Business Lending Expo slated Friday at Courtyard by Marriott in Shelton

 

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights brewing company in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits the Old England Brewing Co. of Derby. Incorporated in1933, it was located at 328 Derby Ave., Derby.

The Derby Avenue location was the original location of the Derby and Ansonia Brewing Co.

The Old England Brewing Co. produced a variety of ale such as porter lager, heavy dark ale, still ale, bock beer, cream ale, and stock ale to name a few. Unfortunately the brewing company, although successful, went out of business in 1941.

The building is still there and is home to The Quail & Ale.

Thank you to J. DiRienzo for his research help. These items along with many labels from the Old England Brewing Co. are a recent donation to the Library from R. Ahearn.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights bottle made in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at an F. P. Ford bottle from Derby.

Frank P. Ford opened a saloon in 1890 at 143 Sugar Street, Birmingham (Derby). In 1894, the street name changed from Sugar Street to Housatonic Ave.

In 1906, Frank added the business of bottler, which lasted until 1912, so this bottle was produced sometime during that time period.

Frank moved his business in 1913 to 78 Elizabeth St., where he continued until 1917. Interestingly, in 1900, there were more saloons (37) than grocers (23) in Derby.

This bottle is a recent donation from Robert Ahearn.

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

SchmoozaPalooza networking event returns to Trumbull Marriott

October 30 - 2 p.m.

Trumbull Marriott

SchmoozaPalooza is back with lots of opportunities to network!

Brought to you in partnership by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, SchmoozaPalooza is all about business in action and making connections.

Table space filling quickly! Click here for an Exhibitor Application.

Just want to attend? Click here.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Charlton Comics in Derby

Turnback Tuesday is highlighting Charlton Comics, a publishing company that existed from 1945 to 1986 at the intersection of Division Street and Pershing Drive, Derby.

The company was started by John Santangelo Sr. and Ed Levy in 1940 as T.W.O. Charles Company, then adopted the name Charlton Comics. This comic, called Hot Rods and Racing Cars, was published June 1970, Vol. 2, No. 102.

There were many different publications such as romance, westerns, haunted, suspense, and horror comics.

This comic as well as six others are a recent donation to the Library by M. R. David.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights plumbing business in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at the successful business of Little & Haggerty Heating & Plumbing.

Both Philip H. Little and William D. Haggerty started out as plumbers. In 1904, they joined forces and opened up Little & Haggerty at 16 Housatonic Ave. (16 Roosevelt Drive) They ran a successful business as partners until Little's death in January, 1933 at age 57.

Haggerty continued with the same name of Little & Haggerty until his retirement in 1955 when the new business became Dempsey & Shields Plumbers.

This Derby Exchange Telephone Directory was a recent donation from the R. Ahern family.

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

Economic development forum slated Friday at Ansonia Senior Center

ANSONIA - Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City, invites you to join us Sept. 22 for a morning breakfast forum with Mayor David S. Cassetti and his economic development team to discuss the Ansonia economy.

Following welcoming remarks by our sponsor and host, Cassetti will join Sheila O’Malley, Economic Development Director, to review initiatives underway in the City.

This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local business leaders and developers.

Check-in, continental breakfast from Munch Eatery, tours and networking are 8-8:30 a.m.
Program is from 8:30- 9:15 a.m.

This is shared from a Chamber of Commerce press release.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Mycek's Tavern in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday takes a look at Mycek’s Tavern on Main Street, Derby. John M. Mycek started out at Walenty Beverages, 147 Main St. in 1921.

In 1922, John acquired the business and named it Mycek Beverages.

The name was changed to Mycek Soft Drinks in 1933 and then changed again to Mycek’s Tavern in 1934. John and his wife Frances ran the business until 1952 when the new owner, Karl Kopec, took over and named it Kopec’s Tavern.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights confectionary store in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits J. J. Kennedy’s of Derby. The business started out as James J. Kennedy confectionary in Ansonia at 424 Main St. in 1896.

In 1906 his brother William T. joined the operation and they called themselves Kennedy Brothers. For whatever reason James moved and started his own location in Derby at 194 Main St. in 1907. The business lasted until 1909 when at that time James moved to Hartford.

This postcard was an advertisement for J. J. Kennedy’s and it views the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad line.

This image was courtesy of the Berman Family.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features entrepreneur in Birmingham

Turnback Tuesday looks at a gentleman named Isaac J. Boothe.

Isaac was quite the entrepreneur. In 1886, he and Sheldon H. Bassett started a business called Birmingham Wire Nail Works. This partnership only lasted one year. Isaac remained the proprietor and then changed the name to National Keg & Box Co. in 1889.

The business was located at 117 Main St., Birmingham. In 1891, he added the company Star Reel Works. By 1893, he moved both businesses to 90 Main St. In 1898, the name was changed to Eastern Lumber & Box Co which it remained until Isaac's death in 1903.

The above photo is of an order confirmation letter dated Dec. 30, 1890 to a Mr. Arthur A. Rice of New York.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Ideal Engine and Mower Service in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at a long-standing business: Ideal Engine and Mower Service, started by co-owners David W. Gilbert and Frank L. Blaze on Derby-Milford Rd in 1963. David ran the business until 1987.

Then John D. O’Brian took over and continued until 2012. Surely there are items purchased from this business that are still being used today.

