Last week’s high-tech photo challenge image could be found at a fairly low-tech spot.
Gene Borio’s shot showed a sleek, silver apparatus at the Westport train station.
The best description came from Lee Emery: “Random charging station on the train platform. Just appeared one day.”
John D. McCarthy, Lawrence J. Zlatkin and Jonathan McClure also recognized the device, and knew why it was there. Also nailing the site: Earl Carlyss.
Apparently, most commuters do what they’ve always done: Just look past their surroundings, and wait for the train. (Click here to see what it looks like.)
This week’s photo challenge is a 2-fer:
(Photo/Betsy P. Kahn)
- Where in Westport would you see this? And
- Who the heck was Doc Skerlick?
If you know, click “Comments” below.
Ford Road fishing spot
on ford road by the Saugatuck River
The river near Bridgewater.
Overlooked the second question – believe he was an avid fisherman and naturalist
From Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited “Fishing the Saugatuck River”…The most popular place to fish the Saugatuck’s main stem is in the William “Doc” Skerlick Trout Management Area off Ford Road in Westport
William “Doc” Skerlick 1903-1994 was a local trout fly-fisherman who had many “students.”
Dedicated April 8, 1995.
Trout fishing area off Ford Rd?
First one is wayy too easy: William “Doc” Skerlick Saugatuck River Trout Management Area. Ford Road, Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut. Directions: Merritt Parkway north to Exit 42; turn right onto Weston Road; at the light turn left onto Ford Road. Drive 0.4 of a mile and park in the pull-off by the picnic table on the right (west) side of the road.
I first met Doc at the Westport Tackle Shop back in the early 60’s and immediately liked the guy. At That time, he was working the security graveyard shift at Sherwood Island State Park. As the Park was gated and usually quiet at night, Doc usually managed to catch a cat-nap during his shift, which translated into more fishing time during the day.
Doc fished both fresh and salt water, kept a daily journal on each and every trip and kept and froze many of his fish. He would fish trout from the beginning of every season until Memorial Day and then switch to another species. He had a goal of a designated number of snapper blues every late summer and early fall, and would end up cooking them for one or more of the many organizations he belonged to. Doc belonged to the Westport Striped Bass Club, Westport Fish & Game, Newtown Fish & Game, Trout Unlimited and many more and seldom missed a meeting. He would drive up to Hartford on any conservation issue.
I’m told his nickname came from the days when he was a Trainer for football squads in one or more of the Valley high schools.
Doc loved Country music and played a mean Harmonica. He traveled to many music festivals and was popular among other attendee’s.
Doc was most of all a teacher. He loved teaching kids how to fish, especially those who ventured into the fly-fishing area which eventually bore his name. He tied flies and made lures and had displays of many of his creations which he was happy to show and talk about wherever anyone made a request.
It’s been several years since Doc passed on. Towards the end, he was wary of driving after dark and I often drove him to this or that meeting. He smoked the foulest-smelling cigars available and I would always have to ride home with the windows open after dropping him off. Whenever I smell cigar smoke, even today, I think of Doc and miss his good-humored opinions.
I could have written this (well some of it), but I didn’t. Its from Dick Alley.
http://wwwfishingfotofun.blogspot.com/2012/02/remembering-doc-skerlick.html
Earl Carlyss ? one of my musical idols ? the very same Mr. Carlyss who taught us how to play chamber music ? Good Golly, Miss Molly !!!
thank you, Mr. Carlyss, for showing us that second violin is just as important as first !
and all the other good stuff you imparted…especially on the recordings !!
At the Ford Road Trout Management area. I believe Doc S was an early proponent of protected fisheries in the area.
This sign is on Ford Road at the primary access point to the Trout Management Area (fly fishing only) on the Saugatuck River. Until his death in 1994, Wm. “Doc” Skerlick, an avid angler and member of Trout Unlimited, would present himself on opening day at the site to blow the whistle at 6 a.m. to herald the start of the fishing season. Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited named the site in his memory in 1995 and, under the direction of Graham Thopsey as his Eagle Scout project, erected the sign. In the late 80s, the river’s habitat was extensively rehabilitated by Nutmeg chapter with the financial assistance of Leon Hirsch who lived along the river.
Trout Unlimited, founded in 1959, is a national conservation organization with 150,000 members in 450 local chapters who do restorative work on cold water streams. Its mission is “To conserve, protect, and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds” to fulfill its vision to “Ensure that robust populations of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within their North American range, so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters.”
Doc Skerlick was a colorful character. Following is a link to an article written by Dick Alley who knew him before my time. https://www.thehour.com/sports/article/Trout-stocking-begins-in-state-8145707.php
Bill Blaufuss, Westport
President emeritus, Trout Unlimited, Nutmeg Chapter
Chairman emeritus, Trout Unlimited, Connecticut
On Ford Rd- next to the marker where the British returning from attacking American armory supplies forded the Saugatuck at William “Doc” Skerlick Trout Management Area— Fly Fishing only— “ Doc” was an avid fisherman and conservationist.
Dan – you’ll see my reply- that’s where Richard Wiese took the photo of me fishing which you posted back in the autumn😀- Hope you’re well- loved the photo of you as a great uncle! Jeff ps I’m at home in Fairfield this month ( and probably longer)- recuperating from a total L shoulder joint replacement necessitated by degenerative arthritis from too many years of abuse from my varied athletic and life style activities. ~J
Sent from my iPhone
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