Thanks for sharing your touching story about a Rhode Island icon, Newport Creamery, and its interesting history. The closing of the Garden City store is a huge loss, and I do hope that others will remain open. One summer I worked at a Newport Creamery in Pawtucket near Korb’s bakery and Main St. Little did I know that my experiences with this company helped shape life and career values.
The company was always concerned about the employees and customers; safety being the number one concern, then respect, and efficiency. District supervisors would visit randomly on a regular basis to check in on operations, especially cleanliness and food service regulations. They would chat with employees to get informal feedback about our perceptions of working at that location. They would also inquire about our personal education and professional goals often noting that NC had opportunities for career growth. As a business, there was a need for marketing, accounting, store managing and training among other opportunities. One person conveyed that my degree in education would provide me with skills that could enhance their staff training program. I graduated from Rhode Island College and worked in the Central Falls School District starting in the classroom and then retiring as an elementary school principal.
While serving as a school principal, a teacher called the office to request assistance as the first graders were having an ice cream party because they had reached a milestone with their reading progress. I volunteered to go and assist serving ice cream; then, as I scoped, muscle memory took over and happy thoughts of that college summer surfaced.
Besides scooping ice cream, lifelong values embraced by NC 20 years earlier were still a part of my repertoire and helped shape practices as an educator and school principal. These values included:
• Both physical and emotional safety comes first.
• Everyone gets greeted with a smile.
• Treat all people with respect.
• Celebrate achievements.
• Cleanliness and appearance do matter.
• Create a family atmosphere.
• Be on time, multitask and assist a co-worker if you can.
I utilized informal feedback on a regular basis. As a school administrator I was expected to be in the cafeteria daily. There were several other adults there too and I took the liberty of sitting with different groups of children each day. Here is where I could converse and glean information about their well-being and discuss their learning. During bus duty, I would ask children to show me what they had learned, and they would proudly pull papers from backpacks. This allowed me to get a good picture of the strengths, needs of children and teaching practices at our school.
The ice cream party also brought alive the concept of careers that had been presented to me during a chat with a NC District Supervisor years ago. It is never too early for children to be exposed to career opportunities and start thinking about the future. Our school took an initiative where children’s literature, guest speakers and field trips were utilized for career awareness beginning in first grade.
Other tidbits:
I have never tasted an Awful Awful as milk and ice still cream don’t like me. I was asked out by a very handsome attorney who used to frequent the restaurant for lunch; but declined because I was dating someone that summer. It was a pleasure seeing the happy faces of children enjoying ice cream with mom, dad or extended family, and family lunches and dinners were tasty, filling and affordable. During family lunches and dinners there were no cell phones or other technology, just happy conversations.
Owner, Peter Rector was a pillar of the community. He and his wife Judy were very humble people who gave of their time, talents and treasures by serving on various boards and supporting community needs. Mr. Rector was a generous supporter of scholarship programs, especially at Salve Regina University.
And with that the story is told. Newport Creamery‘s fine qualities still symbolize ice cream with a “cherry on top.”
This is a marvelous story, Lora. What a wonderfull culture in that organization. I can feel your love for it, and how the experience made you a better teacher.
Thanks so much for sharing. Would that Mr. Rector could read this.
When Annie and I moved to Rhode Island in 1981, friends we made talked about Newport Creamery. I must say the Garden City store was our favorite...no frills, prompt service, and echoes of the 50's. As for the waitresses, I didn't dare let my eyes wander in the presence of my wife, but I do recall fresh-faced young women who loved life its possibilities yet to be unveiled. Too bad Donald Trump never had an Awful, Awful, or the world might be a different place.
You became a RIer the moment you stepped over the NP threshold. I think you may have something there with slipping and Awful Awful to the oval receptacle. Good thinking as usual, Larry.
