George Richardson Jr. honored as Wright Landing ‘founding father’
From left, Sandy Ballard, Art Ballard, Sherre Nelson representing the Nelson family, Linda Davis, Richard DeVries, and George D. Richardson Jr. at Wright Landing Sept. 30 when Richardson was honored as a founding father of it. Gaye Wagner photo
Richard DeVries, left, and George D Richardson Jr. Gaye Wagner photo
Richard DeVries unveils the plaque. From left, Sherre Nelson, Linda Davis, DeVries, Marcia Richardson and George D. Richardson Jr. Gaye Wagner photo
George D Richardson Jr. views the plaque unveiled in his honor Sept. 30. Gaye Wagner photo
From left, Sandy Ballard, Art Ballard, Sherre Nelson representing the Nelson family, Linda Davis, Richard DeVries, and George D. Richardson Jr. at Wright Landing Sept. 30 when Richardson was honored as a founding father of it. Gaye Wagner photo
Richard DeVries, left, and George D Richardson Jr. Gaye Wagner photo
Richard DeVries unveils the plaque. From left, Sherre Nelson, Linda Davis, DeVries, Marcia Richardson and George D. Richardson Jr. Gaye Wagner photo
George D Richardson Jr. views the plaque unveiled in his honor Sept. 30. Gaye Wagner photo
On Saturday, Sept. 30, about 25 people looked on as Richard DeVries, chair of the Wright Landing Committee, unveiled a plaque to honor longtime, former selectman George Richardson as the “founding father” of Westport Island’s Wright Landing public boat landing. The plaque reads as follows:
“George D. Richardson, Jr. provided a legacy as the founding father of theWright Landing boat launch facility. 2000 – In her will, Mary Wright included a First Right of Refusal on the Wright property to the Town after George’s suggestion. 2004-2010 – Ruth Nelson developed three grant proposals to purchase the property and construct the boat ramp, parking lot, and jetty. Richard DeVries and Linda Davis provided the required citizen matching funds to gain approval of the project grants. Courtesy of Richard & Mary Coventry, G&D Cromwell, Inc., and Richard DeVries & Linda Davis”
DeVries honored Richardson for his leadership in securing rights of first refusal on the land and shepherding the process of obtaining the land, funding, and residents' support. He also credited Ruth and John Nelson for their advocacy and work to make the public landing a reality. Ruth secured three grants that were integral to purchasing the land as well as constructing the pier and boat ramp. Richard and his wife Linda Davis provided the citizens' matching funds required to qualify for the grant funds. Art Ballard, chair of the Wright Landing Committee during the landing's development, and his committee worked tirelessly to support project development; and his wife Sandy paid for and planted the first plants on what has become its praiseworthy grounds. The landscaping has since been added to and maintained by the town's Horticulture Committee.
In response to DeVries’ remarks, Richardson expressed his appreciation and noted Wright Landing had been a team effort with lots of people involved. He proudly noted that a public boat landing had been one of his top three priorities as selectman. His other two were a town office and a sand and salt shed – all of which had been accomplished.
The memorial plaque and site work were donated by residents Rich and Mary Coventry, Richard DeVries and Linda Davis, and D&G Cromwell.
