'Turnback Tuesday' features old Derby Junction

Turnback Tuesday looks at the old Derby Junction (Transfer Point) located on the corner of Derby Avenue and Main Street.

This electric road was the first built in New England with construction starting in 1887. Mr. Thomas Wallace of Ansonia persuaded Mr. James Kennedy to build in Derby. Mr. Kennedy built the first electric railroad in America.

This Derby junction has access to New Haven, Bridgeport (by way of Shelton) and Waterbury (by way of Ansonia).

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features farm couple in East Derby

This week's “Turnback Tuesday” photo is of Oliver B. Sherwood and his wife, Charlotte (Fowler) Sherwood.

Oliver was born in Greenfield Hill, Fairfield County, and moved to Derby with his father in 1817. Charlotte was born in Milford where the two met. They married September 3, 1836 and had 4 children together. Oliver was a farmer aka “seed grower” and distributed his produce all the way up to New York.

The photograph was apparently taken by one of Oliver’s relatives, Elizabeth Sherwood, in front of their home located on Derby Hill.

It was taken sometime during the late 1880’s or early 1990’s before Charlotte’s death in 1892. Sentinel Hill Road and Sodom Lane were both listed as cross streets, so the house was located somewhere in that area. Oliver and Charlotte are buried in Oak Cliff Cemetery on Hawthorne Ave.

[First published on this date in 2016.]

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

Derby Public Library to host reception for Hotchkiss Hose

On Sept. 9 we welcome the fire department to Derby Public Library for a reception for Hotchkiss Hose.

Travel back through time with photographs and items from members of Hotchkiss Hose, a snapshot of their history ON DISPLAY at DPL throughout September and October.

Throughout the day:
- Crew members will be in their gear
- Patrons are invited to touch 2 vintage trucks and the current truck used to respond to EVERY DAY emergencies.
- View Historic Displays
- Enjoy Refreshments

Reception starts at 3:30 and goes until 5:30

VISIT THE EVENT PAGE FOR MORE INFO: https://derbypubliclibrary.libcal.com/.../event/17190547

‘Turnback Tuesday’ features Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1

Turnback Tuesday is remembering the oldest fire company in Derby, Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1.

The company was formed June 7, 1837. Records indicate that the first engine was a hand pump machine manned by 12 men.

This image is of the first motorized fire apparatus. It was built by John J. Booth in 1914. John was a local blacksmith and carriage maker with a shop at 13-17 Housatonic Ave. in Derby.

This image and many others will be on display for the months of September and October at the Derby Public Library.

The items displayed will be from the collection of the Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1 and their members.

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

Derby Town/City Clerk seeks 350th time capsule ideas

 

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: St. Mary's School play in Derby

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.]

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Valley Cultural Heritage Quilt

Turnback Tuesday is highlighting a couple of squares from the Valley Cultural Heritage Quilt - a quilt that was pieced and quilted by the Southford Falls Quilters Inc.

The materials used in this quilt were collected from Valley residents. These pieces of material or fabric tell a story of the lives of valley families.

The first block represents the residents of Valley Towns in the ladder half of the 1900s. It features handiwork including tatting, embroidery and applique thus honoring the creativity and skills of these women.

The second block again honors the second half of the 1900s but not only has swatches of fabric it includes rickrack, trims, and buttons which were very popular during this time period.

The Quilt is on display at the Derby Public Library until the end of August in honor of America’s 250th celebration.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Shelton Basket Company

Turnback Tuesday is highlighting a local manufacturer. Shelton Basket Company was founded in 1911 by Abraham Lavietes.

The company was an historic manufacturer of woven wood and oak-splint, laundry hampers, delivery and insulated picnic baskets. This Gathering Basket is clearly marked with the Shelton Basket name or logo on the handle. The company moved out of Connecticut in 1960.

The Shelton Historical Society has these wonderful baskets as part of their historic collection. This basket was used by Harry Berman to collect tomatoes from his garden.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Howard Johnson's in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits a very iconic restaurant: Howard Johnson’s. Howard Deering Johnson started his business as a single ice cream stand in Quincy, MA in 1925. 

By 1935, he pioneered modern restaurant franchising and expanded rapidly along highways. In the '70s, there were over 1,000 locations nationwide. The restaurant had its iconic orange roof and weather vane on every building. Basically, you could not miss it from the road.

Howard Johnson’s in Derby opened at 5 Main St. in 1968 and continued to do business until 1980. The building is still there today. 

This plate is from one of their restaurants and is on display at Derby Public Library, along with other items in celebration of America's 250th.

