Valley Tales on Derby Greenway featuring local history to step off July 9

Derby Neck Library is teaming up with Derby Historical Society to bring you a new program series this summer: Valley Tales on Derby Greenway.

As the title suggests, this all-ages walking club meets on the Derby Greenway for a leisurely stroll along the Naugatuck River, while listening to true stories from the Valley’s shared history. The club is hosted by the library and features guest speakers from the historical society.

The club does not require any registration… anyone can join! Meet at the Derby Greenway entrance across the street from BJs at 9 a.m. on Thursdays from July 9-Aug. 6 to participate.

Some of the topics you’ll hear about are the history of the Greenway itself, historical significance of the Naugatuck River, Reverend Mansfield and the Church of England in CT, and Revolutionary-era stories.

For further information or schedule details, please visit the website of either Derby Neck Library or Derby Historical Society.

Participants are responsible for their own health and safety. Please review heat and weather conditions prior to participation.

Walks will last approximately 30-60 minutes and cover 2-4 miles.

Shared from the Derby Greenway Committee Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) features Naugatuck River

Turnback Tuesday is highlighting the Naugatuck River. The river has a total length of 40.2 miles starting in Torrington and ending in Derby at the Housatonic River. 

Our river is never more beautiful than in the spring. Osprey, geese, and eagles are returning to their nests and fishing grounds. Boaters are enjoying the beauty and tranquility of fishing in these waters. The name Naugatuck is derived from an Algonquin term which means “lone tree by fishing place.” It was a great food source. 

Today our river is clean and enjoyed by many. Take a stroll along the Derby river walk and you will see. Just a reminder to please be safe while enjoying the river.

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby Junction

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo is of *Derby Junction,* the common name for the intersection of Main Street (foreground), New Haven Avenue (background right) and Derby Avenue (off to the left.)

In this photo, Derby Junction is located more north than it is now since an adjacent bridge was built over the Naugatuck River. You can tell this based on the relative offset of St. Michael's Church. 

Today, the intersection is busier than ever with cars, trucks, buses, etc., but it was once a bustling site with horse drawn carriages and electric trolleys that made transfers to other locations at this spot. 

This picture is likely from the early 1900s.

[First posted on this date in 2015.]

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

'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' highlights second flood of 1955

 

Turnback Tuesday takes another look at the second flood of 1955. This took place in October with rain falling from the 14th - 17th. It brought about from 12” to 14” of rain.

The two images are of the Derby Bridge over the Naugatuck River looking at St. Michael's Church located at the intersection of Derby Avenue and Rt. 34.

The water rose in October, and as you can see, almost as much as it did in August. This meant those who were digging out from the first flood had to do so again in October.

Image one was taken on 8-19-1955 at 2 p.m. and image 2 was taken on 10-16-1955. These two images are on display along with many others at Derby Public library until the end of September.

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

'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.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Division Street Bridge

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a postcard from 1910 of the Division Street Bridge across the Naugatuck River. At the time, the bridge was in disrepair. According to the Evening Sentinel, six of the planks were so badly damaged that it was feared horses going across it would fall through. The bridge was eventually replaced after World War I and again after the 1955 flood with the bridge that currently still stands.
[First posted on this date in 2017.]
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby Railroad Station

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo is of the Derby Railroad Station, taken after the mid-to-late 1900s, once the depot was built on the west side of the Naugatuck River.  

The Birmingham Iron Foundry is clearly seen behind it as well as the white-painted Sterling Piano Factory. The steeples of St. James and St. Mary's Churches are well in the background. 

The depot was originally on the east side of the Naugatuck River from 1849 to the early 1900s.

[First posted on this date in 2016.] 

Note: Wondering if the text should say mid-to-late 1800s.

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Union House Hotel in East Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" is a photo of the Union House Hotel. 

It was located where St. Michael's Church is now, in East Derby. Benjamin Hubbell lived there.

In the foreground is the Naugatuck River with a small boat.

[First posted on this date in 2016.] 

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Naugatuck River history

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of the Naugatuck River as it goes under the Route 34 bridge and alongside Downtown Derby.

The Naugatuck River proper starts in Torrington where its east and west branches meet.

The total length is 40.2 miles, and the river empties into the Housatonic River at Derby. “Naugatuck” is derived from an Algonquian term that means “lone tree by the fishing place.” Originally, the Native Americans used the river’s abundant food source.

Since the 19th century, the Naugatuck River has had a long history of industry using the water for washing and power generation.

Due to this industry, the river suffered great damage by 1915 that wasn't improved upon until the early 1970’s. With the help of the DEP and the Valley community, progress has been made towards the river’s restoration.

Passageways have been constructed at the dams along the river. Having made great strides with cleanup efforts, the return of fish is now quite apparent. This can be seen on any given day in the spring and summer along the Derby Greenway. Bald eagles and osprey can be spotted in the trees along the river, as well as nests from our aquatic birds that dot the edge.

[Originally posted on this date in 2017.]

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: View of old Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo features a unique and picturesque view looking down from where St. Michael's Church is now. You can see the First Congregational Church in the right foreground and across the Naugatuck River, the big white building is the former Sterling Piano Company.

