History of freshets is icy reminder of damage caused along rivers in Valley

Derby Public Library local history coordinator Mary Bisaccia photographed Wednesday.

DERBY - Freshets, the sudden overflowing of a river caused by heavy rain or melting snow, devastated parts of the Lower Naugatuck Valley in years gone by. 

On Wednesday I learned about the havoc they caused thanks to Derby Public Library Local History Coordinator Mary Bisaccia. 
Her topic in January is Freshets and Their Impact on Derby History. Each month Bisaccia is available to talk about her research from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays. The library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

Bisaccia said freshets were commonplace before the construction of dams. In addition to heavy rains causing the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers to overflow, Bisaccia said the rivers were affected by coastal tides.

Bisaccia shared information she found researching several Valley history books as well as a series of articles published in April of 1936 in the former Evening Sentinel newspaper.
The articles were written by C.Z. Morse and titled "Freshets of Earlier Days." They described the freshets that occurred in the late 19th century.

One of the photos on display at the library showing the aftermath of a freshet that occurred in the late 1800s. 

I had never heard of the freshets that played a major role in the history of this area, and I found the topic fascinating. 

In February Bisaccia will talk about the life and times of Derby native Ebenezer Bassett, who became the first African-American diplomat. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Bassett to be ambassador to Haiti in 1869. 

Ansonia 'celebrates' 60th anniversary of devastating floods

Heroism, cooperation, community spirit recalled

Ansonia lawyer Greg Stamos served as master of ceremonies for Wednesday's program at Vartelas Park in Ansonia commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Floods of 1955. The park on Maple Street alongside the Naugatuck River is the former site of the Vartelas block, which included houses, businesses, and the Vartelas family's food market. 
Stamos said the rebuilding after the event "would come to represent the resilience of Valley citizens."
The flood control walls that were built after the natural disaster can be seen in the background. Stamos is accompanied by his assistant.


Read the great coverage of the ceremony here in the Valley Independent Sentinel, and here in the New Haven Register. 

Ansonia receives $400K to complete riverwalk

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti was notified Thursday that the City was successful in requesting an additional $400,000 in federal funds for the completion of a segment of the riverwalk.

This grant is an 80 percent federal and 20 percent local share matching grant.

Segment 8 of the Riverwalk includes the construction of an additional 500 feet of 10-foot paved multi-use trail atop the western flood control dike, including a 130-foot pedestrian bridge over the Metro-North railroad. 
The project terminates at Pershing Drive.
Up to this point, the City did not have sufficient funds to complete this segment of its riverwalk.

“I know how important the riverwalk is to the residents of Ansonia and I wanted to move this project forward as quickly as possible," Cassetti said.

"That is why I requested additional funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT’s) agreement to complete this project. I am thrilled we have been able to successfully secure the funds necessary and thankful to the FHWA and ConnDOT.
“Residents from Ansonia and surrounding towns continue to take advantage of our beautiful riverwalk. This segment will make a nice addition and provide enjoyment for our residents. It’s all about enhancing the quality of life for our residents," Cassetti said.

The project has had costly obstacles to overcome including obtaining the required permits from the state and federal agencies, crossing the Metro-North rail line, and building on top of a flood control dike.

Additionally, the cost of the bridge has risen since the inception of the project in 2009.


This is a press release from Sheila O'Malley, Economic Development Director and Grants Writer, City of Ansonia.