'Turnback Tuesday': Ice skating on Derby Dam

Turnback Tuesday looks at ice skating. It is suggested the earliest ice skating started in Finland more than 3,000 years ago. 

Popularity increased and recreational skating took hold by the 15th Century. When local waters froze, adults and children would strap on skates and enjoy themselves. It was a time to socialize with neighbors and friends plus do some recreational activity. 

This watercolor shows folks of Derby doing just that more than 120 years ago at the Derby Dam.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Derby Dam over Housatonic River

Turnback Tuesday takes a second look at the Derby (Housatonic) Dam that has been a fixture of the river since 1870. Built by the Ousatonic Water Co. and completed on October 10, 1870 it has gatehouses and canals on either side of the river to control water flow.

The Shelton side had a lock to allow boats to bypass the dam. Unfortunately, the yearly event of Freshets and Ice dams wore out the dam, and it burst January 21, 1891. When the dam was replaced, they made design changes.

Since the first construction was made with a sheer drop contributing to its demise caused by strong churning water, when reconstructed it was given more of a slope.

This image shows the original dam built in 1870.

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