Dick Fincher’s impact on Westport’s green spaces is enormous.
So it’s fitting that this Saturday (July 18, 10 a.m.), his life and legacy will be honored with the dedication of a commemorative plaque at the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. The public is invited.
As both a private citizen and Tree Board chair, Fincher was a driving force behind the creation of the arboretum at the corner of Stonybrook Road and Woodside Lane, around the corner from his home.
Fincher died in 2024, at 86. In addition to his Tree Board service, he was an Earthplace and Staples Tuition Grants board member, and Christ & Holy Trinity Church vestryman.
Dick Fincher, at the Wadsworth Arboretum.
===============================================
Gone, but not forgotten.
That’s the theme of “Looking for History,” MoCA\CT’s summer exhibit. Ellen Harvey is one of 3 artists addressing themes of memory, loss and place.
She’s included 4 places dear to Westporters’ heart: The Remarkable Book Shop, Allen’s Clam House, Cedar Brook Café and Bloodroot.
This Thursday (July 16, 5:30 p.m.; free), MoCA visitors get a chance to talk about them — and many other beloved (and now vanished) local landmarks.
Harvey and Westport preservation advocate Ed Gerber will chat with “06880” founder Dan Woog about the cultural and emotional significance of lost places.
You’ll get a chance to talk about your own “local places” too — restaurants, stores, hangouts and more.
The event is sponsored by the CORA Foundation, whose founder and president is Westporter Robin Tauck. Most grants — which center around arts and culture — are international. This one is local.
Click here for more information.
“The Remarkable Book Shop” (Ellen Harvey)
==================================================
Here at “06880” central, we sometimes assume everyone knows everything about every live outdoor music option in the area.
Well, you know what they say about “when you assume…”
So — apropos of nothing, other than an opportunity educate our readers about all things local, and courtesy of the KMS Team at Compass — here are some things you may already know.
And some you may not.
The Levitt Pavilion offers over 50 free nights of programming, at a beautiful venue on the banks of the Saugatuck Rive.
All summer long, the Westport Downtown Association sponsors live music on Friday and Saturday evenings on Church Lane.
A favorite is Music at the Barn, at the Weston History & Culture Center. Kick back with a BYO picnic, and enjoy select Sunday evenings.
Lachat Town Farm also offers monthly concerts, with food trucks and the Barn Bar.
Fairfield’s Sherman Green is the place to be on Thursdays and Sundays, with beachy cover bands and tribute acts. Sweet Sounds of Summer are full of family fun there too, with bands sponsored by Saugatuck Sweets and Al’s Angels.
Norwalk’s First Taxing District has free concerts at the Norwalk Green’s gazebo several Saturdays in the summer.
Catch larger outdoor performances by the shore every Wednesday night at Calf Pasture Beach. Tuesday nights are open jam sessions (time slot sign up at 6:30 p.m.) at Freese Park.
The Wilton Library hosts free, public concerts (indoors) from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursdays.
Levitt Pavilion: Westport’s premier outdoor music venue. (Photo/Susan Garment)
==================================================
An indoor music venue — and not limited to summer — is VFW Post 399 (Riverside Avenue at the Saugatuck Avenue fork).
Every Thursday, the Jazz Society of Fairfield County sponsors “Jazz at the Post.”
This week’s headliner is Mitch Schechter (July 16, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; doors and dinner service at 6:45). He’s joined by bassist Takashi Otsuka, drummer Charlie Descarfino, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
==================================================
Also at the VFW: plenty of laughs.
This Friday (July 17; doors open 6 p.m., show time 8), 5 talented comedians –John Ziegler, Brendan Ryan, Linda Marcus Smith, Helaine Witt, plus resident comic Joe Pontillo — take the stage.
Tickets are $20 online, $25 at the door, with a 1-drink minimum. NOTE: Previous comedy shows have sold out.
==================================================
It looks like a Norman Rockwell (or Steven Dohanos) painting.
But this was the small-town scene yesterday, at the train station.
And no, we can’t see the answer long-running apostrophe debate: Greens Farms, or Green’s Farms?
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
=================================================
Sometimes Compo Beach is so crowded you can’t move.
And sometimes it’s just you and the gulls.
Amy Schneider snapped today’s”Westport … Naturally” photo yesterday morning:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of MoCA\CT’s upcoming event honoring “lost places”:
(“06880” often looks back on the Westport that was — while always providing insights into our town today, and a look at tomorrow. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
I wonder how many remember Backiel’s Roadside Stand on the corner of South Maple Avenue and the Post Road. I think it closed down in 1955. Or how the Stage Door Restaurant that closed down around 1962. I think it opened up in 1928, but not sure about the date. Both were owned by our family. Our farming days stopped in 1953. Maybe these long gone businesses will be discussed with Ed Gerber?
Jack, I think the roadside stand was there after 1955. My parents moved to Westport in 1956, and I vaguely remember it.
Well.. I guess I’m wrong. I know who would definitely know. If he’s reading this, maybe Mr. Grant, who was good friends with me in the 1950s, knows when it closed. He lived down the street.
Dan, In one of your former posts,I couldn’t remember if there were gas pumps at Backiel’s Roadside Stand and Mr. Grant chimed in and reminded me that there were gas pumps. He’s a 1965 Staples graduate and I think presently an attorney. I hope he’s reading all this.
If you want, the Stage Door has 75 cent dinners. Just call ahead at CL 9-9150. The restaurant is an official Westport photo ,a copy of which used to hang on the wall of the Peppermill restaurant.