Hi Ed, I know how it feels! My wife fondly talks about Newport Creamery on Wayland square where she used take our two sons and they all wanted Awfull Awfull. I have the same kind of nostalgia when Crugnale’s bakery shut down. I used love their spinach pie— replete with lemon juice, olive oil, smidgeon of paprika and salt. But at the branch I used to visit, there was a very polite and pleasant gay gentleman— no girls as it was in your case. Small places are going out of businesses. What a shame! As always I love your style of writing. It reads as though you’re telling the tale in person. Keep it up .. Sattar Memon
Great memories Rd. Growing up, l lived across the street from Newport creamery on Smith St. Next door to Stan Grezebien. I used to park my car in the WandIi parking lot and it was a natural for me to stop before crossing the street to get my favorite fudgeripple on a sugar cone. I never knew what an Awful Awful tasted like, guess the name turned me off. I feel badly for the next generation, they will miss out on a great treat.
Yes, Tom. Let's hope thee remaining ones stay open. Memories? Of course, the great Stan Grezebian. The wonderful, very capable neighborhood doctor. I loved him.
Ha ha! My former director from my RISD days went to Barrington College as an undergraduate -- and, at some point, was housing director there. And he used to tell the story where back in the early '70s he had to occasionally rescue and send off to the emergency room students who would compete with each other at the Barrington Creamery and do that "buy two and get one free PLUS" and get hypothermia!
I never had the nerve to try even one Awful Awful, and you got through two! Quite an accomplishment! I am in Narragansett, visiting my sister, and we went to Garden City last Friday. I reminisced about Newport Creamery and my love of rum raisin ice cream. Thanks for the great story!
Looks like you chose the right sub specialty!
HaHa, you're right
Dear Dr. Ed:
Thanks for sharing your touching story about a Rhode Island icon, Newport Creamery, and its interesting history. The closing of the Garden City store is a huge loss, and I do hope that others will remain open. One summer I worked at a Newport Creamery in Pawtucket near Korb’s bakery and Main St. Little did I know that my experiences with this company helped shape life and career values.
The company was always concerned about the employees and customers; safety being the number one concern, then respect, and efficiency. District supervisors would visit randomly on a regular basis to check in on operations, especially cleanliness and food service regulations. They would chat with employees to get informal feedback about our perceptions of working at that location. They would also inquire about our personal education and professional goals often noting that NC had opportunities for career growth. As a business, there was a need for marketing, accounting, store managing and training among other opportunities. One person conveyed that my degree in education would provide me with skills that could enhance their staff training program. I graduated from Rhode Island College and worked in the Central Falls School District starting in the classroom and then retiring as an elementary school principal.
While serving as a school principal, a teacher called the office to request assistance as the first graders were having an ice cream party because they had reached a milestone with their reading progress. I volunteered to go and assist serving ice cream; then, as I scoped, muscle memory took over and happy thoughts of that college summer surfaced.
Besides scooping ice cream, lifelong values embraced by NC 20 years earlier were still a part of my repertoire and helped shape practices as an educator and school principal. These values included:
• Both physical and emotional safety comes first.
• Everyone gets greeted with a smile.
• Treat all people with respect.
• Celebrate achievements.
• Cleanliness and appearance do matter.
• Create a family atmosphere.
• Be on time, multitask and assist a co-worker if you can.
I utilized informal feedback on a regular basis. As a school administrator I was expected to be in the cafeteria daily. There were several other adults there too and I took the liberty of sitting with different groups of children each day. Here is where I could converse and glean information about their well-being and discuss their learning. During bus duty, I would ask children to show me what they had learned, and they would proudly pull papers from backpacks. This allowed me to get a good picture of the strengths, needs of children and teaching practices at our school.
The ice cream party also brought alive the concept of careers that had been presented to me during a chat with a NC District Supervisor years ago. It is never too early for children to be exposed to career opportunities and start thinking about the future. Our school took an initiative where children’s literature, guest speakers and field trips were utilized for career awareness beginning in first grade.
Other tidbits:
I have never tasted an Awful Awful as milk and ice still cream don’t like me. I was asked out by a very handsome attorney who used to frequent the restaurant for lunch; but declined because I was dating someone that summer. It was a pleasure seeing the happy faces of children enjoying ice cream with mom, dad or extended family, and family lunches and dinners were tasty, filling and affordable. During family lunches and dinners there were no cell phones or other technology, just happy conversations.
