Tag Archives: 29 North Avenue

Roundup: 29 North Avenue, DNR — And Happy Mothers Day!

Posted on May 11, 2025 | 7 comments

29 North Avenue — the small saltbox jutting into the sidewalk near Staples High School — is one of the most admired homes in Westport.

Now the entire state knows about it.

On Thursday owner Annette Norton received a Connecticut Preservation Award, for her loving rehabilitation of the c. 1820 Mills house.

At just 930 square feet of low-ceilinged space — and vacant through 7 years of bankruptcy proceedings — it could well have been another teardown.

But the Savvy + Grace owner, working with contractor Javier Pasato, restored, rehabilitated and preserved the historic dwelling. (And the adjacent 19th-century barn, too.)

Congratulations, Annette. Your dedication to Westport — both residential and retail — is greatly appreciated! (Hat tip: Bob Weingarten)

29 North Avenue, after restoration.

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Happy Mothers Day!

And Wreathing for Community — the non-profit that creates gorgeous wreaths, then gives them to non-profits and lucky residents — has a Mothers Day winner.

Pamela Tinoco nominated her mom.

Wreathing’s Faith Sargent says that Pamela’s mom’s “love, resilience and presence have left a lasting impression on her family. The nomination was heartfelt and full of admiration — a beautiful reminder of the quiet strength so many mothers carry. I’m honored to gift this wreath in her honor.”

Pamela Tinoco, her daughter and the wreath to be delivered to Pamela’s mom.

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No one wants to hear “DNR.”

Unless they playing.

Doctors know the initials stand for “Do Not Resuscitate.”

Music lovers know it stands for one of Fairfield County’s favorite rock bands.

And — surprise! — nearly all the musicians are physicians.

On Saturday, June 14 (7 p.m.), they take their show to the Westport Library. It’s a fundraiser, for the Library’s great community programming.

Get your tickets ($40) here. There is also a cash bar.

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Some Staples High School sports get more recognition than others.

In the spring, baseball and lacrosse are big.

But hundreds of other athletes play a dozen other sports.

One of the most overlooked is girls water polo.

Today Ryan Allen — the sophomore whose photos and videos of a variety of subjects have impressed many “06880” readers — gives it the attention it deserves.

He stopped by the pool the other day, and created this video. Game on!

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Speaking of swimming (sort of): The Westport Country Playhouse celebrates the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” on June 2 (7 p.m.).

The classic film will be shown, along with a talk and trivia before and after with artistic director Mark Shanahan. Get your tickets ($25) here.

Not scared? Want more? A Script in Hand play reading of “The Shark Is Broken” — a witty, revealing play about the making of the film (directed by Shanahan) is set for June 9 (7 p.m.). Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m. Get tickets and more information here.

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More than 5 dozen students were inducted into 6 Language Honor Societies recently. Felicidades to:

Società Onoraria Italica (Italian): Cooper Brundige, Sofia DiLeo, Uzi Greenman, Gabriel Hellmann, Carly Mulhern, Benjamin Peterson, Isabellal Pirkl, Myla Saperstein, Riley Sklar.

Delta Epsilon Phil (German): William Enquist, Thomas Nowak, Skye Selva, Matthewe Tybur.

Zhōngwén Róngyù Xuéhuì (Chinese): Danie Arava, Lila Boroujerdi, Ben Esser, Natalia Garment, Jay Hari, Miles Khan, Olivia Morgeson, Stella Nguyen, Olivia Saw, Rebecca Schachter, Rajan Sekhar, Andreson Seo, Brooke Shaughnessy, Michael Wang, Andersen Ye, Connor Yuan.

Associatonem Ad Promovendum Studium Latinum (Latin): Tanush Arora, Annie Bowman, Catherine Campagnino, Ava Carter, Samantha Hermus, Drew Hill, Nelly Kaminski, Olivia Kuliga, Mina Leon, Dhilan Patel, Jake Shufro, Sophie Smith, Oliver Vynerib.

Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish): Isabel Alfageme, Emma Asiel, Kevin Cano, Sofia Donroe, Kate Finger, Owen Goldfarb, Abigail Kane, Christian Michaels, Sydney Minervini, Sophia Novello, Devyn Peffer, Rei Seltzer, Taylor Serotta, Isabelle Wasserman.

Société Honoraire de Français (French): Kate Bulkeley, Penelope Eisenberger, Gunnar Eklund, Andi Jacobs, Isabel Jo, Souleye Kebe, Graysen Peters, Daniella Sacchetti, Maria Stiber.

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You may not have heard of the “J vs. K Book Tour.”

But your kid sure has.

The other day, it took the Library by storm. Best-selling authors and Newbery Award winners Kwame Alexander (“The Crossover”) and Jerry Craft (“New Kid”) took over the Trefz Forum to celebrate comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.

“J vs. K” is the latest book project from Alexander and Craft. The illustrated story features 2 talented 5th graders — one a writer, the other a drawer — going head to head in a creative competition for the ages.

As part of the book launch, the writers are traveling the country in a special van, talking to elementary and middle school students.

The crowd of 300 at the Library came from Dunbar School in Bridgeport, ESL students from Central High School in Bridgeport, Marvin Elementary in Norwalk, and Wooster Middle School in Stratford.

The J vs. K Tour comes to the Library.

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The public is invited to the Westport Police Department’s promotional ceremony (May 23, 4 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

David Farrell will be sworn in as police chief. Also on stage for promotions: deputy chief David Wolf, captains Jillian Cabana and Eric Woods, and detective Rachel Hall.

Westport’s next police chief: David Farrell.

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Jack Krayson opened his pool opened on Friday.

It will be cleaned tomorrow.

In the meantime, it’s the perfect algae-ridden environment for this guy.

And his photo is the perfect image for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jack Krayson)

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And finally … Johnny Rodriguez — one of country music’s first Hispanic stars — died Friday, at 73. Here’s his obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

(Happy Mothers Day, to all who celebrate. To celebrate my late mother, or my 2 sisters who are great mothers, please support their son/brother’s blog by making a contribution here. Thank you!)

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Preserving Westport’s History, One House (And Town Hall) At A Time

Posted on May 10, 2024 | 3 comments

Last night’s Historic District Commission meeting was special.

It was the one night a year that members did not review proposed demolitions.

Instead, they celebrated buildings that have not fallen to the wrecking ball.

The HDC honored 10 that have been preserved, thoughtfully and lovingly.

Nine were residential homes. One was the very place they met: Town Hall.

The Preservation Award honorees are:

15 BRADLEY STREET

OWNER: Holly Jaffe

The Colonial Revival at 15 Bradley Street originally consisted of the gabled section that was later extended to the south, with a perpendicular garage wing.

Remaining details include the exposed purlins and second story sleeping porch, both typical of a summer cottage architecture of its period.

This lovingly preserved home has been featured in “06880,” as well as the April 2023 issue of “Connecticut Cottages & Gardens.”

Holly Jaffe, the property owner and principal of the boutique design firm Wowhaus, renovated the house in 2021. Working with local architect Jon Halper and builder Alan Dreher, they maximized the space without changing the footprint.

29 NORTH AVENUE

OWNER: Annette Norton

The Mills Farmstead has several different build dates, ranging from c. 1775 to c.1850.

However, it is believed that the house was built c.1775 by Daniel Mills, then either rebuilt or remodeled by Hezekiah Mills c. 1820.

The property remained in the Mills family for 5 generations, until it was
sold in 1982. For the next 40 years the house deteriorated.

In the spring of 2021, Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton bought the house. Her extensive interior and exterior renovation included removal of a stockade fence that hid the house from view, extensive foundation repair work, and repairs to the cedar clapboard siding, copper gutters and downspouts.

