The New London Market was the site of the city's Jibboom Club Chowd'a Fest on Saturday, May 19. Owner of the property, Peter Levine donated the space on the ground floor of 13 Washington Street for the afternoon's festivities. The Chowd’a Fest, which kicked off after the conclusion of the Jibboom Club's Parade, is part of the events or-ganized by the New London Historical Society to celebrate National Maritime Day.

The Jibboom Club was an all-male social club for sailors organized in 1891. The club held an annual parade on George Washington's birthday that marched through the streets of downtown. The New London Maritime Society is working to revitalize the club and its traditions.

Representatives from Grampy's Market, Paul's Pasta, Flanders Fish Market, Raiders Roost, Filomena's Restaurant and Sousa's Seafood served up samples of their signa-ture clam chowder in competition for the coveted title of Jibboom Club steward. Mike Ogle, owner and chef of Filomena's Restaurant in Waterford, was named the winner based on the votes of attendees. The Cottrell Brewery of Pawcatuck provided its distinc-tive brews for refreshment.

In addition to the chowder and brew, there was a silent auction and plenty of entertain-ment with the singing of sea shanties and a great performance by the "Sea Notes" barber shop chorus. The lower section of the New London Market was decorated with oversized photo-graphs of early New London that provided a glimpse of the splendor and activity of the city’s earlier days. Peter Levine stated "New London is a vibrant city with a great sense of history; it is a pleasure to be part of the revival of New London."

Amber Properties, LLC was honored with an Award of Merit from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for its renovation and restoration of the Monte Cristo Garage in New London.

The Monte Cristo Garage was built in 1914 in a building owned by actor James O'Neill, father of Eugene, who played the role of the Count of Monte Cristo. Built by noted New London landowner and developer, Morton Plant, it housed an automobile and garage business. The building was known as “the garage deluxe of America”, with 30,000 square feet and the capacity to house 268 automobiles. Long abandoned in a critical area of New London’s downtown Historic District, this restoration and adaptive re-use has been key to the revitalization of Upper State Street.

The building is now used as a mixed-use commercial and residential complex, with 19 luxury apartments in the upper levels and commercial, office and restaurant occupants on the main floors. The exterior restoration included repair of the stucco, replication and replacement of the historic metal windows, and rebuilding of the exterior stairway. Award presented to Peter M. Levine of Amber Properties, LLC.