DERBY - Mayor Richard Dziekan has announced the members of the 12th Annual Class for the Derby Hall of Fame with their official unveiling slated for Derby Day June 23.
The Derby Hall of Fame was established in 2007 and includes Derby natives and residents who have helped to shape the course of history through their achievements at the local, state, national, or international level.
Each of these individuals selected was either born in Derby or lived here at some point in his/her life.
The Class of 2018 includes two individuals from two distinctly different periods of time in Derby history.
Quosh Freeman
Quosh Freeman was born in Ghana in the early 1800s, but ended up as a slave in the United States.
While he was a slave, he was simply known as Quosh with no surname. However, his story took a dramatic turn when he was given his freedom by his owner, Lt. Agar Tomlinson. He was renowned for his strength and work habits which both served him well when he adopted the surname Freeman and went on to earn the respect and admiration of the community.
Eventually, Quosh Freeman was elected as one of the renowned and historic Black Governors of Connecticut.
In recent years students and faculty members from Central Connecticut State College have undertaken an archaeological dig in the Freeman Homestead located within the boundaries of Osbornedale State Park in an effort to add more information to the story of Quosh Freeman and the Black Governors of Connecticut.
Harold Yudkin
Harold Yudkin arrived on the Derby scene more than a hundred years later, but made a name as a scholar, lawyer, historian, and philanthropist as well as the largest developer of homes in Derby history.
He grew up on Seymour Avenue and graduated from Derby High School in 1928 at the age of 15. He graduated from Bates College and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. He served with the Army in England during WWII before undertaking a 60-year career as a lawyer in Derby.
However, he played a much bigger role in the community than just that of a talented lawyer. Recognizing the need for more housing for returning veterans, he also formed a company that literally transformed the face of the city when the company built nearly 100 houses and a shopping center.
He also was a founder of Beth Israel Synagogue and was very active in Jewish affairs including writing for the Jewish Digest.
He was a generous supporter of many of the Valley's nonprofits and for a long time sponsored an annual oratorical contest at Derby High School.
His retirement in 1987 gave him time to explore his lifelong love of history, and he devoted himself to writing a 1,500 first-person account of the life of Benedict Arnold in the years before he betrayed his county.
The title was When I Was a Loyal American and speculated on the reasons for his eventual betrayal of his country.
The Derby Hall of Fame is located by the National Humane Alliance Fountain at the Division Street entrance to the Derby Greenway.
Each of the members is commemorated with a special brick surrounding the fountain engraved with some details of their achievements.
Dziekan said,“I am honored by Quosh Freeman and Harold Yudkin for their impressive accomplishments and steadfast efforts to create a better life for future generations. Both gentlemen are rightfully recognized for being industrious and achieving extraordinary goals while giving back to the community.
Thank you to the Derby Hall of Fame for recognizing these individuals as part of the 12th Annual Class for 2018.”
This is a press release from Mayor Dziekan's office.
