Robert Augustyn is an antique map dealer. He buys and sells items from all over the world. But as a longtime Westporter, he has a soft spot for anything with a local connection.
He recently found a great one: a business directory from 1854. He believes it once hung at the Westport train station.
It is the only known example from nearly 170 years ago. Westport as a separate community was not yet 20 years old. The train station was new too.
Even Gault — our oldest continuing company, by far — would not set up operations for another 9 years, around the corner.
Click on or hover over to enlarge.
It’s not easy to read (though the misspelling of the very important word “Bussiness” jumps out quite noticeably).
But what I wouldn’t give to go back in time and learn more about
- Parkis, Vincent & Hinman Shipbuilders (“Repairing done on most favorable terms”)
- Dr. B. St. John (“surgeon and mechanical dentist … Persons waited upon at their residences for examination and short operations if desired”)
- J. W. Hill merchant tailor (“Clothes cut in the latest style”)
- The Metropolitan Oyster & Dining Saloon (whose oysters could be “promptly shipped to any part of the country”)
- The Saugatuck Hill Seminary for Young Ladies.
Click here for a full description, or to purchase for $6,500.
The price probably sounds better in 1854 dollars.
