Posted on April 21, 2016 by Jenny ONeill
Where did they build these ships? There appears to be very little documented evidence of exactly where early boat building took place, it is easy to surmise that many locations along the inland waterways around Westport were extremely well-suited to the building and launching of virtually any sea-going vessel. Head of Westport On either side […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 21, 2016 by Jenny ONeill
Dartmouth and Westport Electric Railroad, a passenger line that connected the commercial cities of Fall River and New Bedford, with an important stop at Westport Factory and Lincoln Park. Etta Allen Palmer: “I could drive my horse up to Route 6, and then get on the trolley and take it to Fall River, and then […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 21, 2016 by Jenny ONeill
Hi-Way Casino, Route 6 Westport, one of Westport’s more glamorous nightclubs of the 1930s-50s. Located between Fall River and New Bedford. Largest night club in new England. Seating 1200 people with private banquet hall. Known for fine floor shows. Owned and operated by Henry O. Gaudreau. Among the many popular jazz bands that played the […]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 30, 2015 by Jenny ONeill
By Tony Connors Most sources describing Westport’s split from Dartmouth say something like: “In 1787 Westport separated from Dartmouth and was incorporated as an independent town.” That’s it! But we know that it must have been more difficult than that. Separations are always contentious, involving negotiations, accusations, winners and losers. While this makes the story […]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 15, 2015 by Jenny ONeill
The class of 1943 graduated in the midst of the Second World War. Their yearbook tackled themes such as “The Home Front”, rationing, and the farm labor emergency. The Westport Historical Society is fortunate to have a collection of mimeographed letters written to their teacher Catherine Doyle from her advisees of the class of […]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 10, 2015 by Jenny ONeill
Posted on November 13, 2015 by Jenny ONeill
This is a video of a program exploring the many houses in Westport, Little Compton, and Tiverton that were built by descendants of William White and Elizabeth Cadman White. Presented by Richard Gifford as part of the Westport Winter History Forum, November 2015.
Continue ReadingPosted on October 27, 2015 by Jenny ONeill
Tony Connors, President of the Westport Historical Society, explores the lives of five individuals who shed light on Westport’s connections to slavery. One was a Westport slave owner. Two engaged in the slave trade. Another was a West Indian boy, indentured to a Westport family, who ran away to sea. And one tried to reverse […]
Continue ReadingPosted on October 2, 2015 by Jenny ONeill
7 PM Wednesday September 16 at the Westport Grange 931 Main Road, Westport MA. A discussion led by noted author Dawn Tripp with panel of guests including Richie Earle, Tony Connors, Howie Gifford, and Carmen Maiocco. What was the defining moment in the 20th century for Westport? For many, it was the day that the […]
Continue ReadingPosted on June 24, 2015 by Jenny ONeill
This program was presented by Richard Donnelly on June 18 2015 What was it like to live in Westport in the early 19th century? Why did young Westporters go a- whaling? A recently discovered journal provides a unique look into the life of Westport residents during the 1830s. Richard Donnelly recounts the story of Frederick […]
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