Delamar Southport Hotel & Artisan Restaurant

20 civic-minded women gathered at what was then Royle School on August 2, 1923, to form the Darien Improvement Association, which was officially established the following year. It was their declared goal to "keep the town tidy, especially the public routes," as well as "get receptacles for rubbage," that they continued to convene at members' houses. They quickly grew in importance, exerting influence over the preservation of trees and the railroad embankment, advocating for home delivery of mail, supporting the town library, and taking a keen interest in the public schools. During these years, the DCA's primary focus was on providing assistance where there was a genuine need. This charitable commitment continues today, as we commemorate more than 75 years of awarding college scholarships to alumni of Darien High School in Darien, Connecticut. The Darien Improvement Association was founded in 1929, and two years later, the group changed its name to the Darien Community Association, Inc. to better reflect the community it serves. The DCA Thrift Shop opened its doors in October 1931 to provide much-needed work for local women during the Great Depression. Employees were tasked with washing and mending donated clothing, as well as repairing household items, which were then sold at extremely low costs. The Thrift Shop, which is located at 996 Post Road, is now managed by more than 50 volunteers. Originally built in 1950, Meadowlands is a historic mansion and property on Middlesex Road in the heart of the city. It was initially constructed in the Victorian architecture, but it was remodeled in the Regency style by its fifth owner in 1933, when it was purchased.