Doris Duke b. Somerville, NJ,  November 22, 1912.  d. Beverly Hills, CA,  October 28, 1993.

Christened "the Million-Dollar Baby"; on his death bed, dying father James B. Duke quips "Trust no one."  Upon his death, Doris, almost 13, earns title "the richest girl in the world," inheriting $100 million. 

In 1922, James purchased the Newport estate known as "Rough Point."  The house, c. 1887-1891, was built for Frederick W. Vanderbilt by architectural firm Peabody & Stearns. Duke is the third owner (previous owners were Vanderbilt and William B. Leeds).  In this house Doris makes debut into society on August 23, 1930. 

In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Duke feuded with city over Cliff Walk "right of way."  Erected hedge and wire fence blocking access to the Cliff Walk in front of estate. 

Friday, October 7, 1966 Car accident; death results. 

Eduardo Tirella, 42, is crushed against heavy iron entrance gates on Bellevue Avenue; dragged across street as car slams into tree.  Dies instantly from brain injuries; Duke admitted to Newport Hospital for facial cuts and shock.  Duke is not interrogated by police until few days later. 

Duke would claim Tirella had been driving, got out from the station wagon to open the estate side gates.  Now behind the wheel - her foot drops accidentally on accelerator and car suddenly leaps forward. 

Police Chief, Joseph A. Radice describes the situation "as an unfortunate accident" and "as far as I am concerned, the case is closed."  Investigation concluded within a week.  Within a week of accident, it is announced - Duke gives $25,000 towards the restoring of Cliff Walk. 

Local stories abound: 
 - The deal concerning Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) was cut the 
     night of the accident. 
 - Duke murders chauffeur "lover" 
 - Duke conspires in police cover-up 
 - Police chief retires in response 

Facts: 
 - Tirella was an interior decorator and companion of Duke 
 - Police Chief Radice does announce retirement five months later, a 40 
     year veteran of Newport Police Department. 

Vague and questionable aspects still surround the case today. 

Doris Duke & the Newport Restoration Foundation: 

Not to be confused with the Preservation Society of Newport County, the 
Newport Restoration Foundation (a.k.a. NRF) was incorporated on October 30, 1968.  This non-profit, private organization was established "in order to preserve and restore the historic architecture of the 18th and early 19th centuries in Newport, Rhode Island." 

The foundation bought and restored 57 buildings by 1977 and now has 84 (83 restored) buildings under ownership and management.  Located throughout Newport, most are within the "Point" and "Historic Hill" sections.  The homes, commonly known as "Duke houses," are leased to private individuals. 

Well known properties include: Prescott Farm (c. 1715 - c. 1812) Portsmouth, R.I., Samuel Whitehorne House (c. 1811) at #416 Thames Street.  Lesser known:  John Davis House (c. 1804) at #68 William Street and New Jersey House (c. 1800) at #72 Spring Street. 

The NRF has benefited Newport greatly, however, historians have questioned the moving and relocation of many buildings from their original locations and houses have been imported to Newport from places such as New Jersey. 

Historically, the City of Newport lacked the commonly seen landscape associated with many colonial towns in New England - that of a town square or green surrounding the community church.  This is historically significant as it represents the beliefs of the founding fathers - that of religious freedom and separation between church and state.  Queen Anne Square (dedicated in 1976), located in front of Trinity Church, was fabricated by the NRF by the removal of buildings and homes, perhaps in an attempt to conform Newport’s landscape to that of the "typical" New England colonial town. 

Tends to spend summer and fall months at Newport estate.  In later years, Duke’s camels were present on the grounds.  Fear of kidnapping, Rough Point surrounded by high barbed wire fence.  Specified in will, estate to be turned into public museum. Location:  the southeast property at the end corner of Bellevue Avenue. 

Only child of American Tobacco Company founder James Buchanan Duke (benefactor of Duke University). 

Heiress to the American Tobacco fortune; one of the richest women in America; international jet-setter; maintains controversial life-style.  A private person, lived isolated life, traveled incognito, eccentric, recluse in later life. 

Married and divorced twice; only child (a daughter) dies within 24 hours of birth; romantically linked to Errol Flynn, George S. Patton, Jr., and others. 

Mysterious death, ensuing court battles over Duke fortune.  Leaves more than 1 billion to charity.  "Doris Duke Charitable Foundation" - environmental causes, medical research, prevention of cruelty to children and animals.  $100,000.00 trust fund set for her dog. 

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