'Turnback Tuesday' features Kornblut's store on Main Street, Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday remembers Kornblut's Department Store, 316-318 Main St., Ansonia.

Henry Kornblut, born in Austria, arrived in the U.S. in 1889.

He opened up the Dry Good & Clothing store in 1928 at 316 Main St. This family-run business continued with Henry as president until his death in July of 1955 at the age of 95, one month before the Flood in August of 1955.

His son-in-law had become president and continued the business for many years. This photo, a recent donation from the Yudkin family, was taken on Aug. 20,1955.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' featuring pharmacy from this date in 2017

eosndtSp526fuThis week's "Turnback Tuesday" features the Shannon Pharmacy, started by James F. Shannon. 

Mr. Shannon was a prominent member of Derby, being one of the founders of the Elks Lodge in town. In 1900, he opened his pharmacy at 53 Sixth Street on the corner of Sixth and Hawkins Streets. It is unknown when the pharmacy officially closed, but this image was taken in 1908.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for always sharing interesting local history. 

'Turnback Tuesday' features photo of W.E. Bassett Co. employee picnic

Turnback Tuesday’s recent acquisition is this week’s topic: a photo of the W.M. Bassett Co. summer employee picnic. 

W.E. Bassett Co. started in 1939 on Francis Street in Derby. After WWII, the company developed into a successful manicure manufacturing business. They moved to a new location on Roosevelt Drive in 1952, then added a new plant in Shelton in 1978.

This image of the employees at the picnic was taken sometime between 1958 -1961. The person indicated with the yellow circle is Henry W. Bassett of the Bassett family. 

The Library is looking to have more of the people in this image identified. Please let us know if you can name someone. 

This image is a recent donation to the Library from the photographer John Caporale.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights downtown Ansonia business

Turnback Tuesday shares another coin bank, this one from R. Q. Walsh Company, Ansonia. Walsh started out as a clerk for Shaw & Murray, Dry & Fancy Goods at 296 Main St, Ansonia. He held this position for many years, and in 1902, he became manager, and then in 1903, he became VP & Secretary.

By 1906, Robert acquired the business and changed the name to R. Q. Walsh Co. where he remained owner until 1920.

This coin bank not only advertises but encourages people to save and hopefully spend the saved money at the establishment mentioned on the front. The slot at the top is for coins to be deposited, but in the second photo you can see a round hole on its left side that was used for paper money.

This bank was a recent donation from the Stevenson family.

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

Sharing 'Turnback Tuesday' post from this date in 2018

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a long-time, local business in Derby: Stahls, Inc.

“Your Rambler Dealer” was once located at the corner of Olivia and Fourth Streets, 55 Fourth St. to be exact.

This family-owned company dated back to 1918 with its beginnings in car battery repair. They eventually became a Hudson dealer, then an AMC/Jeep one and again later a Dodge Dealer until the early 2000’s.

As a result of the city's redevelopment, the facility moved from the location pictured in downtown Derby to the one along Route 34 at Chapel Street (currently occupied by On Time Screen Printing.)

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

Hard to believe I posted this five years ago today. I remember it well - one of the few that features a color photo.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Derby Beverage Co.

'Turnback Tuesday' salutes the Derby Beverage Co. 
Ralph Marsel started the business in his home at 207 Caroline St., Derby in 1932. It continued there until he opened Check Package Store at 149 Main St., Derby in 1936. 
In 1947, Ralph updated the name to Check Liquor Store. He owned and operated the business until 1959 when a new owner took over. 
Ralph and his wife Gussie continued to live in their Caroline Street home. The coaster pictured here was a recent donation to the Library by Roosevelt Tower Antiques & Salvage.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) features first lumber yard in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks back at the constructing of Derby and the Derby Lumber & Building Co. located at Derby Landing (Route 34, along the river). 
The business was started circa 1840 by brothers Willis and Lewis Hotchkiss. This was the first lumber yard in the City of Derby. 
Many churches, homes, and factories in Derby were built by these brothers. 
They sold their land and company buildings to the Railroad in 1900. This made way for the necessary improvements and expansion of the Derby Junction at the intersection of Derby Avenue and Main Street.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) features Lee Drug Co. in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits Lee Drug Company, started in 1947 by Anthony J. Szczesiul on 249 Main St., Derby.
In 1973, Szczesiul moved the business to 101 Elizabeth St. 
And in 1931, Pasquale Coppola became the new owner and pharmacist. Shown is an advertisement that was attached to a calendar given out by Coppola to his customers.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Sterling Piano Co. in Derby

Turnback Tuesday gives a peek inside the world of the Sterling Piano Company in Derby.

Founded by Charles A. Sterling, the company started out as the Sterling Organ in 1845. 
The manufacturing then switched over to pianos by 1884. 
The first class workmanship of these musical instruments has shown the test of time. This rare look at the interior of the factory was recently donated to Derby Public Library.


Thanks go to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week! 

'Turnback Tuesday' features Oates Bros. trucking company in Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at a photo from Derby Day, 1914. 

