Jan 25, 2023 – Jim Garman Lecture “North Portsmouth”
The Portsmouth Historical Society and Common Fence Point Arts, Wellness, and Community Center co-hosted a well-illustrated lecture “The History of North Portsmouth” by Jim Garman, Portsmouth Town Historian
The northern part of Portsmouth has a great deal of historical importance. The original founders arrived in 1638 and settled around Town Pond. Over time, many residents moved further south on the island to establish large farms. But, by the early part of the 20th century, there was tremendous growth in North Portsmouth. Island Park emerged as a summer colony, mainly for Fall River people, and the amusement park got its start with the first carousel in 1898.
The Hummocks colony was developed by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad about the same time. Common Fence Point, which this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary, was established as a summer cottage colony by developers from Brockton MA. This resulted in the Narragansett Oil and Guano Works, a creation by seven Church brothers from Tiverton, moving its operations from the area.
