From the 'Turnback Tuesday ' archives: Seymour Avenue

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo shows Seymour Avenue in Derby north of the Derby Green and St. Mary's Church. The houses are spacious and ornate and were probably homes of the managers of new factories springing up and a new "professional" class. The foliage in the picture is much more thick then than it is now. This photo is circa 1901-1907. 
[First posted on this date in 2015.] 
Thanks as always to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby's 300th celebration

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" is an oldie but goodie for today. This is a picture of the Derby Public Library staff dressed in all their finery for Derby’s 300th celebration in 1975. (l. to r.) Tom Moran, Olga Guilletti, Mrs. Kopp, Mrs. Helen Ahearn (Head Librarian), Joyce Treddinick, and Betty Guilletti.

[First posted on this date in 2018.]

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Cast of play at St. Mary's School

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of the cast of the play "Spider Island," performed by students of St. Mary's School in March of 1946.

[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: 'The Wharf'

This week’s “Turnback Tuesday” is a photo taken around 1895. From the information we have, it depicts a Mrs. H.A. Campbell standing on “The Wharf.” 

In the background is a boat containing a party of Derby people - including Rev. Fellows - apparently on their way to Indian Well. 

We welcome any additional info from our Facebook followers regarding this scene’s location, viewing perspective, bios, etc.

[This was 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: Derby Lumber Company

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features The Derby Lumber Company. The company was once one of the largest lumber companies in the country.

It was first started by Willis and Lewis Hotchkiss in 1836 and was originally called The Derby Building and Lumber Company. The two brothers ran the company until 1840, when they partnered with Willis Sperry and Merritt Clarke and changed the name to Hotchkiss, Clarke, & Co.

The name was again changed in 1850 when the company consolidated with a firm in Ansonia and thus became the Derby Lumber Company.

In 1905 the company sold a significant portion of its land and buildings to allow for a double railroad track to be installed.

[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: Sugar Street in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo shows the old Sugar Street home of Garrett Smith and Z. Hallock. 

Sugar Street is now known as Roosevelt Drive or Route 34 West. It was called Sugar Street because in the mid 1800s, sugar and other products from the West Indies came into Derby Docks and were transported along this route.

[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: Sterling Piano Co. in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo is of the Sterling Piano Company in Derby. It is shown overlooking the canal that united Ansonia and Birmingham in the Water Street area. It has since been filled in, with Home Depot now occupying the spot that was previously occupied by Farrel Corp. until the year 2000.

In the background is the Naugatuck River.

[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: Businessman's house in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of Andrew Johnson's house. 

It was built in 1798 on the corner of Bank and Gilbert Streets. The house was dismantled in 1928 and supposedly relocated to Westchester County, N.Y. 

Johnson was one of Truman Gilbert's business partners, who had established Derby's first lumber yard. Johnson was born in April of 1765, but details of his death are unknown.

[First posted on this date in 2018.]

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Derby historian, author

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of Albert F. Sherwood. 

Sherwood was born in 1842 on the Sherwood Farm, once located near the intersection of Sentinel Hill and David Humphreys Roads in Derby. 

He was a famous Derby historian who wrote the book "Memories of Old Derby" just before his death. In 1866, Sherwood married Emmeline B. Chatfield. He died in 1924 and was buried in Oak Cliff Cemetery in Derby. 

Note: The Library has two copies of his book in our Local History Room.

[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: Birmingham Iron Foundry

This week's Turnback Tuesday features a bird's-eye view postcard of the Birmingham Iron Foundry in Derby. 

It started out as a family business by the Colburn brothers in 1838. But it did not become the Birmingham Iron Foundry until 1850 when the Colburns sold it to Sheldon Bassett, though the original name is unlisted. 

It was renamed again in 1927 after merging with the Farrel Corp. The building was eventually torn down in 2000 to make way for the Home Depot.

[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: Dr. Frank P. McEnerney of Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo shows local dentist Dr. Frank P. McEnerney in his office that was located on Elizabeth Street across from the Commodore Hull Theater.

Dr. McEnerney was born in Derby and graduated Derby High School, Holy Cross College, and the University of Pennsylvania College of Dentistry. His framed credentials hang on the wall behind him in the photo's background.

Dr. McEnerney was also an active member of the Elks Lodge in Derby plus many other civic-minded groups in the Valley.

Note: this photo was donated by Dr. McEnerney's granddaughter, Geraldine Fallon, who currently serves on the Derby Public Library Board of Directors. Geraldine's mother, Frances Fallon, previously served on the Library Board for 50 years.

[First posted on this date in 2016.]

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