They might not be able to save a 200-year-old house on the Westport-Fairfield line, but those battling to keep the Abel Bradley House away from the wreckers will be able to see their efforts preserved on film. 
Abel Bradley House 1934 view: preservation efforts to be preserved on film. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Fairfield County Preservation Trust photo
The controversy over the fate of the circa 1800 house on Sturges Highway has attracted the attention of an independent, New York-based filmmaker, according to neighbor Eleanor Dickey, who is leading the fight to save it. (See WestportNow Feb. 5, 2005)
She said Suzi Yoonessi, a graduate film student at Columbia University, where Dickey teaches classics, is directing a documentary about the issue and the people involved.
Yoonessi was attracted to the subject by the human interest dimension of the controversy, particularly the life of Ruby Brotherton, the elderly widow who lived in the house until a few months ago, Dickey said.
She became aware of the issue at Columbia, where she is completing an MFA in film, and where news of the preservation effort has been spread by Dickey, who is president of the Coalition for Preservation of the Bradley House.
Yoonessi has participated in the making of 10 films since 1997. She has worked with a wide range of artists including Academy Award-winning playwright Israel Horovitz, noted director Miguel Arteta, and director/conceptual artist Miranda July.
Her work has been recognized at festivals in the United States and abroad, according to Dickey, including an award for “best documentary” at the Back East Film Festival in 2002. This year three of the films she collaborated on were in the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. 
Suzi Yoonessi: filmmaker will tell story of efforts to save Abel Bradley House. Contributed photo
The film about the Bradley House controversy is currently in production, as the issue may not be around any more after March 3.
“I am intrigued by the complexities of the story, and the dedication of each party to their cause,” Yoonessi said in a statement released by the preservationist group.
“I hope the film captures the vastly different perspectives, and the unique beauty and voice of the city of Westport.”
“We’re delighted that this story will be preserved for posterity, even if the house ultimately is not,” said Dickey.
“We realize that Suzi is an independent voice and may not end up taking our side, but we feel certain that if the truth about this whole effort is out there, it will help us and help the cause of preservation in general in the long run.”
She added, “The issue at stake here is a much larger one than that of the demolition of a single house, so we hope that the film will capture the tragedy of the loss of our historic resources and local neighborhoods to teardowns and MacMansions.”
If the house can’t be saved, why not dismantle it?
18th century houses are built of post and beam construction. they can be fairly easily taken apart and later reassembled. I would hate to see those 200 + year old beams and floorboards go to the dump.
I am an Architect that specializes in the restoration of 18th century houses and barns throughout New England. Many of my projects involve dismantling and moving these wonderful historic structures. We do extensive research and documentation to determine the original interiors and exterior architecture for the restoration. We provide design services so that the restoration provides for our modern lifestyle while maintaining the historic fabric. I highly recommend that this house be saved either through restoration on site or reconstruction on a new site. I would be please to conduct a walk though to determine the extent of the existent vintage interior and insight of its existing condition as well as discuss the dismantling and reconstruction process. Feel free to contact me.