As Westporters get ready for another summer of golf, tennis, swimming, boating, sailing and dining at Longshore, it’s fascinating to look at how folks spent their days there, back in the day:
Click on or hover over to enlarge. (Photo courtesy of Paul Ehrismann)
That day was, of course, when Longshore was a private club — not a town-owned facility.
Formally dressed couples ate under umbrellas. A band played; above them, others danced. A lily pond added to the country club atmosphere.
I’m guessing this photo is from the 1920s or ’30s. I’d love to know more.
If you remember those days — or (more likely) heard about them from others — click “Comments” below.
I would love to know more too!
More likely it was the 1930s, Dan.
Colonel Patrick A. Powers, who converted the home into a club, didn’t even buy the land until 1929. I do not think the first round of golf was played there until late 1930 or 1931.
I took a keen interest in the history of the Longshore because the first deed-holders, the Grays, were my ancestors, and because I was the Chair of Fundraising for the Longshore Club in 2010 when we (the Town) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Town’s purchase of the property.
FYI: Woody Klein is a good resource on the history.
Kristan Hamlin, RTM #4
I love this picture! What a nice scene from a distant era. The instrumentation of the orchestra is like a jazz band of that time but the dancers are hearing something more relaxed. The whole scene reminds me of some Hollywood musical back then. Maybe Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers will appear any moment. I wonder if THEY ever played Westport.
Agree with Peter- Great image Paul !!!! Just sent a few other images of the Longshore Club to Dan and I’m guessing they were taken around the same time period.
I sent a photo also, Seth, of circa 1930. My guess is that Dan will save your photos and other photo for another rainy day. But I love this photo sent in by Paul Ehrismann.
I’ve seen this photo before and just love it. To me the outfits that the people are wearing seem reminiscent of the late 1930s but I’m no clothing expert. I checked out the 1934 CT aerial photo of Westport – the sand traps are very visible so the club definitely had a golf course by then. Great stuff.