These lovely ladies from Seymour are being carried by the Oates Brothers Trucking & Express of Derby. 

The business was started in 1900 by brothers John F. & Michael F Oates. First working out of 94 Caroline St. until 1911, they moved to 224 Main St. and then to 282 Main St. Their primary headquarters stayed in Derby until 1928 when it was moved to Shelton. 

The Oates Bros. specialized in both local and long distance moves, boasting their ability to move pianos, boilers, and safes.

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

Maid Brigade in Derby celebrates 20th anniversary under local ownership

Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan cuts the ribbon at 20th anniversary celebration./ Contributed photo - Unitas Photography

DERBY - Maid Brigade at 111 New Haven Ave. recently marked 20 years under local family ownership. 
The company is the only fully green certified cleaner in the area and it only uses products that have minimal environmental impact.  

For information visit CT.maidbrigade.com. 

Unitas Photography

Greater Valley Chamber, Ansonia to hold economic development forum

Yogurt company to hold ribbon cutting in Ansonia Wednesday

ANSONIA - After a year of learning curves and the door knocking required for any new start up business, Ansonia’s own Stani Dairy Yogurt Co. is ready for its official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The open to the public event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the company's 5 Howard Ave. corporate manufacturing headquarters. Those attending will be treated to yogurt samples and can even view the yogurt making process.

Co-owner/founder Kali Emmanouil said their Greek style yogurt line is being distributed to select specialty markets and small through mid-size multi-location supermarkets including Adams (Shelton), Highland Park (Glastonbury area) and others. 
In addition, supplying large volume food service operations has become a niche.

Stani recently hired additional staffing and is planning to hire more. While experience is not necessary, a background in food regulation and manufacturing compliance is a plus.

The company’s current flavors include plain, blueberry, honey blend, strawberry, and peach. Additional flavors are in development.

Yogurt samples distributed throughout City Hall last week produced a solid “thumbs up” from anyone who could wrestle a cup away from Mayor David S. Cassetti.

To learn more visit www.stanidairy.com.


This is a press release from Cassetti's office.

Ansonia Soccer Club seeks sponsors for teams

The Ansonia Soccer Club is looking for 2019/2020 sponsors.

Please e-mail monaconm @ aol.com if your business would be interested in sponsoring a team. 

Shout out to The Hub, Mr. Softy, and Tipsy Tomato who immediately signed up to sponsor a team!

*Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features downtown Derby store

Turnback Tuesday is sharing another business: Carroll Cut Rate Store. 
The business first opened up in Ansonia in 1928 then opened a second location in Derby at 200 Main St. in 1934. 
In 1936, the Derby store moved to 286 Main St. 
The Ansonia store closed by 1940 and the Derby store did the same by 1961. Carroll Cut Rate Store provided toilet preparations and perfumes, but later changed to cosmetics. This picture shows the store on the right side while it was at the 238 Main St. location.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' offers glimpse of downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits a business that lasted in Derby for almost 50 years. 
United Cigars was located at 41 Elizabeth St. (on the right side of this picture). 
Opened and run by Max Shaftel in 1926, Nathan H. Shaftel took the helm in 1932 and later updated the name to Shaftel United Cigar Agency in 1953. 
Nathan continued to run the business until its last year in 1973. If you look closely at the photo you can see they also provided newspapers.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features store in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits another business in downtown Derby: F.M. Kirby Co., 5 & 10 Store at 181 Main St. 
The F.M Kirby Co., a variety store, was in business for only two years, 1910 and 1911. In 1912 it became F.W. Woolworth Co. and stayed at the same location until 1924 when the business moved to 250-252 Main St., Derby.

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

Wakelee Market in Ansonia to hold grand opening Friday

Contributed photo

ANSONIA - A new business to complement the ambiance of the improved Wakelee Avenue will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday.

Wakelee Market is located at 192 Wakelee Ave., the former longtime location of Klanko’s Market.
It is a completely renovated space offering old school “neighborhood market” charm with a wide selection of products including deli, salads, sandwiches, wings, French fries, vegetables, fruits, and more.

Owner Ramiz Majeed invites everyone to stop on by and say hello. 


This is taken from a press release from the City of Ansonia.

'Turnback Tuesday' features confectionary store at Derby Junction

Turnback Tuesday looks at Colwell's Confectionary, Etc. 
This business was located at 3 Main St. in Derby and the location was also known as Transfer Point for the trolley. 
Mrs. Mary E. Colwell started the business in 1907. In 1924, the name was changed to include “& Lunch Room.”
Mary operated the business until it closed in 1934. In this postcard, you can see Colwell's Confectionary sign on the right.

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

Celebrate First Saturday of April at the Shops at Seymour

Spring has sprung at the Shops at Seymour!

*Shared from a Facebook event page:
Come stroll the quaint downtown, stop for tea, a bite to eat, a cupcake, perhaps :).
Take time to treasure hunt at the antique and specialty shops.
Bring friends and family for a fun day out or make it a date.
End the evening at the Strand Theater, 165 Main St., for a comedy show. See info below: