'Turnback Tuesday' features puzzle over 19th century beer bottle

Turnback Tuesday is showcasing a bit of a puzzle. This bottle, named "Finn & Knapp Derby, Conn," was a bottle used for beer. 

Now, a Thomas Finn had a restaurant and sample room that started in 1882, located at 102 Main St., Derby. This business ran until 1884. Finn did open another saloon in Shelton in 1891. Meanwhile, Frank L. Knapp had a sample room at 181 & 183 Main St., Derby from 1889 to 1890. Knapp bartended in Ansonia in 1891 then moved to Bantam Lake in 1892.

This is very curious because the bottle has both names on it. It seems they never worked together, therefore the puzzle. 

If you look at this bottle it has a wire-bale bottle closure which was invented in 1875 by Nicolai Fritzner. This made it easier for opening and closing bottles.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features saloon, bottling business in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits another business in Derby: John J. Mahony, owner and operator of J. J. Saloon at 50 Elizabeth St., Derby, started in 1904. By 1909, the saloon was located at 47 Elizabeth St.

In 1912, he added bottling. The bottle shown would've been used in the saloon. The business remained until 1921, and would've been located where 3rd Street meets Elizabeth Street.

This bottle is a recent donation from R. Ahearn.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features businesses near 'Derby Junction'

Turnback Tuesday give us two views of the corner of Derby Avenue and Main Street in the early 1900s.

At 5 Main St., the beverage business (saloon) was owned by James D. McCarthy from 1896 until 1925 when he changed it to a cigar and tobacco establishment.

At 3 Main St. starting in 1907, Mrs. Mary E. Colwell ran a confectionary/lunch business until 1934. At 1 Main St. were various grocery and meat markets, run earlier by Herson C. Osborn and later by Davey Brothers. Above these businesses were rooms for rent.

This corner was also part of the busy intersection called "Derby Junction" where the trolley and trains all stopped.

Just think of this corner as your one stop for shopping for food, sweets, and drinks.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features saloon in downtown Ansonia

'Turnback Tuesday' looks at a business at 260 Main St. on the corner of Main and Water Streets in Ansonia: W. P. Fitzgerald (William) Wines & Liquors (saloon), a business that started the same year Ansonia became a town in 1889.

The business remained until 1923. The name "Fitzgerald" is located on the corner of the building while their suppliers of Ale & Lager the Weibel Brewing Company name is above the door.

This corner witnessed many changes over the years: the arrival of trolley tracks, motorized vehicles, and dirt roads to cobblestone to name a few.

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