Last week’s photo challenge was different. It was a portrait of an old guy, hanging in a private home.
Some people thought it was unfair. They guessed every famous Westporter — except Morris Ketchum. (The photo — circa 1850s, which you can see by clicking here — comes from Bob Ketchum. He’s Morris’ great-great-grandson, living far from Connecticut. Bob sent it to me, saying, “very little family lore was passed down” before his father — also named Morris — died.)
Finally, Pam Romano zeroed in on him.
So who was Morris Ketchum?
Bob’s great-great-grandfather helped bring the railroad to Westport. According to Woody Klein’s book he lived a couple of miles away, on a 500-acre estate called Hockanum. Consisting of parks, farmlands, wheat fields, vineyards, forests and gardens, it was considered one of the nation’s most beautiful estates. It was designed by Ketchum’s friend, Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park).
Born in 1796 in New York state, he came to Westport as a youth. Married to a member of the Burr family, Ketchum made his money in the cotton trade. He founded one of the first cotton commission houses in the country, in New York City. That led to his interest in the newly developing transportation network of railroads (with another wealthy Westporter, Horace Staples). That led to his role as a titan on Wall Street.
Hockanum — known now most as the place Abraham Lincoln allegedly slept at while here to raise money for the Civil War — still stands, on Cross Highway. Ketchum’s land — from Roseville Road all the way north to the Merritt Parkway and Lyons Plains — has been largely developed.
Morris Ketchum Jesup — who provided funds for the Westport Public Library building on the Post Road in 1908, shortly before his death — was Morris Ketchum’s godson. Morris Ketchum had been a close friend of Jesup’s father, who died when Jesup was young.
Got all that?!
Now you can smile at this week’s photo challenge. And stop complaining: It’s as Westport as Westport gets.
Click “Comments” below if you think you know where this is:
(Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Dan: I think you have a typo. Morris was born in 1796 not 1896.
Yep! I’ll fix it right now. Thanks!
Longshore Pool?
Compo jetty.
I hope it’s not the Minute Man!
The Bridge Grill rip!
Wow — I’m surprised. All wrong so far!
What makes Westport Westport is the Saugatuck River, or legally it would be Town Hall.
I’ve got it! The Famous Artists School!
Compo Bar Snack Bar
The new sidewalk at Compo Beach.
The beach sand at Compo. Simple.
On the Compo sea wall?
All the Compo guesses are close — but not quite correct.
Then, the boardwalk, of course!
Is this inscribed in concrete that tops the “low” sea wall along the road between Soundview Drive and the beach?
Still no right answers!
Ned Dimes marina!
Outdoor shower stall at Compo Beach.
Or the Compo Beach foot wash.
Nope.
What’s the most western port?
Last guess: Cannons.
Correct, Nancy. This is at the base of cannons, facing the water. It’s been there a while, according to photographer Lynn U. Miller. Who knew? Apparently you, from 3,000 miles away. Congratulations!
Lynn’s photos are always so clever, always tricking the eye.
Isn’t today your Birthday, Dan? If so, Enjoy!
Thank you!
Boat launch ramp (could be at Longshore Sailing School, or opposite Ned Dimes (small boat/kayak ramp)?
I considered the sailing school, too, wondering if it’s “as Westport as Westport gets.”
Then again, there is a playground?
The pavilion at Compo.