It’s one thing for folks who grew up here in the 1960s and ’70s to remember the small plaza at the corner of Post Road East and Main Street — next to the original site of the Westport Public Library — as “Needle Park.”
The nickname came because. for a while, it was where “hippies” (who, erroneously, were synonymous with heroin users) hung out.
But what’s truly impressive is the number of Westporters who were not here then, who nonetheless know it was called “Needle Park.”
The little spot of concrete — well, a plaque there reading “Deeded open space/ The public is welcome to this park and terrace” — was last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see).
Of course, the “open space” deed that owner Drew Friedman gave to the town in perpetuity actually lasted only a few years. Today it’s the non-park entrance to what has been — since the library moved across the street — a café, clothing store and art gallery.
Congratulations to all the “06880” readers — townies and newcomers alike — who knew “Needle Park”: Andrew Colabella, John McCarthy, Richard Stein, Michael Simso, Jonathan McClure, John Brandt, Seth Schachter, Nancy Axthelm, Todd Tracy, Jack Backiel, Harry Brady, Scott Brodie, Sal Liccione, Amy Schneider, Bobbie Herman, Mary Ann Batsell and Seth Braunstein.
Let’s all hang out there one day!
Today’s Photo Challenge — less than a week after UN Day — is clearly a shot of the then-new United Nations headquarters in New York.
It hangs somewhere in Westport. If you know where, click “Comments” below.
And if you know who personally signed it, add that too. It was a pretty well known name, back in the day.
spent a lot of my growing up years there
A long time ago, before Drew Friedman or ‘deeded space’ it was a pocket park next to the Library, and my grandparents donated the water fountain — with a plaque that read “From the children of Robin’s Nest (their house on Cross Highway) to the children of Westport.”
Woulds this be hanging in Town Hall? Did U Thant sign it?
I have absolutely no idea, so I’ll guess somewhere in the Town Hall. Might have been signed by Harry Truman.
Well done, Susan! (And, tangentially, Barbara).
The photo of the UN hangs in the Probate Court hearing room, 102, in Town Hall. It was signed by U Thant on June 28, 1969, for jUNe Day, and was a gift to the town.
Westport Library? Signed by Richard Fogel and his BFF Donald Trump?