Because I moved from Newport News 48 years ago at the ripe old age of 19 and since the last of my immediate family died in 1972, I have forgotten much more about Newport News than I remember and looked forward to reading this history of Newport News’ first hundred years.

I have not read any other works by the authors, so have no way of knowing how this book compares to those efforts. I did not have any expectations that this book was "Great Literature" nor did I expect it to read like a novel. Therefore, I could enter into its reading in the spirit of re-learning about my hometown. I thought that there was much to commend it for those of us who have moved away, but have a renewed interest in our hometown during this particular year.

I enjoyed most the sections which covered the era of my childhood and teen years. It was fascinating to read how the city grew to what I remember in the 1940’s and 1950’s and found the sideboxes and photographs especially interesting. (We can relate to the picture of the 51st Reunion of the class of 1920. Of course, we all know that we look younger than this group of alumni.)

The reading about people, places and events of that era triggered warm memories of Stonewall Jackson Elementary School; Newport News High School and the section on Miss Gildersleeve; the Paramount, Palace and Warwick Theaters (where I spent many happy hours); the West Avenue Public Library (also where I spent many happy hours, especially in the summer); attending the launching of the S.S. United States cruise ship and the mad dash home to stand on our side porch to watch the ship move up the James River; touring the USS Forrestal, the first nuclear aircraft carrier to be built by the shipyard; and far too many more to list here. Nostalgia can be a good thing!

I learned much about the city’s early history, but was particularly interested in how the city grew literally and figuratively after my departure (not sure about the relationship there). There are too many good things that happened after 1957 to enumerate. A miniscule number of them are the incorporation of Warwick County, integration with its attendant improvement in race relations, and the growth of other industries so that the city is no longer totally dependent on the shipyard for its economic stability. The loss of Downtown Newport News is sad, as is the closing of NNHS.

While I had no great expectations when I began the book, I found the book a good, if not great, account of the first hundred years of the City of Newport News. It certainly increased my knowledge of Newport News, as well as stimulating memories of my childhood and youth. Both seem highly appropriate during this year of the 50^th anniversary of our graduation from Newport News High School. I have a new appreciation for my hometown and thank the authors for that.

Comments by Other Classmates

Comments of Jay Burke:

In so far as a reflection of the community of the lower peninsular, NEWPORT NEWS A Centennial History is on a planet removed from LIE DOWN IN DARKNESS.  There are no complex introspections here just historical highlights intermixed with associated personalities of the respective times. And, those personalities are generally painted with a soft brush and kind stroke.

I found the period prior to the Second World War a much better writing and read than that covering what took place thereafter.  I suspect the reason to be partly because that earlier period had fewer events to address and even fewer but larger than run-of-the-mill personalities to effect them. That alone allowed better development of the subjects being addressed. The writing appeared to me to begin a more hurried pace beginning with the 1950s  and certainly culminating in a galloping rush to closure in the final period.  My take ?  Two books hinged at 1950.  The first one is to be read for substance and the second for politicians' names, dates, paving of farm and woodland, and a snapshot presentation of muddling local government.  Do not seek to find in either a strong critique or a critical analysis; if it isn't bliss and paradise close to hand surely it is at the very least full of hope and potential for it tomorrow.  Or, perhaps the day-after-tomorrow. Well, if only . . .

The two authors are craftsmen of different styles if judged by me and my readings of some of their works.  Mr. Rouse's writings I have found reflect a somewhat self professed peninsular patriarch comfortable throwing soft stuff at the coffee table.  Mr. Quarstein's writings, on the other hand, generally reflect more crispness, vitality and the implied presence of the reader.   I had anticipated their coming together on the book would have made it an interesting read if only to observe how the two styles were able to weld or not.  That held true for me until the post 1950 run for the finish.  In the final stretch, it seemed whatever individual style they possessed got run over in the rush to jam as many current names into the epistle as print and page would allow. 

In the overall, I found the book generally favorable in the context of its purpose.

I enjoyed reading your reminisces about growing up in Newport News during the 1940’s and 50’s. I warmly recall the Youth Section of the main Newport News Library on West Avenue around 31^st Street. During the summer of the 6^th and 7^th grades, I remember visiting the lower floor where the youth section was located. It seemed to be cooler down there. There were some really nice librarians there who had lots of patience with my questions and observations. I recall participating in reading contests although I never finished in the top three. My excuse was that I for the most part read history and biography. I can still see the orange color of the series of youth biographies I read about figures of history such as George Washington and Robert E. Lee.

I walked to the library or rode my bike from our apartment on 46^th Street and Washington Avenue. One of the first stops would be the China Palace as it had really good air conditioning and games. The owner would always give us kids a killer look as our presence might break some of the delicate china things. Sometimes on the way home, I would go to Kresge’s, and buy two chili hot dogs and a root beer. I remember the dehydrated onions. On the trip back home, I would also check out the A&N store for sporting goods and camping gear. I always enjoyed opening up and starting to read my fresh books from the library. It was a delightful time, and great way to grow up.