Hardware stores are often the heart of their community.
They’re places to go for supplies of all kinds, sure — for the inside and outside of homes, lawncare and more.
But they’re also places to get advice, chat with knowledgeable owners and staff, and feel — well, at home.
Westport is lucky to have had several that were much more than just “stores.”
Welch’s and Hartmann’s on Main Street were legendary. The Izzos’ Crossroads Ace Hardware next to Coffee An’ (now The Grapevine liquor store) took their place, and served Westport for decades.
Our go-to now is Westport Hardware & Fireplace Shop, in the plaza next to Cava (across from Fresh Market).
The second, nail-shaped “T” in its logo was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see).
I thought many readers would confuse it with the Tesla “T.” But you’re too sharp for that.
Nineteen got the right answer. Not one fell for the Musk trap (which sounds like something Westport Hardware should stock).
A couple of comments included shout-outs to Bear (who is actually a dog, and — when he’s not roaming the store — sits quietly behind the counter).
One reader noted that Westport Hardware shares a strip mall with the unrelated Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys.
Congratulations to Bill Downey, Brian Taylor, Sal Liccione, Arthur Hayes, Andrew Colabella, Gabby Velez, Jonathan Alloy, Wendy Schaefer, Seth Schachter, Lisa Hayes, Jerry Kuyper, John McKinney, Seth Braunstein, Jeff Loechner, Clark Thiemann, Peter Dennigan Sinnott, Beth Berkowitz, Colleen Williams and Dede McDowell.
You all “nailed” last week’s Photo Challenge.
Will this week’s be as easy? If you know where in Westport you would see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Seth Braunstein)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)