Ansonia to host fun Halloween event for families on Main Street

 HALLOWEEN ON ANSONIA MAIN STREET Trick or Treat Event!

Join us for a spooktacular trick or treat evening of family fun, treats, music, entertainment, and MORE!

Saturday, Oct. 31

4-7 p.m.

Ansonia Main Street and Veterans Park

Part of Main Street will be closed off for the event, with space left available for parking.

Veterans Park will feature:

Opening Ceremony & Music

Entertainment

Face Painting

Trick-or-Treat Bags

Snacks & Water

Giveaways

And MORE!

City Hall: Mayor Frank Tyszka will be passing out full-size candy bars and books to promote literacy!

Costumed characters will be stationed around Main Street, passing out special treats. This will be a great picture opportunity for families and kids!

Restaurants and storefronts will be participating!

Bring the whole family, dress up in your favorite costume, and enjoy an evening of Halloween fun in downtown Ansonia!

ALL ARE WELCOME! We can't wait to see you there!

To lead up to the event, The City of Ansonia is partnering with My Sister's Place & Alisha Freelove to collect costumes.

Please feel free to donate a costume for the event at My Sister's Place!

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Main Street in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo shows Main Street in Derby during the early 1900s. It's taken across from Hubbell Brothers Shoe Store and just beyond the intersection leading to the Derby-Shelton Bridge and what is now Route 34 to Monroe.

There is an electric trolley in the middle of the street - which helps date the photo - plus some horses and carriages parked on the roadside. A sanitation worker sweeps up the "products of horse combustion."

[First posted on this date in 2015.]

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby Lodge of Elks

April 17, 1900 marked the day the Derby Lodge of Elks, No. 571, officially came into being. Discussions had begun in early February of that year when several prominent Derby men proposed the idea of forming a social club in town. 

On Feb. 20, 1900, it was agreed that a lodge of Elks - a subordinate of the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks - should be formed. 

The original Derby chapter consisted of 61 members and the original location of the club was on lower Main Street. 

The club eventually moved to its current location at 73 Elizabeth St. in 1915.

[First posted on this date in 2017.]

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features puzzle over 19th century beer bottle

Turnback Tuesday is showcasing a bit of a puzzle. This bottle, named "Finn & Knapp Derby, Conn," was a bottle used for beer. 

Now, a Thomas Finn had a restaurant and sample room that started in 1882, located at 102 Main St., Derby. This business ran until 1884. Finn did open another saloon in Shelton in 1891. Meanwhile, Frank L. Knapp had a sample room at 181 & 183 Main St., Derby from 1889 to 1890. Knapp bartended in Ansonia in 1891 then moved to Bantam Lake in 1892.

This is very curious because the bottle has both names on it. It seems they never worked together, therefore the puzzle. 

If you look at this bottle it has a wire-bale bottle closure which was invented in 1875 by Nicolai Fritzner. This made it easier for opening and closing bottles.

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby Fur Co. on Main Street

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features the Derby Fur Co. that was located at 206 Main St. It was said all roads lead to the Derby Fur and Dress Shop. 

Owner Mr. I. Loberfeld made it his business to keep his inventory up to date and in style. His shop featured furs made to order, did repairs, and provided storage. 

These photos are of a token/coupon given by the company to its customers. "Good for a $1.00 for every purchase over $10.00."

[First posted on this date in 2018.]

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

Parade Saturday to congratulate Ansonia Chargers, Class S CIAC state champions

 

Derby Police: Main Street paving to begin Monday morning

DERBY - Main Street (Route 34) paving will begin tomorrow, Dec. 2, 2024, at 7 a.m. Expect delays and plan accordingly. Work will take place throughout the entire week.

Please pay attention to signage and follow detours where applicable. Watch out for workers in the area and proceed with caution.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the road!

This is shared from the Derby Police Department Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features downtown Derby restaurant

Turnback Tuesday is back! This week, we're looking at Celone’s Restaurant. Gerard C. Celone opened a business in 1934 called Celone’s Tavern at 106 Main St., Derby. In 1939, Charles Celone took over. It remained a Tavern until 1943 when it was renamed Celone’s Restaurant and was run by Mrs. Catherine J. Celone.

The business made it through the Flood of 1955 and continued to thrive until 1963 when the name changed to Club 78 Restaurant with a new owner.

This image was taken 8/20/1955 at 4 p.m. by Harold B Yudkin, a recent donation to the Library by the Yudkin family.

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

Ansonia to host annual Harvest Festival Sept. 28

 

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby Lodge of Elks

April 17, 1900 marked the day the Derby Lodge of Elks, No. 517, officially came into being. Discussions had begun in early February of that year when several prominent Derby men proposed the idea of forming a social club in Derby.

On Feb. 20, 1900, it was agreed that a lodge of Elks - a subordinate of the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks - should be formed. The original Derby chapter consisted of 61 members and the original location of the club was on lower Main Street.

The club eventually moved to its current location at 73 Elizabeth St. in 1915.

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

A 'Turnback Tuesday' posted on this date in 2018 features Derby Junction

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" looks at the old Derby Junction (Transfer Point) located on the corner of Derby Avenue and Main Street. 

This electric road was the first one built in New England with construction starting in 1887. 

