As Westport prepares for the holiday season, merchants urge: “Please shop local! Choose us over the internet!”
it’s not the first time they’ve made that request.
Nearly 80 years ago — in 1947 — illustrator Howard Munce drew this map of Main Street and State Street (Post Road) retailers.
It was headlined: “Shop Westport First.”
It’s hard to see all the stores. I’m not sure if any of them are still here.
But you get the idea. They’ll last a lot longer if we give them our business.
(Image courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
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It was owned by “the Crawford boys.” They lived on the property that is now Longshore Club Park.
Here, they’re motoring west on the Post Road (State Street). They pass what are now the Taylor Place shops (South Moon Under), headed toward the precursor of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
The horse and wagon ahead is about to be overtaken — literally and figuratively.
While Westporters will be watching TV to see if their favorite teams make the NFL playoffs this weekend, 50 years ago the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins clinched their spot in Super Bowl VIII.
A favored drinking spot to watch games was Ye Olde Bridge Grille, just over the Post Road bridge on the way to Norwalk, next to National Hall (it was then Fairfield Furniture).
The year after Connecticut dropped its drinking age from 21 to 18 — to match New York’s — that was a safer alternative than Port Chester or Vista.
“The Bridge” was the “Cheers” of Westport — a place “where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”
The Bridge was also a mecca for the soccer community. Owner Dave Reynolds sponsored many state championship-winning Under-23 teams.
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Wendy Crowther helped create the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, at the site of the old Allen’s Clam House. She thought she knew everything about that amazing area.
But the other day on Google Maps, she saw a reference to “Chiller Island.”
That’s the tiny spit of land — not an island at all — near the tidal gates leading out to Compo Cove. There were once 3 small homes there. One was destroyed by a 1950s storm. The other 2 were demolished a few years ago, after being damaged beyond repair in another storm.
The area is now a pocket park. Should we call it Chiller Island Park?
If so, we’d need some history. If you know where the name came from — and when and why it fell out of use — click “Comments” below.
Christmas tree at the pocket park on “Chiller Island.” (Photo/Amy Schneider)
Of course, that’s not the only throwback name Google Maps uses in Westport. Some sections of the Post Road are still called “State Street.”
That was changed in the 1970s. Right around the time Sergey Brin and Larry Page — the founders of Google — were born.
The Westport Library is slowly reopening. Hours are still limited, and restrictions apply.
The Library’s digital services, meanwhile, are available to cardholders 24/7/365.
Popular books, magazines, audiobooks, music and movies — it’s all there.
You don’t have to be a technical wizard to access it. Staff members can help, with everything from setting up accounts to choosing and selecting materials.
Click here for details. And don’t overlook the little blue “Help” button on the bottom right.
Do you have a question for Senator Blumenthal? Go to Instagram, and DM @DaveBriggsTV.
Westporter Dave Briggs — former CNN, NBC Sports and Fox News anchor — interviews him on IG Live at 4:30 p.m. today (Tuesday).
You can catch the conversation @GreenwichMag.
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Snow has canceled several Red Cross blood drives. The pandemic has made collections even slower.
There are several drives upcoming. Appointments can be made on the Red Cross blood donor smartphone app, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 800-733-2767.
Click here for a full list of sites. Among the local drives:
FAIRFIELD
Feb. 23 (today): 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Scandinavian Club, 1351 South Pine Creek Road
March 3: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Scandinavian Club, 1351 South Pine Creek Road
March 8: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Black Rock Church, 3685 Black Rock Turnpike
March 8: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Black Rock Church, 3685 Black Rock Turnpike
NORWALK
Feb. 23: 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., St. Philip’s Church, 25 France St.
March 3: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., St. Philip’s Church, 25 France St.
March 12: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., United Church of Rowayton, 210 Rowayton Ave.
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