During his lifetime, Lovecraft kept a listing of story ideas, concepts, and other elements which he might at some point include in his stories. He called this his Commonplace Book. In 1938, just after his death, his friend and literary executor, Robert H. Barlow printed Lovecraft's Commonplace Book in an edition of just 75 copies.
THE NEWPORT TOWER
DATE(S) VISITED: NOV 5, 2016
LOCATION: NEWPORT, RI
S. of Arkham is cylindrical tower of stone with conical roof — perhaps 12 feet across & 20 ft. high. There has been a great arched opening ( up?), but it is sealed with masonry. The thing rises from the bottom of a densely wooded ravine once the bed of an extinct tributary of the Miskatonic. Whole region feared & shunned by rustics. Tales of fate of persons climbing into tower before opening was sealed. Indian legends speak of it as existing as long as they could remember — supposed to be older than mankind. Legend that it was built by Old Ones (shapeless & gigantic amphibia) & that it was once under the water. Dressed stone masonry shews odd & unknown technique. Geometrical designs on large stone above sealed opening utterly baffling. Supposed to house a treasure or something which Old Ones value highly. Possibly nothing of interest to human beings. Rumours that it connects with hidden caverns where water still exists. Perhaps old ones still alive. Base seems to extend indefinitely downward — ground level having somewhat risen. Has not been seen for ages, since everyone shuns the ravine. - Unused fragment from H.P.L's notes