Derby Hall of Famer of the Week: Harold B. Yudkin

The Hall of Famer of the Week, Harold B. Yudkin, was a man of many talents - but his biggest legacy for the City of Derby is his record as the biggest builder of homes in Derby history. 

Read more about him https://electronicvalley.org/.../Hallof.../Yudkin,Harold.htm

'Turnback Tuesday' remembers Harold B. Yudkin, '55 Flood in Valley

Harold B. Yudkin

Turnback Tuesday remembers a man who had a passion for history and Derby: Harold B. Yudkin.

With this passion, Mr. Yudkin photographed the Flood of August 19, 1955.

The flood had a devastating effect on families and businesses in the Valley towns along the Naugatuck and Housatonic Rivers.

Derby Public Library received these photos through a donation from Harold’s son. For the month of August, these incredible images - of which we have over 90 along with some personal accounts of those who witnessed this disaster - will be on display at the Library for all to see.

In addition, there will be a small reception at the Library on August 19 at 2 p.m., the 70th anniversary of the Flood. The image of the Derby Railroad Station was taken at 2 p.m. on Aug. 19, and The Housatonic Lumber image was taken at 5 p.m. on Aug 19.

We are looking for anyone who is willing to share their personal experience with the Library.

Please feel free to drop off your story, short or long, at the Library, attention Christine Boulay or email cboulay@biblio.org.

Thank you for your contributions.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' salutes Derby native Harold Yudkin

Harold B. Yudkin

Turnback Tuesday salutes a man whose love of history will always be remembered at the Derby Public Library. 
Harold B. Yudkin was born and raised in Derby. 
After graduating high school in 1928, he later enlisted into the Army Air Corps and served during WWII. 
After passing the CT Bar in 1938, Harold was a successful lawyer for 60+ years. Upon his retirement, Yudkin turned his attention to history by writing and giving lectures at the Derby Public Library. 
In 2006, Selma Yudkin donated money to the Library in memory of her husband. 
And thanks to the Harold B. Yudkin Historic Fund, the Library is able to preserve the many treasures here as well as those received in the future.

A big thank you goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history with the community each week.