Earlier this month, “06880” posted a story about a bench.
It mysteriously appeared on a reader’s lawn one night — cemented into the ground.
An inscription on the back read: “Have a great day at school today. Be nice to each other.”
Perhaps it was accidentally installed at the wrong house?
No one knew. (At least, no one responded in the Comments section.)
Now, the plot thickens.
Ellie Magnuson writes: “As a follow-up to your article about the mystery bus stop bench, I thought Westporters might get a kick out of knowing it’s a serial situation.
“I know of 2 that popped up in Old Hill. Word is there’s at least one more, somewhere on North Avenue.
The Old Hill bench. (Photo/Ellie Magnuson)
“All showed up out of the blue, wrapped and installed in concrete with a chain. All with the same positive inscription.
“What wasn’t mentioned regarding the first one is that there are initials (I’m assuming) on the back as well.
“My crack team of investigators (including my kids, ages 13 and 11) have deduced that it may have been a family project, given the 3 ‘initials’ letters, and the fact that our bench seat back was installed backwards and the concrete ended up being more for show.
Initials on the bench. (Photo/Ellie Magnuson)
“Whatever the case, particularly now that we know we can easily pull it up and move it if we need to, we’re thankful to the mystery bench giver for our new place to sit while we wait for the bus!”
This may be Westport’s best community mystery since the pandemic yarn bomber.
If anyone has information on the back story of the bench gifter, click “Comments” below.
Or, perhaps, don’t. Who doesn’t love a great unsolved mystery?
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HCR, Humiliated Conservative Republicans? They do humiliate themselves.
Jack, you may be the quickest wit in the West — Westport, that is. And I do appreciate your one-track mind!
Why would you encourage such a buffoon?
There are many types of buffoons. 06880 encourages them all. No one is left behind.
Obviously JJ lacks a sense of humor.
Give it a rest………
Eternal vigilance is the price of buffoonery.
Eric, As a former Westport resident used to say, “I don’t get no respect.” I wonder what Rodney would have said about the bench? I’m sure he would have been labeled a “ buffoon” too.
Jack, I find the term “Buffoon” to be mean-spirited. I know you didn’t mean to be hurtful. I was just trying to start a dialogue that could lead to healing and an enhanced level of inclusion for a town that is already so caring and inclusive but will never be caring and inclusive enough.
Eric, I appreciate your comment and totally agree with you. I’d also like to thank Gloria Gouveia for all her positive comments over the years. She is such a wonderful person and for over 45 years has worked to make Westport one of the greatest towns in the country!
I love the mystery project. I believe these individuals wanted to be of service to our Westport community. They are giving and gifting families by providing a place to sit and a positive motivational message that reminds/inspires us all to start our day in a positive way..Anonymous donors for now …. as the story continues to unfold.
One on Partrick lane
Wehaven’t been on such pins and needles in mystery since the Yarn Bomber.
I couldn’t possibly LOVE this more!!
I have a big grin on my face to start the day.
Random acts of kindness restore my faith in humanity. What a breath of fresh air!!!!
I’ve noticed a lot of press about this bench! I guess I could call it a “Bench Press.”