Synopses & Reviews
This book tells the story of how Westporters from all walks of life share one common characteristic: a generations-old love of community. A town settled by farmers and fishermen, diversified by immigrants from many countries and varied economic backgrounds, Westport was modernized by professionals in all fields and enriched by international celebrities from around the nation and the world.
Westport, Connecticut offers the reader an entertaining insight into how Westport has become a mecca for those who are traditionally untraditional. This book is the first comprehensive, in-depth history of a town celebrated throughout the nation and the world. It brings history alive not only for its own residents, but for those who live in distant places who want to learn about one of the finest examples of how the quest for excellence, for a community spirit and for volunteerism can succeed in America.
Ideally located on a rich landscape and the water of Long Island Sound, it was formed when dissident members of the original Massachusetts Bay Colony seeking new frontiers for themselves and their families successfully won the Swamp War in the early 1600s against the Pequot Indians. Westport was incorporated in 1835 as a result of a strong grass-roots democratic movement toward self-reliance and independence. Parishioners of the Green's Farm Church petitioned the legislature in Hartford and formed their own community by acquiring land from nearby Fairfield, Norwalk, and Weston. Since those early days, Westport has served as the destination for those who wanted to freely express themselves, to live in a relative privacy and yet be part of a vital community, and to travel elsewhere but to always have an attractive home base to which they could return.
Review
Woody Klein has done a remarkable job of telling the story of Westport.Joanne Woodward actress
Review
Westport's story, from colonial times to Y2K, has never before been told in such depth and breadth. Woody Klein did an amazing job of capturing our town's special essence and providing information that explains how it became a place whose name is known across the nation.Jo Fox First editor of the Westport News, 1964 founder and publisher of Fairpress, 1971-19977
Synopsis
Westport, Connecticut is the compelling story of how and why this beautiful New England town took roots and, through the generations, has become the home of diverse, creative, loyal and talented people who have made it one of America's leading suburbs at the outset of the 21st century.
Synopsis
made it one of America's leading suburbs at the outset of the 21st century.
About the Author
WOODY KLEIN is an author and journalist who has written a column in the Westport News for three decades.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Joanne Woodward
Preface
Introduction: Westport at the Millennium
Roots
A Prehistoric Perspective
The Native Americans
Grass Roots Democracy
The Mother Town
The Bankside Farmers
The Church Is the Town
The Revolutionary War
The Rise of Commerce and Industry
Pride in a Community
The Birth of Westport
Civil War: Westport Responds
The Challenge of Change
The Beginning of Something Great
A Leap of Faith
Artists and the New Westport
The Impact of World War II
Coming of Age
Rising Expectations
The Paradox of Progress
Appendixes: A. Westport At A Glance
B. Fundamental Orders
C. Bankside Farmers' Agreement with Town of Fairfield
D. Covenant of the Green's Farm Congregational Church
E. Westport and Saugatuck Postmasters
F. Petition of Daniel Nash to the Connecticut General Assembly
G. Charter of the Town of Westport
H. Westport Selectmen, 1835 to 2001
I. Town Clerks
J. Westport Historical Society presidents
K. World War II Westporters Died in Service
L. Judges of Probate, District of Westport
M. Representative Town Meeting Moderators, 1949 to 2000
N. Sponsers
Index