Norman Rockwell Visits Westport, Short Shorts Banned at Longshore

Who Wears Short Shorts?

Although the weather was already cooling down, 50 years ago Westport banned short shorts from being worn at Longshore. This ruling applied to males and females. Halters, toreador pants and tight slacks were also forbidden.

It wasn't complaints that spurred on the regulation. According to First Selectman Herb Baldwin, the reason was "just in line with good taste."

Appropriate attire included shirts, Bermuda shorts and slacks.

With the town's purchase of the Longshore Club Park earlier that year, a bevy of regulations had to be made or modified by local government. For example, all non-resident golfers must be accompanied by a Westport resident when on the course. Also, all players must have golf bags. Finally, nobody – and that means nobody – is allowed on the course if they aren't playing golf. No mention was made of maintenance people or landscapers.

"Sassy" Hurricane Donna Lashes Westport

Hurricane Earl came and went with barely a breeze more than a week ago, but in 1960a real hurricane hit the area. Hurricane Donna knocked down trees, toppled power lines and flooded roadways.

People living on the shore from Greenwich Stonington were ordered to evacuate by Gov. Abraham Ribicoff. "Get them out, " he told the police, according to the Town Crier.  No injuries were reported and the storm was described as "sassy" by the reporter.

Painter of Small Town, USA comes to Small Town, USA

Westport – especially as it was half a century years ago – seems like the perfect place for Norman Rockwell to find inspiration for one of his paintings.  It's fitting that the town was preparing for his visit half a century ago. Rockwell, along with his son, were booked to speak at the Westport Public Library in late September.

Town Plan Leads to Dramatic Pamphlets

Every so often the Planning and Zoning Commission maps out Westport's future with a town plan. The suggestions include goals that should be attained, concerns over development and just about anything else. In 1960, the issues at hand included apartments, light industry, traffic (as always) and garbage removal.

In mid-September, the plan was one step away from approval. A group of concerned citizens distributed pamphlets at the train stations telling residents to "be there or don't cry." They also warned of "explosive growth" and that, "your future is at stake."