‘The Summer House’ on Cherry Street To Close as Owner Launches ‘Modern Antiquarian’ in Stamford

Margaret Schwartz fell in love with antiques a few years ago. She didn’t expect to buy anything during an antiques tour of the United Kingdom—“I thought it would just be a kind of cool experience,” Schwartz recalled—and then found that she’d filled a 20-foot container in one day. “I never looked back,” Schwartz, known to locals for six years as the owner of The Summer House on Cherry Street, recalled Wednesday morning from the bright, roomy shop decorated with art, jewelry, furniture, accessories, lighting, pillows, throws and barware. Starting next month, Schwartz is formalizing her now-fully developed interest by launching a new shop at The Antique and Artisan Gallery in Stamford. She had already sold out of a booth there and secured a larger space in the spring.

Did You Hear … ?

First Selectman Rob Mallozzi on Saturday night ventured forth on his first fire call in some six years. A volunteer firefighter from 2004 to 2009 who also had served as secretary of New Canaan Fire Company No.1, Mallozzi responded Saturday night to a report of an alarm at Saxe Middle School as a severe storm moved through New Canaan, bringing down wires on Jelliff Mill Road and causing outages. Asked about the call, Mallozzi said he radioed in, went to Saxe, walked around the property, met a key holder there and went in. ***

The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of the Town Stroll is coming Thursday, Aug. 25—details here.

Did You Hear … ?

We’re hearing from an inside source that the “new” Gates Restaurant, closed since the New Canaan mainstay was sold in April, will open early in January. We’re also hearing that locals will recognize some friendly, favorite faces at Gates when it reopens anew, including Rich “Doc” Ludemann (not our source)—a popular figure at the former restaurant (who many of us also call a good friend and former swim coach). The new restaurant will be heavy on craft beers, with an updated look and menu, stage for live music, wood-fired oven and grill, smoker, food bar and more features. ***

Joe Scarborough is listed as one of those who has supported (with $360) the Go Fund Me campaign for the New Canaan Police Department’s K-9 unit. In all, 29 individuals have donated a total of $2,300 to the cause.