On November 9, 1974, a fire destroyed a block of stores and apartments in downtown Westport.
The blaze was spotted by a police officer in an upstairs apartment, around 6:30 p.m.
Firefighters contained it between Taylor Place and the entrance to the parking lot by the Saugatuck River. But the entire block, opposite the old library — now the building with Starbucks — was ruined.
The aftermath of the fire.
Klaff’s Lighting is at the right.
Klaff Lighting & Design was the major tenant. Other businesses included leather and shoe repair, a diner, and offices.
The buildings dated to the 1800s.
It was rebuilt, as it looks today. Klaff’s returned, but left in 2013. That space is now occupied by South Moon Under.
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It was a Saturday. And I believe it was the night of the Fireman’s Ball. I was enjoying a beverage in the Ships Lantern, which was on the next block, maybe 50 yards away. It was quite a scene.
That fire occurred on the day of the Westport Firefighters Ball; many of the firefighters did not make it to the event.
That block of stores also had Achorn’s Pharmacy which had a soda fountain and tables and chairs. Achorn’s served lunch. But just after 3:00 it was filled with kids from Staples who made it their after school place-to-be. Colgan’s Drugstore at the corner of the next block was another place to hang out. I was in the Achorn’s group sometimes but more often after school I got on my bike and headed for Norwalk.
I was working at the front desk of the old Y that night. It wasn’t the quiet evening I was expecting.
Arson?
I believe that the Mills family had a Florist shop in that building.
Mrs Mills was a friend of my mothers and arranged the flowers for my wedding. Grover and Gail Mills were Staples grads a few years behind me.
The space to the right was a jewelry store. “Jewels by Jason”. He lived in a a house on Riverside Ave. across from the school. After he passed his ashes were released in the sound at Compo Beach. It was a windy day unfortunately.
Jason Raum. His daughter Chou Chou was a classmate. Great people with an unbelievable family story of triumph over the Holocaust.
Thanks for flashback! I remember finding out about the fire on the WPIX news – it made the NY news! With a map showing where Westport was located.
Was the officer in the upstairs apartment with the elephant in the pink pajamas?!