Wadsworth R. Lewis, who died in 1942, left a legacy for the Town of Ridgefield that continues to support town organizations today. The Ridgefield Historical Society is proud to be among those who received a grant in 2023.
Lewis, who died suddenly at the age of 53 in 1942, was a longtime Ridgefielder, having spent his early years at Upagenstit, the West Lane estate of his parents, Frederic E. and Mary Lewis (namesakes to Lewis Drive). After the death of his father and the sale of Upagenstit in the 1930s, Wadsworth Lewis created his own estate, Taghkanick (between Limestone and Great Hill Roads), which later became the home of Henry and Clare Boothe Luce.”
A Navy veteran of World War I, Lewis served on many town boards and committees and supported many community endeavors.
The Wadsworth R. Lewis Fund, created to support organizations that benefit the Ridgefield community, is administered by Fairfield County Bank; distributions began in 1950.
Thank You, Wadsworth Lewis
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