'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Housatonic River

Turnback Tuesday looks at the Housatonic River (or Ousatonic in its original spelling.) Named by the Paugussett Tribe as Potatuck which means “River with Falls” or “great river," the Housatonic starts near Pittsfield, Mass. and runs for 148 miles to the Long Island Sound.

In the early 1800s, factories were built along the river in Birmingham that harnessed the water to power their turbines and water wheels. 

A covered bridge was built in 1839 to connect Shelton to Derby, and the Ousatonic Dam was dedicated in 1870. Dikes were installed along parts of the river after the flood of 1955.

Not all use of the river was for commercial purposes. Recreational boating and fishing were very common. The Yale University boat crews used the river to practice and race. 

This postcard is a recent donation to the Library.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Housatonic River

Turnback Tuesday looks at the Housatonic River or "Ousatonic" in its original spelling. Named by the Paugussett Tribe as "Potatuck" which means “river with falls” or “great river," the Housatonic starts near Pittsfield, Mass. and runs for 148 miles to Long Island Sound.

In the early 1800s, factories were built along the river in Birmingham and they harnessed the water to power their turbines and water wheels.

A covered bridge was built in 1839 to connect Shelton to Derby and the Ousatonic Dam was dedicated in 1870. Dikes were installed along parts of the river after the Flood of 1955.

Not all use of the river was for commercial purposes. Recreational boating was very common. The Yale University crew team even used the river to practice and race.

This picture was taken in 1904 from the Derby/Shelton Bridge.

You can see the dam in the background and Oak Cliff Cemetery to the right on the hill.

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

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

... while floating along Lake Housatonic on a beautiful afternoon last week. 

The weather was great, and the company was even better! The top photos were from around noontime and the ones below are from about five hours later. 

A big thank you goes to our friends who hosted a relaxing and memorable afternoon! 

'Turnback Tuesday' memory from 2016 depicts Housatonic River scene

This week’s “Turnback Tuesday” is a photo taken around 1895.

From the information we have, it depicts a Mrs. H.A. Campbell standing on “The Wharf.”

In the background is a boat containing a party of Derby people - including Reverend Fellows - apparently on their way to Indian Well in Shelton.

We welcome any additional info from our Facebook followers regarding this scene’s location, viewing perspective, bios, etc.

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

Cassetti reminds residents Abe Stone Park, Colony Pond in Ansonia are open

This is shared from a post today on the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

ANSONIA - With warmer weather upon us, a reminder from Mayor David S. Cassetti that Abe Stone Park and Colony Pond are open for fishing and boating (kayaks, canoes, row boats).

Boating requires a permit available at the Town Clerk’s office ($2 for 2 years), while fishing license is required for over 16 years of age. New to the pond this year will be catfish, being stocked in May by the DEEP.

Other park offerings that will soon be available include volleyball, soccer fields, full court basketball, marked hiking trails, children’s play scape, picnic grounds with grills, and on occasion the Colony Snack Shack.

Cassetti had many of the park’s amenities significantly upgraded in 2019 through corporate donations, his office said.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights motor boat club in Derby

Turnback Tuesday shares an excerpt about the Naugatuck Valley Motor Boat Club on the Housatonic River in Derby. The clip is from the Motor Boat Magazine out of New York in its July 10, 1908 issue./ Contributed photo 

"Derby, Conn.: 15 boats, racing under the auspices of the Naugatuck Valley Motor Boat Club, competed for a trophy offered by Col. Watson J. Miller. This trophy must be won 3 times consecutively before it becomes property of the winner. The boats were handicapped according to the results of a race held the previous week. 
"The race was over a 10-mile course on the Housatonic River. 3 boats - Louise II, Vamoose, and Lorclei - were disqualified for exceeding the speed made in a previous trial. Genevieve, owned by A. H. Smith, won by 1 second over No Name, owned by W.A. Gordon, and takes the trophy for the time being."


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

Down by the river ... in Derby

I posted photos from a boat ride along Lake Housatonic this week here, and Ralph used them in our Valley Voice newsletter here. 

