The Colonial-era cemetery hidden in plain sight at the corner of Kings Highway North and Wilton Road is not easy to get to.
There is no parking (unless you count the private medical complex across the busy street).
It’s hilly and rocky.
But it sure is historic. It’s part of Westport’s past.
And now — after a long period of neglect — it’s been cleaned up.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department took on the task. The graveyard may not attract many visitors, but people have noticed.
Nearby resident Gloria Gouveia says, “At a time when it seems we are quicker to criticize than to express gratitude, 2 thumbs up to Parks & Rec and everyone responsible for the clean-up of the Kings Highway Cemetery.
“The efforts of the crew were a joy to behold. Thank you very much, from a grateful neighbor.”
Harris Falk agrees. He made his way there, and took these photos:
(Photos/Harris Falk)
Morley Boyd adds, “Wendy Crowther and I have been pleased with Parks & Rec’s response to the concerns we raised about this sacred space.
“The new parks superintendent, Nick Quatrano, got right on it and has kept us updated. Obviously, given the extreme state of disrepair that this town-owned cemetery has been permitted to fall into, it’s going to take years to adequately address.
“The good news is that Parks & Rec is open to applying for state grants. which will certainly help — especially since the current budget line for cemetery maintenance makes no allowance for anything beyond mowing.”
At a time when Westporters are looking ahead — to a new elementary school, first responders’ facility, maintenance building and more — it’s nice to know that in one corner of town government, officials are looking backward too.
Thanks, Nick and everyone at Parks & Rec. Thanks to you, the past lives on.
(To learn more about the Kings Highway cemetery, click here.)
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Oh, the memories this post brings back. The location was always hard to access which I am sure is part of the problem causing neglect. The first home my parents had in 1942 was a rental on Wilton Road owned by the O’Dell’s. (Actually, the first was with my grandparents on Violet Lane.) They rented there for several years before moving to Calumet Road. The cemetery was always a spot that ignited our imaginations along with Ford Road and several other areas that were connected to the Revolutionary War.
Growing up in Westport was so special. Back in my day, the 1940’s through the 1960’s People like Lucy Bedford Cunningham were on first name friendships with People like my mother because they all worked together for the betterment of everyone regardless of financial status. People did not bother Paul Newman at a diner on the Post Road when he was there for breakfast. Everyone worked together. I often think of the influence of people like Mrs. Stevenson who was my 6th grade teacher at Bedford Elementary or my Girl Scout leader in High School Mrs. Roberts. (I think I remember that Mr. Roberts was the Town First Selectman at the time.) I am so pleased to read this post and know that the Cemetary is receiving the needed attention. There is so much history in Westport. I am rattling on too long. Thank you, Dan, for your tireless efforts for the town and keeping those of us who live far away up to date. For those who still live there: Check out Evergreen Cemetary. It’s a historic gem also.
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Kudos to all who participated!!!! This is the Westport I have known and loved for over 50 years.
Thanks Wendy and morly I also want thank parks and recreation staff Nick and Gloria and Harris falk for taking the pic thanks everyone for this
Looks beautiful. Do happy that someone cares. Thank you.
Wonderful, thank you, Parks and Rec!!
Bravo! Well done. Thanks Morley and Wendy for raising awareness, and to Parks and Rev for stepping up!
Yes. A huge thank you. This is the Westport we know and love. History is worth preserving.
thanks again Dan for the super interesting history around Westport, 06880 remains the best place for the best information