You never know where a conversation with Lloyd Allen will go.
The other day I stopped in at Double L Market, to pick up their trademark box of fruit.
The longtime owner of the beloved Post Road East fruit stand-and-much-more was in an expansive mood. He had a strong case of spring fever — exactly what someone whose life revolves around the seasons should have.
Lloyd Allen, at Double L Market.
Lloyd talked nostalgically of his original farm stand, where Kings Highway North runs into the Post Road.
He told me that Paul Newman loved loved LOVED Double L’s honeydews.
Of course, Lloyd is much more than just a fruit and vegetable vendor. He is pursuing multiple avenues on stage and through the media. The Westport Library has been a great partner throughout, he said.
Lloyd has always felt close to the people of Westport. He thrives on the town’s vitality, energy and charm. To give back, he hopes to build a stage of giant iPhones — the theme of a play he’s written — on the side of Double L Market, so he can workshop scenes. (Michael Calise, his landlord, is okay with it, Lloyd said.)
Then he showed me early signs of spring: fiddlehead ferns, spring garlic
and early onions. (All are from the West Coast, alas.)
Double L bounty, spring 2021.
Today — April 6 — Lloyd turns 75. He is filled with gratitude for Gianna. They love each other’s company; they collaborate, and respect each other greatly.
Then Lloyd backtracked 40 years. He talked about how the seasonality of his early roadside stand gave him time with his kids, in their early years.
He might soon take a few days with Gianna, just the two of them, to get away and ponder next moves.
Lloyd still has a whole lot to get done.
But for now: Happy 75th birthday, Lloyd.
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And may the rains fall soft upon your fields.
We all love — and need — all that you offer all of us!
I was lucky enough to work for Lloyd at the original Double L farm stand while I was finishing my masters at Fairfield U. It was exciting, unpredictable and peaceful all at the same time. You never knew who was going to stop by. My favorite times were when the plants came in at the beginning of spring and the Christmas shop. Spending time with Lloyd was an adventure and it was always fun !! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LLOYD !!!!
Like the Irish blessing.
Theeee GOAT!!! 🙌🏻🥳
Great guy who really loves his produce ‼️
Happy birthday, Lloyd!
Happy 75th Lloyd! Sending love and hugs from Seattle WA! Lori Dodd
Happy Birthday, Lloyd! Every conversation with you is an adventure, one which always ends with a smile, a laugh or a pat on the back. And radishes… My favorite: The time I came in and asked:” how did you end up in the Martha Stewart documentary?” and you said: “Don’t you know I wrote the book”? What ensued was one of the most memorable, head shaking, fifteen minutes among the many I have had with Lloyd.
Wishing Lloyd a very happy birthday, with health and happiness always. I have been a loyal customer and supporter since Lloyd started his original farm stand. Customers come from all over for his amazing products, as he sources only the best. My grandfather was in the wholesale fruit and produce business and used to compare melons to gems. Well, Lloyd is a true gem and we are truly blessed to have him in our town.
Loved this story of a wonderful life so far. Happy 75! Got me thinking; is the name of the market a reminder to people how to spell his name(s) correctly?