Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance and Westport Historical Society Partner for Children’s Programs

Car Painting

The Westport Historical Society will welcome young attendees at the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, September 12 at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. Fun activities will spark the interest and curiosity of youth enthusiasts and provide family-oriented programs.

Saturday, September 11

Club Celebration, Nutmeg Tour for Autism, Toast the Tour Reception, and Bonhams Auction Preview and Reception 

The Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance celebrates its seventh year with two days of exciting events. Saturday, September 11 will offer a Car and Motorcycle Club Celebration from 9:30am-4:00pm at the Fairfield County Hunt Club. Clubs will meet for seminars and art and automobilia exhibitions; the public is invited to attend at no charge. Attendees may also preview the Bonhams auction.

The Nutmeg Tour for Autism will lead vehicles through Fairfield and Westchester Counties from 10am-4pm. The tour route is on the website, www.fairfieldcountyconcours.com.

 The public is also welcomed to the Toast the Tour Reception, 4-6pm, to benefit The Drive to Treat Autism Fund (advance ticket purchase required, www.fairfieldcountyconcours.com); the Fairfield County Concours has raised more than $100,000 for this initiative. Following the Toast the Tour Reception guests will be welcomed at the Bonhams Auction Preview Reception, 6-8pm (Toast the Tour tickets or Bonhams tickets required).

Sunday, September 12

Concours d’Elegance and Bonhams Auction
The Sunday, September 12 Concours d’Elegance, from 10am-4pm at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, will showcase more than 200 extraordinary automobiles and motorcycles, spanning the past 100 years and such exhibits as Coachworks by “Dutch” Darrin, cars that raced in the Twenty-Four Hours of Le Mans, and Hot Rods and Customs of the 1950s. Judging classes will highlight Porsche, Bugatti, and Aston Martin. Children’s activities, educational programs, art and automobilia displays, and a silent auction by the Westport Rotary Club will appeal to the entire family.

 The website provides additional details www.fairfieldcountyconcours.com. Or call 203-227-7988.

Fairfield County Concours Hosts Bonhams
Bonhams will hold an auction of memorabilia and vehicles on Sunday, September 12 at 10am and 1pm, respectively; tickets are available through Bonhams. Previews will be on Saturday, September 11, 10am-4pm (no ticket required) and during their Preview Reception on Saturday, 6-8pm (ticket required from the Toast the Tour Reception or Bonhams).

Car Painting

REMEMBER WHEN? Join us for two lunchtime showings of the much talked about documentary The End of an Era- Westport in the 1950’s  (running time 40 minutes)   END OF AN ERA – Westport in the 1950s will be shown in the Raymond Room at the Westport Historical Society on  Tuesday, September 14 and Friday, October 1 at 12:15pm. Bring a bag lunch;  beverages and dessert will be provided.Meet Chuck Tannen, the producer of this nostalgic documentary of Westport and see and hear from people who remember what Westport was like over 50 years ago. As Chuck remarks, “So many people have great stories about Westport and if the stories aren’t captured, they’re just going to disappear”. 

Chuck Tannen is a member of the oral history committee of WHS and is part of a group that records and archives hundreds of hours of interviews. Mr. Tannen’s documentary aims to educate the casual public rather than historians and researchers. Tannen looks at the ’50’s in Westport from an unbiased persective since he just moved to Westport 20 years ago. Tannen, who took film courses at NYU had the idea to make the documentary when he realized that time was running out to chronicle certain moments in history.

Since 1960 LSS has chalked up some big numbers:

57,240 graduates

If laid end to end, they would reach the Statue of Liberty

99,336 boat rentals

If laid end to end, they would reach Washington DC …or the Canadian border.
The 100,000th boat was rented on Independence Day weekend 2010.

1566 boats owned

If laid end to end would reach Cockenoe I. three and a half times…or,
if laid end to end on Herb Baldwin Road, would reach the Longshore exit on South Compo Road and back again…4 times!

Employed 1115 people

whose combined estimated weight (167,250 lbs.) is the equivalent of:
1.65 million golf balls…or 1.34 million tennis balls

5 families

have had multiple generations work at LSS

4 couples

met while working at LSS and got married.

The documentary film, Longshore Club Park, Westport’s Crown Jewel, tells the rich and vibrant story of Longshore Club Park and its significant role in the lives of Westport residents. 

This film is also being shown on Cablevision Channel 88 on Thursdays at 6pm through the end of August. The video and commemorative print of Longshore Beach and Country Club may be purchased at our Gift Shop. For more information visit: http://www.westporthistory.org/longshore50/

Narrated by Frank Deford, the film features interviews with people instrumental in creating and sustaining this much-loved and treasured recreational facility for the enjoyment of Westport residents and visitors. Also showcased are rare archival photos as well as stunning aerial and on-the-ground tours of the park today. Produced by the Longshore 50th Anniversary Committee, with Jenniann C. Barile, Executive Producer; Gemmarose Tummolo, Director and Editor; and Doreen Birdsell, Associate Producer and Cinematographer.

