Own A Piece Of Darien History—While Doing Good

How does the town turn trash into gold for local charities?  By recycling obsolete street signs. 

First Selectman David Campbell was touring the Department of Public Works garage last November when he noticed a huge pile of old street signs.  State law had required larger, more readable signs on all town roads, and DPW was ready to turn the old signs into scrap.

Instead, Campbell suggested that the town sell the signs for $100 each, with buyers designating a charity to receive the proceeds.  "It seemed like a 'win-win' to me," said Campbell, who bought two of the street signs himself.

"I gave one to my parents, though I think my mother stuffed theirs in a closet somewhere," Campbell said.

To date the sign sales have brought $14,500 to local groups, including The Depot ($2,500), A Better Chance ($2,300), and Person-to-Person ($1,300).  Some local non-profits have been promoting the sale to supporters while others are just grateful recipients of the unexpected donations.

First Selectman Campbell says buyers can decide who gets their donation.  But so far nobody has decided to donate to the town.

"Nope," he says.  "They think they already give us enough (in taxes).

Pat D'Arinzo of DPW says the old signs date back to 1950 and make a great gift or personal souvenir.  (Full disclosure:  I bought one of three available signs for my street and have it displayed above my media cabinet.)

One buyer picked up seven of the street signs.  "Please don't use my name," she said.  "These are for Christmas gifts and I don't want to spoil the surprise." 

This Secret Santa said she was going to donate to her favorite charity anyway, but the town's garage sale gave her unique gifts for family and friends.

"My husband and I grew up in Darien," she confided.  "So there's some nostalgia in these gifts as well.

There are still 300 street signs available for purchase.

To order yours, just call town hall at 203-656-7338 and ask for Marge Dwyer.  She'll see if your desired sign is still available and order it up from DPW.

Within a week you can exchange your $100 check for a piece of Darien history.