Her home was featured in last fall’s first “Historic Homes of ‘06880’” tour.

Annette Norton was honored for renovating a home that yields information important to Westport’s historic record.

60 LONG LOTS ROAD

OWNERS: Sophie and Victor Nordenson

60 Long Lots Road is a Colonial Revival house built by Daniel Burr in 1767. It was originally located at 71 Long Lots Road, and moved to its current site between 1848 and 1851.

Greens Farms Church records indicate the congregation met in this house after their meeting house was burned down by General William Tryon’s troops in his 1779 raid on Connecticut.

This house was constructed as a 5-bay, central chimney Colonial. It is unclear if the central chimney was replaced with twin stacks during the relocation, or if this occurred later.

The home was renovated in the Colonial Revival mode with 6-over-6 windows, and a leaded transom over the central entrance.

Sophie and Victor Nordenson acquired the house in 2019, and have kept it safe.

61 clapboard hill road

OWNER: 61 Clapboard Hill Road LLC

McCune House is one of the finest examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture in Westport.

Despite being renovated recently, it remains a well-proportioned, textured stucco structure that is casually arranged to suggest the vernacular building traditions of Spain and Italy.

The house’s significant features include steel casement windows, a tile roof, a projecting arched porch and shallow balconette with iron grill.

Built by William McCune c. 1920 on the frontage of an 8-acre parcel, it was a seasonal home for his son and daughter-in-law, William and Edgarda Rowe.

After William’s untimely death, Edgarda married Thomas Coggeshall. They lived in a larger house on Turkey Hill Road, and used this as a rental property.

67 LONG LOTS ROAD

OWNERS: Elaine and Andrew Rankowitz

In 1851, after the Daniel Burr House at 60 Long Lots Road was relocated, this impressive Italianate dwelling was built for William Burr, Sr.

The house passed through the family to his son William, Jr., and then to grandson Morris who owned it into the 1960s.

One of the first Italianate homes in Westport, this 5-bay, 2 1/2-story house has a hip-roof that appears slightly more pronounced today than originally intended as the full-façade veranda was reduced in length.

Some of the splendid exterior details, including coupled brackets under the
overhanging eaves and 6-light frieze windows, are hallmarks of Italianate design.

It was purchased by Elaine and Andrew Rankowitz almost 30 years ago. The 2024 Preservation Award commemorates their caregiving.

83 LONG LOTS rOAD

OWNERS: Elizabeth and Andrew Crossfield

This was built in 1830 by Greens Farms Church minister Reverend Thomas F. Davis, on land purchased from John Hyde. Davis was an owner of the academy on Morningside Road North purchased from Ebenezer Adams, whic became known as Adams Academy.

The Peffers-Everly House has been enlarged, and reworked in the Colonial Revival style.

Its original form was a 3-bay, side-hall plan, Federal building with a Grecian
frontispiece. In the 1930s it was extended on both sides, and the cross gable, lunette window, Doric cornices and a flat-roofed solarium with a Chinese trellis
balustrade were added.

While these additions are not necessarily period appropriate, they represent the fine revival craftsmanship that transformed many of Westport’s early houses
into gracious country estates.

The Preservation Award was given to the Crossfields to commemorate their continued guardianship of this gracious home.

90 hillandale road

OWNERS: Abby Majlak and John Vine.

The Patrick O’Connor House is named for the man who acquired a 2-acre parcel east of Muddy Brook in the 1880s.

He built this house with a vertical, gable-front orientation with deep
overhanging eaves, typical of late 19th-century vernacular Victorian design. The original building had a wraparound porch running along its front and side elevations.

The house was completely renovated in 2021 by previous property owner Kim Walin, utilizing the services of Leonard + Lees Design. It was featured in the April 2023 issue of “Connecticut Cottages and Gardens.”

Abby Majlak and John Vine purchased the house in 2022. A 2024 Preservation Award was given to honor their continued stewardship.

