Pete Romano — a son of Saugatuck, proud Staples High School graduate, lover of Westport, hands-on volunteer, philanthropist, guiding force behind the LandTech engineering and land use firm, and a link between our town’s past, present and future — died last night.
A full obituary will be posted soon. He was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Pete Romano, in his native Saugatuck.
I was honored to consider Pete a friend.
Of course, I was just part of a very long, and extremely varied, list of friends. A typical Pete production — his LandTech holiday party — was filled with everyone you could think of: business associates, clients, town officials, sports figures, random folks from every part of Westport life.
Pete greeted us all as if we were the only person in the crowded room. When he asked “How are you doing?” he really listened to the answer. He got everyone a drink, personally. And then he introduced every person to someone they didn’t know, but who was also part of Pete’s world.
Pete Romano was the ultimate people person. There can be no greater tribute than the number of people whose lives he touched — even the few he did not know.
In 2016, Pete Romano participated in Elderhouse’s “Dancing with the Stars” benefit. He raised over $15,000 for the adult day care center.
In 2006, as head boys soccer coach at Staples High, I led a project to “terrace the hill” at Loeffler Field.
Pete donated his time, energy and expertise to the project — as he had to so many others over the years, and continued to do for years thereafter.
He provided the engineering. He sourced the 10 tons of granite from Gault (at a very good price). He oversaw the process.
And he waved off every bit of thanks. “It’s for the kids. It’s what they deserve,” he said quietly.
Generations of players and fans have benefited from that project. It was small potatoes to Pete; he did things like that every day, all his life.
But it was Pete Romano, to the core.
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In 2019, Jeff Seaver nominated Pete Romano for our “06880” Unsung Hero feature. He had been friends, and worked with, Pete for 7 years. Jeff’s words are as appropriate now as they were then.
Walking around town with Pete Romano is like going for a stroll with the mayor: folks say hello everywhere he goes. Pete’s well known not just for his expertise in running Landtech — an engineering and environmental firm on Riverside Avenue — but also for his community service. His reputation spans generations.
His father, PJ Romano, grew up in Westport. He was a PAL volunteer for almost 50 years. The athletic field behind Saugatuck Elementary School is named for him, honoring his role in developing PAL’s football, baseball, wrestling and other programs, including the ice rink at Longshore.
Pete’s mom, Joan Romano, still volunteers with PAL. That spirit continues, as Pete maintains a strong family tradition of service.
Pete played baseball and football at Staples High School. His mom recalls that Pete “would knock a player down, but then afterward, stop to help pick them up.”
Working with his longtime friend and partner at Saugatuck Sweets, Al DiGuido, Pete is one of the forces behind DiGuido’s legendary Al’s Angels charity. Last year, Pete helped organize and oversee over 2,500 holiday meals to help those in need.
Pete Romano (left) with his mother Joan, and Al DiGuido, at Saugatuck Sweets.
Al DiGuido said, “I have never thought of Pete Romano as a hero. I doubt he regards himself that way. He just has a tireless passion for doing the heavy lifting for those in need, which inspires me and so many others.
“Pete doesn’t seem to need or want the spotlight. He’s not looking for trophies, awards or accolades. I think he does this because it’s in his DNA. His family has always been committed to doing all they could to help the community. Some are content to sit on the sidelines, but Pete gets his hands dirty doing the hard work that is truly needed.”
But Pete has a superhero alter ego. Every Christmas he plays Santa Claus. He arrives on a Westport Police patrol boat at Saugatuck Center, lighting the tree and entertaining kids.
Here comes Pete — er, Santa Claus!
His good works could fill a book. They include being a major contributor to the renovation of the Westport Weston Family YMCA, and helping sponsor events for the American Cancer Society, Project Return, Elderhouse, Operation Hope, Westport Rotary, Little League Softball, plus many other local causes.
Bill Mitchell has been a pal of Pete’s for many years. They support many of the same causes, including Operation Hope and Project Runway. Bill notes, “Pete and his family have been a gift to our community.”
Steve Smith, Westport’s building inspector, said, “Pete Romano is a successful community leader who is generous and always willing to help out a community cause. He has given his time to our town unselfishly — and always with his characteristically great sense of humor.”
Phil Cerrone, an architect who has partnered in a number of efforts with Pete’s firm, said, “Pete is one of the most caring and considerate people I know. He can always be relied on to help a friend in need. Just as important, he can also be counted on to supply top quality food and drink!”
