Baldwin Boulder Finds a Place of Prominence at Longshore

Tucked under the fir trees that separate Longshore Club Park's first golf tee and the 18th green is a small boulder with a plaque that honors Herbert Baldwin, who lead the acquisition of Longshore while he was the First Selectman of Westport in 1960. The plaque recognizes him for his leadership at that time in getting the town to purchase what was an exclusive country club to then turn it into a public facility that is now home to a sailing school, golf course, marina, tennis courts, an inn, a restaurant and an ice rink.

Today, the Parks and Recreation Department moved that boulder to a more prominent position — about 25 feet away, at the corner of the roadway next to the first tee, at the intersection of Herb Baldwin and Julian Brodie Drives.  

Baldwin has been chosen as the honoree of the Seventh Annual Westport Rotary Club Golf and Tennis Tournament, scheduled for June 9 at the Longshore Golf Club. Baldwin also was President of the Westport Rotary in 1948.

Todd Mauerman, chair of the events announced the selection of Baldwin to recognize his leadership in the community and to highlight the celebration of the 50thAnniversary of Longshore. 

The following is a history, as recorded by Woody Klein and submitted by the Longshore 50th Anniversary Committee:

Town Historian  Allen Raymond recalls: "The most exciting event during Herb Baldwin's reign was a when a friend, Gay Land, told me that Longshore Country Club might be for sale. I told our 'Kitchen Cabinet' [of which he was a member] that it might be a property the town should buy, and Herb (Baldwin) said we should go for it. It was a great deal."

It became a bipartisan project and Julian Brodie, a Democrat, was appointed by Herb to negotiate the deal with Julius Ballard, the owner. He got very close to a price, but Ballard, with a stroke of genius said, 'I'll tell you what we'll do, Julius. We'll give you a lifetime gold pass to Longshore.' And Julius said: 'Sold.'"

Subsequently, the Representative Town Meeting in a 34--0 vote on Feb. 14, 1960, approved the proposed purchase of the facility as some 700 spectators gave the RTM a hearty ovation. And Westporters have been applauding that vote and the town's decision ever since.

The RTM unanimously approved the town's purchase of the 169-acre Longshore Club Park for $1.9 million. On May 28, 1960, just six weeks after the purchase, the former exclusive Westport Country Club was opened to townspeople.

Some remember Baldwin coming to Rotary luncheons each week well into his 90s and going directly out on to the golf course afterwards. That's one of many reasons, most importantly his help in leading the Longshore acquisition, that he was selected as this year's honoree in the Westport Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament.

Todd Mauerman, Chair of the Westport Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament in honor of Herb Baldwin said the tournament "is one of our club's most, important fundraising initiatives of the year, when community leaders and guests come together for a day of socializing and friendly competition at Westport's Longshore Park.  Our community charities are asking for help to survive the recession so we hope to make this an amazing event. We will donate over $40,000 again this year." All proceeds are donated to about 35 local charities as well as Staples scholarships.

All sponsorship funds, as well as all event proceeds, are donated to more than 30 Fairfield County charities, including CLASP Homes, Project Return, A Better Chance, Interfaith Housing Association, Positive Directions, the Levitt Pavilion, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Earthplace, and Habitat for Humanity.  Staples Scholarship Fund is also a beneficiary of the Westport Rotary Fund Raising. Administrative costs of the event are donated by Westport Rotarians so that all event proceeds can be used to benefit the community.  The Hole in One and Closest to the Pin Competitions are sponsored by Volvo of Westport.

The Watermark at 3030 Park in Bridgeport, a new assisted care center with a green outlook, is sponsoring the continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m.  At 8 a.m. there will be a shot gun golf tournament start in a scramble format.  The Annual Tennis Classic begins at 9 a.m. with a clinic lead by tennis Pro Nancy Lally, followed by a 10 a.m. doubles ladder tournament.

Both tournaments will be followed by a celebratory lunch, and the awarding of prizes under a tent at Longshore. Non-participants in the sporting events are welcome to attend the lunch.

The cost to participate in the outing is $185 per individual golfer or $720 for a foursome.  Entrance fee for an individual tennis player is $75.  The entry fee for golf and tennis participants includes breakfast and lunch.  The cost to attend lunch alone is $30. Rain Date is June 21, 2010.

Interested golf tournament participants should contact Tony Riggio at (203) 227-6877, or chronomaster05@aol.com.  Tennis players can contact Irwin Lebish at (203) 222-0626. Todd Mauerman chairs the event and can answer any questions.  The Westport Rotary Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)3 charity, sponsorship funds are tax deductible.

The Westport Rotary Club is an organization that represents many local business and professional leaders who work as volunteers to improve the quality of life in their home and world communities.  The Westport Rotary Club which was founded 86 years ago, meets weekly on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. at the Inn at Longshore.  Membership inquiries are always welcome by contacting Dave Matlow, Membership Chair, at 203 227-3090.