Posted on February 7, 2020 by Jenny ONeill
One of the most cited reason for studying history is to learn from the past. While that is true, there is another key purpose that is mentioned far less often: reflection. Through this newspaper before us, the Boston Gazette, we can see a world not dissimilar from our own. In fact, you could even say […]
Continue ReadingPosted on February 6, 2020 by Jenny ONeill
This collection of vintage Valentine’s Day cards was donated by Betsy Acheson 2011.027.Which one is your favorite?
Continue ReadingPosted on December 19, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
I suspect that many Westporters have in their possession a piece of John Babcock’s miniature furniture. Such pieces may be considered dollhouse furniture, but the level of craftsmanship elevates his work to something more than just toys for child’s play. Fortunately, the Westport Historical Society has a representative sample of this miniature furniture. Made by […]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 5, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
Pond Meadow, the Gatsby-esque mansion in Acoaxet next to the Nubble, is truly one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture Westport has to offer. Surviving hurricanes for the past 101 years, the estate has become a town landmark due to not only its extravagance but the incredible view of the Atlantic from its grounds. […]
Continue ReadingPosted on May 14, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
Westport Historical Society Collection 2000.205.001 The Macomber Family of Central Village Hand Written By Marianna Macomber Typed By Margaret (Macomber) Douglas in 1970 (Miss. Marianna Macomber Passed Away in the 1960’s) FACTS, HEARSAY AND MEMORIES It is quite possible that nobody will care to read what I am writing, but yet it may be of […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 30, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
Penny and Alton Hadfield Collection WHS 2019.024 We recently received a collection of 178 photographs of Westport scenes taken in 1962. The collection was created by Penny Hadfield as part of a graduate course on urban/suburban growth and development in the Geography Department of Boston University. “I had to take the bus down from Boston […]
Continue ReadingPosted on February 26, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
The powder house was built c. 1812 by a town military brigade called into existence by the War of 1812. It was probably used as a “magazine” rather than a powder house, housing “home guard” stores of shot. Its first site was on the lot where 51 Drift Road now sits. Later it moved behind […]
Continue ReadingPosted on February 20, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
Posted on February 13, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
Sometimes it is the most obscure of stories that can shine fresh light on the enormity of historical events. This small newspaper article found inside a scrapbook of Second World War clippings, chronicles the heroic deeds of Tarzan, a handsome German Shepherd from Forge Road, who was one of thousands of dogs given by their […]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 18, 2018 by Jenny ONeill
Westport’s Ruby Devol Finch (1804 – 1866) is considered to be “one of the most uniquely creative female American folk artists of her time” (Donald R. Walters, “Ruby Devol Finch, Recent Discoveries,” Antiques and Fine Art Magazine 2012). However, with only 15 known works, it is not surprising that she remains somewhat obscure. Yet her […]
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