One of Pete’s most treasured causes is Wakeman Town Farm. Pete often joins with his friend, architect Peter Wormser, scooping ice cream at the Farm’s special events.
Pete Romano and Peter Wormser, at Wakeman Town Farm.
Pete always has time for Westport schools. He and his firm helped create the night lights at the Staples High School football field, the fields at Bedford Middle School, and the Loeffler Field terrace (granite seating on the soccer field hill).
He is a generous supporter of Staples sports teams, Staples Players and middle school theater productions, the Staples robotics team, and more.
Pete’s firm collaborates with Gault Energy on many projects. Gault family members are effusive in their praise. Ginger Gault and Jimmy Donaher say, “He has keen insight to go along with a big heart, and on top of everything else, he’s hysterically funny. Pete is the complete package.”
He is especially proud of his 2 daughters. They went through the Westport School System, and are now smart, vibrant, strong women. Pete said, “They got the best public education one could dream of. How do you ever repay that debt?”
Pete Romano
Pete celebrated a birthday recently. As with many hard-working and generous folks, one of the hardest challenge is figuring out what to give them.
What do you give a man like Pete Romano who does not have everything, but gives everything?
The only answer is: love and genuine appreciation for all that he does.
For the past 4 years, Westport resident Robert Levy has volunteered at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
They’re “a remarkable group of people living with Parkinson’s disease,” he says.
Levy teaches boxing, in a body-and-mind “Knock Parkinson’s Out” program that builds strength, balance, confidence and connection. There is a speech component therapy too.
What began as a small group of 25 has grown to nearly 35 boxers today. Meeting twice a week, they’re supported by 4 trainers, and 7 dedicated volunteers.
Brenda Waldron — the Y’s head boxing instructor — leads the program. “Her vision and energy have helped shape something truly special,” Levy says.
“What makes this group stand out is its spirit,” Levy says.
“Our ‘all for one and one for all’ mentality creates real camaraderie.” Beyond the gym, they’ve taken a bus trip to New York, and enjoy many meals together.
“Boxing develops strength, improves balance and sharpens memory — benefits that matter to everyone, but especially to those living with Parkinson’s,” Levy says.
Each year, I mark our progress by giving out a new shirt. The colors change, but the message remains the same.”
The 2026 “Knock Parkinson’s Out” shirt is blue, with a line from the Book of Psalms: “There is strength in my soul.”
“Knock Out Parkinson’s” participants, trainers and volunteers.
Sure, it’s late notice. But you should never pass up an opportunity to learn about investing.
Tonight (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Westport Library), E3 Wealth Advisory Group presents an interactive session to help recent college graduates and young professional “navigate life-changing financial decisions and milestones.” Topics include budgeting, saving, investing, and starting a family. Click here for more information.
Bedford Middle School Art Collective students are designing original merchandise, for a fundraiser benefiting the Homes with Hope food pantry.
It’s one more project, in a 20-plus year relationship between BMS and Westport’s non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness and food insecurity.
“Students are learning that creativity and compassion go hand in hand,” says Art Collective advisor Cecily Anderson.
Students created original block prints, used in several ways. For example, a vending machine will dispense limited edition original “mini prints.” This was introduced as part of a broader conversation about contemporary art practices, including the growing use of vending machines and interactive systems as artistic platforms in museums and galleries.
Students also applied their original block print designs to tote bags and t-shirts.
In addition to the prints and wearables, students created handmade ceramic food-themed sculpture pins, plus small sculptural works called “Food Dudes”.
The tote bags, t-shirts, limited edition prints and other student works will be sold from 6;15 to 7 p.m. today (Wednesday), before the town-wide “Jazz & Java” event.
Bedford Middle School t-shirt designs, for Homes with Hope.
Yesterday, the New York Times published an op-ed headlined “We Were Topo Homeland Security Lawyers. You Can’t Wish Away the Fourth Amendment.”
Among the 6 authors — all of them general counsels or acting general counsels for the Department of Homeland Security — is Ivan Fong. He served as general counsel from 2009 to 2012.
A Westport resident from 2000 to 2006, he is a graduate of Stanford Law School, where he was president of the Law Review. He earned a Fulbright Scholarship, and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Fong is now executive vice president, general counsel and secretary at Medtronic. (Hat tip: Lisa Friedland)
Ivan Fong
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The ice at Old Mill Beach is not going anywhere, any time soon.
