The story of the Newport waterfront was one tied to a long history of the sea. Newport is an island and before the bridge it really was a different place. The ferry only ran during the day until summer and then only until 11 pm. Shopping centers were only something one read about in the news; somewhere else.
John and Kelly, sitting on the steps lived in a rooming house on Spring street: I doubt they had health insurance. Having a job was a badge of honor, a duty. All of the men pictured had skills that today people are paying to learn at places like IYRS. They were not particularly literate, but had something to offer.
Aluminum masts were still unusual. Rigging was wire rope. Wood shavings and sawdust were always everywhere, along with galvanized nails and silicon bronze flathead slotted wood screws.
Boats had to be tended to when launched until the planking swelled enough to keep the water out. I delivered a boat south one year that had spent the summer tied to the dock. It was a miracle we did not sink she leaked so badly during the trip . I will add that it blew 50 the entire time.
The Navy was a big presence in Newport, but so was fishing. This was a working waterfront.