I also wanted to share the one above from that same ride. It was such a peaceful sight. 

Recuperation journey: Relaxing ride on river

A dear friend invited me and daughter Allegra and two other friends on a lovely boat ride Wednesday evening on Lake Housatonic. 
The weather was perfect! 

Reflections courtesy of Yale's Gilder Boathouse in Derby. 

DEEP offers safety tips for outdoor recreation

With the July 4th holiday weekend upon us, the 2015 summer outdoor recreation season is in full swing and Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection urges residents and visitors to enjoy Connecticut’s outdoors – but to do so safely.

“Our 109 state parks and 32 state forests are ready for summer visitors and opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors. We also have 118 state boat launches to get you onto your favorite waterbody.” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. 
“No matter what your favorite activity – hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking or simply soaking in some peace and quiet – Connecticut offers many convenient, safe, and attractive places to visit. We encourage families to visit our parks, forests, and waterways as often as they can this summer and to observe all the rules that are posted as well as all common sense safety precautions. We want everyone to have a positive experience in the outdoors.”

Safe Boating
When it comes to boating, Connecticut offers it all - streams, rivers, lakes and Long Island Sound, which offer a wide variety of opportunities for boaters. DEEP offers the following safety tips for those going out on the water. Visit: www.ct.gov/deep/boating
Take a boatin or canoe/kayak safety class – a boating certificate is required to operate a registered boat.

Double check the condition of all water and fuel hoses and their connections as part of your pre-safety boat check. Also be sure to file a float plan. You can find apps for that! It allows you to send a float plan to a friend or family member.

Obtain a free Vessel Safety Check – contact the DEEP Boating Division or your local USCG Auxiliary and US Power Squadron. If you use a state boat launch, look for our Boating Education Assistants who will perform a free safety check.

Wear Your Life Jacket - Statistics show that more than three-quarters of the people that died in boating accidents between 2010 and 2014 drowned. Of those, 90% were not wearing a life jacket. Life jackets are more comfortable and lightweight than ever. Putting one on before heading out could save your life, so “Wear It Connecticut!”

In our cooler Northeast waters, someone that falls in the water can lose their ability to perform necessary life-saving functions quite quickly. Falling into colder waters also invokes an involuntary gasp reflex – a number one cause of drowning.

When waterskiing/tubing shut the engine off when putting someone in the water, switching out equipment or retrieving the person. Always approach person in the water from driver’s side. Make sure there is a spotter who understands the importance of their job to watch the skier/tuber at all times and communicate immediately to the operator if the person falls off or signals they want to stop.

Drink responsibly – alcohol was a contributing factor for 47% of the victims that died in Connecticut boating accidents between 2008 and 2012. Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion are all considered "stressors" common to the boating environment. They intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications by causing fatigue, which greatly reduces a boat operator's coordination, judgment, and reaction time. The use of alcohol also makes the body more susceptible to the effects of cold water.

Follow us on Facebook at BoatingInConnecticut.

Follow us on Twitter @CTBoatngInfo or DEEP Boating. We will be tweeting timely information on boat ramp status (temporary closures when at capacity, etc.), pumpout facility information and upcoming boating classes.

Safe Swimming
DEEP offers 23 designated state park swim areas – four on Long Island Sound and 19 inland lakes and ponds. www.ct.gov/deep/beachstatu.
There are also many municipal swim areas throughout the state

The following safety tips should be observed by those headed to the beach:

Swim in designated areas - Connecticut State Parks offer many swimming opportunities, from small swimming holes amid hiking trails, to expansive open water swimming in Long Island Sound. Designated swimming areas offer certain layers of protection: from ensuring water quality, to identifying a five foot water depth, to protecting swimmers from boating traffic, and to oversight by highly trained lifeguards. Please swim in these areas whenever possible.

Be aware that underwater hazards exist and NEVER dive in head first - the natural beauty of these swimming areas extends under the water. Unlike the smooth level bottom of swimming pools, lakes/ponds and the Long Island Sound have uneven bottoms, with potential drop-offs, sand-bars, in-shore holes, and boulders. Be cautious when enjoying these natural areas.