100 HILLSPOINT ROAD

OWNERS: Carolyn and Joseph Wilkinson

100 Hillspoint Road is a Colonial Revival structure built in 1920.

It is a rectangular plan building with a gable roof main block. The symmetrical 5-bay façade has a center entrance set beneath a projecting, pedimented portico supported by classical columns.

Fenestration consists of 2-over-2 double-hung sash windows. A central brick chimney and gable dormers interrupt the asphalt shingled roof.

Carolyn and Joseph Wilkinson have lovingly cared for this home for over 20 years. They receive a 2024 Preservation Award for excellence in ongoing
care and maintenance.

110 MYRTLE AVENUE

OWNER: Town of Westport

The neo-Classical building at 110 Myrtle Avenue serves as Westport’s Town Hall.

It was built as a school in 1927 with the help of local philanthropist Edward T. Bedford. Bedford Elementary School educated many generations of children until 1978, when it was converted to Town
Hall.

The 2024 Preservation Award commemorates the recently completed façade
restoration project of the portico and columns.

The building’s central street facing elevation consists of a porch with 6 2-story fluted Corinthian columns, supporting a classical gabled portico. A flight of stairs provides access from the driveway to the raised porch.

The entire assembly is the focal point for the overall symmetrical composition of the façade, and presents an impressive and serious “face” to Westport Town Hall.

In 2020, though the portico was in good structural condition, evidence of some
surface deterioration and missing details were noted. An assessment was prepared by the Architectural Preservation Studio under the supervision of John Broadbin, deputy director of the Department of Public
Works, and former HDC historic preservation specialist Dr. Daryn Reyman-Lock.

Work began in 2023. The project included coating removal and repairs to the wood columns, pediment, ceiling and trip. The concrete porch, steps and metal railings were also repaired and repainted. Finally, the original bronze and glass bulletin board wasrestored to its original appearance.

136 riverside avenue

OWNER: Town of Westport

Riverside Avenue (the Post-Goodsell House) was built in the Queen Anne style by John Croker.

The building’s name is a combination of 2 property owners; Robert Post, who
occupied the house from 1896 to 1921, and Elizabeth Goodsell, who lived there from 1921 until 1958.

In 1998, the town of Westport purchased the property, adjacent to Saugatuck Elementary School. For the next 17 years it was used as office space for the Westport Public Schools.

This property is now leased to Abilis, a non-profit that has served the special needs community since 1951.

Under an agreement with the developers of the Mill Westport condominium complex, the building has been converted to 5 independent living units. Three are deed-restricted for disabled people earning 60 percent or less of the state median income.

The other 2 units are for individuals earning less 40 percent or less of the state median income.

This project is an excellent example of adaptive reuse. The asymmetrically massed house retains its bold roof silhouette — an excellent example of the rich, varied picturesque mode that dominate the late 19th century.

The wown of Westport receives a 2024 Preservation Award for adaptive reuse.

(The Historic District Commission thanked 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, former HDC chair Bill Harris, former HDC member Bob Weingarten, and HDC administrator Donna Douglass. The HDC chair is Grayson Braun; vice chair is Scott Springer; clerk is Wendy Van Wie; members are Bill Ryan and Martha Eidman, and alternates are Ben Levites, Arthur Hayes and Elayne Landau.)

(Every day, “06880” covers Westport current events. We always look to the future — and honor the past. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Photo Challenge #467

Posted on December 10, 2023 | 4 comments

All you need is love!

That’s the message of everyone from Jesus Christ to the Beatles. Annette Norton — owner of 29 North Avenue — passes it along too, in the form of a sign on the barn on her property just south of Staples High School.

It was last week’s warm and welcome Photo Challenge. Click here to see.

Annette has already earned great praise for her loving renovation of her small but handsome 1700s home. Her next project: the nearby barn.

We all hope her timeless sign stays. Knowing Annette, there’s no doubt it will.

