Last week’s feature on torn-down older homes — and the new ones that replace them — highlighted North Bulkley Avenue.
This week, Dave Matlow — the series curator, and a pre-demolition archivist between 2004 and 2020 — takes us up and down Old Road.
That’s the equally historic (and “old,” for sure) street that intersects Bulkley North halfway down. Old Road begins on Maple Avenue North.
A reminder: “Then & Now” highlights homes of yesterday and today. Our neighbors live in houses old and new. Some built those new structures; others are the second (or beyond) owners.
If you comment, please be kind. Taste is subjective. Wherever we live, everyone has loves their home.
Rita Englebardt — a longtime local journalist, former manager of the iconic Remarkable Book Shop and valued employee at Max’s Art Supplies, and a Westport resident for nearly 70 years — died peacefully at home on Monday. She was 101.
Rita was one of the steady, unsung presences who helped define the character of mid‑century Westport. As a columnist for TheMinuteman and The Westport News under the pen name Rita Ross, she wrote dozens of articles, including an award-winning series on historic Westport homes and their notable residents.
Rita Englebardt
She continued working into her late 90’s, using trusted vintage typewriters.
Rita also spent decades working in several of the town’s most noted independent businesses. In addition to managing the Remarkable Book Shop and working at Max’s, she managed Fillow Flowers and Daybreak Nursery.
Rita was a familiar face, recalling “old Westport” and its creative spirit.
Rita Englebardt (far right) at Max’s Art Supplies with (from left) manager Nina Royce, owner Shirley Mellor and Jay Cimbak.
The New York City native worked at the telephone company after high school, selling war bonds. She later moved into public relations, and was one of the first female managers in the male-dominated Madison Avenue advertising world.
She met Stanley Englebardt on a Florida beach in 1948. They married a year later and moved to Westport in 1957, and spent the next 7 decades building a life, family, and community.
Rita and Stan raised their children Leland and Lynn, along with many dogs and cats, in homes on Webb Road and Bayberry Lane. The latter home, which they designed and built in collaboration with their Westport friend and architect Larry Michaels, was featured in Westport Historical Society exhibit on local mid-century modern architecture.
Rita’s love for Westport was matched by a deep affinity for Paris, where she lived and traveled extensively throughout her life. Her family says, “She is remembered for her passion for all things French, her signature style, and the joie de vivre she brought to her prolific hosting and dinner parties, rallying fellow volunteers to count ballots all evening, and her support for local creators and artisans.
“She was especially dedicated to causes around animal welfare, upholding democratic principles, and preserving a warm, eccentric, community‑centered identity in Westport.
Rita Englebardt and friend.
Rita Englebardt is survived by her children Leland (Jane) and Lynn Riegler (Dr. Nitai Riegler), and grandchildren Daniel, Alexander (Sarah Clark) and Adam Riegler (Mireille Owens).
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rita’s name can be made to the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue. Friends are invited to celebrate a beautiful moment or toast with friends and family, as she would have loved.
In the fall of 2014, directors David Roth and Kerry Roth brought in professional puppeteers, to teach the high school actors how to use hand-held puppets.
Pam Arciero (who played Oscar the Grouch’s girlfriend Grundgetta on “Sesame Street” and Rick Lyon (from the original Broadway production of “Avenue Q”) provided inside knowledge, tips, inspiration and confidence.
You can see the results in the highlights here and below, filmed and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt.
Here’s what some of the actors in that show are doing today:
Jack Baylis (Princeton) graduated from Point Park University’s musical theater program. He has performed in “Legally Blonde,” “Jersey Boys,” “Children of Eden,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “South Pacific” and more.
Will Haskell (Princeton) went on to serve 2 terms as Connecticut state senator — one of the youngest state legislators in the country.
Julia Mandelbaum (Christmas Eve) graduated from Rider University. She performed professionally in “Evita,” “Singing in the Rain,” and more.
Bryan Gannon (Brian) is an actor and producer best known for his roles as Inspector Lestrade in the film “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Furtive Festivity,” and on “The Deuce” and “Paramount’s Fences.”
Joe Badion (Nicky) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
Everett Sussman (Nicky) is an applied mathematics/computer science graduate of Harvard University. He is now a digital creator. He has acted in regional theater productions, including “Sweeney Todd.”
Jacob Leaf (Trekkie Monster) is a professional actor. He has appeared in “Mamma Mia!,” “Gypsy,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Eurydice” and more.
Daniel Pauker (Trekkie Monster) is a technical animator. He has a passion for 3D software and systems.
For years, Bulkley Avenue North boasted one of the best collections of small- and medium-sized homes in Westport.
Connecting Long Lots Road with Post Road East near the Southport border, it was filled with Capes, converted barns, and other structures built largely before the 1960s.
It’s now one of the streets with the sharpest contrasts in architectural styles. Some older houses have been demolished, replaced by larger ones on less-than-acre lots. They sit next to others that have not yet fallen to the wrecking ball.
All of Dave Matlow’s images this week come from Bulkley Avenue North.
