Derby Hall of Famer of the Week: William Whitney

William Whitney

Our Hall of Famer of the Week this week owned a jewelry store on Main Street [in Derby] but made his name in a warmer climate as the Deputy U.S. Counsel to Bermuda. 

He was appointed to the post in 1872! You can learn more about him at https://electronicvalley.org/.../Hall.../Whitney,William.htm

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) highlights jewelry store in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits an old establishment in Downtown Derby: R & G Jewelry Store. Robert S. Gardner started his business in 1885 as a jeweler and optician, dealer in stationary, books and periodicals. He was 18 years old. The first four years the business was located at 111 Main St. than moved to 241 Main where it remained until the name change in 1906 to Gardner & Hall Co. 
This photo we believe was taken in 1890 at the 241 Main St. location with Robert S. behind the counter on the left.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' features jewelry store in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday says hello to a business that started in 1896 at 10 Elizabeth St., Derby.
This "gem" was Taylor & Gregory Jewelers. The owners were William G. Taylor and Louis L. Gregory, both from Derby. The business later moved to 6 Elizabeth St. (shown) in 1903. They remained partners until Taylor’s death in 1926. In 1933, the business became L.L. Gregory & J.S. Burgess Co.


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

Shelton jeweler to host fundraiser for The Valley Goes Pink

Update: Date of event changed to Oct. 26

Marks of Design selling buckets for Sept. 28 'Diamond Dig'  

SHELTON - Kate Marks, owner of Marks of Design at 389 Bridgeport Ave. will host a .90 carat 'diamond dig' from 3-7 p.m. Sept. 28 at her store. 
Participants may purchase a bucket like the one pictured above for $40 to participate in the fund-raising "dig" for a chance to find the diamond. 
All donations will go to The Valley Goes Pink to support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

I bought my bucket today; as a six-year breast cancer survivor how could I not support such a great cause?