In the early 1940%26#39;s my Grandparents lived in a building they say was called the ';Anchorage'; within walking distance to the Newport, RI naval base where my Grandfather was a trainer. They said it was new at that time and had 4 units. (Their apt. was 2 rooms). Can anyone tell me if this building is still around so I can photograph it when I%26#39;m on vacation there April 17-24? What street or address is it? I sure hope to find something out since I%26#39;ll be traveling there from Missouri.
The Anchorage Building - residential - still exist?
I%26#39;ve never heard of it. The Naval Base is pretty spread out and neighborhoods abut it in both Newport and Middletown. If it was in Npt, I am thinking it was/is close to the water, maybe near the Point neighborhood or Van Zandt St. which is fairly near the old Navy Hospital---and the newer Walmart. There is a Newport History Museum and the historical society, maybe they can help you out. Enjoy your stay- it looks like the weather%26#39;s gonna be nice.
The Anchorage Building - residential - still exist?
Thanks for some clues Hillside68. My mother and her sister were born at a ';Navy hospital'; there in 1941 and 1943. Would that be the old Navy hospital you speak of? Where exactly would that be - hoping I can drive by it? I%26#39;ve never been to Newport and my family has given me very little info. so any assistance appreciated.
I searched around the internet for you and came up with a ';Anchorage Neighborhood'; which is on Coddington Highway in Middletown. This is right near the Naval Base. I think it is (was) housing for the Base. It appears the whole property was about 28 acres and was for sale to a developer a few years back. An issue came up with contaminated ground soil and the developer and the Navy got into a fight over the sale. Anyways, I%26#39;m not sure ';what%26#39;s there'; now.
The Middletown Historical Society website may be of interest to you. It appears the Historical Society will be hosting a discussion on the bases history and impact on April 19th at the Library. You may find your questions answered there or by contacting the Historical Society.
http://www.middletownhistory.org/
Thank you WILL007. This surely must be what my ailing Grandmother remembers when she came up with the word ';Anchorage'; as their housing in the early 1940%26#39;s that my Grandfather could walk to from his trainer position on the Naval base. She said he walked to work on the base.
The Anchorage was not just a building, it was an entire military housing complex built at the beginning of WWII on military-owned land next to the Newport Naval Base.
It is located in Middletown, off Coddington Highway, and can be accessed also from the West Main Road. It was turned over to civilian ownership a few years ago, underwent a significant renovation and is now leasing out housing to both military and civilian households.
The original buildings were four units, two up/two down, and look much the same from the exterior today. Thus, you can photograph to your heart%26#39;s content, and if your grandparents have a street address you may even find the same building. You may even be able to get into a unit if they are still showing them to prospective renters.
Good luck.
PS-The Naval Hospital is now closed, though the original buildings can still be seen from the street. It%26#39;s not near The Anchorage, so you will have to ask directions to get to the former hospital site when you are in town.
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