The Derby Train Station is also shown while St. Mary's Church steeple is in the far right background. This picture was taken circa 1900.

[This was first published on Oct. 13, 2015.]

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

Ansonia Police post updates on flooding issues

PRESS RELEASE

On August 18, 2024, our area received heavy rainfall causing massive flooding issues in multiple surrounding communities.

Several roads in Ansonia were closed last evening due to flooding. Roads closed last evening included Wakelee Avenue and Franklin Street.

Additionally, part of a retaining wall on North Main Street behind Assumption Church and School collapsed.

The debris from the collapse spread onto North Main Street (Rt. 115) causing North Main Street to be closed between Main Street and Fourth Street. A detour is currently in place for this closure.

Emergency services, including the Ansonia Police Department, Ansonia Fire Department and Ansonia Public Works responded to the locations to mitigate the damage.

As the Naugatuck River increased to flooding levels, a precautionary closing of all of the flood gates was completed. This was coordinated with Metro North who stopped all train travel on the line.

The Emergency Operations Center was activated and is monitoring.

On August 19, 2024, the Naugatuck River levels receded to levels that allowed the flood gates to be reopened. All gates are now open. Metro North is assessing the entire line before resuming train service.

Assumption Church and School are operating as normal with the exception of a section of the rear parking lot that is blocked off for safety reasons.

As of August 19, 2024, at 1000 hours, North Main Street remains closed between Main Street and Fourth Street. Rail service has not been resumed. All other roads in the City are open.

Further updates will be given as needed.

This is shared from the APD Facebook page.

Ansonia activates emergency operations center

ANSONIA - The City of Ansonia has activated its Emergency Operations Center.

Ansonia’s flood walls were closed as a precautionary measure against rising waters in the Naugatuck River.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Tingue Manufacturing Co. in Seymour

Turnback Tuesday glances at the Tingue Manufacturing Co. in Seymour.

John H. Tingue came to Seymour in 1880 from New York City and established his business of manufacturing plush along the Naugatuck River.

With the skills of the General Manager Charles Coupland having invented a faster way of weaving mohair, they were able to produce the elegant plushes at a greatly reduced cost. Up until then, this product was manufactured in Europe.

John H. Tingue passed on April 11, 1885.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights 1898 map of Derby, Shelton

Turnback Tuesday is highlighting a map located in the History Reference Room of Derby Public Library.

This 1898 map is a view of Derby and Shelton with the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers. It not only shows the street names, but also where the train tracks and the trolley tracks were located. The red star is where the Library is today.

We have many items in the collection for research and to learn about the area.

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

Sharing 'Turnback Tuesday' post about long-gone 'castle' in Derby

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.

*This post first appeared on this date in 2016.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' memory features Division Street bridge

A "Turnback Tuesday" memory from this date in 2017 features a postcard from 1910 of the Division Street Bridge across the Naugatuck River. At the time, the bridge was in disrepair. According to the Evening Sentinel, six of the planks were so badly damaged that it was feared horses going across it would fall through. The bridge was eventually replaced after World War I and again after the 1955 flood with the bridge that currently still stands.
Thanks as always goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history.

'Turnback Tuesday' features old image of East Derby

Turnback Tuesday gives us a great view of East Derby. 

This image was taken from the west side of the Naugatuck River looking east. It's an image of Derby Avenue which runs parallel to the Naugatuck River. 

The building marked with a red arrow is the First Congregational Church at 137 Derby Ave., built 1820-1821. 

To the right with the blue arrow is 126 Derby Ave., and the green arrow is 106 Derby Ave. Up on the hill marked with the yellow arrow is 125 Mt. Pleasant St., and the black arrow is a home on Highland Avenue (not sure of the number). All of these buildings still exist today. 

Note: The bridge that connects the two sides of Derby is further to the right and not in this image.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features view overlooking Derby, Shelton

Turnback Tuesday has a view overlooking Derby and Shelton from Derby Hill. The image faces west, with the Naugatuck and Housatonic Rivers both visible.

To the extreme right of the image, you can see what is now the Route 34 bridge going over the Naugatuck River. Next to that, marked with the green arrow, is St. Michael's Church. The home with the blue arrow is believed to be 68 Bank St., and the house with the red arrow is 69 Bank St.

The flat-topped building on the left is believed to have been where 57 Derby Ave. is now.

This image was taken sometime between 1907 and 1914 because St. Michael's Church was completed in 1907 and the school and rectory were not built until 1914.

Any confirmation of the information provided would be appreciated.

Photo is courtesy of the Berman Family.

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

Ansonia mayor cautions residents against fishing, swimming in Naugatuck River

From Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti:

"Please be advised that due to the heavy rain from recent storms, we have been informed that sewage treatment plants upstream of us were unable to handle the overflow and released contaminants into the Naugatuck River.

"I want to caution everyone against fishing and or swimming in the river this week until the water has been flushed through and is no longer at risk of contamination. Please avoid these activities."

This is shared from the Valley Independent Sentinel.