From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: The Home Trust Company

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features The Home Trust Company, which was incorporated by a special charter of the Connecticut General Assembly in 1893. The company was located on the corner of Main and Elizabeth Streets in Derby.

In 1901, Home Trust Co. built its own building at the same location and occupied half of the first floor. In 1922, an addition was built so the company could make use of the entire first floor. The bank dealt with "savings, real estate management, insurance and trust department functions."

In the 1970s, the bank was merged out of existence. Today, the building is home to the Derby Senior Center.

[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: Holiday decorations in Derby

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a festive, holiday-themed photo of downtown Derby. The view is looking east on Main Street and taken near the Elizabeth Street intersection. The first break between buildings on the left is Minerva Street and off in the distance you can see the Farrel-Birmingham Co. building.

To the right of the photo is approximately where Woolworth's was located. This photo is thought to be circa the 1940s.

Our utmost thanks to local historian Rob Novak for providing this unique photo and information.

[First posted on this date in 2016.]

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

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.

Downtown Derby walking tour to feature Sterling Opera House

Step back in time and explore the rich history and local legends of Downtown Derby.

 From fascinating stories of the city’s past to mysterious tales that still linger today, this tour will bring Derby’s history to life.

 The highlight of the evening? An exclusive inside tour of the historic Sterling Opera House  —a beautifully preserved cultural landmark known for its architectural charm, unique history, and legendary acts.

 Date: Oct. 11
 Time: 2-6 p.m.
 Meeting Point: Twisted Vine Restaurant- (285 Main St., Derby)
 Tickets: $35

Don’t miss this chance to experience Derby like never before—through its streets, stories, and one of its most iconic treasures. Perfect for history buffs, curious locals, and anyone who loves a good legend!

 Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

This is shared from the Sterling Opera House Commission Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features saloon, bottling business in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits another business in Derby: John J. Mahony, owner and operator of J. J. Saloon at 50 Elizabeth St., Derby, started in 1904. By 1909, the saloon was located at 47 Elizabeth St.

In 1912, he added bottling. The bottle shown would've been used in the saloon. The business remained until 1921, and would've been located where 3rd Street meets Elizabeth Street.

This bottle is a recent donation from R. Ahearn.

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Hubbell's Shoe Store

The building with a crowd gathering around it is Hubbell’s Shoe Store, located in the A.H. & C.B. Alling Building on Main and Elizabeth Streets in Derby.

The crowd of about 600 people assembled to see a woman be hypnotized in the store window. Interestingly enough, the same hypnotist also performed up the street at the Sterling Opera House.

The photo is derived from an old glass negative taken by photographer Myles P. Fillingham of Ansonia, circa early 1900s.

[This was first posted on this date in 2016.]

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby book, jewelry shop

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an old advertisement clipping for George C. Allis' book and jewelry shop. 

Mr. Allis started the business when he was only 15 years old. It was originally established in 1852 in a small room on "lower Main Street" in Derby, but in 1857, one Edward Lewis graciously built Mr. Allis a small store at 171 Main St. 

In 1859, George Allis began a circulating library within his shop and offered ~4,000 volumes. He acquired ownership of the building from Mr. Lewis in 1866 and managed his shop for over 70 years. 

The store closed between 1924-25, and Mr. Allis died on Dec. 28th, 1927, at the age of 92.

[First posted on Jan. 25, 2017.]

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Downtown Derby streets

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features some of the prominent streets in Derby. 

The picture gives an aerial view of Downtown Derby. On either side of the Green (f.k.a. "Public Square") are Elizabeth and Minerva Streets. Then the next streets over from them are Olivia and Caroline Streets, respectively. 

Olivia Street was named after Anson Phelps’ wife while Caroline, Elizabeth, and Minerva Streets were named after Sheldon Smith's daughters. Both men were founders of Birmingham in the 1830s.

[First posted on Jan. 16, 2018.] 

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Downtown Derby decorations

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a festive, holiday-themed photo of downtown Derby, looking east on Main Street and taken near the Elizabeth Street intersection.

The first break between buildings on the left is Minerva Street and off in the distance you can see the Farrel-Birmingham Co. building.

To the right of the photo is approximately where Woolworth's was located. This photo is thought to be circa the 1940s.

Our utmost thanks to local historian Rob Novak for providing this unique photo and information.

