From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Leman Stone's 'Castle'

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo is of Leman Stone's "Castle." It was built in 1785 to accommodate Stone's business with the West Indies. Stone occupied the "Castle" as his residence, a store and a warehouse for more than 20 years. 

Located in Derby Narrows where the Housatonic met the Naugatuck Rivers, it was a landmark by both land and sea. The walls on the water side of the building were very deep and five feet wide to withstand the freshets common at that time. The building was demolished in 1891.

[First posted on this date in 2016.]

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights history of ice skating

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.

This watercolor shows folks of Derby doing just that more than 125 years ago at the dam on the Housatonic River.

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