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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Downtown hardware store

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features not one but two photos of Hallock's Hardware Store on Main Street in Derby.

The first one must have taken place around Decoration Day or Independence Day because of the patriotic buntings hanging from the windows.

The other photo is actually a print of a photo of Hallock's Hardware Store, with the name plate above the door reading "Hallock & Co. Hardware Cutlery Iron Steel Etc. " and a small sign off to the right reading "Lumber Yard."

These pictures were probably taken in the early 1900s.

[First posted on this date in 2016]

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

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights book used by siblings for 2 different reasons

Turnback Tuesday looks at a book that was used by two family members for very different reasons.

William J. Murray worked for R. N. Bassett Co. in 1902 and 1903 as a clerk. He used this book to keep a record of wire gauges that were used.

The R. N. Bassett Co. at this time was located on the corner of Third and Housatonic Avenue in Derby. They made skirts and corset wire.

William’s sister, Virginia, got a hold of this book and decided to make it her own. She used it to record school events especially her graduation year from Shelton High School in 1911.

Virginia ((or “Ginger” as her classmates called her), was one of 17 to graduate. She also used this book to paste and write down recipes.

Virginia became a teacher, moved to Derby, and her first teaching job was at Lafayette School in Shelton in 1915. She held this position for three years. In 1918, she taught at Hawthorne School in Shelton and then in 1920, Virginia became a teacher at Irving School in Derby. She transferred to Lincoln School to teach in 1924, and in 1927, Virginia moved to Waterbury.

This book is a recent donation to the Library from Joseph DiRienzo.

Thank you to the Shelton Public Library for their help in locating Virginia's listing in the Shelton High School yearbook.

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

Derby Neck Library presentation to feature photos from 1902

Shared from the Library's Facebook page:

"Next Thursday at 6:30 PM, we will host a presentation featuring a large number of candid photos taken in 1902 as a Derby Neck Library project to record scenes of everyday life and special places.

"Join us as we remember the official public opening of our library in January of 1908 by visiting the past together."

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

Derby Public Library staff is 'Hunting for History'

DERBY - Cleaning out this summer while you're quarantined at home? 
We're looking for Derby history so if you find photos or memorabilia please save it for us. When Derby Public Library opens for public access, contact Christine Boulay, Library Assistant/Local History Coordinator, dplreference@biblio.org, on how to donate it.


*This information is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Shelton History Center shares Huntington Fire Company photo from 1920

The Huntington Fire Company raised money through members' dues, donations and by hosting dances and carnivals. 
This photograph from 1920 shows the department with the equipment and uniforms they were able to purchase with the funds raised.

*Information shared from the Shelton History Center Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Thursday) features original Derby Bank

Turnback Tuesday remembers the original Derby Bank. 
The first Derby Bank came into existence in 1809 and was located in a red brick building at 31 Bank St., Derby. The bank was successful until the War of 1812 which brought disaster to the enterprise. 
The bank finally collapsed in 1825. The building still stands today.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby football team from 1943

Turnback Tuesday says hello to a photo that was recently donated to the Library of the 1943 Derby High School football team.
These handsome young men played six games against Naugatuck, Stratford, Plainville, Milford, Ansonia, and Shelton. 
Pictured are R. Nelson, J. Occhipinti, T. Sosnowski, G. D’Alessio, V. Raiola, J. Donahue, J. Salvati, M. McMahon, F. Vagnini, H. Smith, E. Pagliaro, F. East, J. Ragusa, R. Scatolini & J. Karg. Missing: R. Culbertson, Stas, W. Stankye.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby High School Class of 1928

Turnback Tuesday highlights the Derby High School graduating Class of 1928. 

These dashing young students had a lifetime of adventures ahead of them. 

