Comings and Goings: Cedar Brook Café Closing

The Cedar Brook Café, said to be the nation’s oldest, continuously operating gay bar, is scheduled to close after 71 years on June 26, according to its Web site. The cafe located at 919 Post Road East is shutting its doors because “the building was sold and the new rent is out of our reach,” owner Clem Bellairs said. “The Cedar Brook, which was also known as The Brook, with the name changed in the 1970s, was No. 1 in its time for liquor sales in the state,” he said. Bellairs, who said a closing party is scheduled for June 26, added: “I would like to personally thank all the patrons for showing me what pride really means, support and giving me faith in the human race. Special thanks to the Westport Police Department, our neighbors, my attorney, but most of all my staff. I’ll miss you all.” The building was sold last fall for $1.6 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com