Westport Point Bridge was completed in 1894 at a cost of $20,000. The draw section of the bridge rested on a stone pier and rotated to “open” for vessels traveling the East Branch of the Westport River. Four-to-six men walked in a circle pushing a long wooden pole attached to a metal key to operate the gear system which swung the “draw” span open. Al Lees replaced his father, Al Lees, Sr. as drawtender in 1960, overseeing the last opening of the old bridge in 1962. Demolition of the 1894 bridge was completed in 1963.
I well remember the Westport Point Bridge–it was my shortcut to Horseneck Beach. I have fond memories of feeding the seagulls with my mother, Ethel A. Cabral, and riding my bicycle across the bridge. My mother and I greived when the decision was made to tear down the bridge, and men who worked on tearing it down said it could have held up another 50 years. I sometimes participated in opening the draw. I believe the date of the last opening being in 1962 is way incorrect.