Parents must watch their children - When children are playing in the water, the safest spot for a parent or guardian to be is within arm's reach of them. It only takes seconds for a child to drown, please take this easy preventive measure.

Alcohol and water don't mix -- alcohol has been a contributing factor in 13 of the 16 drowning deaths that lifeguards have responded to at state parks within the last decade. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to poor decision-making, poor coordination, and poor reaction time. Do not drink alcohol and swim.


Safe Hiking
Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System
Connecticut has a wide variety of hiking trails including the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System – with more than 825 miles marked with blue rectangular blazes. This trail system offers a great way to explore the woodlands, remote ridges, and wild places of Connecticut. The trails are open year-round to all forms of foot travel (unless otherwise posted).

Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests
This year, for the first time, Connecticut State Parks is sponsoring the “Sky’s the Limit” 2015, a Hiking Challenge, designed to promote hiking in Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests throughout 2015. Hikers will enjoy the opportunity to hike to 14 of Connecticut’s high peaks and receive prizes for their efforts as part of a new program.

Participants in this friendly competition have the opportunity to receive a medallion for hiking up 10 designated locations. On January 1, 2016 names will be drawn from all who completed the 14 designated hikes and fifty winners will receive a hand-carved hiking staff.

To learn more visit: www.ct.gov/deep/skysthelimit

Greenways
"Greenways" are corridors of open space that may protect natural resources, preserve scenic landscapes and historical resources or offer opportunities for recreation or non-motorized transportation and may connect existing protected areas and provide access to the outdoors. Visit: www.ct.gov/deep/greenways

Safe Hiking Tips
Although Connecticut State Parks can be limited in acreage in comparison to some of the larger National Parks across the country, they offer adventure and awe inspiring beauty. Parks still have some of the same hazards found in expansive wilderness areas. It’s important for visitors to plan ahead to prepare for a visit to the outdoors, have proper equipment and prepare for the inevitable. And most importantly know your limitations.

As the 2015 summer outdoor recreation kicks off DEEP officials offer the following hiking safety advice when visiting a park or forest.

ï Dress appropriately and be prepared for any sudden changes in the weather. Dress in layers and avoid cotton. Hikers can choose from a variety of fabrics that wick moisture. It’s a good idea to wear a lightweight shirt that wicks moisture and carry a fleece and lightweight rain jacket.

ï Invest in good hiking socks and sturdy hiking shoes or boots.

ï Avoid hiking alone. If you do hike alone pick a well-used trail and tell someone where you’ll be and when you plan to return.

ï Stay on the trail. Taking shortcuts and bush-whacking increases your chances of getting lost and increases erosion.

ï Never climb on waterfalls or attempt to cross streams above waterfalls. Injuries and death can occur.

ï Carry a small lightweight backpack

ï Always carry rain gear. To avoid hypothermia it’s important to remain warm and dry.

ï Carry plenty of drinking water and never assume stream water is safe to drink.

ï Carry food or energy bars

ï Don’t count on cell phones to work if you are lost. If they do work, be able to give details about your current location and remain there until rescuers arrive.

ï Carry a First Aid Kit and other personal care items such as medications.

ï Carry a small flashlight


Whatever you choose for your outdoor activity, plan ahead, have proper equipment and prepare for the unexpected. 
And most importantly, have a safe and healthy visit to Connecticut’s outdoors.

This is a press release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Boating safety course slated Saturday in Oxford

OXFORD - The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a one-day Boating/Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC) Course from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Hall, 43 Oxford Road.

Walk-ins are welcomed. Admission is $50.

Upon completion you will be able to obtain your Boating/PWC license/certificate from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, allowing you to operate a vessel and/or PWC.

The About Boating Safety Course exceeds the state requirements that allow you to obtain that license/certificate.

Topics include safety, Connecticut state law, trailering, waterways, canoes, motor boats, sailboats, PWCs, to name a few.

For information or if you would like to pre-register contact Peter Aiksnoras, 203-888-7252, or aiksnoras@sbcglobal.net.


This information is taken from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.