As Westport prepares for the holiday season, merchants urge: “Please shop local! Choose us over the internet!”
it’s not the first time they’ve made that request.
Nearly 80 years ago — in 1947 — illustrator Howard Munce drew this map of Main Street and State Street (Post Road) retailers.
It was headlined: “Shop Westport First.”
It’s hard to see all the stores. I’m not sure if any of them are still here.
But you get the idea. They’ll last a lot longer if we give them our business.
(Image courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
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1947 was a great year. Gas was 19 cents a gallon. In 1964, the year I got my license, gas was 28 cents a gallon. So in 17 years, gas prices went up 9 cents. How I miss Westport in the 1950s and 1960s.
Main Street had 3 or 4 grocery stores (including an A&P), three hardware stores, a bakery and 2 5&10s. Nice town!
If you look in the lower right hand corner of the picture, next to Howard’s name, you will see “Three Bears,” Howard was also the owner of this restaurant for a short period of time.
When did State Street become the Post Road East and Post Road West (again)? Anybody know the year – and maybe the reason?
Joyce, Before The Merritt Parkway, in 1905, State Street was the only way to drive from Maine to Florida. I remember 18 wheelers on the Post Road before 1957. Every car and truck had to drive on State Street.