Tag Archives: Clam Box restaurant

Friday Flashback #297

Last week’s Friday Flashback featured one of Westport’s favorite long-time restaurants: Allen’s Clam House.

Readers flooded the Comments section with memories.

Another seafood spot — The Clam Box — was not as long-lived as Allen’s. (Not much else was, either.)

It wasn’t on the water. But its Post Road location, near what eventually became the Sherwood Island Connector near I-95 (“Connecticut Turnpike”) Exit 18 made it a popular spot to meet and eat. Owner Steve Zakos was the well-known host.

 

It was also a popular spot for local politicians. For years they met in the upstairs dining room, and hammered out deals. They may or may not have had the blinds drawn, but this was way before the days of “sunshine laws.”

The Clam Box burned down, was rebuilt, and eventually became Tanglewoods and then Bertucci’s. Now the big space at the foot of Long Lots Road has been divided. It houses Ignazio’s Pizza, Shearwater Coffee, and One River Art + Design.

But before all that, the spot looked like this:

Yep — that’s the building that eventually became the Clam Box, on the right. A hay truck trundles up the Post Road, toward Roseville Road.

Thanks to Bob Grant, who posted this photo on Facebook. And thanks to all the “06880” readers, who will now post Clam Box memories on the Comments page.

Photo Challenge #148

You’d think a plaque honoring all of Westport’s veterans — “living or dead” — would be located in a prominent spot. Veterans Green, probably. The VFW, perhaps.

You’d also think that because it was dedicated in 1975, plenty of people would remember where it was.

You’d be wrong.

Jack Whittle and Deej Webb were the only “06880” readers who knew where last week’s photo challenge can be found. (Click here for the image, and all comments.)

It’s not what our veterans deserve. The plaque is at the old Bertucci’s (and older: Clam Box) property, near where a memorial flagpole once stood.

There’s a reason it’s there, and it has nothing to do with clams or pizza. For several decades, a Doughboy statue once graced the median, between the restaurant and Torno Hardware.

It was relocated probably 20-25 years ago to Veterans Green (though it was not called that then). It’s certainly a more appropriate spot — across from Town Hall, next to the Westport Historical Society.

Also appropriately, I’m honored to pass along alert (and patriotic) “06880” reader Adam Vengrow’s reminder:

Veteran’s Day is Saturday, November 11. Westport’s Town Hall ceremony is always inspiring — but  lightly attended. Consider going (10:30 a.m.). School’s not in session that day, so bring the kids too. It’s a great way — besides a plaque — to honor our veterans.

Now here’s this week’s photo challenge. If you think you know where in Westport it is, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)