1908 – Ferdinand Tonney Farm in Swifton

1908 – Ferdinand Tonney Farm in Swifton

Ferdinand Tonney (left) of Swifton produced a cotton crop in 1908 valued at $2 million.  The field pictured here produced cotton worth $90 per acre.  The Swifton farmer was aided by a mild climate, rich soil, an abundance of timber, and a location near the great...
1900’s – Supreme Council of Shepherds

1900’s – Supreme Council of Shepherds

The cadet company of the Supreme Council of Shepherds, Uniform Rank No. 1 was an organization for the benefit of African American youngsters, apparently in Newport.  This photograph from the early 1900’s captures the pride that these young men felt in their...
1908 – Independent Order of Odd Fellows

1908 – Independent Order of Odd Fellows

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows had a chapter in town of Grubbs, east of Newport.  Among those pictured here in 1908 are, in no particular order, Jim W. Ivy, Perry P. Stegall, Alonzo Moseley, John E. Williams, Jacob M. Kinard, M.S. “Pony” Littleton,...
1904 – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1904 – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Jackson County’s Episcopal congregation moved into Newport in 1879, changing its name from Grace Church to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and building a small wooden structure at the corner of Third and Hazel Streets.  In 1904, St. Paul’s built a fine...
1900’s – White River Railroad Bridge

1900’s – White River Railroad Bridge

This postcard shows the St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern Railway bridge over the White River, three miles downstream from Newport.  The tracks then proceeded through town along the bluff side of the river, protecting the rails from the frequent overflows in the...
1900’s – Shoffner Family

1900’s – Shoffner Family

The Shoffners were wealthy landowners in the southern Jackson County town that bore their name.  Here, the patriarch seems to be supervising a goat-cart race among his sons or grandsons.  The lovely two-story home with much attention to architectural detail shows...