The other day — while cleaning his garage — alert “06880” reader David Squires found this thin aluminum sign:
He remembers exactly when and how he got it: While house-sitting for his distant relatives, the Baldwins, on Bayberry Lane. Herb Baldwin was Westport’s 1st selectman from 1957-67. He was best known for masterminding the town’s purchase of Longshore — from conception to approval — in just 17 days.
Baldwin was in his 1st term in 1958, when Westport was named an all-America city.
The National Civic League has presented 10 awards each year, since 1949. They go to places where citizens “work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve uncommon results.” All-America winners can be neighborhoods, villages, towns, counties or regions, as well as “cities.”
If you were around in 1958 — and remember any hoopla associated with the honor — click “Comments” below.