When you hear the names Willett Hall and Willett Drive, think public service.
The entertainment venue and street honor the late Thomas A. Willett, a Portsmouth resident of 45 years who was widely recognized for his contributions to the city.
Willett, a local businessman, presided over the Portsmouth School Board, Portsmouth Central YMCA and Portsmouth Kiwanis Club. He was actively involved in many other organizations, including the Portsmouth Dental Clinic, the Beazley Foundation Boys' Club and the Portsmouth and Norfolk County Building Association.
In 1945, Willett was named a First Citizen of Portsmouth because of his level of public service.
In November 1953 at age 62, Willett passed away.
But his name lives on.
In 1955, the auditorium connected to the then-Woodrow Wilson High School was named in his honor. Today, what was once the T.A. Willett Auditorium, a facility that has undergone renovations, is now Willett Hall.
News researcher Maureen Watts contributed to this report.
Cheryl Ross, (757) 446-2443, cheryl.ross@pilotonline.com
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