Congratulations to Janine Scotti, Andrew Colabella, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Arthur Hayes, Beth Berkowitz, Kate Caputo Squyres, Ann B. Neary, Ed Simek and Jo Shields.

All pass by Annette’s property often. (Jo used to live there.) All knew that the sign can be found there.

Now everyone else can look for — and admire — it too.

Meanwhile: Who knows where this week’s Photo Challenge can be found?

If you know, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Peter Gold)

(As wise owls and Westporters know: “06880” is free. But we rely on support from readers like you to keep going. Please click here to contribute your share. Thank you!)

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“Historic Homes Of 06880” Tour Set For Sunday

Posted on November 1, 2023 | 2 comments

A few tickets remain for our first-ever “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.

This Sunday’s event (November 5, 2 to 5 p.m.) is a chance to see 4 homes — all from the 1700s — that have been featured in our blog.

“06880” often reports on teardowns, new construction, and the loss of beloved landmarks.

But Sunday’s tour highlights the meticulous, loving, creative — and handsome — work that Westporters do to renovate, restore and reimagine homes that have stood for centuries.

All are on main roads. (No surprise: That’s where people built houses, back in the day.)

You’ve driven by all of them. Now you’ll get a chance to admire them from the inside.

There’s 29 North Avenue — the tiny house on the left heading north toward Staples High School. Annette Norton (the owner of Savvy + Grace) has spent 2 years on her top-to-bottom, inside-and-out renovation.

It draws appreciative looks from all who pass by (and was chronicled last spring on “06880”).

29 North Avenue

When the Angotti family bought the he 1707 Nathaniel Finch house at 6 Old Hill Road, it was sagging and dilapidated.

Rather than tearing it down, they embarked on a 2-year restoration project using authentic building material methods, without a single nail or screw. It is now one of the gems of the historic Old Hill neighborhood, a shining example that the past remains alive, more than 3 centuries later.

6 Old Hill Road

The home at 39 Cross Highway, near the corner of Weston Road, is much admired, very visible and extensively remodeled.

The homeowners’ work was recently rewarded with a Historic District Commission Preservation Award.

39 Cross Highway

Further east, 190 Cross Highway is a barn that stood when the British marched by on their way to Danbury. Today, it has been remodeled into a funky, very cool working artists’ studio.

190 Cross Highway barn

“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.

Homeowners, members of “06880”‘s board of directors, and our friends and co-sponsors at KMS Team at Compass will point out cool aspects of each home. We’ll answer questions. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too..”

Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.

Click here for tickets. It’s our “Donate” page. Please note “Historic Homes of ‘06880’” with your order.

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New Addition To “Historic Homes Of 06880” Tour

Posted on October 10, 2023 | Comments Off on New Addition To “Historic Homes Of 06880” Tour

There’s new news about next month’s tour of some of Westport’s oldest homes.

The Nathaniel Fitch house has just been added to “Historic Homes of 06880.” The first-ever “06880”-sponsored event is Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.).

The 1707 Finch house at 6 Old Hill Road replaces the the 1683 house on Long Lots Road, now unavailable. When the Angotti family bought it in 1996 — nearly 300 years later — it was sagging and dilapidated.

Rather than tearing it down, they embarked on a 2-year restoration project using authentic building material methods, without a single nail or screw.

6 Old Hill Road

The other 3 properties on the tour are equally interesting, each in a different, special way.

There’s 29 North Avenue — the tiny house on the left heading north toward Staples High School, now lovingly renovated by Annette Norton, drawing appreciative looks from all who pass by (and chronicled last spring on “06880”).

29 North Avenue

Two other homes are close by, on Cross Highway. #39 is the much admired, very visible and extensively remodeled home near the corner of Weston Road that recently won a Historic District Commission Preservation Award.

39 Cross Highway

Further up Cross Highway is a barn that stood when the British marched by on their way to Danbury, and is now a handsome/funky/very cool artists’ studio.