Your Longshore Memories: Let’s Go to the Videotape!

The Longshore 50th Anniversary Committee, in cooperation with the Westport Historical Society’s Oral History group, has created a series of  short video interviews that tell the rich history of Longshore Club Park through the personal stories and recollections of longtime Westporters.

Hear the Longshore memories of  97-year-old Pat Lucci, who played golf with Bob Hope and Bert Lahr in 1932 (the Cowardly Lion, and golf champ of Longshore Beach & Country Club golf champ). Listen in as Jackie Heneage, Westport’s first female First Selectman, and RTM Moderator Ted Diamond talk about their efforts to save the Inn at Longshore from becoming a “practice burn” for the Fire Department in the early 1980s.See rare photos of the old high dive at Longshore’s swimming pool as former club member Jim Corridon talks of summertime fun at Longshore Beach & Country Club in the 1940s.

To see the listing of video interviews, and the subjects discussed, click on this link.

A half-day summer program where we visit cool places in our community like the Westport Country Playhouse for a behind the scenes tour and a special tour of the local Farmers Market, and a field trip to the Sticks and Stones Farm, a 60 acre farm in Newtown, CT where we get to participate in the activities of a working farm. There will be lots of fun at the Wheeler House including cooking, dramatic play, guest artists, yoga and outdoor games.

COST:  $210 per week for WHS members;  $230 per week non-members
Sibling discount: $10
CAMP LOCATION:  Westport Historical Society
TIME:  9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
SNACKS and SUPPLIES provided.
BRING BAG LUNCH
PIZZA provided on Fridays.    

For more information contact Barbara or Susan at 203-222-1424

The British Are Coming

This historic and popular “signature bus tour” of the Westport Historical Society follows the route the British took when they landed at Compo Beach in 1777 for an invasion of Danbury, where the British intended to raid supply warehouses maintained by the patriots. 
Town historican  Allen Raymond will be our guide pointing out significant historical battles along the route  from Compo Beach to Ridgefield and Danbuy.  The trip includes a visit to the area of the epic battle between the British and the local militia in Ridgefield, followed by a guided tour of Ridgefield’s famous Keeler Tavern Museum. The fee covers the coach bus, a souvenir map and a catered box lunch. 

For Reservations, call 203-222-1424

Martin West

Sunday, July 11, 2010  11 am
Ralph and Betty Sheffer Gallery

A special presentation of films celebrating Westport’s rich cultural heritage:  A Gathering of Glory, 2000, and Years in the Making, 2009
The program includes a catered brunch and a Question and answer period with the filmmaker, Martin West
$25,  $20 WHS members includes brunch, limited seating, reservations required

“A GATHERING OF GLORY”     A documentary film that explores the arts legacy of Westport and Weston Connecticut.   The film is formatted into four sections:   

 1)  The Brush, the Hand and the Eye,   concerning the visual artists who had  a  major  impact on our community

2) The Players, concerning  actors, and the founding of the Westport Playhouse

3) Pen and Harmony,  about the writers and musicians

4) Inescapable Destiny,  concerning the schools and the future of the arts as seen through the eyes of  Westport students. 

Narated by the Filmmaker, Martin West,  “Glory “ has a beautiful musical score composed by Paul Alan Levi,  a contemporary Westport composer .
(1 hour) 

This film will be followed by a buffet lunch,  hosted by Ann Sheffer. 

At 1 PM,  there will be a screening of Martin West’s acclaimed  new film, YEARS IN THE MAKING, A journey into Late Life Creativity”  which documents the life and work of 50 artists from our two communities ,  again with a musical score by composer Paul Alan Levi.   Actor, Keir Dullea narrates this film, which is now on Film Festival circuit, and has won several first prizes for a Feature Documentary.  

“Years” is a joyful film, both informative and inspiring and dealing with the issues of aging with poigancy and humor.    (1 hour 6 minutes)

Folk Art

A nature based morning workshop with Folk Art focus using organic, natual, recycled and found objects.

A PROCESS art class for the child who likes to create with their imagination and enjoys spending time making art. 

 Taught by Westport artist, Elizabeth DeVoll. Limited space, call for reservations: 203-222-1424

Cockenoe Island, Westport

DID YOU KNOW!..Cockenoe island, off Seymour Point is only accessible by boat (less than 1 mile from shore).  Known for birds and wildlife crabbing, shell fishing and trails, it is an ideal spot for camping and picnics.  In 1967, the United Illuminating Company wanted to build a nuclear plant perceived as a clean and inexpensive source of energy.  Opposition to the plan was swift and the town preserved the natural beauty of the island.  Life Magazine heralded Westport’s acquisition of Cockenoe as one of the most significant conservation victories in the nation.

Discover more of this natural treasure with town historian Allen Raymond.  He remembers visits to the island as a young boy and will share great memories about their wonderful destination.  Please join us for this premiere tour that will take close to 3 hours.  Intermediate level kayak ability is required. 

