From the 'Turnback Tuesday'' archives: Veterans Memorial Building

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" image features the Unitarian Church in Derby. Construction of the church began in 1897, though its first service was not held until Sept.10, 1905. The church existed until sometime in the mid 1920s, after which it was converted into the Veterans Memorial Building. The Memorial Building is still located at the juncture between Atwater and Seymour Avenues.

[First posted on this date in 2016.]

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

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Friday) commemorates Veterans Memorial in Derby

Turnback Tuesday pays tribute to the Veterans Memorial located at Atwater and Seymour Avenues in Derby. 
July 31, 2019 was the 100th Anniversary of the John H. Collins Post #24 American Legion. 
The Post was named after John H. Collins, a Derby native born Oct. 24,1882.
He was the first from the community to pay the ultimate sacrifice during WWI, dying on Aug. 8, 1918. 
Thomas Keefe was the first Commander of the post. Charter members were: Peter Bachs, Joseph Bergin, Edward Cotter, Franklin Degnan, William Eaton, Patrick Fox, Harry Goldberg, Henry Haugh, Frank Hubbel, Claude Hudson, Fred Hummel, George Hummel, Thomas Keefe, Donald Lautz, John Lightfoot, John Meade, William Morgan, John O’Hara, Patrick O’Sullivan, Raymond Payden, Andrew Purcella, Joseph and Louis Scarpa, Jerome Secor, Elmer Sharpe, Alfred Stanley, Vincent Tracy, John Voorhees, George Wakefield, and Thomas Woods.


Somehow I missed this Turnback post Tuesday. My error!


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

American Legion Post in Derby to dedicate monument, celebrate centennial

Newsletter: Post installs monument, Shelton History Center car show

Dear readers, 

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter features annual car show at the Shelton History Center, monument installed in Derby, more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph

Post installs monument at Veterans Memorial Building in Derby

Silent Installation …

DERBY - A monument recognizing the upcoming 100th anniversary of the American Legion National Organization and locally of John H. Collins Post #24 based at the Veterans Memorial Building was installed June 10. 

The building at the intersection of Atwater and Seymour Avenues is described when giving directions as “turn at the cannon.” 

The foundation was made by McManus Construction of Derby and the monument was installed by Seccombe Brothers Memorials of Ansonia. The stone was imported from India and formed in Vermont. 

Attending the installation were Post members Bernard Williamson with son Terry, and Post members Paul Lutson and Paul Varsanik. An historic dedication of the monument will be held at a later date. Check for an announcement in local media.  

Listed on the monument are the charter members. Please contact the Post if you know of any of their descendants.

This information was contributed by Post member Bill Bowers.

Board of Governors to meet at Veterans Memorial Building in Derby

DERBY - The Veterans' Board of Governors will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday as the next scheduled meeting of the Board.

Veterans Memorial Building

The meeting will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building at the corner of Atwater and Seymour Avenues.

All veterans are invited, Board Secretary Bernie Williamson said in a release.