Which makes it a great subject for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … in honor of the Y’s superb “Knock Parkinson’s Out” boxing program (story above):
(Speaking of finances — as we were, a few items above — “06880” is just about the best investment you can make. You’ll support our blog, AND feel good. Please click here. And thank you!)
Maine’s license plates say “Vacationland.” Many Westporters ski, hike and sail there. Some have summer homes in the Pine Tree State.
Over the past few years, several well-known neighbors have moved there. Recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents moved into the state too.
To get a first-hand feel for what’s happening, “06880” contacted former Nutmeggers, now Mainers. Two replied, from very different parts of the state.
Rev. Alison Patton spent 11 years as pastor of Saugatuck Congregational Church. She left in 2023, to lead First Congregational Church, UCC in South Portland. She writes:
It has been an intense couple of weeks, although there has been a marked decrease in verified reports of ICE activity since the snowstorm.
Rev. Alison Patton
We are weary of being constantly vigilant, and of pivoting daily to show up how and where we are needed. Still, Greater Portland communities have done amazing things in response to this invasion by ICE.
Our immigrant neighbors remain frightened, Many have been sheltering at home for weeks, afraid to leave to shop, go to school, work or attend church.
Members at First Congregational Church, UCC, along with countless other volunteers around greater Portland have been shopping and delivering groceries, accompanying children to and from school, and doing what we can to lend our support.
I have a list of 30 members and friends in our congregation who signed up to be on call to offer support to immigrant neighbors. On Sunday morning I posted grocery lists for 4 immigrant families that are sheltering in place — including families 2 towns away. Volunteers signed up within 15 minutes, to shop and deliver to all 4.
Our neighbors have reason to be afraid. We have observed that ICE is targeting our immigrant neighbors based on their skin color, not on any evidence of criminal activity. Those detained in our area include immigrants in the asylum process, immigrants with green cards and naturalized citizens.
I am beyond impressed with this community, where people are showing up for each other, protesting, organizing teams to monitor and verify ICE activity, and ramping up mutual aid efforts.
I am also grateful to be part of a strong and engaged multi-faith clergy group that is collaborating to look after immigrant neighbors, and to oppose ICE presence:
We have been holding a weekly vigil outside the Cumberland County Jail, where we have exchanged letters with many of the approximate 30 women who were detained there until recently.
Just last week they were relocated in the middle of the night, following a press conference by the Portland sheriff, in which he criticized ICE for detaining one of his own corrections officers — a man who had been thoroughly vetted for his job, and had no criminal record.
At the request of the owner, we have been standing outside the apparel factory American Roots twice a day, in shifts, to make it safer for over 50 immigrant workers — all with legal documentation — to come to work.
Maine residents outside American Roots. (Photo/Alison Patton)
Several of my colleagues gathered outside Senator Susan Collins’ office last Tuesday, to put pressure on her to deny further funding for ICE. Nine of them were arrested.
My colleagues and I were among hundreds of clergy who signed onto this open letter, opposing ICE presence in our state
We are routinely sharing information and resources, to do what we can to protect our neighbors.
I’ve been getting lots of calls from folks looking for ways to help. Last week, one of those calls came from a Staples graduate who grew up at Greens Farms Congregational Church, and now lives down the street from my church in South Portland.
Thanks for reaching out. If people ask what they can do, they can donate to local aid organizations, including Project Home (providing emergency rent assistance for those who have lost income due to detention of a family member or fear of going to work) and ILAP, which provides legal assistance for immigrants.
Folks can also put pressure on elected officials to stop funding ICE.
Chip Stephens is a native Westporter. A 1973 graduate of Staples High School, he left the Planning & Zoning Commission in 2021 to become CEO — that’s “code enforcement officers” — of 2 towns 20 miles northwest of Augusta. He is also the plumbing inspector, local health official and a firefighter. He lives in Readfield, where he long had a part-time home.
Chip Stephens
Stephens’ service in Westport includes chairing the Village District Regulation Committee and Superstorm Sandy Recovery Regulation Committee. In Westport he helped preserve Bedford Elementary School (now Town Hall), Cockenoe Island, and open space. He also coached Staples wrestling, and PAL football, basketball and baseball.
Stephens tells “06880” that most ICE enforcement is n the major cities — specifically Portland and Lewiston (home of Bates College, and a large population from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, other African nations and Afghanistan).