Mr. Thomas Wallace of Ansonia persuaded Mr. James Kennedy to come to Derby and build. Mr. Kennedy built the first electric railroad in America. Derby Junction had access to New Haven, Bridgeport (by way of Shelton) and Waterbury (by way of Ansonia).

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

Ansonia to host 10th annual Irish Flag Raising ceremony Saturday

 

Ansonia police announce Main Street closure for harvest festival Saturday

ANSONIA - On Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, Main Street from Tremont Street to the Maple Street bridge will be closed from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. to vehicular traffic and parking will not be allowed while the annual Harvest Festival takes place. 

In order to detour traffic the one-way section of East Main Street from Kingston Drive to Main Street will be open for two-way traffic. 

There will be no parking on East Main Street between Kingston Drive and Main Street during the Main Street road closure. 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch. 

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights FDR's visit to Main Street, Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday looks at a noteworthy event.

On October 22, 1936 a motorcade with President Franklin D. Roosevelt made its way through Ansonia.

In the car was the president, his wife, Eleanor, who was quite the political dynamo herself, and Governor Wilbur L. Cross. The car made its way down Main Street at 1:30 p.m. and was greeted by the largest crowd ever assembled in Ansonia. Schools were dismissed at noon so children could join their families for the event. The car continued down Main Street to Derby Avenue and then to New Haven where the president would be making a speech.

It was the first time a U.S. President visited Ansonia.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features meat market, Blizzard of 1888 in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at another business located on Main Street, Derby, back in the late 1800’s.

Samuel Z. D. Durand started out as a clerk at Ruggles & Randall.

Then from 1879 to 1881, he was the proprietor of Globe Market & Grocer at 5 Minerva St.

In 1882, he moved his business to 193 Main St. and called it S. Z. D. Durand Meat Market. He was a dealer in beef, pork, lamb, mutton, veal, sausage, salt meats, poultry, etc. The business remained until 1900.

This photo was taken during the Blizzard of 1888. Durand’s business is highlighted by the red arrow. The image is looking east, down Main Street, at the corner of Minerva.

The round sign before the meat market is the sign of Hedges Express Office, the business that was highlighted last week in Turnback Tuesday.

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

Ansonia Police: Suspects sought in 2 shootings Thursday; no injuries reported

ANSONIA - Police this afternoon said that at approximately 1:47 p.m. Thursday officers responded to the area of Mary and Grove Streets for a report of several shots fired.

Evidence of gunfire was located at the scene. No victims were located and any suspects had fled the scene.

No residences or vehicles were damaged by the gunfire. Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident.

Police also said that at approximately 3:26 p.m. Thursday officers responded to another report of shots being fired on Bridge Street between West Main and Main Streets.

Preliminary investigation indicated that an exchange of gunfire took place involving two people shooting at each other, police aid.

It does not appear that any individuals were struck by gunfire but several rounds went into local businesses and one car was hit. The suspects all fled the location. The scene was closed for several hours during the investigation.

Several searches were conducted in the area and numerous items of evidence were located along with a vehicle that was seized. Several strong leads are being followed on suspects involved in this incident. Detectives continue to investigate the incident, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or you can leave an anonymous tip via TIP411 at https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

NOTE: No video clips are being released by the Ansonia Police Department for this incident. Any video clips that are posted in the comments sections may be fraudulent and contain viruses. We strongly encourage that you do not click on purported video links in the comments section. Police departments have noticed a growing trend of these virus links being added in the comments section.

This is shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

Ansonia Police seek help identifying 2 suspects in downtown burglary

Link to video:  https://youtu.be/rCX9leeGaMg

ANSONIA  - The Ansonia Police Department is looking for the public's assistance in identifying the two individuals in the attached video. 

The males were involved in a burglary of a commercial building on Main Street Dec. 13, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.
https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

'Turnback Tuesday' features arc lamp over Main Street, Derby

Turnback Tuesday views Main Street in a different "light."

This image is of Main Street, Derby looking west. In the top center of the photo is an enclosed arc lamp hanging over the street.

Arc lighting was the earliest type of electric illuminant used in the late 19th/early 20th century. The light in the lamp is a spark or electric arc through the air between two carbon rods.

These lights were not only used on Main Street but on Derby Avenue as well.

Thank you to Valley Lighting for their assistance with this research.

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

Ansonia to host annual downtown Harvest Festival Saturday

 

Ansonia Police seek information from public on fatal shooting

 

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department received a 911 call at about 12:50 p.m. today from a male reporting he was on Main Street near Kingston Drive and his friend was shot. 

The first officers on scene found a silver Honda and the passenger was suffering from a gunshot wound. 

Officers provided first aid until an ambulance arrived and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release this evening.

 

During the initial investigation, information was obtained that the shooting took place on Hubbell Avenue near Sixth Street. A check of that area was done and a shell casing was recovered on Hubbell Avenue, Lynch said. 

It was also learned the shooting happened during an attempted drug purchase where the suspect fired into the Honda striking the victim. 

The Honda then fled the scene before stopping on Main Street and calling 911.

 

The victim, a 20 year-old male from Stratford, has been tentatively identified and his name will be released at a later time, Lynch said.

 

The suspect was described as a young black male wearing all dark-colored clothing and he left the area on foot.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.