Some things have changed since the 1980s.
Klein’s and the Camera Store are no longer on Main Street. George Weigle passed along the pitch pipe as Orphenians director. In a pandemic-ravaged world, the Orphs are not raising funds for a European concert tour.
But many things remains the same.
Downtown looks much as it did 4 decades ago. Luke Rosenberg has continued Staples High School’s elite singing group’s 60-year tradition of excellence.
And a week from tomorrow — on Saturday, December 11 — the Orphenians will once again carol on Main Street.
They’re part of “06880”‘s first-ever Christmas Stroll. The Orphs will be joined by Santa. Merchants will offer treats and specials. Don Memo (which is located in what was, when this photo was taken, Westport’s original Town Hall) will provide hot drinks.
See you there!
(Click here for details of the “06880” Christmas stroll. And if you recognize yourself in the Orphenians’ photo — or have any memories of caroling with them downtown, or traveling with them abroad — click “Comments” below.)
The picture is of the 1981 Orphenians….we were raising money for our European Tour that summer. Good memories.
Main Street may look sort of the same after 40 years but where on Main Street can you find two locally-owned stores right next to each other, a la Klein’s and The Camera Shop? Today I doubt there is more than one on the entire block!
It is wonderful what the Orphenians have been doing! I participated as an Orphenian in 1963 and 64, in its early years. The farthest I remember traveling was to what was then the United Methodist Church and is now Seabury Center to sing at a Rotary Club luncheon meeting!
One of my favorite memories as an Orphenian in 1968-70 was caroling downtown during the holiday season. Back then, December evenings were snowy and chilly — we dressed warmly with hats, scarves, and gloves, and walked from store to store, exchanging Christmas Cheer for a few minutes to warm up. Everyone was glad to see us. After reaching the Remarkable Bookstore at the end of the street, we piled into our cars, and regrouped at someone’s house for hot chocolate and egg nog, and listened to our favorite records. (Real vinyl in those days!) Best wishes to the 2021-22 Orphenians!