Each May, pet owners across the United States celebrate National Pet Month. Given the popularity of pets, it’s no surprise that the NHS collection contains many images and stories of animals. One notable story features the origins of the Norman Bird Sanctuary.
The Norman family of Newport, whose wealth was partly secured by the development of the Newport Water Works, maintained residences both at Belair on Old Beach Road and Paradise Farm in Middletown. Photographs in the NHS collection reveal the family’s apparent menagerie of animals included dogs, exotic birds, chickens, a monkey and even a pig. Most notably, Mabel Norman (later Mabel Norman Cerio), a member of the Audubon Society, allocated $135,000 in her will towards the formation of a nature sanctuary, “for the propagation, preservation, and protection of birds.” The Norman Bird Sanctuary (NBS), which operates today on the family’s former Paradise Farm property, is a valued part of the local natural landscape and popular retreat for locals and visitors alike. May 30th marks Mabel’s birthday, which the NBS often commemorates with a party.
Above, clockwise from top left, Exotic bird on the grounds of Belair; Mrs. Abby Kinsley Norman with chickens at Belair; monkey on miniature house at Belair; dogs, possibly on porch at Belair; pig on a leash, unidentified location; rustic hen house at Belair.