From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Hotchkiss Hose Company 1 in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an image of the first motorized firetruck purchased in 1914 by the Hotchkiss Hose Company No.1.

The oldest fire company still functioning in Derby, Hotchkiss Hose Company No.1 was officially formed in June of 1837 after Edward N. Shelton collected 100 signatures from residents of Birmingham.

Mr. Shelton wanted to create a fire company in the area because one of his industrial plants was located on Main Street. On June 3rd, the resolution was approved by the state legislature. The original fire company was housed in an old barn owned by L.L. Loomer on the northwest corner of Third and Minerva Streets.

However, in order to expand the company, a stone building was erected on Caroline Street In 1844 so the company could relocate there.

In 1861, yet another building was erected for the company on Caroline Street, this time by one Steven Summers who wished to procure the stone building.

There the company remained until finally moving to its present location at 200 David Humphreys Road.

The Caroline Street location was still maintained as a means to store the first truck, and this picture shows that vehicle in front of the Caroline Street facility.

[This was first published on Oct. 3, 2017.]

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Seymour Congregational Church to open doors before Seymour Pink 5K

From Seymour Congregational Church Facebook page:

Our sanctuary doors will be open to the public on Race Day [Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K for Seymour Pink].

Please use the space for prayer and peace on a day that may bring a lot of different emotions.
Prayer candles will be located in the sanctuary.
Prayer request cards will also be available to those who would like to be added to our Prayer List.

Ansonia Police issue traffic advisory, post detours

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

ANSONIA - North Main Street is closed between Colony Street and Underhill Road due to a car accident and telephone pole down.

Please avoid the area if possible.

Northbound traffic on North Main Street can detour Forest Avenue to Woodlawn Avenue to Gardners Lane to Colony Street to Underhill Road.

Southbound traffic on North Main Street can detour Underhill Road to Colony Street to Gardners Lane to Woodlawn Avenue to Forest Avenue to North Main Street.

This is shared from the APD Facebook page.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby plumbing business

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights plumbing business in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at the successful business of Little & Haggerty Heating & Plumbing.

Both Philip H. Little and William D. Haggerty started out as plumbers. In 1904, they joined forces and opened up Little & Haggerty at 16 Housatonic Ave. (16 Roosevelt Drive) They ran a successful business as partners until Little's death in January, 1933 at age 57.

Haggerty continued with the same name of Little & Haggerty until his retirement in 1955 when the new business became Dempsey & Shields Plumbers.

This Derby Exchange Telephone Directory was a recent donation from the R. Ahern family.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Old School to rock the Derby Green Friday

Old School - 'Never Too Old to Rock and Roll'

From the band's Facebook page:

"Our song list features favorites from Chicago, Steely Dan, The Blues Brothers, Van Morrison and more!"

The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday on the Derby Green.

Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby to host fall bird walk Saturday

 

Massaro Farm in Woodbridge to host Halloween Hoopla event

 

St. Mary-St. Michael School to host Festival of Trees at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

 

Seymour Oxford Food Bank to close Saturday for 5K activities

We will be closed this Saturday, October 5, for the Seymour Pink [Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K] race activities. Good luck to all runners and walkers!