Cross Highway barn

“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods by giving new life to old properties.

“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.

Homeowners, and members of “06880”‘s board of directors, will point out cool aspects of each home. We’ll answer questions. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass are sponsoring the “Historic Homes of ‘06880’ tour.”

Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.

Click here for tickets. It’s our “Donate” page. Please note “Historic Homes of ‘06880’” with your order.

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“Historic Homes Of ‘06880’” House Tour Set For November 5

Posted on September 18, 2023 | 2 comments

Have you ever wanted to peek inside 29 North Avenue — the tiny house on the left heading north toward Staples High School, now lovingly renovated by Annette Norton (and chronicled last spring on “06880”)?

29 North Avenue

What about the oldest house in Westport — built around 1683 on what is now Long Lots Road, and the only pre-1700s structure still in town?

The oldest home in Westport. (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)

Maybe a tour of 39 Cross Highway, the extensively remodeled home near the corner of Weston Road that recently won a Historic District Commission Preservation Award?

39 Cross Highway

Or — further up Cross Highway — a barn that stood when the British marched by on their way to Danbury, and is now a handsome/funky/very cool artists’ studio?

Cross Highway barn.

This fall, you can see all of them.

In one day.

The 4 unique properties are part of “06880”‘s first-ever “Historic Homes Tour.” The event — Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.) — is a perfect event for our hyper-local blog.

“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods by giving new life to old properties.

“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.

Homeowners, and members of “06880”‘s board of directors, will point out cool aspects of each home. We’ll answer questions. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass are sponsoring the “Historic Homes of ‘06880’ tour.”

Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.

Click here for tickets. It’s our “Donate” page. Please note “Historic Homes of ‘06880’” with your order.’

Questions? Email 06880blog@gmail.com.

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29 North Avenue: The 2nd Story [Photos Added]

Posted on March 21, 2023 | 15 comments

29 North Avenue — the charming saltbox home featured in Monday’s “06880” — has a long history.

Jacques Voris — whose roots in Westport go back to at least the 1700s — knows that home, and the surrounding area, intimately. He writes:

I am grateful that Annette Norton chose to restore the house, rather than turn it into yet another generic, soulless, overly large one.

29 North Avenue, today.

In Monday’s article I am quoted as a background, using words I have said over the years. I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify and update some of that information.

I know that for many people this story is meaningless. The people discussed are long dead, and in the grand scheme of history had little impact. However, I find it to be a remarkably human story that gives a sense, a taste, of what life was like in bygone days.

My family has always called it “The Squatter’s House,” because it was said that when it was built they squatted on the land without title. That is why it is so close to the road: It was built in the right of way, a gray area where no one had clear ownership of the land.

The situation was normalized later, in a land swap with the town. Alas, while it is a juicy story, we have little in the way of proof.

The first house on the plot of land was probably built around 1780 by Daniel Mills. He was born in Stamford in 1748. When the situation at Lexington and Concord drew militia from all over New England, Daniel and his brothers marched off with their neighbors.

He seems to have given perfectly good service in his time under arms. But his views later changed, to that of a Loyalist. He and his brother Ezra were tarred and feathered in Dutchess County, New York.

Daniel’s other brother John moved to Canada after the war, so strong were his Loyalist views.

What changed? We don’t know. I have long had a feeling that the death of his uncle Beebe fighting the French and Native American allies around Fort Edward played a factor. Defending your rights “as an Englishman” is one thing, but allying with the hated French is another.

In any regard, after the incident in Dutchess County Daniel moved to Greens Farms, where some cousins lived. They were children of Beebe, as well as his uncle Robert Mills, and the descendants of his great-grandfather Aaron Fountain.

Hezekiah Mills, Daniel’s son, next owned the house. Kiah was veteran of the War of 1812, and a blacksmith. His shop was further up the street, about where 59 North Avenue is now.

He married Charity Mills, his second cousin once removed. She was the daughter of John Mills and Eunice Frazier. John was Kiah’s second cousin, being the son of Ebenezer Mills.

