“06880” has chronicled the history of 17 Soundview Drive.
One of the most recognizable homes on the beach exit road, it played an important role in Westport’s musical history.
Today, the nearly 100-year-old house played its final chord. Paul Ehrismann was there. He took this photo, and posted it on Facebook:
(Photo/Copyright Paul Ehrismann)
I knew the old owners. They are good friends.
I know the new ones too. They are also friends. They respected the property — and its history. But they could not find a way to save it.
They’ll do right by the home that replaces it. It will fit in well with its neighbors, and the neighborhood.
In the 1920s the voices of Enrico Caruso, Maria Callas, Robert Merrill and others soared from the living room radio and onto the beach, thrilling neighbors and passersby.
Decades later, Meat Loaf played his next single on the roof deck. No one on the beach could see him there — but they heard him. At the end, everyone applauded.
The house is gone. But those musical memories — and countless others — will remain, long after the final notes have been played.