Reservations required:  Call 203-222-1424 or e-mail bbrauner@westporthistory.org

Kayak rentals available at Longshore Sailing School,(separate fee), call 203-226-4646

Kids' Wall

The 10th Anniversary of the Kid’s Wall
Longshore: Treasured Memories
Westport’s 175th Birthday as a Town

Designed & Created by  Katherine Ross & Miggs Burroughs
Kids’ Wall Facts: The Kids’ Wall is 6 feet high by 44 feet long, making it the largest piece of public art in Westport.    It cost $18,000.

One of a series of special events and exhibitions being organized this year by the town-appointed Longshore 50th Anniversary Committee, “The Art of Longshore” exhibit is curated by Helen Klisser During, Director of Visual Arts for the Westport Arts Center. This exhibit is on view in the Great Hall at the Westport Public Library from June 1 – July 31. 

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the acquisition by the town of Longshore Club Park, art depicting its natural beauty is displayed here. From its graceful  tree-lined entrance to its vistas of verdant fairways and fescue-draped bunkers to its scenic water views, this unique landscape and seascape has attracted generations of artists from around the world, each in their own way inspired by “The Art     of Longshore.”

This much-loved recreational facility along the shores of Long Island Sound is widely regarded as the most significant land acquisition in the town’s history. The 169-acre Longshore Club Park was opened to townspeople on May 28, 1960. Generations of Westporters have enjoyed its recreational amenities, which today include a golf course, marina, swimming pools, tennis courts, ice-skating rink, picnic areas, and playgrounds. They and many others also benefit from the nationally renowned Longshore Sailing School as well as The Inn at Longshore, a popular venue for weddings, banquets, benefits, and other social and  civic functions.

One of a series of special events and exhibitions being organized this year by the town-appointed Longshore 50th Anniversary Committee, “The Art of Longshore” exhibit is curated by Helen Klisser During, Director of Visual Arts for the Westport Arts Center. Visit the Westport Historical Society to view the “Longshore Treasured Memories” exhibit, on display through the summer. For more details about the Longshore 50th Anniversary project, visit www.westporthistory.org/longshore50.
 

The Kid’s Wall is composed of approximately 1500 lbs of tile and adhesive; 1000 lbs of “Wonder Board” (onto which the tiles are glued): and 200 lbs of grout (the material between the tiles). The tile panels are secured to a specially designed hurricane-proof “fence”.  There are 64 panels, each measuring 18″ x 33″ wide. There are approximately 500 pieces of broken tile, and other objects on each panel, adding up to about 32,000 individual pieces on the entire mural.  1,400 students from the 5th, 6th 7th & 8th grades participated in the mural design and in the placement of every object and every piece of tile in the mural.   Each panel was completed in one 50-minute art class, taking about 2 months to schedule each of the 64 classes.  Look for special messages in each panel spelled out with small alphabet beads by the students in each class.  The approval process for the Kids’ Wall spanned 2 years, including 3 Planning & Zoning Commission hearings; 2 Architectural Review Board hearings; a Parks and Recreation of Public Works, Police Dept., and Conservation Commission; an RTM hearing; an Arts Advisory council meeting; and a Board of Selectman meeting.

Longshore 50 VideoA short documentary film, Celebrating Longshore’s 50th will premiere at the Westport Historical Society on Memorial Day at 1 PM. Following its debut, it will be shown on a continuous loop as part of the Longshore Treasured Memories Exhibit in the WHS Little Gallery.

The film’s committee, under the direction of Jenniann C. Barile,executive producer includes: Scott Smith, documentary script writer; Dan Woog, script supervisor/on-camera interviewer; Doreen Birdsell, producer and cinematographer; Gemma Tummolo, director and Frank DeFord, narration.Westporters Gordon Joseloff, Allen Raymond, Mimi Levitt, John Kantor and Stuart McCarthy are among those whowill share their recollections of Longshore’s past and present.

Have a fun introduction to Westport History through the exhibits in our rare heptagonal, cobblestone Bradley-Wheeler Barn Museum
Audio guide narrator: Joanne Woodward. The Bradley Wheeler Cobblestone Barn, renovated in 1994, houses the Museum of Westport History that chronicles the history of Westport  from the time of the native Americans to the present day. A fascinating panorama of Westport’s development is created through a combination of large historical photographs and authentic local artifacts.  Visitors will see the growth and development of trades and occupations in the agricultural, mercantile, industrial and maritime lifestyles that have contributed to the history of Westport. 

On the second floor of the barn is The Swezey, the very same train that moved around the store window of Swezey Jewelers. The train was meticulously restored and put together with devoted admiration by Westport resident and train enthusiast Carles Reedy and his son Josh. Carles spent many hours determining which trains needed to be replaced and how to get the exhibit moving with sound and elegance. Giovanni Urist, Staples graduate and a history major, researched information about the railroad’s historical impact on Westport, and this information is on display next to the exhibit.

For more books available in our gift shop, visit: www.westporthistory.org/books

Longshore Gate