The photo on the left was taken in the 1950s from Central Street looking toward Fitch Street. The railroad tracks in the foreground were part of the railroad bed now occupied by William Clarke Drive (Wayside Drive). The lot is a municipal parking lot complete with parking meters. The building on the left is the back of local contractor O.G.K. Robinson’s office. Other buildings facing Fitch Street were, from left, Libby’s Coffee Shop at 16-18 Fitch St., operated by Eugene and Muriel Libby (Tony’s Donut Shop, now located in Portland, was at one time located here); 20 Fitch St., an apartment house; and 22 Fitch St., the large barn that was Moderne Cleaning Inc. The church steeple in background was the Westbrook Congregational Church, which was located on Main Street at Brackett Street. This portion of Fitch Street between Main Street and Wayside Drive and Central Street between Main Street and Wayside Drive were discontinued under the urban renewal plan. A large municipal parking lot now occupies this area.
Research and photos courtesy of Mike Sanphy
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