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William Raveis agent Tammy Langalis is as much of a historian as she is a realtor, at least when it comes to Rowayton. A resident of the coastal community for 18 years, Tammy knows the back story of nearly every house: Who owns it, when it was built, if it's been renovated. I met with Tammy to view a particular property at 74 Rowayton Avenue, but before I knew it I was a passenger in her car, getting the most comprehensive and entertaining tour of the town imaginable.
"I like that each story has a house to tell," she said, pointing out restored turn-of-the-century homes and lots where old Victorians were torn down in favor of newer, larger constructions. "I think it's a shame," Tammy said of the tear-down trend. "We have so much nice old architecture."
Fortunately, there are plenty of preservationists at work in Rowayton, too. Tammy served on the Campaign for Farm Creek Preserve, a successful attempt to create a conservation easement protecting Hart Peninsula, one of the few surviving salt marshes in the area. She's also a member of the Rowayton Gardeners Club, whose efforts are beautifully evident along the rambling streets. And she does her part to keep Rowayton's history alive by selling its more unique properties with great care.
The house at 74 Rowayton Avenue is unique. On the corner of Crockett street, directly across from the Five Mile River, the 1915 Victorian was the home of beloved children's book author Crockett Johnson ("Harold and the Purple Crayon") in an area once populated by oystermen.
"Crockett Johnson was his nom de plume, you know," said Tammy. "I think we know where he got that name from!"
It's likely that when he lived here, Johnson spent much of his time walking along the river's edge, just like Rowayton-ites today.
"You can walk to the beach, you can walk into the village to get an ice cream," Tammy said. "That's part of the reason why this community is so friendly and involved."
Tammy can be reached at tammy.langalis@raveis.com. Crockett Johnson's former abode is selling for $1,635,000.
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