Jasper McLevy, Mayor, Bridgeport, CT, 1940's and 1950's

[Stinky The Clown]

I just remembered something from my past and wanted to share it just for its simplicity and value to make people smile.

I grew up in Bridgeport, CT. Back when I was a kid, the mayor was one Jasper McLevy, a Socialist. Yep, an honest-to-god(?) Socialist. He was reelected many times and was quite popular.

In 1947 there was blizzard in the northeast. Snow was measured in feet, not inches. And this was in an area that really did not get all *that* much snow. The ocean and Long Island Sound *really* moderate the coastal weather in that part of the country.

Anyway, there was a headline in huge type at the top of the Bridgeport Post. It typifies McLevy and has stuck with me for the sheer idiosyncrasy of it:

(McLevy on the snowstorm) God Put it there and God will take it away

I don't recall Bridgeport ever having a deficit budget back then. Years later, in the 80s, a classmate of mine became the mayor. He was the last one to preside before Bridgeport took the fateful step of declaring bankruptcy. How far we've come.

Hey Jasper ... Here's to ya, buddy!:toast:

[bigwillq]

1. Hello, former Nutmegger!

I live in CT! When was the last time you visited the state?

[Stinky The Clown]

2. Hi!

The last time I was there was 2 years ago. Now that both my parents are gone, there's little reason to go back. Before that, we went up there at least once a year, and usually more than that.

This year will be my n0th HS reunion and I will probably go for that.

[bigwillq]

3. How many years for the reunion?

Did your folks live in B-Port as well?

[Stinky The Clown]

4. Yup

My Dad was born and raised in Bridgeport, as were my brother and me. My mother was from NJ.

My wife is also from CT ..... New London.

Iyaint tellin' ya how many years for the reunion! :)

[bigwillq]

5. Oh, I thought you just made a typo on the # of years!

;-)

[Tweed]

6. I lived in Ridgefield and worked in Westport this summer

and yeah there is no reason to visit CT.

[bigwillq]

7. Hey-You could always come visit me

CT has tons of things to do, you just need a good tour guide!:hi:

[Stinky The Clown]

8. I used to be a tour guide of sorts

I was a rally master for sports car rallies. Mostly in Western CT (all areas west of the Housatonic River). I probably knew more back roads and dirt roads than most people do.