This week’s “Turnback Tuesday” photo was taken in 1891, just after the Housatonic Dam collapse on January 22 of that year.
Due to faulty construction, a buildup of ice combined with a heavy freshet washed away approximately 250 feet of the dam. This photo was taken on the Derby side of the river, most likely along Roosevelt Drive.
[First posted on this date in 2016.]
Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
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.
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.
In 1952, the address was designated as 64 Bank St. and was occupied by eight families. The house to the left, 50 Bank St., was the Henry Sawyer residence which was later razed to make way for Franklin School.
[First posted March 8, 2016.]
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
The Derby Train Station is also shown while St. Mary's Church steeple is in the far right background. This picture was taken circa 1900.
[This was first published on Oct. 13, 2015.]
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
Since then, the bridge has been renovated several times.
This photo was first published on this date in 2015.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
This great photo was previously posted on this date in 2017. Recognize anyone?
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
The architect was Hartley Dennett of Massachusetts, with Beardsley Building Co. of Shelton doing the construction.
When the Library was first built, it was able to house 30,000 books. With the new addition, dedicated in May 2000, the Library now houses over 63,000 pieces of material in its current collection.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
The photo was taken in March of 1947 by a professional photographer, a Mr. Hartman whose business was once located at 22 Woodlawn Ave. in Ansonia.
Front row (l. to r.): Mike Homa, "Mc.E." Marie Comboni, Terry Colonace, Joan Kirby, Jean M.E. and Jimmie Duplese. Back row (l. to r.): George Harris, Amy Connay, D. Stafferi, Joe McCormack, L. Sheilding, Jack Brady, and Charles Dirienzo.
Turnback Tuesday visits the Derby High School Class of 1943.
Graduation was held on the evening of June 24, 1943 at the Commodore Hull Theater. Superintendent of Schools at the time was Richard T. Tobin. The graduating class boasted 127 graduates.
This image was taken at the class's 50th reunion in 1993. If you recognize anyone in the photo, please help identify them.
This was a recent donation from the Brady family to the Library. Helen Brady is in the second row, second from the right. Thanks in advance.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
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 Reverend Fellows - apparently on their way to Indian Well in Shelton.
We welcome any additional info from our Facebook followers regarding this scene’s location, viewing perspective, bios, etc.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
The Derby Street Railway began operations in April, 1888, with the line running cars every 15 minutes to the Opera House, Birmingham, and 3rd Street, Ansonia.
The #16 Trolley is in front of the local Merchant/Tailor business of Henry Somers at 189 Main St. Somers ran his business from 1892 until his passing in 1902.
The Derby Street Railway Co. was under the leadership of H. Holton Wood, who was also the benefactor of the Derby Public Library.
The Derby Street Railway Co. was absorbed by the Ct. Railway & Lighting in December of 1900.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!
This recent donation is a copy of an artist rendition of the Library. The Library opened to the public in February 1903.
Some interesting tidbits about the building are the stones on the outside are of White Ansonia Granite with Spanish Terra Cotta Tiles on the roof. The Library’s first Head Librarian was Miss Grace A. Child and the First Board President was Edwin B. Gager.
This picture was a recent gift from Norman Hayden made in memory of his parents, Bill & Edith Hayden of Shelton.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
Turnback Tuesday goes back in time before Derby had a trolley (trolleys in Derby did not arrive until 1887).
This Stereoscopic Card is of lower Main Street Derby looking east. The brick building on the left is the Old Savings Bank located on the corner of Main and Caroline Streets.
John W. Storres a photographer who took this image moved to Derby in 1857, started his business shortly after arriving and produced many stereoscopic cards and portraits until it closure in 1882.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!
