Longtime Westporter and former town operations director Dewey Loselle nominates this week’s Unsung Heroes. It’s especially timely, during this holiday shopping season. He writes:
Three women have run the Westport Woman’s Club Curio Cottage thrift shop tirelessly for years: Susan Murphy, Carol Brezovec and Susan Loselle.
They are publicity-shy — they only care about the shop and its wares. But they (and it) deserve a wide audience.
The Curio Cottage trio (from left): Susan Murphy, Carol Brezovec and Susan Loselle, with Susan Loselle’s grandson Owen.
The Curio Cottage has been around for 25 years, next to the Woman’s Club at 44 Imperial Avenue. It’s a major fundraising source for the Woman’s Club (after the Yankee Doodle Fair, held on its grounds).
All funds raised by the Cottage support the Westport Woman’s Club‘s many philanthropic endeavors.
(Each year, the non-profit WWC gives grants to various organizations in the area. It also runs a food pantry, and provides the Department of Human Services with grocery store gift cards for people in need. It also provides annual college scholarships to Westport students in financial need.)
The Curio Cottage looks small. But wait till you see what’s inside.
The Curio Cottage is the oldest and best-kept “secret store” in Westport. It is not a typical thrift shop (don’t think Salvation Army/Goodwill-type store, or a profit-making consignment shop).
All goods are donated, from some of Westport’s finest homes. The 2 Susans and Carol are very discerning in what they accept for sale.
Everything must be high quality, and in good condition and interesting. There is no room for junk.
Curio Cottage shoppers never know what they will find, among the jewelry, antiques, art, crystal, collectibles and one-of-a-kind items.
Items galore, at the Curio Cottage store.
Inventory constantly changes. The Curio Cottage wants to move merchandise quickly, so all items are at bargain prices.
Dealers, resellers, collectors and those in the know come every week. Some are lined up when it opens, buying for their businesses, collections and homes.
This is a busy time for the Curio Cottage. It’s packed with decorations, tree ornaments and Hanukkah items. And everything Christmas-oriented is half price.
NOTE: The shop is only open on Thursdays and Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here for more information. It’s worth a visit!
Yes! Stop in to shop — and to congratulate Susan Murphy, Carol Brezovec and Susan Loselle: our Unsung Heroes of the week.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