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

Valley Tales on Derby Greenway to step off Thursday, rain or shine

 

Derby Historical Society hiring docents at Humphreys House n Ansonia

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features ice skates on display at Derby Public Library

Turnback Tuesday brings us back to 1859. The Iron & Steel Works Co. opened in Derby in 1936. William Hawkins Sr. purchased the company and renamed it the Hawkins Manufacturing Co.

They produced carriage axles, springs, and hardware. In April 12, 1859 and June 25,1861 William patented the Shirley Ice Skates. They were produced at the plant in Derby.

This pair of skates in the photo is on display at Derby Public Library. These skates and many other items are part of the America 250th celebration display.

The skates are on loan from the Berman family.

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Mansfield House in Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday visits the home of Rev. Richard Mansfield in Ansonia.

The house, built in 1700 in Derby, is a Colonial Saltbox. This home has four rooms located on the first floor: two rooms on the right as you walk in, one on the left and the kitchen (keeping room) in the back. The top floor boasts two bedrooms (sleeping chambers) in the front with two small half rooms in the back. There are two staircases: one in the front entry and one in the back off the sleeping chambers.

The home was originally located on Jewett Street where St. Joseph’s Church is now and was moved in 1926 and restored.

[First published on this date in 2018.]

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

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.

Valley Tales on Derby Greenway featuring local history to step off July 9

Derby Neck Library is teaming up with Derby Historical Society to bring you a new program series this summer: Valley Tales on Derby Greenway.

As the title suggests, this all-ages walking club meets on the Derby Greenway for a leisurely stroll along the Naugatuck River, while listening to true stories from the Valley’s shared history. The club is hosted by the library and features guest speakers from the historical society.

The club does not require any registration… anyone can join! Meet at the Derby Greenway entrance across the street from BJs at 9 a.m. on Thursdays from July 9-Aug. 6 to participate.

Some of the topics you’ll hear about are the history of the Greenway itself, historical significance of the Naugatuck River, Reverend Mansfield and the Church of England in CT, and Revolutionary-era stories.

For further information or schedule details, please visit the website of either Derby Neck Library or Derby Historical Society.

Participants are responsible for their own health and safety. Please review heat and weather conditions prior to participation.

Walks will last approximately 30-60 minutes and cover 2-4 miles.

Shared from the Derby Greenway Committee Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features opening of time capsule from 1976

Turnback Tuesday has a special treat today.

On June 24, 2026 Bradley School in Derby opened a Time Capsule that was created by John Ogle’s fifth grade class in 1976.

It was a beautiful day attended by John’s family, many students from the school, and from the community. Dr. Matthew Conway was master of ceremonies with Mayor Joseph DiMartino greeting all who attended.

John’s wife Linda did the honors of opening and showcasing what was inside. Linda was heard saying she was afraid that John had played a trick and snakes in a can would pop out. John Ogle was a teacher and basketball coach for the Derby Public Schools for 37 years.

The items retrieved from the Time Capsule are on display at Derby Public Library at the main Circulation Desk through the summer.

Pictured from left: Joe Ogle, Jennifer Ogle, Victoria Ewen, Linda Ogle, and her grandson Rhoan Baczek.

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

Bradley School community in Derby to open 1976 time capsule Wednesday

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby Public Library reference room

DERBY - Turnback Tuesday reminds us of the wealth of information and research materials available at Derby Public Library.

Published in 1935, "The Pictorial and History of the Lower Naugatuck Valley," written by Leo T. Malloy, is a treasure trove of information.

And it does not end there.

Our History Reference Room has many books on its shelves for you to peruse including those on genealogy, the history of neighboring towns, and about the Valley in general.

The room has a large table for patron use as well as a microfilm machine to view local newspaper archives.

Thanks go to Derby Public Library for making available its extensive amount of historical information about the Valley and surrounding communities.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby Savings Bank history

Turnback Tuesday looks at the Derby Savings Bank, which started operations in 1846 at 168 Main St., Derby. 

Eleven years later, it moved to the corner of Main and Caroline Streets, where it operated until 1923. Then the bank moved to the corner of Main and Olivia Streets. 

The final location in 1976 was at the corner of Main and Elizabeth Streets, where Derby City Hall is today.

The image is a coin bank given to customers to help them save their hard-earned change under lock and key. It was also used a form of advertising. 

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

Shelton History Center to hold 22nd classic car show on Father's Day

Exhibitors: $20
Visitors: $5
Children 12 and under are FREE