking it with correctness, fluency and elegance. These are followed by the higher English studies, French literature, and the other modern languages. In the Classical department, lads will be fitted for College in the most thorough manner, and advanced pupils enabled to pursue their Classical studies to any e×tent they may desire. Boys for whom more active pursuits are anticipated, or who intend to make Engineering, Chemistry or Natural Science, a speciality, will take rank in the English and French departments. Either of the modern languages, or any other study may also be taken by those who desire to pursue a partial course. The prominence given to French, (in which the Principals hope for the hearty concurrence of parents,) is a feature of the School to which attention is invited. Particular attention is paid both to Declamation, and to Composition in English as well as in French, and such regard to Penmanship, as to insure the acquisition of a legible and correct hand. Lessons in Music and Drawing are given to all who evince talent in either of these directions, and desire to cultivate it. In these, as in the other departments of the Institute, we have been successfull in securing the services of superior teachers. A new and compete Philosophical Apparatus has been procured for the Institution. The Academic Year is divided into two terms of five months each. The Winter term begins on the First Monday of November; the Summer term on the First Monday of May. The e×penses of a boarding scholar are $500 a year; of a day scholar, $100, (quarterly in advance.) If French and the Military Drill are included, $150. A. DALTON, ) PRINCIPALS. WM. C. LEVERETT, ) [Listings in the Directory that match the above advertisement Spelling as in original, last name first.] Berkeley Institute, 10 Washington sq. A. Dalton and W. C. Leveritt, principals classical and commercial school Dalton Asa (Dalton & Leverett), Berkeley Institute, 12 Washington sq., h. 10 Washington sq. Dalton & Leverett (A. Dalton & W. C. Leverett), Berkeley Institute, 10 Washington sq. Leverett William C. (Dalton & Leverett), Berkeley Institute, 10 Washington sq. h. 31 Broad Viguier A. Joseph, French teacher, Berkeley Institute, h. 10 Washington sq.