Westerly Sun Column | Westerly's Wilcox Park Has a Surprise Inside

I’ve worked at the library for nearly a decade, during which time I’ve learned an awful lot about the building and our history. That said, I’m still constantly learning new things, not just about the library, but also our other half: Wilcox Park. Our wonderful Park Committee and Master Gardener volunteers have written a series of essays that can be found on our website, each one covering a different aspect of the park. This week, I’m happy to share one by Mary Jo Girard about the Comfort Station.

Wilcox Park is often referred to as a “gem in the heart of downtown Westerly.” Designed as a Victorian strolling park, today it still invites all to enjoy its pristine beauty, historical monuments, unique bandstand, and an impressive barn. But there’s another surprise structure! Literally hidden within the west hillside of Wilcox Park is the Comfort Station. Typical of Victorian sensibilities, “comfort station” is a euphemism for a bathroom. Though no longer in service, the station abounds with architectural features worth noting as you walk by.

Built in 1910–11, the structure is ingeniously designed to be discreet by blending into the existing rolling hill. Utilitarian as it may be, the building was not short-changed in the construction materials department. Barrel-style clay roof tiles were used to match those in the Westerly Library, and the roof incorporates an operable cupola, where slats are opened to allow light and air circulation. The outside sheathing is thick stucco, a better option than wood siding since the building is in direct contact with the ground. The entrance doors seem to incorporate different styles: the lower wood half has an Arts and Crafts style geometric pattern, while the glass upper half has a multi-faceted diamond pattern, which may be a last nod to the Victorian era. A beautifully patinaed copper fascia surrounds the perimeter roof line, along with thirty-plus copper corbels. Appearing first to be a simple rectangular shape, there is the detail of a block scroll on the underside. Curved masonry stone walls lead to each entrance (men’s and women’s). Be sure to stop and look at the information plaque in front of the Comfort Station for vintage photos!

A recent survey of strolling Wilcox Park patrons yielded some interesting comments. Asked if they knew what the Comfort Station structure was used for, newer patrons guessed that it had been for storage. Our more seasoned park patrons, myself included, delighted in sharing memories of the building in its heyday. Many remembered the attendant, who graciously provided a hand towel to those who used the facilities, and who kept the facility tidy. One patron remembered how warm it was inside after an afternoon of skating on the pond. I have vivid memories of the white subway tile walls and how tall the stall dividers seemed to be. I didn’t appreciate then that the dividers were actually 1 1/4” thick white marble! The Wilcox Park Comfort Station is indeed a grand place for a respite.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian and Mary Jo Girard, Westerly Library & Wilcox Park Board of Trustees Secretary