Saugatuck Walking Tour, Led by WHS, May 16

A Saugatuck Walking Tour, hosted by Westport Historical Society, will take place on May 16th.

The walk will begin at the train station, where rail service was launched in 1848, making Westport more accessible for visitors and, in turn, giving residents better access to New York City. Railroad construction brought an influx of jobs, filled mostly by Irish and Italian laborers, and the young community eventually was called Little Italy. In 1958, a swath of buildings bisecting Saugatuck was demolished to make way for the Connecticut Turnpike.

Participants will learn about Saugatuck sites like The Saugatuck Grain & Supply Company (1929), Luciano Park, the Westport Bank & Trust branch office, the Hedenbury Tin Shop, the Banyan Coffin Tack Factory, the first Saugatuck firehouse, the mattress factory, the William F. Cribari Bridge (the oldest movable span in Connecticut) and the Saugatuck Manufacturing Company, which made buttons from Brazilian ivory nuts. In addition, participants will hear wonderful stories from people who grew up in Saugatuck when life was simple and family ties strong.

The tour was created to give participants insights into Westport’s history and show how resilient Westporters have been in retaining the character of our town, even as the landscape changes and Saugatuck undergoes an impressive renaissance.

“Saugatuck Walking Tour,” Saturdays,  May 16 and June 6 from 4:00 to 5 pm. There is a $10 donation, and $8 for members. Ages 12 and under are $5. Reservations are recommended: (203) 222-1424. Meet at the New York Bound Side. Wine and cheese at Westport Auction following the tour.