From the outside looking in: Memories of change in Lakeville and Salisbury

After reading Sharon Charde’s letter and the editorial on Jan. 27 of the Journal, I have some thoughts about Lakeville-Salisbury.  I decided to write before I put it off and never do.  A New Year’s resolution.

I speak as an outsider. I came to the northwest part of Connecticut in 1968 after living in several areas of the U.S.  Grew up on a farm in Central Iowa about 30 miles from Ames, home of Iowa State. Spent four years in Denver, Colo., and then time in California and Mississippi on Naval Air Stations. My then- husband was a pilot for TWA and flew out of JFK. He had to live within two hours driving time to the airport. He wanted a home in the country so he could garden. We found land near North Canaan after looking around Lakeville.

I found Salisbury and Lakeville quiet little towns with a variety of stores owned by local people.

They were just like I’d seen in the movies. There were several white-steepled churches and the houses along Route 44 were attractive with trees and flowers.

The Shagroy Market was on Main Street or Route 44 in the center of town. Shoppers parked at an angle in front of the store. Backing out onto Route 44 wasn’t a problem then. Moving the store to an area off the highway was still a great improvement. The store changed owners and names.  LaBonne’s was and is known for great foods and service. I am a big fan of the deli department.

There was a grocery store in Lakeville in the building where The Boathouse Restaurant is now. I think it was called Lakeville Food Market.

The most important spot was The White Hart, then a cozy country inn with a friendly bar that was popular with everyone. There was a Country Store and bakery off the lobby. The bakery had items that were served in the restaurant.  At Christmas one room had a gingerbread village with many colored lights and miniature figures.

Each year an antique fair was held in a tent on the White Hart lawn. Dealers came from all over New England. The churches had their fall festivals that same time. I could always find great costume jewelry in the St. John’s parish hall. They always had used books, too.   

Across the street from The White Hart was an antique bookstore. Mike McCabe was a young clerk there. He later opened a bookstore next to LaBonne’s Market.

The pharmacy in Salisbury had some gift items and always the newest magazines.  There was also a pharmacy in Lakeville owned and operated by Richard Walsh.  There was a small soda fountain area there.

Designing Woman had knitting and needlepoint designs, yarn and thread. It was in several locations over the years. The ladies who were in the store were always ready to help with any project.

And who can forget Danny’s Shoe Repair? There were other businesses, but for one reason or another I didn’t shop in them.

I am not mentioning restaurants as I didn’t go to them. My then-husband didn’t like going out to eat when he was home as he ate out so much when traveling. I know eating out is a big deal with visitors.

There were a few years when I drove thru the towns twice a day on my way to work in Sharon. I would stop in the various stores as I wanted and watched things slowly change. Now that I’m retired I’m seldom on that highway.

I don’t know what the future has in store, but I think the towns must solve the housing problem or they will become ghost towns. I’d like to see businesses owned and operated by local residents, but that may be a pipe dream.

Carolyn McDonough lives in North Canaan.