This tight snapshot from the 1960s shows how much downtown has changed.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
Main Street no longer supports a TV/radio/hi-fi store, camera shop, or hardware store.
And Oscar’s — which moved a few years later from its original location here, to larger quarters a few doors north — is now Rye Ridge Deli.
So where did shoppers go, years ago, for athleisure wear, fancy furniture or art?
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Seeing Oscars really touches my heart–Every Sunday with Dad.
Yes,Every Sunday, with our dad, there,too! 🙂
Klein’s had music,photography, stationery, toys and great people back in the fifties. Charle’s wasa good meat market, while Gristede’s, Economy and Westport Food Center handled most of Westport’s grocery business.Ben Franklin’s and arts Five and Dime were fun department stores while Achorn’s Pharmacy, Colgan’s did prescriptions.The Townly, Ship’s Lantern, and Town Grill all served a 10-cent glass of beer and MacMillan Jewelers was where I purchased my wifes engagement ring and our wedding rings and we’re still wearing them 60 years later.
Achorn’s is still in business, but at Playhouse Square
Anybody know why it is spelled Achorn’s vice Acron’s?? Used to be down by the “Dress Box” on Main. But nobody drove al; the way to Bradley’s to do their shopping. They told Bill Michell has was “crazy” to move so far from down town.
I assume it’s because that’s how Frank Achorn spelled his name.
When you see him, tell him he misspelled it.
Gristede’s!
I think Dick Alley remembers the Stage Door maybe around 1959-ish?
Fancy furniture ? Well, not exactly on Main Street, but W&J Sloane was about a mile east in the Compo Shopping Center where Cohen’s Optical is now. It was there when I moved to Westport. in 1983, and left shortly afterward.
The Crest Drive In was THE place to be!
Stanley was a friendly guy, quick turn-around on picture development. I’ve stood looking at cameras there, not understanding a thing about them, while one of the parents chatted about this-and-that.
When her doctor advised my mother to go back to work, at least part-time, her first job since early 1935 was as a floor sales lady at the hardware store. I thought it looked huge inside when I would meander over on some days over from Bedford El. Yep, early latch-key kid.
Just a small point, Mr. Gerrity: I believe Stanley and his wife ran the TV and radio repair shop, and a guy we used to call “Hutch” owned the Kodak camera shop next door — two separate businesses. Rachna of India eventually took over Stanley’s shop; I don’t recall who replaced the Kodak store.
When you walked into Klein’s (after they expanded), there was a very good stereo/Hi-Fi department to your immediate left and a very good camera/photo department to your immediate right. I don’t recall if Stanley Klein worked either department but whoever did was most helpful as was Sally and staff back in the record department.
Stanleys TV (my Dad’s shop) was originally on the post road across from the Clam Box. He moved down town to sell and repair most TV’s & most electronic equipment. When he was sick the shop was closed, after Mom tried running it, but Stanley’s high level was needed. Many local Armature Radio Hams gathered there and bought parts.
😉 Marty Yolles K1DCX