A recent post highlighting one former Westporter’s disillusionment with what his former hometown lit a (predictable) fire in the “06880” comments section.
In response, someone who grew up here in the 1960s — then returned to Westport 10 years ago to live — offered these thoughts on positive changes in over the decades.
For example:
Staples. “What a magnificent facility this is now,” the writer says. “It reminds me of a modern college complex. And while going to classes back in the ’60s via outdoor walkways was great on beautiful fall and spring days, it was a pain in the neck in the winter and during downpours.
The fieldhouse and pool, the returnee adds, represent much-improved athletic facilities. They’re used often, by people of all ages.
The Staples High School of yesteryear looked nothing like this.
Levitt Pavilion. “We had nothing like this growing up. A true cultural and entertainment jewel.”
Toquet Hall. “There was no teen center when we grew up,” the “06880” reader notes.
Senior Center. “Was there anything like this back in the day?” No way.
Library. The writer says there is “absolutely no comparison between the old cramped Post Road building and the current location. Besides the far greater offering of books and periodicals, the present-day library is much more of a community center in so many ways. The hours are also much more extensive now.”
The Library looks a lot different from its previous, cramped quarters.
Speaking of hours, stores are open far longer than in the past. This is a function of the repeal of Connecticut’s blue laws, but it’s a change for the better, the reader says.
Restaurants offer a “much greater choice today (and I’m sure most people would add, a great choice of high quality).”
Longshore, including the building housing the tennis pro shop, lockers and food concession, is “a beautifully designed gateway to that section of the club, far superior to the prior run-down building.” Much of the rest of Longshore — the pool, inn, golf course and marina — is also vastly improved.
The person who responded served up this challenge: “If you’ve got a Westport connection going back at least 20 years, what else is better now?”
I’ll start it off: We never had local blogs 🙂
To add your own thoughts, click the “Comments” link.
