'Turnback Tuesday' features image of Flood of 1955 in Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday is sharing a new image of the August 1955 Flood. We just received this picture as a donation along with (12) others.

This image was taken from Tremont Street [in Ansonia] looking in the direction of the Naugatuck River.

The building on the right with the red arrow is the back of Spector Furniture. That building is still there today. The buildings to the left are no longer in existence. We are guessing that this image was taken before the water was at its highest point. There is no water line on the buildings.

Thanks as always goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history.

'Turnback Tuesday' features 1921 map of Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday is sharing an image of a 1921 map of Ansonia. Remembering the Flood of 1955, this map gives a better idea of what downtown Ansonia looked like before the flood. It is an aerial view of Ansonia looking west. Many of the buildings shown no longer exist. Some street names have changed.

Derby Public Library is looking for a map of Derby produced in 1920 to add to our collection. The map of Ansonia is on loan to the library through the end of September.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Flood of 1955 on 70th anniversary

Turnback Tuesday is highlighting another image of the Flood of 1955.

This image is a part of the Derby Public Library’s collection and it is of the Derby Train Station.

The photo was taken looking north.

The red arrow is where the drive-in theater screen was, and the green arrow is Route 8. The railroad station still survives today and is still pretty much original.

This photo and many others are on display remembering the 70th anniversary of the Flood of 1955. Come to Derby Public Library and view these incredible images and share any of your memories of the flood.

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

Cassetti, Vartelas family to commemorate 70th anniversary of 1955 Flood in Ansonia

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features image of Flood of 1955 devastation

Turnback Tuesday shares this incredible view of the Flood of 1955.

It was taken from the tower of St. James Church on Minerva Street looking east towards the Naugatuck River. Red Star = Naugatuck River; green arrow = Freight Depot; blue arrow = Rt. 34; yellow arrow = Rt. 8; red arrow = Train Station; pink arrow = Farrel Birmingham; purple arrow = First Congregational Church; black arrow = St. Michael's Church and purple star = Housatonic River.

The devastation of the flood was not only to the landscape but to those living here.

The image was a gift from the Birmingham National Bank to Derby Public Library in November, 1955.

Thank you to Joe DiRienzo for his help in identifying landmarks.

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

Derby Public Library posts programs for August

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features aftermath of Flood of 1955 in downtown Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday shares an image of the aftermath of the Flood of 1955.

Spector Furniture on Main Street, Ansonia, suffered complete loss of merchandise as did so many other businesses and homes in the area. Luckily, Spector Furniture survived and is still in the same location today.

Derby Public Library will be having a display on the 70th Anniversary of the Flood that includes never-before-seen images taken by Harold B. Yudkin as well as some testimonials from those who were there.

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

Derby Public Library exhibit to mark 70th anniversary of 1955 Flood in Valley

DERBY - Join Christine Boulay, Derby Public Library's local history coordinator, to mark the 70th Anniversary of the 1955 Naugatuck Valley Flood. 

A photo exhibit will be on display throughout the Derby Public Library of photographs taken by local resident Harold B. Yudkin.
Through donations from a generous patron the library was able to digitize and print all of the pictures, all 85 images.

This August marks the 70th Anniversary of the flood. The display will coincide with the 350th celebration of Derby.

All are welcome to the reception for light refreshments.
https://derbypubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14709749

Shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Kornblut's store on Main Street, Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday remembers Kornblut's Department Store, 316-318 Main St., Ansonia.

Henry Kornblut, born in Austria, arrived in the U.S. in 1889.

He opened up the Dry Good & Clothing store in 1928 at 316 Main St. This family-run business continued with Henry as president until his death in July of 1955 at the age of 95, one month before the Flood in August of 1955.

His son-in-law had become president and continued the business for many years. This photo, a recent donation from the Yudkin family, was taken on Aug. 20,1955.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) seeks location of photo from 1955 flood

Turnback Tuesday has another image of the 1955 Flood for you to help us identify.

This looks to be a factory along the Housatonic River looking towards East Derby or Shelton. We would like to know where and what factory it is?

The Flood was caused by two hurricanes: the first, Hurricane Connie, went by CT on August 11, depositing 4-6 inches of rain.

Then five days later, Hurricane Diane left in her wake 13 to 20 inches of rain in CT over a two-day period.

This image was a recent donation from the J. Vagnini family.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the confirmation of location from our last Turnback flood post.

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