For 110 years, the Westport Woman’s Club has sponsored the Yankee Doodle Fair.
Attractions and entertainment have changed. But for 100 years, fair-goers have wondered “Who puts this on?”
When someone tells them, their next question is, “What’s the Westport Woman’s Club?”
To answer a century-plus of inquiring minds — and to honor their 110-year history — the WWC has hung a pop-up exhibit inside Bedford Hall. (That’s the wonderfully refurbished auditorium in their Imperial Avenue clubhouse, on the hill overlooking the Yankee Doodle Fair.)
Nearly 120 placards recount all those years of Westport Woman’s Club fundraising, and service to the town.
A placard honoring the organization that became the Westport Woman’s Club …
The story begins long before women could vote, and provides a fascinating window on women’s history, locally and nationally.
It also provides insight into public health and social services delivery here, before and after town government got involved.
… and one tying together 1920 and 1958…
It’s all for a great cause. Funds raised at the Fair go right back into the community, as grants and scholarships.
Just as they have for the past 110 years.
… and a very intriguing third.
(The Yankee Doodle Fair — and accompanying exhibit — are open tonight and tomorrow [Thursday and Friday, June 15-16], 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday hours are 1 to 10 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.)
A classic merry-go-round, at the Yankee Doodle Fair. (Photo courtesy Pam Barkentin)