1960s
The Baguettes were an institution in Newport, singing often for civic groups and here at Farmers Day. Elaine Burton (left) and Eleanor Jowers (right) belt out a number, while Chris Cross accompanies them on the piano. Cross’s husband, Carl Cross, was the general...
1950s
Gov. Sid McMath came to speak at the fifth Farmers Day in 1951, when he was running for reelection. A record crowd of 10,000 people was reported that year. Eleanor Jowers, on the left seems to be less than impressed. Miss Newport Betty Castleberry, on the right, sang...
1950s
Farmers Day extended into the night and drew huge crowds from all over the county. Note the level of racial integration in a town that had experienced very little racial tension to this point. (Courtesy of Farmers Electric.)
1950s
Farmers Day was an annual production of Farmers Electric Company and the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) and a popular event in Newport for over 20 years. Staged at Remmel Park and on the high school football field, the day’s events included musical...
