From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby Junction

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo is of *Derby Junction,* the common name for the intersection of Main Street (foreground), New Haven Avenue (background right) and Derby Avenue (off to the left.)

In this photo, Derby Junction is located more north than it is now since an adjacent bridge was built over the Naugatuck River. You can tell this based on the relative offset of St. Michael's Church. 

Today, the intersection is busier than ever with cars, trucks, buses, etc., but it was once a bustling site with horse drawn carriages and electric trolleys that made transfers to other locations at this spot. 

This picture is likely from the early 1900s.

[First posted on this date in 2015.]

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights second flood of 1955

 

Turnback Tuesday takes another look at the second flood of 1955. This took place in October with rain falling from the 14th - 17th. It brought about from 12” to 14” of rain.

The two images are of the Derby Bridge over the Naugatuck River looking at St. Michael's Church located at the intersection of Derby Avenue and Rt. 34.

The water rose in October, and as you can see, almost as much as it did in August. This meant those who were digging out from the first flood had to do so again in October.

Image one was taken on 8-19-1955 at 2 p.m. and image 2 was taken on 10-16-1955. These two images are on display along with many others at Derby Public library until the end of September.

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: View of old Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo features a unique and picturesque view looking down from where St. Michael's Church is now. You can see the First Congregational Church in the right foreground and across the Naugatuck River, the big white building is the former Sterling Piano Company.

The Derby Train Station is also shown while St. Mary's Church steeple is in the far right background. This picture was taken circa 1900.

[This was first published on Oct. 13, 2015.]

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

St. Michael's Church in Naugatuck to hold Christmas Artisan Bazaar

 

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky (and river)

View from a late-December walk on the Derby Greenway.

'Turnback Tuesday' features St. Michael's Church, School, Rectory in E. Derby

Turnback Tuesday is again looking at the corner of Main Street and Derby Avenue in Derby. This time it's St. Michael’s Church, School, and Rectory. The church construction began in 1906. With the due diligence of Rev. Paul Wazko, construction moved right along.

The basement was completed and ready for occupancy so that the congregation was able to hold its first mass celebration on Christmas Day, 1906.

The church building was dedicated July 4, 1907 with the school and rectory added in 1914. Wazko served as pastor from 1906 to 1924.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features business at Derby Junction

Turnback Tuesday highlights another business located at 14 Main St., Derby Junction.

This postcard photo was taken sometime after 1906. We know this because St. Michael's Church, in the background, had its groundbreaking in 1906. The building on the right is at 14 Main St.

John J. McEnerney Fire Insurance Co. moved the business to this location in 1896 until 1927, on the second floor or in the back of the building.

A druggist was located on the road level.

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

St. Michael's Church in Derby to distribute palms in parking lot Sunday

Sharing from a Facebook event page:

"Palms will be distributed from 10am - 12pm (noon) on Sunday, April 5, 2020. Drive through the Church Parking Lot for the distribution."

Decorate a gingerbread house at church in Beacon Falls

BEACON FALLS - The Beacon Falls Public Library will host its 10th annual Gingerbread Decorating Workshop at 10 a.m. Dec. 2  at St. Michael's Church Lyceum, 25 Maple Ave.

Cost is $22 materials fee per house.

You may register online but to confirm your spot, you must pay the materials fee by Nov. 17.
An alternate way to register is to call to reserve your spot and put your payment into our drop-box in an envelope marked with your name and Gingerbread or mail your payment. 
All payments must be made by Nov. 17.

All supplies including a pre-assembled edible gingerbread house, icing, and decorations will be provided! 

Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the food pantry at St. Michael's Church.

For more information call 203-729-1441.


*Info shared from the library website.