Charles Hill Tells of Old Newport

Town Resident Charles M. Hill 

The Guest Speaker at  the Newport Rotary Club on April 1, 2013 was 88 year old town resident Charles Hill, the former proprietor of C.M. Hill Hardware in Newport. His topic was "Newport- Street by Street". PDG Derryl Garner arranged for the program.

"Mr. Charles", as many of us know him, went on to outline three eras that profoundly affected the landscape and the psyche of the town: the Great Depression, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Each era brought its own challenges, but resulted in the town developing the character it has displayed through the years, and becoming "the Town with Old Fashioned Courtesy", as borne on the town motto.

While residents didn't have much during the 1930s and 1940s, they were grateful for what they did have, and shared in with their neighbors. As a boy growing up during that time, he commented that he was glad for the wide open spaces to run, and the never-ending supply of other playmates. The River Swamp leading into Newport from the east and the old train trestle were two of the favorite play places.

As the 1940's loomed, the youth of the town were seemingly unaffected by the far off sounds of war. He regaled us with stories of the Soda Shops and other businesses in town, that over those years exceeded 60, including hotels, apartments, groceries, ice vendors, mechanics, and many other endeavors. People in Newport worked hard and played hard. There was a social scene on Saturday nights, many times surrounding that "good-looking" Clarence Millis at the Soda Shop. Single lady teachers from the Teacherage would regularly attend. There were also regular fights one of the Diner's in particular, that were good for discussion as churchgoers passed by on Sunday afternoon.

The attack on Pearl Harbor changed all that and made the war their own. Many Newport boys went off to war and were killed or wounded. Those that stayed remember the rationing and the burning tankers off shore. Newport parents protected their children against German submarines by not letting them go on summer trips up the Neuse River. Newport housed many servicemen and other working at Cunningham Field (later to become Cherry Point MCAS).  

While World War II united the town against a common threat, the Vietnam war greatly divided the community and again took young lives far too soon.

Mr. Charles still has that unique ability to paint a picture with his words and insights. He has committed many of his remembrances to writing, and continues to do so aided by his wife Ann, who accompanied him to the meeting.