'Turnback Tuesday' archives: 1912 war games in the Valley

In the summer of 1912, the New England and New York National Guards 'invaded' Derby in a war game. War games are a type of military exercise to test or improve tactical skills.The two groups combined and collaborated so that each 'army' had a mix of soldiers from each guard. This image depicts the invading Red army which arrived with 50 carloads of soldiers, horses, and equipment at Derby Depot on Aug. 12. The next day they crossed the bridge into Shelton. On Aug. 17 the defending Blue army was declared 'defeated' in Newtown.
This post was first published on this date in 2017.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Ansonia Nature Center to hold field trip to Rowanwood Llama Farm

Rowanwood Llama Farm Field Trip – Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m. (meet in parking lot at 10:15)

Join the Ansonia Nature Center staff on a field trip to Rowanwood Llama Farm in Newtown for Cria Crawl Farm Tour!!!! 

Cria crawl is a personalized farm event where you will learn about our llamas and other animals on the rescue ranch. 

Enjoy this rare opportunity to be with these amazing animals, tea cup cow, goat, bunnies, and ducks up close on our beautiful property. They also have an authentic 3-generation Native American tipi you can explore! 

This wonderful adventure is enjoyable for ages 3 and up! 

Registration is required at ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org 

FEE: $15 per person must be paid by Sept. 9. For directions please visit www.rowanwoodfarm.com.

This is shared from an Ansonia Nature Center press release.

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) highlights naming of Lake Zoar

Turnback Tuesday shares the quest of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in the naming of Lake Humphreys.

In 1921, the Gen. Humphreys Branch of the SAR announced the naming of the lake behind the Stevenson Dam was, in fact, named Lake Humphreys.

At this time, the SAR was a little ahead of themselves. The request had not reached the Connecticut House for approval until 1923, when the House refused to act on the bill to name it “Humphrey’s Lake” and left it to the towns to settle it.

Therefore, the lake to this day remains "Lake Zoar." Before the dam was built, there was a community on the corner of Newtown and Monroe called Zoar.

Thank you to John Babina of the Monroe Historical Society for his expert knowledge of Lake Zoar.

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

Governor's Horse Guard to hold open house in Newtown

Vendors sought for Governor's Horse Guard open house in Newtown

Historic Newtown-based Governors Horse Guard seeks members

Photographer to hold workshop at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection invites beginner and intermediate photographers to join Chane Cullens for a free Photography Workshop at Kellogg Environmental Center at 10 a.m. Aug. 19.
Cullens is a member of the Flagpole Photographers Club in Newtown.


Cullens will share how to visualize the outdoors and natural scenes to create outstanding photographs.  

There will be a short lecture followed by an outdoor experience to practice and learn the techniques and approaches to make your photos come alive.  
This workshop is for beginner and intermediate photographers looking to boost their skills.  

Cullens is an experienced photographer receiving recognition for New England’s best black and white portrait (2017), two photos selected in TOPS in Connecticut (2016), and best nature photo in Flagpole Photographers Annual Competition (2017).

The public is invited to come and enjoy the beauty of wildlife, plants, and landscapes from around Connecticut through photographs by Cullens and other members of the Flagpole Photographers Camera Club.  
This new exhibit can be viewed Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Aug. 22 at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

This program is offered free of charge, donations are always welcome.  
Registration is required for the photography workshop, please email donna.kingston@ct.gov or phone 203-734-2513 or 203-34-2514. 

This is a press release from Connecticut DEEP.