One of the most well-known homes in Westport — the only one on the north (left) side of the Compo Cove footpath, just over the pedestrian bridge at Sherwood Mill Pond — may soon be a memory.
A “Demolition” sign hangs next to the front door of the house owned for years by Mike Katz, the cowboy hat-wearing man-about-town.
The 43 Compo Mill Cove home — built in 1942 — was originally located across the path, on the right. It boasts an unobstructed view of the Mill Pond. But it’s been unoccupied for quite a while, and seems not to have been maintained since then.
Compo Cove home, with demolition sign next to the front door. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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That’s not the only beach neighborhood home on the chopping block
This one — at 21 Norwalk Avenue, off Soundview Drive — also bears a “Demolition” notice.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
It was built in 1920 — 104 years ago.
Clearly, it’s had some work done over the past century. The non-winterized cottages that were there for much of the 1900s were not like this.
It will sure be interesting to see what the new construction looks like.
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This Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse’s gala features Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, Drama Desk Award-winning conductor and music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell — plus a host of Broadway performers — in a tribute to Cy Coleman (September 14, 7 p.m.).
Like any good benefit, this one includes some very cool live auction items. Among them:
- 2 tickets to Steve Martin & Martin Short’s “The Dukes of Funnytown!” at Foxwoods, and a post-show meet and greet with the stars.
- 4 tickets to “Wicked,” and a backstage tour to meet the cast.
- Dinner for 10 catered by Gabriele’s, on the Playhouse stage with artistic director Mark Shanahan and managing director Beth Huisking.
Raffle boxes are available too, for a chance to win 2 jewelry pieces by designer Marco Bicego.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Kristin Chenoweth
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Speaking of the Playhouse: They kicked off another intriguing “Script in Hand” season last night, with “Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing.”
The show — about the last days of baseball’s Negro Leagues — was enthusiastically received.
The cast of “Satchel Paige,” with playwright/director Trey Ellis of Westport (back row, center) and Playhouse stage manager Megan Smith (front, 3rd from left). (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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For decades, longtime Westport resident Jo Ann Miller was an executive in the garment industry.
When international travel wore her down, she became a top real estate agent.
All along, she continued to produce art. As a sculptor, she collaborated with the late Kelley Spearen on many projects.
She also wrote an account of her first attempt at a marathon. The foreward was by her former next door neighbor, and her father’s wing man: John Glenn.
Now Miller is out with a work of fiction. It’s about the aftermath of a July 4, 2004 SEAL team celebration in Iraq that went terribly wrong. The terrorists never forgot. Twenty years later, they seek revenge.
“Terrorist Revenge” will be available soon, at Amazon.
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Local author Michael Hendricks and artist Rebecca Ross greeted their many fans this weekend, at the Westport Book Shop.
They signed copies of “In the Beginning! A Love Story.”
Susie Kowalsky — who sent the photo below — is a huge fan. She bought 5 copies, “to share with the little ones I know and love.”
Rebecca Ross and Michael Hendricks, at the Westport Book Shop.
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Guitarist Ed Cherry is well known for his long association with Dizzy Gillespie. Since the bandleader’s death in 1993, Cherry has worked with Paquito D’Rivera, Jon Faddis, John Patton, Hamiet Bluiett, Henry Threadgill, Paula West and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
He has recorded many albums as a leader, and appeared on countless records as a featured soloist.
This Thursday (September 12), he highlights Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 8 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students; click here for reservations).
Cherry is joined by bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
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Entrepreneur and real estate developer Stanley Seligson died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday. He was 90.
Stanley attended the Williston Northampton School, and the University of Connecticut.
Following his father’s death in 1953, Stanley assumed responsibility for the family’s wholesale business, S&S Tobacco. He grew the original company into one of the largest distributors of candy, tobacco, vending and arcade machines in the Northeast.
In 1979, Stanley formed Seligson Properties. The real estate firm has invested in, developed, managed and built nearly 3 million square feet of property. He was the driving force behind many key developments in Norwalk.
Stanley was dedicated to his hometown of Norwalk. He served as an advisor and board member to institutions including the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk YMCA, Maritime Aquarium, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and others
He was named Industry Man of the Year by the Anti-Defamation League and Distributor of the Year by Philip Morris, among other honors.
Stanley had a passion for travel. His family says he “enjoyed many of the finer things in life, but always remained down to earth. He equally valued the simple pleasures found at his homes in Connecticut and Florida.” Stanley cherished these moments.
Stanley was an avid golfer. He learned from top instructors, and played many renowned courses. He was a founding member of Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, and was a member of Birchwood Country Club in Westport; Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Maryland; and Trump International Golf Club and The Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.
He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Carole; children Shana and Todd Seligson, sister Suzanne Serlin, and Mary Hill.
A funeral service will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, September 11, 11 a.m., Temple Israel), with a lunch at 2 p.m. at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Stanley M. Seligson may be made to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Intensive Aphasia Program) or Smilow Cancer Hospital of Yale New Haven Health.
Stanley Seligson
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — which she calls “Blue Sky and Goldfinch” — comes from Tracy Porosoff:
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And finally … on this date in 1724, “Jesu, der du meine Seele” — one of Johan Sebastian Bach’s most famous church cantatas — was performed for the first time, in Leipzig.
(Stop! Don’t press the “bach” button — at least, not without first clicking here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Thank you!)
So sorry to hear of more historic homes being demolished in Westport. Quickly losing our past
These homes are stunning architecturally and have a distinct sense of place- don’t we have enough modern farmhouses to satisfy our bottomless need for builder grade garbage? This is shameful and as a town we can and must do better.
As to so many teardowns, money prevails over both good taste and history.
I knew a fireman with five kids who could afford to live in Westport. Four of the kids worked at the golf range. The last time I was in town I drove through some of the old neighborhoods and it was a bit shocking!
43 Compo Cove was my (extended) family’s summer cottage from some time in the 1920s until early 1979. I was astounded to see that some subsequent owner had closed in the wrap-around front porch, its most attractive and useful feature. For that matter none of its architectural “improvements” look like improvements to me, but I imagine my judgement is clouded by nostalgia. But even in its degraded state, the idea that it might be torn down is appalling and heartbreaking, as whatever tasteless piece of ahistorical ostentation that replaces it is sure to be worse.
You can see what Danbury Ave will look like here: https://www.westportct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/93995/638555203142230000
Not as horrible as most of the new development in town, probably because it’s done by an end-user and not the bottom of the barrel spec builders we are plagued by (eg SIR).
Until the town takes historic preservation and architectural standards seriously, this is going to continue to happen. Even in historic districts, the HDC has allowed some totally inappropriate construction (e.g. 64 King’s Highway North, which the HDC somehow allowed to become modern-farmhouse-ized despite strict rules governing the property).
RIP Stanley 🙏
As a commercial broker I often called on Stanley. He was always welcoming candid and helpful. And he paid his commissions in full and on time.
Enjoyed talking with him. 🇺🇸
Thanks for including Bach’s piece – a reminder of his wonderful, beautiful music.
Jo Ann Miller’s book is available NOW on amazon.com. Bravo Zulu. Semper Fi.