Posted on January 20, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
The close knit community of Westport Harbor had enjoyed another typical summer of sailing, golfing, tennis and dancing and despite it being late September many Harborites were still in residence. The day had began clear and sunny, but some noticed how strong the sea was running. By 3PM, residents were facing gale force winds, and […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 20, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
The following account is a transcript of dictation by 12-year-old Elizabeth Ann Mills of Fall River and Westport Harbor to her family doctor after she survived the 1938 hurricane. “It was September 21, 1938, and we were having a bad wind storm. The ocean was making a lot of noise and the tide was high. […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 20, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
The following account combines two letters that Mrs. Marion Jennings Waring of Fall River, a Westport Harbor summer resident, wrote to her brother, Oliver Jennings in Pittsburgh, PA in early October 1938. “It is awfully hard to write about the horrible experience that we went through. You can’t imagine it – you can’t believe it. […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 20, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
Account of the Hurricane of September 21 written on September 24, 1938 It is my purpose to write down what occurred on September 21 while the scenes are still fresh in my mind. It is the most overwhelming event that I have been familiar with, in which I actually took part. On the morning of […]
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 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 September 21, 2003 by Bill Wyatt
The following is a brief update on the Mission of the Holy Spirit derived from newspaper coverage of a trial held in Fall River in 1925. More will follow on the trial. “The Mission of the Holy Spirit was founded in Montreal by Eug
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