Bailey's Beach facts for kids
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Bailey's Beach is a private beach and club in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. It is officially known as the Spouting Rock Beach Association. This beach is famous for its long history and its exclusive membership.
Contents
History of Bailey's Beach
Bailey's Beach was started in the 1890s. Before this, wealthy people in Newport used to go to Easton's Beach. But then, new trolley services made it easy for mill workers from Fall River to visit Easton's Beach too.
Why Bailey's Beach Became Private
The wealthy families wanted a more private place to relax. They moved to Spouting Rock, which is where Bailey's Beach is today. This new spot was further away and harder for trolleys to reach. It was a way for high society to have their own space.
Membership at the Club
Today, about 500 families are members of the Spouting Rock Beach Association. It is very hard to join. Usually, new members can only join when an old member leaves or passes away. Some well-known families, like the Vanderbilt family and the Astor family, have been members.
Clubhouse and Social Life
A big storm, the 1938 Hurricane, destroyed the first clubhouse. The current buildings are simple. Bailey's Beach was a key part of Newport's social scene for the rich. Other important places included the Redwood Library, the Newport Country Club, and the New York Yacht Club summer clubhouse.
Membership and Public Access
Bailey's Beach has sometimes been talked about because of its members. Some news reports have said the club lacked diversity.
About Membership Diversity
In 2021, Newsweek magazine called it an "elite all-white beach club." However, the club's general manager, Jack Nolan, disagreed. He told The Boston Globe that members and their families come from "many racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds from around the world." Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island also said the club has "no discriminatory policy." He added that it includes members who are people of color.
Rejects' Beach
Even though most of Bailey's Beach is private, there is a part that is open to everyone. The northeast end of the beach is public. People often call this public section Rejects' Beach.
See also
- Newport Reading Room