Owner, Peter Rector was a pillar of the community. He and his wife Judy were very humble people who gave of their time, talents and treasures by serving on various boards and supporting community needs. Mr. Rector was a generous supporter of scholarship programs, especially at Salve Regina University.
And with that the story is told. Newport Creamery‘s fine qualities still symbolize ice cream with a “cherry on top.”
This is a marvelous story, Lora. What a wonderfull culture in that organization. I can feel your love for it, and how the experience made you a better teacher.
Thanks so much for sharing. Would that Mr. Rector could read this.
This one made me laugh out loud, Ed!! Thanks for all the great stories!! Keep writing please.
Thank you, Loretta. We need more chuckles these days.
We sure do!
When Annie and I moved to Rhode Island in 1981, friends we made talked about Newport Creamery. I must say the Garden City store was our favorite...no frills, prompt service, and echoes of the 50's. As for the waitresses, I didn't dare let my eyes wander in the presence of my wife, but I do recall fresh-faced young women who loved life its possibilities yet to be unveiled. Too bad Donald Trump never had an Awful, Awful, or the world might be a different place.
You became a RIer the moment you stepped over the NP threshold. I think you may have something there with slipping and Awful Awful to the oval receptacle. Good thinking as usual, Larry.
Its sad about the Garden City one closing, Ed. I've been living near that one for the last
22 years but I grew up within walking distance of the one on Smith St, which was great
because none of my friends or I had a drivers licenses! Like you I also lived near the Bennys
and Tommy's on Chalkstone, all within walking distance. I also now live near the other Tommys
in Cranston, luckily. I have discovered as I know you have, as you age, cherished institutions disappear.
We crossed paths often, Tom. Good days. Great memories.
Great story, Ed. Just wondering if that cute waitress from the Newport Creamery will read your story and recognize herself?! Donna Houle
Oh boy, would I love it. Unrequited love; one of many.😏
Hi Ed, I know how it feels! My wife fondly talks about Newport Creamery on Wayland square where she used take our two sons and they all wanted Awfull Awfull. I have the same kind of nostalgia when Crugnale’s bakery shut down. I used love their spinach pie— replete with lemon juice, olive oil, smidgeon of paprika and salt. But at the branch I used to visit, there was a very polite and pleasant gay gentleman— no girls as it was in your case. Small places are going out of businesses. What a shame! As always I love your style of writing. It reads as though you’re telling the tale in person. Keep it up .. Sattar Memon
Thanks, Sattar. Fond memories. Yes, sadly, some of those icons are going/have gone out of business. I still miss Benny's
Great memories Rd. Growing up, l lived across the street from Newport creamery on Smith St. Next door to Stan Grezebien. I used to park my car in the WandIi parking lot and it was a natural for me to stop before crossing the street to get my favorite fudgeripple on a sugar cone. I never knew what an Awful Awful tasted like, guess the name turned me off. I feel badly for the next generation, they will miss out on a great treat.
Yes, Tom. Let's hope thee remaining ones stay open. Memories? Of course, the great Stan Grezebian. The wonderful, very capable neighborhood doctor. I loved him.
Ha ha! My former director from my RISD days went to Barrington College as an undergraduate -- and, at some point, was housing director there. And he used to tell the story where back in the early '70s he had to occasionally rescue and send off to the emergency room students who would compete with each other at the Barrington Creamery and do that "buy two and get one free PLUS" and get hypothermia!
Dory, I never met anyone who drank three. None of my friends made it.
I never had the nerve to try even one Awful Awful, and you got through two! Quite an accomplishment! I am in Narragansett, visiting my sister, and we went to Garden City last Friday. I reminisced about Newport Creamery and my love of rum raisin ice cream. Thanks for the great story!
Well, rum raisin. Weren't you the adventuresome one. Nice.