“This is an interesting state,” he says. “The northern region is much more conservative than the bigger cities and college towns.”
Stephens does not hear a lot of talk about immigration — or the ICE raids — in his area. What there is, he says, tends to be “I’m sick of seeing this on the news.”
Of course, politics is unavoidable. There is a wide-open governor’s race. Most candidates are Democrats. Stephens knows Republican Bobby Charles — a former naval intelligence officer, assistant Secretary of State and official in the George W. Bush White House. Charles’ platform includes support for ICE.
Still, Stephens says, immigration enforcement “is not issue #1, unless you live in Portland. It’s tiring people out, and I don’t think it’s helping the cause. A lot of people are just turning off their TVs. They’re numb to it.”
Town Assessor Paul Friia has signed the October 1, 2025 Grand List.
The Grand List is the sum of the net assessed value of all taxable property – real estate, motor vehicles, and personal property. Motor vehicles and personal property are valued annually, while real estate is updated based on the market values determined as of the town’s October 1, 2025 revaluation.
The 2025 Grand List of $17,497,161,570 represents an increase of just over 50% from the 2024 Grand List of $11,616,471,195. The increase was due mainly to the 2025 revaluation of all real estate in Westport. Modest increases were also noted in personal property and motor vehicles.
Included in the overall increase is a 1.2% increase in real estate assessment due to continued residential and commercial new construction, as well as renovation activity that occurred within the last assessment year.
Within the real estate grand list, residential properties increased 60% and commercial properties increased 16%. These market-driven increases began in mid-2020 during COVID-19.
Personal property increased by just over 1%, representing continued reinvestment in new and existing local businesses.
Motor vehicles increased approximately 6%.
The current 2025 Grand List totals:
Assessment
2025
% of List
Real Estate
16,633,912,370
95.06
Motor Vehicle
453,397,460
2.60
Personal Property
409,851,740
2.34
TOTAL
17,497,161,570
100%
60 Nyala Farms Road — the LLC controlled by Bridgewater Associates — remains the second highest taxpayer in Westport.
The Grand List will be used for fiscal year 2026-2027 town budget calculations. (The figures above are subject to change based on Board of Assessment Appeals hearings in March.)
The Top 10 taxpayers in Westport:
Connecticut Light & Power Inc Pers. Property 143,778,100
60 Nyala Farms Road LLC Real Estate 95,954,500
Bedford Square Assoc LLC Real Estate 51,583,400
Aquarion Real/Pers. Prop. 43,204,450
Equity One Westport Vill. Center Real Estate 36,294,500
Compo Regency LLC Real Estate 28,372,700
Heyman Ronnie F Trustee Real Estate 26,880,700
Byelas LLC Real Estate 26,504,400
Westport Riverside Assoc. LLC Real Estate 25,763,900
During his 3 decades teaching at Staples High School, Jim Honeycutt helped develop the Media Lab.
It grew from radio and television production into a full-fledged, versatile studio.
Jim and his students recorded TV shows, Candlelight Concerts, and many Staples Players productions.
For several months, Jim — now retired — has been creating “nutshells” from the archives. They’re brief (10 minutes or so) highlights of every show, beginning with director David Roth’s first one in 2000.
It was “Guys and Dolls.”
Jim is sending these nutshells to “06880.” He hopes readers enjoy the shows — whether they were there then or not. Click here or below, for “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and many more classics.
(“06880” covers Staples High School, Westport’s entertainment scene, and so much more — and we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Peter Ratkiewich — longtime director of Westport’s Public Works Department — will retire on August 31.
First Selectman Kevin Christie says, “It is with regret that I accept Pete’s retirement letter.
“The town of Westport has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his expertise and knowledge for more than 36 years.
“Under his leadership, and among many other accomplishments, the town has maintained and improved its infrastructure, roadways, engineering capabilities, and equipment; strengthened coordination with public utilities and the state of Connecticut; and successfully managed numerous emergency response efforts during major storms impacting our community.”
Ratkiewich began working with and for the town in 1989. Hired as deputy town engineer, he was promoted to town engineer in 2008.
In that capacity he supervised the Engineering Department, and oversaw the design and administration of municipal infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewers, storm drains, refuse and recycling facilities, highway maintenance, parking lots, and roadway and intersection improvements.
