Tag Archives: National Hall

National Hall Fire Snarls Downtown

The Westport Fire Department says:

At approximately 3:50 p.m. today. the Department received calls reporting a building fire at 2 Post Rd West (National Hall).

Arriving units reported heavy smoke from the roof of the 3-story building. Firefighters searched all floors to ensure everyone had evacuated safely.

Crews searched the top floor and attic space for fire. Westport Truck 1 went to the roof and searched for fire in the heavy smoke. Fire was discovered under the roof sheathing, and was extinguished after access was made by crews on the roof and top floor.

The scene on Post Road West.

Norwalk Truck 2 assisted with roof operations, while Wilton Engine 1 provided manpower on scene. Roadways were shut down in the vicinity of the fire on Wilton and Post Roads for the duration of the operation.

Crews from Fairfield and Weston Fire Departments provided station coverage. One firefighter was treated on scene for minor injuries.

Cause of the fire is under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s Office.

Firefighters on the National Hall roof. (Photos courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

 

Pics Of The Day #1568

National Hall, from the Saugatuck River west bank promenade … (Photo/Susan Leone)

…. plus this bonus photo of tonight’s Compo Beach sunset, submitted moments ago … (Photo/Carlos Garcia)

… and over Owenoke … (Photo/Jonathan Prager)

… ditto, Sherwood Mill Pond (Photo/Matt Murray)

Pic Of The Day #1468

National Hall, Wright Street building and more (Photo/Michael Chait)

Pic Of The Day #1374

Downtown at dusk (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Friday Flashback #210

Over the years I’ve seen tons of photos of the Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road intersection, looking down and east from the Post Road hill.

But until I spotted this one — courtesy of Kathleen Kiska and Michael Tedesco — I’d never seen a view quite like this.

The wide, sharp shot — from 1914 — seems to capture turn-of-the-last-century Westport. A thriving business district existed right alongside residential neighborhoods. The little kid riding a bicycle looks straight out of Norman Rockwell.

But who was in charge of the roads? They look in even worse shape than they are today.

Pic Of The Day #1212

Saugatuck River, National Hall and the west bank – a few days before isaias. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography;

Click here to order a print.

Pic Of The Day #1087

Early morning scene: Saugatuck River, Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge and the West Bank (Photo/Lucy Zeko)

Pics Of The Day #1044

Downtown Westport, courtesy of Brandon Malin’s drone:

National Hall, and the west bank of the Saugatuck River

Downtown

Bedford Square

Westport Library

Town Hall (Drone photos/Brandon Malin)

Friday Flashback #171

Last week’s Friday Flashback — an aerial view of downtown from the 1930s — drew a number of comments.

Readers noted the old Saugatuck River bridge, and wondered if vessels passed beneath it. They talked about the importance of maritime commerce to the growth of downtown, and mentioned the majesty of National Hall.

And they commented on the trolleys that once rolled along the Post Road.

The photo inspired alert “06880” reader Chip Stephens to send along this painting.

For many years, it hung in Dr. Peter Ferrara’s dental office here.

Drawn by Al Willmott — a noted illustrator in the late 20th century — it shows a Westport from decades earlier.

It’s all there: National Hall. The bridge. A merchant ship.

And — my favorite — the trolley.

Friday Flashback #170

This aerial fascinating photo of downtown Westport in the 1930s was posted to Facebook by Bill Stanton.

The view is toward the east (top).

Among the intriguing sights:

  • At the bottom is National Hall. Just to its north sits a substantial-looking building that must have been torn down long ago. Today it’s the site of Bartaco.
  • The bridge across the Saugatuck River is much narrower than the current span. The river itself is wider than at present. Parker Harding Plaza has not yet been built. Water laps up against the back of buildings on the west side of Main Street.
  • The Westport Public Library (now a pop-up art gallery, at 1 Main Street) is the large building just to the left of the eastern end of the bridge.
  • Look closely (top center). You can see the gas station that is now Vineyard Vines.

What else do you notice? Click “Comments” below.