Westport’s Memorial Day parade seems timeless.
I don’t know when it began — perhaps in 1868, when “Decoration Day” first honored Civil War veterans — but anyone now alive who grew up here has strong memories of the downtown tradition.
The route changes. So do businesses along the way. And of course, fashions.
But — as these photos (courtesy of David Barton) show — Memorial Day in Westport always draws a crowd.
When the parade marched south on Main Street, the Post Road was anchored by Colgan’s drug store and luncheonette. Next to it were (in order) Colonial restaurant, Gristede’s grocery store and Marvel’s Bakery. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
The parade then made a quick turn onto Taylor Place, before ending at Jesup Green.