Christie said, “Pete has led the Public Works Department with exceptional care and precision. He approaches every challenge with consideration, humor, and a thoughtful awareness of budgetary constraints — always with the best interests of the town in mind.
“Public safety, along with the well-being of his employees, residents, business owners, and visitors, has always been his top priority.”
He graduated from Northeastern University, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. The search for a successor will begin soon.
Pete Ratkiewich (Photo/Dan Woog)
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On the agenda for this Thursday’s Board of Education meeting (February 5, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria; click here for livestream):
Screen time survey
Formation of a building committee for Coleytown Elementary School
Approval of proposed budget.
Coleytown Elementary School.
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Congressman Jim Himes reminds “06880” readers that Access Health has begun a special open enrollment period, for people who qualify for state financial support. This replaces the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025.
Eligibility requirements can be found here. Questions? Call Himes’ office: 203- 333-6600.
Liz Hirsh Naftali’s 3-year-old niece, Abigail Mor Edan, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 — after she watched them murder her parents.
Abigail spent 51 terrifying days in captivity. Liz was her tireless advocate, speaking with world leaders and sharing her family’s story.
On February 10 (7 p.m., The Community Synagogue), Naftali will talk about her memoir, “Saving Abigail” — a testament to resilience, courage and hope in the face of tragedy.
Adam Kaplan did not go to Coleytown Middle School — he’s a Bedford grad.
But the 2008 Staples High alum was on stage yesterday at Coleytown. He brought along 3 castmates (and longtime friends) from the original “Newsies” on Broadway — plus a 3-man band.
The result was a high-energy, rousing benefit for Coleytown Company. Ben Frimmer’s middle school troupe presents “Newsies” of course next month.
Adam and his fellow performers gave many shout-outs to the importance of arts in the schools — and Westport’s support of it.
Adam Kaplan (far right) with (from left) Andrew Keenan Bolger, Liana Hunt and Ben Frankhauser, at Coleytown Middle School yesterday. (Photo courtesy of Ben Frimmer)
Speaking of CMS and BMS: Congratulations to Westport’s Middle School Squash Club!
One of just a few of 59 clubs to field 3 strong teams at this past weekend’s US Middle School Team Squash Championships in Philadelphia, they had great success.
Team A finished 5th in the nation — the highest for any public school — while Team B won the Division III title.
Club members representing Westport were Theo Abrams, Luke Amitin, Xuanhao (Hardy) Chao, James D’Angelo, Alex Jiang, Liev Katz, Theo Keefe, Matthew Lyle, Oscar Quintner, Ilina Rangaraj, Zach Smith, Logan Warnke, Jonathan Whee, Olivia Whee, Len Xie, and Orson Xie. Parent managers were Amber Warnke, Aaron Amitin, Gali Katz and Tim Whee, with club advisor Ella Ye and advisor emeritus TJ Sheridan.
The Westport Club is coached by Mohsin Khan, of Intensity Fitness.
This week (February 5; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7) features Jen Allen. The pianist/composer has performed all over the world. She’s joined by 2 longtime associates: bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jonathan Barber. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime St. Luke Church organist Leon Bernard died January 29 at Hartford Hospital. He was 86.
The New Rochelle, New York native graduated from Staples High School. He then served proudly in the Army, stationed in Alaska and California.
A church organist for over 60 years at St. Luke in Westport, he had a strong interest in music, and all things trains, engines, locomotives and railroads. He also liked gardening, and visits for over 40 years to the Trapp Family Lodge and Resort in Vermont.
In his later years he enjoyed NFL football, the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball, and broadcast mysteries. He was president of 2 condominium associations.
He his survived by his close friends Rev. Kumar, St. Luke pastor, and Richard Fitol, Mark Prisloe and Natasha Morant; many St. Luke parishioners, neighbors, and work-related associates, including real estate development at T&M Building, and piano and commercial sales.
Calling hours at the Harding Funeral Home are this Friday (February 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday (February 7, St. Luke Church). Interment will follow immediately at Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Church.
Leon Bernard
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Our “Westport … Naturally” photos are all about the features and creatures that make our town “naturally” beautiful, and interesting.
Occasionally, a human being or 2 add to the mix.
Andrew Colabella captured this frigid scene, at Gray’s Creek:
And finally … on this date in 1961, the US Air Force began Operation Looking Glass. For the next 30 years, a “Doomsday Plane” was always in the air. It could take direct control of American bombers and missiles, if Strategic Air Command headquarters was destroyed.