It is likely Kiah and Charity remodeled the house about 1830 into something close to its present form. An architectural review of the house done some years ago noted elements that were consistent with the 1830 date, but also cited tool marks on timbers that would be from earlier.

Undated photo of 29 North Avenue. The barn is in the background.

I have little troubling seeing my frugal Yankee kin reusing much of the material when rebuilding the house.

An undated hand-drawn map of the North Avenue neighborhood. #29 is on the left side, labeled “House.”

The stories of Native Americans visiting the house referred not to random passersby, but allegedly were kinfolk to Charity. That we have such ancestry is a longstanding story in our family, but I can find no documentation to bear it out.

Their son, William Henry Mills, next owned the house. When he marched off to fight in the Civil War with Company C of the 28th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry he left 9 children in the care of his wife Betsey Ann Batterson.

While she raised the children, tended the farm and was midwife to the neighborhood, she was not alone. There were many kinfolk around her. She was also a good churchgoing woman, who sat in the front pew in the east center of the Greens Farms Church.

This undated story from the Fairfield News notes the Mills family’s pew at the Green’s Farms Church. Horace Staples sat in the first pew. Other notable names include Burr, Jennings, Bradley, Wakeman, Taylor, Jesup, Sherwood, Hyde, Meeker, Hull and Bedford.

Then the house was owned by Henry Eldridge “Hen” Mills, the last large-scale onion farmer in Westport according to his obituary.

Henry Mills, 1936.

His son Elmer owned the house next. He is the source of much lore about the house. Elmer seems to have been interested in a good story more than good history.

He was a colorful person. Shakespearean actor, manservant to powerful people, he had style and panache among a family of dour Yankees. Elmer was the last person surnamed Mills to own the house.

The story doesn’t quite end there though. Elmer sold the house to James Edward “Jimmy” Godfrey, his cousin. Jimmy was the son of Eugene Godfrey and Julia Mills. He added indoor plumbing to the house in the 1950s.

Julia Mills was the daughter of William Henry Mills and sister to Hen Mills. People today still recall his daughter Elizabeth “Betty” Godfrey, known as “Nurse Betty.”

Henry Mills and family.

So Annette, there is a story about your house. It’s probably more than you will ever care to know.

You are now the trustee of a legacy of a family, a history that has deep roots in Westport. May you and yours add another long chapter to this history.

William Mills

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29 North Avenue: Big Story Behind Small House Rehab

Posted on March 20, 2023 | 23 comments

Westport is known for big — okay, gargantuan — homes.

But one of the smallest is also one of our most beloved.

#29 North Avenue — the tiny saltbox just south of Staples High School, which juts almost into the sidewalk — has long been an object of admiration (and curiosity).

29 North Avenue, in 2014.

There’s some dispute about its history. It dates, in some form, to the 1770s.

Jacques Voris — a descendant of the area’s famous Mills family — says it was built by Revolutionary War veteran John Mills (1760-1829) for his daughter Charity and her new husband Hezekiah Mills (a cousin).

Charity Mills — who lived to be over 100 — had 13 children, “all born in that Mills homestead” on what was then called Eleven O’clock Highway.

Jacques’ research shows it was constructed in the right of way — without title to land. In fact, John seemed to have no claim to the spot whatsoever. Nevertheless, he set up a blacksmith shop for his daughter and son-in-law.

In 1950, a local newspaper described it as built before the Revolutionary War. It featured a huge chimney; “Indians” sometimes seated themselves before the fireplace.

Other sources say the house was built in the 1830s, using beams from the original kitchen of a previous dwelling on the site.

At any rate: It’s old. And in recent years it was vacant, mouse-infested and deteriorating.

An investment group bought it, in foreclosure. When they listed it for sale (at the lowest price of any property in town), potential buyers lined up. All wanted to tear it down and build a new home — just like the ones behind it on Greystone Farms Road, which in the 1990s replaced the orchards and fields behind it.

