For years, Elvira’s has served as Old Mill’s community center. Far more than a store for milk and eggs, and a take-out restaurant for great deli, gyros and pizza, it was a place where families ran tabs, parents left messages for their kids, and — like a non-alcoholic “Cheers” — everyone knew your name.
Elvira’s was a favorite spot not just for beach residents, but bicyclists, tradespeople, and everyone else just passing by.
Elvira's, on a midsummer day.
Winter was always slower than the rest of the year, so most people thought little of the sign that appeared around New Year’s: “Closed for Renovations.”
But Elvira’s has now been closed for several weeks. There’s been a bit of activity — some painting, a couple of new appliances, a note about deliveries — but not much else.
Westporters are worried.
Friends have tried to contact Elvira’s, to no avail.
Several years ago, neighbors rallied around the store in time of need. I can’t speak for them, but I’m sure they — and many others — would be willing to do so again, if that’s the case.
We talk often about the disappearance of mom-and-pop shops from Westport. Elvira’s epitomizes the type of mom-and-pop-plus-kids–cousins-and- grandparents store that makes this town a community.
Spring is almost here. Like the flowers and trees, that’s traditionally the time Elvira’s comes alive.
Let’s make sure it happens again.