WHAT CHEER
HALL BED & BREAKFAST
7482 Main
Street, P.O. Box 417
Newport,
New York 13416
315-845-8312 E-MAIL jimmer@usadatanet.net
The primary significance of What Cheer Hall is derived from the
historical and architectural importance of its role in the establishment of an
early 19th century village in central New York State. The building was built
for the founder of Newport (originally called Bowen settlement) Benjamin Bowen
and his wife, Ruth Watson Bowen in 1812. The home is listed on the New York
State and National Registers of Historic Places.
This historic home is the oldest remaining structure that has not been
moved or incorporated into a larger structure still standing in the village of
Newport. It is surrounded by homes that were built later in the 19th century
when New England pioneers moved into the Kuyahoora Valley area beginning in
1787.
In 1793 Bowen built a dam and a sawmill on the West Canada Creek and a
year later a gristmill was constructed, later a distillery and an oil mill, and
finally the Newport Cotton Manufacturing Company. The Village of Newport is
located in the Kuyahoora Valley of Herkimer County. The West Canada Creek
bisects the village nestled southwest of the Adirondack Park and northeast of
the City of Utica. The small village and surrounding open country render a fine
mix for country living in close proximity to recreational possibilities,
including our local golf course, and city shopping, the arts, and fine dining.
The Bowen family named the house "What Cheer Hall". This was a
favorite expression of Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, when he showed
forth his enthusiasm. "What cheer!!" is heard to best advantage when
roared by Richard Burton in Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew".
- Well-mannered children
welcome.
- Smoking limited to
enclosed porch.
- Bed and private bath
accommodations to serve the traveler at modest rates.
- Open all year.
- No pets.
- Cat in residence.
- Rates from $40 to $70 per
night plus tax according to guest's choices.
- Resident Hosts: Phyllis
and Jim Fisher
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES HERKIMER COUNTY