Never mind that #29 North Avenue stood on a small, awkward piece of land that would make rebuilding difficult and costly (and require numerous zoning variances).

The barn at 29 North Avenue. (Photo/Michelle Perillie)

Annette Norton — who’d grown up in Fairfield, always loved Main Street, and after opening the funky, eclectic Savvy + Grace helped revitalize downtown — had other ideas.

She saw promise in the 930-square foot house. Despite dark rooms, a cramped kitchen and ugly 1970s tiles, she loved its charm.

And she knew it had potential.

As the pandemic raged — and her store remained closed — Annette bought the house.

Most contractors were slammed with work, on much bigger projects. She found Javier Pasato, who shared her passion.

“It was disgusting,” Annette says of the condition of the house. Mice feces dropped from the ceiling. There was termite damage throughout. Even the insulation was gone.

Together, they embarked on a year-long, top-to-bottom renovation/ rehabilitation project.

29 North Avenue, today.

They’re not architects or interior designers — but you wouldn’t know it from their work.

They refinished the floors, retiled the kitchen, opened up a skylight to the second floor, combined 2 closets to make a new bathroom, and used lighter paint (and new windows on the door) to brighten the interior.

The 2 bathrooms blend old and new.

They removed sheetrock, exposing original beams. Annette found a historic fireplace mantel in Bozrah. She and her daughter Chloe drove there; Javier then installed it, replacing bricks installed by a previous owner.

Fireplace before (left) and after. Note the narrow staircase, and refinished floors.

They repaired the cedar roof, replaced the siding, fixed the pipes, added central air conditioning, and installed energy-efficient windows.

The kitchen is small. But with restored tiles, a skylight and a serving island, it works well.

Every inch of the small house makes sense. A reading nook hides the air conditioning unit; hooks on the wall work in place of a coat closet.

From hooks to storage under drawers, Annette Norton takes advantage of every available inch. Original beams and white paint give the small, historic space a bright look.

Outside, the stone wall dating back to the original Mills masons was rebuilt. (Annette constructed a new one nearby too — herself — using leftover stones.) There are new entertainment areas outside in back and front, with heat lamps.

Everyone driving by — and that means everyone in Westport — notices all the changes. That’s because the exterior is painted a welcoming white, and Annette removed the imposing, deteriorating fence that half-hid the house.

She moved in in August. “I understand why people like tiny homes,” she says. “My life is so much easier. When I lived in a 3,000-square foot Colonial, I spent every weekend cleaning. Now it’s just an hour.”

The barn is Annette Norton’s next renovation project.

She’s not the only one who loves her house. A constant stream of passersby — drivers, joggers, walkers — thank her.

“Great colors!” one person said. “It looks so bright!”

“It’s beautiful. Such charm!” another added.

Some people even knock on her door. That’s a bit intrusive.

New front door, with entertainment area.

Annette has given everyone who lives or drives on North Avenue a gift. But it hasn’t been easy. Along the way, she doubted what she was doing.

Annette had similar thoughts when she opened Savvy + Grace. That space too had needed plenty of work.

One day, a sparrow flew into the store. It took a while to shoo it out. Someone who watched it happen told Annette that sparrows — though tiny — have survived a long time, against larger birds of prey.

“When you see one, it reminds you that even if you feel small, you’ll make it,” the woman said.

In the midst of both COVID and renovation, a sparrow flew into #29 North Avenue. That was a sign, Annette thought, that eventually everything would be okay.

Soon, she found a small wooden sparrow. Javier installed it at the top of her bannister. Every day, it reminds Annette that despite whatever else is happening — with both her store and her home — her life will work out fine.

(At “06880,” we keep our eye on every part of town. To help us do it, please consider a contribution. Click here — and thank you.) 

The sparrow, at the top of the stairs. (All photos courtesy of Annette Norton)

 

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