Hank the Tank: Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story Told by Myrtle Avenue’s Parked Car
For several months locals have wondered why a Mercedes R350 has been parked on Myrtle Avenue - in front of Town Hall - without movement. Storm surges flowed beneath the German behemoth. Pedestrians walked by it. The wheels never moved. Through a mix of commentary on Dan Woog’s 06880 blog and several posts on local Facebook groups - the family who owns the car spoke out about their beloved car through a tear-jerking story taped to the car’s window.
Most importantly noted, the car has a name: Hank the Tank, and Hank the Tank is more “family member” than “vehicle” to one Westport mom who drove the car, then passed it to her daughter as her first car. The family is now faced with donating the aging car to the Westport Fire Department to be used for training - and faced with the growing up of their daughter. “If anything from water bottles to school assignments to beach towels were lost - it could be found in Hank the Tank - if you look through the windows there are probably some of these items still inside right now. Hank the Tank has been driven on every road in Westport during moments of frustration and sadness when it was essential to get away from everything and everybody. Hank the Tank loved to drive around for hours with friends doing nothing - just talking about stuff.” “Hank the Tank has also been to a lot of places we will never know - which is the way it should be - memories and teenage secrets created, shared and hopefully remembered by Hank the Tank's driver and her childhood friends.” the family wrote in the story.
Congratulations, you are standing next to Hank the Tank.
As made famous by a question written into Dan Woog's 06880 and a comment on Westport Front Porch.
As you can probably tell by the curation of stickers on the back, Hank the Tank was the first car of a girl who recently grew up in town. Hank the Tank was originally the car this girl's mom used to take her to school, playdates, soccer, basketball, gymnastics and everywhere else with her little brother before Hank the Tank became officially her first car.
Hank the Tank was driven to school, picked up friends, and was a safe ride for drop offs late into the night.
Hank the Tank didn't love going to the dump, but occasionally did.
Hank the Tank loved making surprise visits to the driver's grandparents on Punch Bowl Drive.
Hank the Tank liked getting coffee at Dunkin Donuts.
Hank the Tank's preferred gas station was the Exxon on the Post Road. The people that work there are always nice, it is open 24 hours, offers
fountain sodas, and has a fake bear in front.
Hank the Tank liked going to the beach, concerts, Giants games, movies, going to a first job, finding late night food in the surrounding towns and
driving to CVS at all hours of the day and night.
Hank the Tank loved driving around the reservoir and going to Devil's Glen.
Hank the tank once got a speeding ticket on North Avenue taking a right out of Staples headed toward Cross Highway soon after the Bedford entrance.
Hank the Tank liked to pack as many friends inside of it as possible.
Hank the Tank liked it when everyone would sing-a-long to music blasting from portable speakers because the radio no longer worked.
If anything from water bottles to school assignments to beach towels were lost - it could be found in Hank the Tank - if you look through the windows there are probably some of these items still inside right now.
Hank the Tank has been driven on every road in Westport during moments of frustration and sadness when it was essential to get away from everything and everybody.
Hank the Tank loved to drive around for hours with friends doing nothing - just talking about stuff.
Hank the Tank loved to get lost listening to music, thinking about life, and dreaming.
Hank the Tank was often parked right here - where you are standing - talking on the phone, texting and promising to be home in two minutes.
Hank the Tank has also been to a lot of places we will never know - which is the way it should be - memories and teenage secrets created, shared and hopefully remembered by Hank the Tank's driver and her childhood friends.
Recognizing not everyone is as sentimental as the girl - now young woman - who drove hank the tank and her family - please understand it has been challenging to let go of Hank the Tank because of all Hank the Tank represents.
Saying goodbye to Hank the Tank will be a sort of final acceptance that the girl who drove and still loves hank the tank has moved on from the time of her life when you have your first car and is already making new memories in college without Hank the Tank.
Some people have an easier time letting go of things than others. We try and hold on to the positive and let go of the negative. Which is obviously easier said than done. These sort of changes in life possess a little of both which is what has made it so hard to say goodbye to Hank the Tank. Hank the Tank's family apologizes for any inconvenience Hank the Tank being here has caused.
Taking up a spot for a meeting in Town Hall.
Slowing down a shortcut on Myrtle Avenue to take a convenient right on red - back to Main Street.
And if Hank the Tank's appearance has ruined someone's walk in our beautiful downtown: we again sincerely apologize.
Hank the Tank will soon be leaving for the next and final chapter in it's life - we hope as a donation to the Westport Fire Department to be used in
their drills and education.
So this might be your last chance to take pictures with Hank the Tank, get annoyed by Hank the Tank, or maybe for a sentimental few - be inspired to unlock memories of you and your own first car.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Hank the Tank’s Family.