'Turnback Tuesday' remembers Derby's Tercentennial celebration

Turnback Tuesday is remembering the 300th Celebration 1675-1975 of Derby with this beautiful Tercentennial Commemorative Coin.

The image on the coin depicts Derby native Commodore Isaac Hull, who lived from 1773 to 1843. A U.S. Naval Officer, he was the commander of the USS Constitution during the War of 1812.

The ship was referred to as Old Ironsides due to the fact when another ship fired upon it the cannon balls seemed to bounce off as if the ship were made of metal.

The coin was one of the many items created for Derby’s 300th celebration. This coin is still in its original packaging.

There are three of these coins on display at the Derby Public Library that were retrieved from the 1975 Time Capsule along with other items.

This coin is a recent donation to the library in honor of Valerie Wasilewski.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby High School cheerleaders in 1975

Turnback Tuesday has a great image of the Derby High School cheerleaders getting ready for the parade at the Derby 300th celebration in 1975. 

This image and many others are in a photo album here at the library. Please come to the Derby Public Library and help us identify faces in this album. 

Contact Christine Boulay Local History Coordinator at 203-736-1482 or cboulay@biblio.org to schedule a time to
view the album.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Derby's 300th celebration parade

Turnback Tuesday brings an image from Derby’s 300th celebration in 1975.

The image was taken during the parade held on June 8, 1975, which started at 1 p.m. on Old New Haven Avenue (Route 34).

It followed its way to Elizabeth Street to Seymour Avenue to Division then Chatfield Streets, ending at Ryan Field. It boasted that the parade was 5 hours long, and the route was approximately 4 miles.

The Redwood East Steak House in the background was owned by Bill Grant. It seems from our research that this restaurant was only open for a short period of time while the celebration of Derby’s 300th was happening.

The main restaurant was located in Shelton.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Derby's 300th celebration in 1975

Turnback Tuesday is remembering Derby’s 300th celebration in 1975. 

This year marks the 350th Anniversary for Derby. The image is of Mildred and Louis Pepe. Louis played a judge during the 10-day event for several Kangaroo Courts. He was a 1st ward Alderman for the City of Derby according to the City Directories from 1970 to 1972. 

The image was taken during the parade that was held on June 8, 1975. 

If you recognize anyone in this picture, please let us know so we can update our records.

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

Sharing 'Turnback Tuesday' post from this date in 2018

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" is an oldie but goodie. 

This is a picture of the Derby Public Library staff dressed in all their finery for Derby’s 300th celebration in 1975. (l. to r.) Tom Moran, Olga Guilletti, Mrs. Kopp, Mrs. Helen Ahearn (Head Librarian), Joyce Tredinick and Betty Guilletti.

*The City of Derby is now in the process of planning its 350th anniversary celebration!

'Turnback Tuesday' asks help identifying photos from Derby 300th celebration

Turnback Tuesday is looking for your help. Derby Public Library has a photo album in our collection from Derby’s 300th celebration in 1975.

There are 262 images of the event which took place over a span of 10 days. Unfortunately these images are not completely labeled.

This is where you can help. If you or any of your family members were at the event, we would appreciate it if you could come to the Library and help us put names to faces. You would be doing a great service in helping the Library to preserve history.

These images are but just a sample of what we have.

You can contact the Library at (203) 736-1482 or at dplreference@biblio.org, and please ask for Christine. We look forward to hearing from you.

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

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features tie from Derby's 300th anniversary celebration

Turnback Tuesday has another item from the celebration of Derby’s 300th anniversary in 1975 that lasted 10 days.

Many men who attended or worked the event wore this tie. This particular tie was worn by George Berman, a local merchant in Derby. George worked at H. Berman & Sons Inc. at 284 Main St. He retired as President of the company in 1975.

This tie was a recent donation from the Berman family.

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