Hundreds of current Westporters, former Westprters and work-in-or-pass-through Westporters streamed downtown today.
They joined employees, former employees and family members of Lee Papageorge at Oscar’s, the Main Street deli/gathering place/home away from home he’s owned since 1971.
Lee is hospitalized, battling lung cancer. Today is Oscar’s last day; it closes tomorrow.
One longtime customer said, “It was a place where millionaires sat next to homeless people. And no one knew the difference. Lee treated them all the same.”
As the large crowd honored the history and heritage of Oscar’s — and the man who, for more than 4 decades has made it a warm welcoming and wonderful place — it was clear that, in a town not known for agreeing on much, one thing is certain:
Main Street will never be the same.
A typical scene, seen for the last time.
For decades, this mural has depicted a group of 1970s-era regulars. Lee Papageorge is on the left.
Westport’s movers and shakers have long gathered at Oscar’s. This morning, former 1st selectman and WestportNow publisher Gordon Joseloff chatted with town arts curator Kathie Motes Bennewitz.
Oscar’s was a regular gathering place for many other Westporters too.
Ali Papageorge — Lee’s daughter — sported an Oscar’s t-shirt.
A paper plate on the back of the barber chair where Lee regularly sits read, “Reserved for our king.”