Growing up here, our lives are shaped by our families, friends, neighborhoods, schools and activities.
But with the passage of time, many of us look back at our young years with fondness. The tough days disappear. We remember the good times.
Raymond Marra has a different perspective.
Raymond Marra
His parents moved here in 1965, when he was in 4th grade. They were drawn by the “schools, opportunity, and exposure to people who might elevate rather than limit us.”
All that was true, Marra says. At the same time, he felt out of place in this “affluent, competitive” town.
He struggled in school. He did not play sports. Friendships were “shallow and fleeting.”
Much of his childhood was shaped by “relentless bullying, intimidation, humiliation, and quiet self-doubt.” He did not know who he was, and could not imagine what he would become.
But the Staples Class of 1974 graduate was shaped too by a “fiercely independent mother” and a “brilliant, exacting father.” They instilled in him “resilience, discipline and an unspoken expectation to rise.”
Six decades later, he has tried to explain all those thoughts, feelings, contradictions and concerns. He’s written “Finding My Way in Westport: A Memoir of Discipline, Rebellion, and Resistance.”
It’s an exploration of how “what seemed an idyllic suburban town on the surface became the place where (he) first learned about pressure, expectations, resilience and independence.”
Marra began writing stories of his youth — challenging, funny, important, mundane, from Kings Highway Elementary, Bedford Junior High and Staples — on his iPhone, as a way to leave a legacy for his daughter. His parents, he says, had many stories, but never wrote them down.
After a while, he realized he had enough for a book. He’s not an author — he’s spent 40 years selling security systems to corporations — but the vignettes formed 40 chapters.
They range far and wide. He writes about his mother, a realtor who “went on strike” for a long while, checking out emotionally from her family. (She also had the “guts and balls” to approach Paul Newman at Silver’s. And, Marra says, she eventually “came back” from what seems to be depression.)
Readers who know Marra have said they are surprised to read some details of his childhood, but now understand where he gets his drive.
People who do not know him — particularly young people — may relate, he says, to someone who gets knocked down, but stands up for himself.
Bedford Junior High School (now Saugatuck Elementary) was not an easy place for an unsure 7th through 9th grader.
After that turbulent youth, Marra returned to the area.
Why?
“I love Westport,” he says simply. (Marra lives in Weston, but is here almost every day.)
Seeing a place like Mitchells (where his father bought suits) and the Washing Well (where he went 60 years ago with his father and brother) helps ground him.
“My memories are great, despite all the troubles,” Marra says. “This is a great community. It has so much to offer.
“I’m just a regular guy. My parents scraped together enough to buy a home, because they wanted to raise 2 boys here.”
Now, Raymond Marra is telling that story.
It’s not everyone’s Westport. But it’s his. And we can all learn from it.
(Everyone has a story. And “06880” tells them all. If you enjoy features like this — or anything else on your hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Jim Honeycutt — who faithfully recorded nearly all of directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s Staples Players shows — missed the summer 2012 “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (family vacation).
Many actors have gone on to successful careers — often in entertainment. They include:
Matthew Van Gessel (Willy Wonda) is an actor, director and writer. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”
Will Haskell(Charlie Bucket) went on to serve 2 terms as Connecticut state senator — one of the youngest state legislators in the country.
Johnny Shea (Granpa Joe) is a New York based actor. He has appeared in “Spring Awakening” and “Peter Pan” and more, at Goodspeed, Shakespeare Theater Chicago, Portland Stage Company and others.
Sylvie Lexow (Grandma Josephine) is a senior marketing operations and program manager.
Ryder Chasin (Phineouse Trout) is a television writer, creative and comedian in Brooklyn.
Cara McNiff(Violet Beauregarde) graduated from Elon University with a degree in musical theater. She is still involved in theater. as a regional booking manager.
Joe Badion (Mike Teavee) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
Zoe Samuels (Matilda) is an associate strategy director at Edelman. She graduated with a degree in theater and Chinese from Middlebury College.
Daniel Pauker is a technical animator. He has a passion for 3D software and systems.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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!)
Connecticut was one of the last states to adopt early voting.
In just a few years though, it’s caught on in a big way.
And it’s driven a major change in the way Westporters who don’t vote early will cast their ballots in future elections.
Beginning with the August 11 primary, and continuing November 3 through all elections afterward, all in-person voting will be done at Bedford Middle School.
In other words: the 9 previous polling locations will be consolidated into one.
Registrar of voters Deborah Greenberg explains: “Because of the fantastic turnout we are getting with early voting, as well as the passage of ‘no excuse’ absentee voting, we expect our active Westport community to do the majority of voting before primary/election day.
“Additionally, with the loss of our largest elementary school (Long Lots), and certain issues with other polling locations, we believe our voters will have a better experience at Bedford Middle School.
“There is substantial parking at Bedford, better lighting for early morning and late evening voters, and voting will be in very close proximity to the entry and exit of the school.
“Not so obvious benefits but certainly important are better security, and better storage, setup and end-of-day closing procedures for our election officials.”
