'Turnback Tuesday' features ad for Housatonic Lumber Co. in Derby

 

Turnback Tuesday has an ad for the Housatonic Lumber Co., founded in May, 1907 by Robert Wilson Chatfield.

With Robert’s larger-than-life personality, his business venture was not only a success but it survived the Great Fire and Hurricane of 1938 as well as the Flood of 1955. Housatonic Lumber boasts three generations of Chatfields at the helm.

The library has the reference book “The Housatonic Lumber Company: A Centennial History” (as of 2007) if you would like to learn more about them.

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

100th anniversary of U.S. in WWI topic of talk at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the United States' involvement in World War I with a special presentation at 6:30 p.m. May 22.  

The program, dedicated to Connecticut’s contributions in the war, will include the United States’ decision of breaking off diplomatic relations with Germany in February of 1917, Gov. Holcomb’s assurance of Connecticut’s loyalty, and Connecticut’s preparations for war even before the official declaration.  

Library Local History Coordinator Chelsie Labrecque will also spotlight Derby’s efforts in the war, including lists of veterans as well as factory production.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.        

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Paul Winter Consort concert slated at Assumption Church in Ansonia

Gala to celebrate centennial of Massaro Farm in community 

ANSONIA - Massaro Community Farm will host the Paul Winter Consort for a benefit concert Feb. 26 at the Church of the Assumption, 61 N. Cliff St. 

The concert will culminate the celebration of Massaro Farm’s 100 years in the community, and highlights its continued commitment to the region.  

The concert, which starts with a pre-event reception at 3 p.m., will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet with the Grammy Award-winning musicians. 
The pre-event reception will include additional live music, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a champagne toast to the centennial.

“We are very excited to be able to partner with the Church of the Assumption in Ansonia in bringing this event to the area as part of Assumption's 'Sundays at Five' music series,” said farm executive director, Caty Poole. 
“Massaro Farm originally included half its acreage from Ansonia, so it’s particularly fitting to host it there.” 
The Church of the Assumption, which includes a K-12 school, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2016 and recently rededicated its renovated gymnasium.

Proceeds will benefit Massaro Community Farm’s Centennial Campaign, an effort to raise funds for a Program Pavilion and improved safety paths and parking, and continued food donations to the community. 
In 2016, the farm donated more than 9,000 pounds of organic produce to local hunger relief agencies.

Tickets are $40 (includes pre-event reception and concert) or $25 (concert only) advance purchase; $30 at the door (concert only.) 
Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.MassaroFarm.org. Or you can send a check to the farm’s office for the appropriate number of tickets, 41 Ford Road, Woodbridge, 06525.

About the Paul Winter Consort:

Paul Winter, who has performed in 52 countries around the world, claims the Church of the Assumption has the acoustics to rival that of any European cathedral. 
The Paul Winter Consort has performed around the world, from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Miho Museum in Japan, pioneering the genre of “earth music.” The performance will include soloist and Shelton resident Theresa Thomason. 
More information as well as sample music can be found at www.PaulWinter.com.

About Massaro Community Farm:

Organized in 2008, Massaro Community Farm, Inc. is a nonprofit, certified-organic farm in Woodbridge. It is committed to supporting the legacy of farming, feeding neighbors in need, and building community through events and hands-on education for all ages. 
For more information visit www.MassaroFarm.org, or call 203-736-8618.