[This was first published on this date in 2016.]

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

'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.

Construction forces closing of Derby Senior Center next week

Attention: Due to the construction and for the safety of our members, the center will be closed to the public next week (8/12--8/16/24). Classes and events will hopefully resume 8/19. We will keep you posted.

Staff will be here if you have any questions or would like to check in with us. The ice cream social and the cookout will be rescheduled, date TBD.

Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and patience.

This is shared from Derby Senior Center's Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' Facebook memory features The Home Trust Co. in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features The Home Trust Co., which was incorporated by a special charter of the Connecticut General Assembly in 1893.

The company was located on the corner of Main and Elizabeth Streets in Derby.

In 1901, Home Trust Co. built its own building at the same location and occupied half of the first floor. In 1922, an addition was built so the company could make use of the entire first floor. The bank dealt with "savings, real estate management, insurance and trust department functions." In the 1970s, the bank was merged out of existence.

Today, the building is home to the Derby Senior Center.

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

Derby to host downtown fireworks celebration Wednesday

 

'Turnback Tuesday' from May 3, 2018 featuring Purdy Drug Co. in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features The Purdy Drug Company. 

Established in 1894/1895 by Harrison E. Purdy, the company was first located at 68 Main St. in Derby, which was where this image was taken.

The Purdy Drug Company then moved sometime in the 1930s and remained at 59 Fourth St. until it closed in the 60s. 

Harrison was the company President and Treasurer while his wife, Anna, was the Secretary.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' from this date in 2017 features downtown Derby shop

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an old advertisement clipping for George C. Allis' book and jewelry shop. 

Allis started the business when he was only 15 years old. It was originally established in 1852 in a small room on "lower Main Street" in Derby, but in 1857, one Edward Lewis graciously built Allis a small store at 171 Main St. 

In 1859, Allis began a circulating library within his shop and offered ~4,000 volumes. He acquired ownership of the building from Lewis in 1866 and managed his shop for over 70 years. 

The store closed between 1924-25, and Allis died on Dec. 28, 1927, at the age of 92.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features history of Christmas tree ornaments

Turnback Tuesday looks back at the history of Christmas Ornaments.

The idea of decorating a tree originated in Germany using fruit and nuts to symbolize the promise of spring.

In the 1800s, German Hans Greiner made glass ball ornaments called "baubles" which became very popular. When German immigrants came to America the tradition was brought with them.

By the 1890s, Woolworth’s Department store in the U.S. sold more than $25 million in German imported glass ornaments. Through the decades the “in style” ornaments have changed with the times.

The tradition of decorating a tree is a personal family story. Trees are decorated with memories old and new as well as cherished events.

These three ornaments pictured above are a part of the Derby Public Library collection.

By all means, share a picture of one of your favorite family ornaments.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' memory: Commodore Hull Theater in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" is a postcard, circa 1907-1915, that highlights the Commodore Hull Theater on Elizabeth Street.It advertises Vaudeville plus 85 acts featuring silent movie star and Brooklyn-born Connie Talmadge. It appears the theater is near the Elks Club with cars of the era parked in the foreground.
(First posted on this date in 2015)
Thanks as always goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing local history.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Sterling Organ Co. in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at the Sterling Organ Co. started by Charles Sterling in 1845 in Birmingham (now downtown Derby). 

The company added pianos to their line in 1860. Charles served as president until his death in 1887, and then Rufus W. Blake succeeded him. 

Sterling Piano was one of the largest factories in CT’s Lower Naugatuck Valley with a total of 16 buildings producing high quality pianos. 

This book was printed by the company in 1884 as an instruction book to learn to play the piano/organ. (A recent donation by the R. Ahern family.)

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

Sharing Turnback Tuesday memory from 2017 about local newspapers

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features Derby's early newspapers. The Derby Journal was the city's first paper and began publication in 1846 with the office located at 139 Main St. During its time, The Journal underwent several name changes including The Derby Transcript in 1867. The paper again changed its name in 1889 to The Evening Transcript. Eventually the company was shut down in 1902, leaving The Evening Sentinel as the Valley's only local newspaper until that, too, folded in 1992.

This image was taken in the mid to late 1860s.

The building still remains and fortunately, Derby Public Library has most of The Evening Transcript available on microfilm from 1848 - 1890.

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

'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.