This was an advertisement from the Weekly TV Log.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features downtown Derby business

Turnback Tuesday highlights another Derby business. In 1919, Charles M. Ringel established “Ringel’s Cleaning & Dyeing Co.” at 71 Elizabeth St., where Sunflower Dental is now.

In 1927, he moved the location just up the road to 97 Elizabeth St. In 1935, Charles added a partner, James F. Tighe, and renamed the business Ringel & Tighe Cleaners & Dyers. The business again moved in 1937 to 61 4th St. The gentlemen remained partners until Rangel’s death in 1940.

This image is of when the business was at 71 Elizabeth St.

Photo courtesy of the B. Berman collection.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features H.M. Bradley Florist business in Derby

Turnback Tuesday remembers the H. M. Bradley Florist. Henry started out as a vegetable gardener on North Turnpike in 1883. Within a few short years, he established H.M. Bradley Florist at 113 New Haven Ave., advertising wholesale & retail, cut flowers & bedding plants, a nurseryman, marked gardener, early vegetables, trees, shrubs and vines. By 1914, his sons Henry M. Jr. & Louis H. became co-owners and later took over the business in 1924 with the addition of Maggie C. & Charlotte Bradley.

Their tradition continued with the next generation until 1981.

The business was located approximately where Bradley Pond Plaza is now.

The location of the business is shown on an 1898 map here at the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., Derby in the History Reference Room.

Photo scanned from the B. Berman collection.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features delivery business in Derby

Turnback Tuesday says hello to Stephen L. Hedges.

In the 1870s, Hedges started out as a stage driver until opening up his own delivery business, Hedges Express, at 197 Main St., Derby/Birmingham, at the corner of Main and Minerva Streets. His business transported packages and ran errands from Derby to New Haven.

In 1890, Hedges decided to try his hand as a salesman for Derby Beef Co. and then in 1893 as manager of Peoples Market on Elizabeth Street. In 1895, he moved to New Haven.

This advertisement was listed in the 1888 City of Derby Directory.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' visits longtime Valley business

Turnback Tuesday visits the business of Henry Kornblut, Inc. with this charming calendar from 1948.

He started his business in 1892 as a dry goods and confectionery store at 572 Main St., Ansonia, adding clothing in 1895. He moved to Water Street by 1903 and later moved one last time to 316 Main St., Ansonia.

Soon after, he expanded the business to a second location at 6 Olivia St., Derby. Henry remained active as president until 1955 when VP Herman Brofin took over.

The store sold Curlee Clothes manufactured in St. Louis. By 1920, the Curlee Clothing was one of the largest clothing manufacturers in the country. The Kornblut stores remained until 1970.

The calendar was a recent donation by the Berman family.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' visits Carl Lutters Cutlery & Grinders in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits the short-lived business, Carl Lutters Cutlery & Grinders.

Carl was employed by the Williams Typewriter Co. from 1905-1907. J. Newton Williams was an inventor and manufacturer of typewriters. While Carl was working for him, he opened up his cutlery business out of his home in 1906 at 141 Hawkins St. Unfortunately his business only lasted for the year and by 1907 he moved to NY.

This business/advertising card is part of the Derby Public Library’s historic collection.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features downtown Derby business

Turnback Tuesday visits another downtown Derby establishment, Samuel Halper, dealer in Millinery, Coats & Suits and Fancy Goods.

Samuel Halper’s business opened at 223 Main Street in 1887. Unfortunately Samuel passed away in 1900, leaving his widow, Jennie, and son, Charles J., to continue the business.

Charles started out as clerk, became secretary and treasurer by 1904, then became president and secretary by 1909. They continued to do business at this location until 1914.

This photo was taken in 1888 and the young man in front just to the left of the entrance is Charles J. Halper.

Photo courtesy of the Berman Family.

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

Speed Networking event on tap Thursday at Brownson Country Club in Shelton

SHELTON - A Speed Networking event will be held from 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday at Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Ave.

It is a joint effort of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club.

Speed Networking is an intensive session of mini one-to-one meetings, designed to bring you face-to-face with almost every business contact in the room.

This corporate take on speed dating is the perfect place to start filling your book of contacts, with people spanning a range of different sectors and industries. This unique networking format provides the opportunity to introduce your service and identify prospects for further follow-up!

It's a maximum impact event, so polish up your Introductory Pitch, bring plenty of business cards and prepare to circulate! $25 per person. Registration includes: passed apps, dessert, one drink ticket, swag bag and, of course, networking.

Please note: Our COVID event guidelines have been updated and we are now following CDC and Local Health Department Guidelines for events/meetings.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby druggist

Turnback Tuesday looks at Clarence F. Hotchkiss, druggist. Clarence started working for Henry B. Peck Pharmacy around 1903 as a clerk. He became a drug clerk and then advanced to druggist in 1913.

Clarence eventually took over the business and continued to remain at 249 Main St. in Derby until his retirement in 1946.

Clarence and his wife lived at 205 Minerva St. This postcard was created sometime after 1913.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) highlights downtown Derby business

Turnback Tuesday highlights a business located at 169 Main St., Derby.

George C. Allis owned a Book, Stationary, and Jewelry business, starting before 1872 at 25 Second St. then moving to 81 Main St. in 1875 and then settling at 169 Main in 1887.

This stereoscopic card photo was taken sometime between 1887-1894 at 169 Main St.

Allis’ business is the building second one in from the right. It is on the corner of Main Street and Caroline Street.

The Derby Savings Bank was on the corner.

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