Meanwhile, for the August 11 primary, registered Democrats and Republicans may vote by absentee ballot, or in person during early voting (still at Town Hall), or on Election Day.
Early voting takes place in person at Town Hall on August 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and August 4 and 6 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
(NOTE: Connecticut has done away with its previous early voting procedure, in which ballots were placed in envelopes with voter information and affirmations. Now, all early ballots will be placed directly into tabulator machines — the same process used on Election Day.)
In-person voting on August 11 is 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Bedford Middle School.
Questions? Contact the registrar of voters office: 203-341-1115.
Scenes like this at the Westport Library, and schools throughout Westport, will be a thing of the past. From now on, the only in-person polling place on Election Day will be Bedford Middle School.
An intriguing “America 250” map at the top of the Westport Library’s 2nd floor shows every country where library patrons come from.
And it’s interactive.
North and South America …
There are plenty of dots in western Europe. But many other nations are represented too — from Russia, China and India to Egypt, Iran, South Africa and Brazil.
But a number of other countries are unrepresented so far. Australia, Turkey, Peru, Nigeria … come on! We know Westporters whose families lived there.
Or who came from there themselves.
Stickers to participate are available in the Children’s library.
… and Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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Local historian Bob Weingarten launched his new book, “Westport, Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts – 1639-2025” Tuesday night at the Westport Book Shop.
His book identifies the oldest houses here, and locations of the town’s early settler families. Photographs document his exhaustive findings, gathered during 2 decades of exploring records in vaults and elsewhere.
A few weeks ago, workers cleared brush and trees from the area at the Imperial Avenue parking lot, near the Riverwalk.
A new ramp — for people with mobility issues, strollers and more — is being built. Here was the scene yesterday:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Bulldozers took a lot of brush and trees away a few weeks ago and the riverwalk near the Imperial lot was blocked. We think it’s a ramp for strollers and wheelchairs so people parking in the Imperial lot have easier access. But I m not sure. Next time I walk I’ll talk to the workers.
Speaking of history: The Weston History & Culture Center is open every Thursday in July and August from 1 to 4 p.m., and on Sundays (July 26, August 2 and 30), also from 1 to 4.
Among the attractions:
“Weston at Work,” an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to experience the work that shaped the town’s past. Card wool, weave on a loom, use a rope and pulley to lift a hay bale, and explore farming tools and artifacts. It includes immigrant communities, people of African descent, women and children.
Guided tours of the Coley House, the only historic house museum in Connecticut interpreting life on the home front during World War II. Dial a rotary phone, type on a vintage typewriter, play with 1940s toys and games, build with Lincoln Logs, and more.
“Sarah Treadwell: Connecticut Mom, American Patriot” honors a local woman whose steadfast support of her family’s role in the Revolution reflects the often-overlooked contributions women made during America’s fight for independence.
“Local Patriots & Loyalists of the American Revolution,” examines individuals and families from the area who found themselves divided — supporting the patriots or remaining loyal to the British Crown.
Student Art: Works created by Weston Middle School 8th grade students in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Thirteen young artists were selected to display their oil paintings depicting Weston and Connecticut history during the 1700s and early 1800s. In a WMS 8th grade storybook project, students created picture books explaining the Declaration of Independence.
The Daniel Offutt Sculpture Garden features works by former Weston resident, philanthropist and artist Daniel E. Offutt III.
Susan Filan — a former prosecutor, trial lawyer and MSNBC senior legal analyst, who pivoted to a career as a speaker and coach, spoke about all those roles at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.
She noted that after 3 decades representing people in crises where freedom, family and reputation were on the line, she uses the same judgment, discretion and clarity in private advisory work.
Susan Filan, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Fifty years after the bicentennial — and just 2 weeks after our semiquincentennial — Staples High School’s Class of 1976 is celebrating their 50th reunion,
The July 16 through 19 festivities include golf at Longshore, a Staples tour, activities at the Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Museum for History & Culture, evenings at the Black Duck and Compo Beach, and a kayak trip along the Saugatuck River.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 1 and 7.
A 46-year-old Milford man was charged with larceny, after 2 coffee makers valued at $349.99 each were shoplifted from HomeGoods. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 19 citations
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulation: 7
Driving while texting: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Improper passing: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Slow down! Obey signs! Etc.!
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You know that phrase “busy as a bee”?
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — courtesy of Gabriela Hayes — proves it’s far more than idle words.
And finally … in honor of the Westport Library’s “America 250” exhibit of where its patrons came from (story above):
(“06880” is definitely “where Westport meets the world.” And no matter where in the world you come from, or live, we hope you’ll support this hyper-local yet global blog. Just click here. Thanks!)
There is no shortage of demolished Westport homes — or their replacements.
In the 20th edition of this feature, photographer Dave Matlow takes us to the north end of town, on roads off Main Street and Easton Road, then nearly to Norwalk on Cranbury Road.
Three were single-story homes. One was a split level. Their replacements are taller and wider.
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