It was her first “real” job, after studying art at Boston University. She remained at the internationally known correspondence school, headquartered on Wilton Road (now the office building just north of Bartaco) until it went bankrupt in 1972 due to over-expansion, financial mismanagement, and a sales tactics scandal, (There were also Famous Writers and Famous Photographers Schools.)
Famous Artists, Writers and Photographers Schools logos.
After a couple of years in England, she returned to Westport. From 1975-82 — going by the name Suzanne Lemieux — she painted in oils and pastels; worked in studios including The Mill on Richmondville Avenue, and exhibited regionally.
The recent “06880” series on Westport’s arts history piqued her interest — and jogged her memory. Suzanne writes:
The prevailing condescension among local artists about the Famous Artists School was such that I had to keep my enthusiasm under wraps.
To me, the job offered the opportunity to practice, practice, practice (with free art materials); develop techniques and disciplines; learn about teaching art; most especially, to be in the company of renowned, artists and have the chance to meet some who actually made a living at it — and a good one!
Suzanne Lemieux, in her Famous Artists School days.
I felt the Famous Artists teaching was thorough. I wished that my teachers at Boston University had spent as much time and attention on me.
At FAS we addressed each student’s art piece individually. We actually painted a small picture and added comments, samples of techniques, colors, and so forth that they could apply to their art. We included a letter to provide more detail.
I admired one that Claude Croney was doing. To my surprise and delight he painted another one just like it for me!
Claude Croney’s painting for Suzanne Wilson.
My supervisor was George Passantino. He gave me some notes on how to correct the student work:
Famous Artists Schools began in a mill in Westport, Connecticut. They built a new building on the Saugatuck River, with individual offices for the faculty.
Famous Artists School, on the Saugatuck River at Wilton Road.
If you lived across the river, it was easy to get to work:
Suzanne Wilson rows to work.
It wasn’t always so idyllic. You could get caught in the current or stuck at low tide, as all the famous artists watched out the windows. I was not spared the humorous renditions of my plight!
A criticism of the school was that the “famous” artists (“Guiding Faculty”) did not really teach the students. But they did regularly appear to give lectures and seminars for the staff. (And to attend parties.)
To my naïve viewpoint, the drinking and tomfoolery appeared glamorous rather than the self-medication that it most likely was. In my first job out of art school I felt I had fortuitously landed in the bon vivant artistic lifestyle celebrated in Paris of the 1920s. To this day I have not found anything quite like it.
We were honored to have the famous illustrator Peter Helck give us a critique on our renditions of automobiles. I boldly submitted a 30 x 40 inch “painterly” abstract piece.
Suzanne Wilson’s artwork.
Although this rather large painting took up most of the wall, Mr. Helck graciously and judiciously critiqued each illustration surrounding it until he ran out of time. The happy ending was that all the participants were invited to lunch at The Red Barn.
Extra studio space in an old mill was provided by Famous Artists School for the staff. On the spacious top sky-lit floor, artists could paint private portrait commissions, give lessons, and get together for sketch classes.
In Famous Artists’ heyday, they rented studios at The Mill on Richmondville Avenue. Today, they’re condominiums.
But there was always time for gourmet lunches and parties.
Eating and drinking well.
Some of the Famous Artists continued to rent studio space after Famous Artists Schools stopped leasing it.
Artists Robert Baxter, Alfred Chadbourn Ed Reinhardt, Bert Dodson, Ann Toulmin-Rothe and Charles Reid.
After returning from London I worked in the same building, sharing space with Ward Brackett.
Ward didn’t care to save all of his rough sketches. I was the lucky recipient.
Ward Brackett sketch.
The local cartoonists, illustrators and writers were a sociable group. They met weekly at Westport Lanes, followed by hours of congeniality. There were many famous names. Proximity to New York was a must, and brought a truly creative group to the community.
Suzanne married cartoonist Rowland B. Wilson. They moved to California in 1982; moved again to Ireland, then returned to California. They worked at Disney; she then commuted to Phoenix to work at Fox Animation on “Anastasia” and other productions. Rowland died in 2005.
She now lives in Rancho La Costa, California, and has a “nice, big home studio.”
(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s arts scene, its history — and, as in today’s feature, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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I am beyond impressed with this community, where people are showing up for each other, protesting, organizing teams to monitor and verify ICE activity, and ramping up mutual aid efforts.
