Posted on January 13, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
This was the first historical record of an intense hurricane striking New England. The highest winds have been estimated at Category 3 or greater, with winds of 115-plus mph. The storm’s eye passed between Boston and Plymouth causing at least 46 casualties. A 20-foot tidal surge was reported in Boston, ruining farms throughout the area. […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 13, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
Horseneck Beach 9/21/1938 The first warning I had of the storm was about 2 P.M. while driving down the Horseneck Road. Half way between Waldo’s place and the Island View Farm, I heard, so I thought, a truck roaring down the hill behind me and I swerved quickly to the right and slowed to allow […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 13, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
When the bottom first dropped out of the barometer (and soon after the roof) I suspected a blow, and at noon I removed all loose things from the yard and took down the tennis net. I directed my man Friday of the moment (Many changes in personnel) to keep all shed and barn doors shut, […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 8, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
Even by Westport’s standards, Cadman’s Neck is off the beaten track. This small promontory of land edging into the east branch of Westport River is easily bypassed on Hix Bridge Road. However, what is now a secluded community was once a hub of activity, a place where thousands of people would gather to participate in […]
Continue ReadingPosted on June 14, 2005 by Bill Wyatt
Bruce White Most accounts of cotton manufacturing in New England describe a progression from the small rural water-powered cotton-spinning operations, through the larger company town enterprises that extended the spinning of yarn to the manufacture of cloth, to the fully industrialized steam-powered factories of the latter part of the nineteenth century. Despite this trend, however, […]
Continue ReadingPosted on February 1, 2005 by Bill Wyatt
There are references to sailing into and out of Westport in several whaling logs. We print here
Continue ReadingPosted on April 22, 2004 by Bill Wyatt
In 1926 summer residents of Westport Harbor petitioned the State to secede from Westport; they felt that they paid much in taxes but received few services and could not vote (because non-residents) on the Town budget. The Legislature kicked the matter back to the Town, and at a Town Meeting of January, 1926, the proposal […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 22, 2004 by Bill Wyatt
About a century ago there were a number of hunting and fishing camps at various waterside locations in town. One such was subsequently converted into a dwelling. The names of the buildings at the camp may prove of interest. The camp itself was called “Gun-a-bit,” the main house was called “Grin-a-bit,” the kitchen was called […]
Continue ReadingPosted on March 17, 2004 by Bill Wyatt
Howe was a friend, confidante and adviser of FDR, and FDR in fact did visit Howe at his summer cottage on Horseneck Beach. Howe was early convinced that Roosevelt would be President one day, hence the salutation. FDR did come to Westport and visit Howe. (www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/eleanor/peopleevents/pande04.html) We are indebted to Russ Hart for a copy […]
Continue ReadingPosted on March 17, 2004 by Bill Wyatt
This poem was written by Charlotte White, half black, half Native American, and was born in 1775. Charlotte White Rd. is named after her. You can see a picture of her in our “Westport Enters its Fifth Century” p. 57.
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