As Westporters debate the future of Parker Harding Plaza, we’re frequently reminded that until the 1950s, the Saugatuck River lapped up against the backs of Main Street stores.
We sometimes forget that the bridge over the river is relatively new too.
In this bird’s-eye view from the 1950s — posted to social media by Christopher Maroc — we see how narrow it once was.
That’s National Hall on Post Road West (then called West State Street) at the bottom center of the photo, with the Hunt & Downes (Stephen Kempson tailor/Arezzo restaurant) building to its right.
And there — at the top — is the Saugatuck River, before the parking plaza was constructed from landfill.
The building closest to the Post Road bridge is the original Westport Library. The addition that contains Starbucks was also built in the ’50s.
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