It’s Westport’s 2nd favorite sport, after tearing down perfectly good homes: Bashing our home town. (See? I can’t resist, even in a perfectly good introduction to this story.)
But, of course, there is much — very much — to love about this place. Alert “06880” reader (and longtime Westporter) Jayne Mauborgne sent this along. She wrote it 10 years ago. A real estate agency reprinted it for potential buyers. It’s as relevant today as it was, way back at the dawn of the 21st century. Jayne said:
When I was in my late teens I traveled with my father, who was in sales. He called on a clothing store, on Main Street.
Part of the pleasure of traveling with him was lunch. This day was no different. We ate at a Chinese restaurant on Main Street, then took a walk in the back by the water. I remarked to my dad, “when I grow up I hope I can live in a house in Westport.” It was love at first sight.
When Jayne Mauborgne first visited Westport, the Saugatuck River lapped up against the back of Main Street stores.
Many years later the dream became a reality. My husband and I moved with our 2 little daughters to a lovely house in the town of my dreams.
That was 54 years ago, but the thrill of Westport never wears thin. My girls attended public schools here, getting attention one can only dream about. Teachers were our neighbors and friends, and the caring was overwhelming.
I didn’t work when my children were young. I enjoyed the PTA, made lasting friendships, played tennis, my husband golfed at Longshore, we enjoyed the beach and 4th of July, Staples Players, wonderful restaurants, Memorial Day parades, a first-class library (even before the new building) – too many things to mention.
Nothing beats a Memorial Day parade in Westport.
Life has changed. The girls are professional women. For the last 35 years I have owned my own business. I worked hard. But at the end of each day, just walking at the beach, watching a sunset at Compo or walking at Winslow, my thoughts stray to the wonder of this town. To the familiar faces in the supermarket. The friends and acquaintances I run into in a restaurant or just walking on Main Street. How lucky I am.
The greatest pleasure for me is Winslow Park. What forward-thinking people we have had at the helm of this town, to put 22 of the most valuable acres aside for walking, enjoying or doing nothing at all (which is a lost art in this town). How beautiful to watch the sun go down, see the dogs playing, see their owners having a few relaxed moments from their busy days, moms with carriages, joggers, kids on sleds in winter.
To have such a beach 1 mile from my house is unbelievable. An Olympic pool at Longshore, sailing, tennis courts galore, golf: what doesn’t this town have?
Everyone loves Longshore.
I have had occasion to call the police a few times over the years. I don’t think I have even hung up the phone when they appeared at the door. The same holds true for EMS. The dedication of the people who serve this town voluntarily. Hats off to all of you who give tirelessly of your time and energy — especially as everyone here has a point of view and wants to be heard, even if it is midnight. And show me another town where you get to meet, eat and chat with the top executives.
Yes, I knew this was the right place for me. So I just want to say “thank you Westport.” You have given me a really nice life, and if I am lucky I hope for many more years of pleasure.
Great story, Jayne, it’s terrific that your family found a place that offered all you wanted, needed, and then some. Life is good. Do you remember the name of the clothes store you and your dad called on?
How nice especially at this time of year to hear Jayne count her Westport blessings. Laura and I got to raise our daughters here as did my sister Nancy. We were introduced to it by my dad’s mom Hermine Axthelm who built her house on Minuteman Hill in 1951, and we were sold as well. And Nancy didn’t tear down a perfectly good house. She renovated it and updated it into a jewel that retains the original character. I’ll post before and after pictures another time.