Two names you might recognize: Edmund D.  Strang (left side, green arrow) had a huge influence on the Boy Scouts, becoming Troop 3's 2nd-ever Eagle Scout in 1927 and later forming Cub Pack 3 before Cub Scouts even became an official program in the U.S. 
Ed served as Assistant Cubmaster/Cubmaster for 68 years, the longest tenured/oldest Cubmaster in the US. Ed was also Troop 3's Scoutmaster for 25 years and served as Interlocutor of the Pack 3/Troop 3/Explorer Post 33 Annual Gang Show for an incredible 70 years.

Harold Yudkin (center, yellow arrow) who was only 15 in this photo, became known for his kindness to children and was a generous supporter of many Valley nonprofits including a benefactor of the Library. 
He was also a long-time sponsor of the Annual Oratorical Contest at Derby High School and became the largest builder of homes in Derby history while serving as a highly respected lawyer here. 
He also was a founder of Beth Israel Synagogue and was very active in Jewish affairs including writing for the Jewish Digest.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' features mansion in East Derby

'Turnback Tuesday' looks at this mansion home at 40 Bank St., Derby, built by Robert N. Bassett in 1886. 
He owned it until 1892 when the new owner became Henry Sawyer until 1897. The incredible thing about this home was that, in 1902, it was separated into three parts and moved to new locations in Derby. 
The center portion was moved to the corner of Bank and Gilbert Streets (still there), the left section to Crescent Street (still there), and the right section to Commerce Street and Derby Avenue (no longer there). 
The move was made to make room for the new Franklin School. 
The second photo (back view, sepia) is courtesy of Seymour resident Marian O’Keefe.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby baseball team in '50s

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" is for all you fans out there of the Derby Shamrock Baseball Team. 
This photo was taken circa 1952, and the Derby Public Library staff is trying to identify the boys in this photo. 
Front row (l to r) - ?, ?, ?, ?, Phil Martino, Tony Scarpa. Back row (l to r) - ?, Pat Jennetti, Pete Montini, Coach ?, Joey Benanto, ?, ?. 
Thanks in advance for your help.

*Update from Derby Public Library Facebook page:
Dorothy Ahearn Gleason Lary Ahearn bottom row on left, My brother; Pete Montini 2nd tie 3rd one from left and Coach is my dad Charles ‘Red’ Ahearn.

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

Oxford Historical Society shares photo of Beecher-Perry Homestead

The Oxford Historical Society posted this photo on Facebook earlier this week. 
I thought I'd share this Valley history from more than a century ago. It's always interesting to look back in time! 

Recuperation journey: Family memories

Several cousins on my father's side and I belong to a genealogy group on Facebook. It's an interesting page to read!
I recently came across this photo and thought I'd post it here before sharing with the group. 

I'm sure I'm not the only one who enjoys looking at old family photos - even if I don't know the people in them.

From left: My mother Marion, grandmother Adelaide McDonald, and Aunt Phyllis McDonald. Photo taken by me in the '70s.

Recuperation journey: Summer memories from long ago

 Me and my cousins with my father in the background. I think the sun was in our eyes.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Mansfield House in Ansonia

Turnback Tuesday visits the home of the Rev. Richard Mansfield. 
The house, built in 1700 in Derby, is a Colonial Saltbox at 35 Jewett St. in Ansonia. 
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 where St. Joseph’s Church is now. It was moved in 1926 and restored.


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

Recuperation journey: Throwback Thursday fun

"Are you lookin' at me?"

Recuperation journey: Fingers crossed

You know when you suddenly have an idea and then wonder why you hadn't thought of it sooner?

That happened to me this week, and today I acted on it.

I've slowly been going through my mother's things and there are boxes filled with lots of old photos, some of which are of people I don't recognize.
I found a few of my mother with her older brother, and of her brother's daughter, who is my only first cousin on my mother's side.
It dawned on me that I should try to locate her.

Thanks to the Internet I think I found her - fortunately I remembered her married name - and today I sent her a letter, and a print of a photo that I'm pretty sure is of her when she was about 4. I met her once or maybe twice when I was really young.  

Today I mailed the letter and now my fingers are crossed that she will get back in touch with me. Stay tuned!

19th century photo features 4 Shelton residents

Sharing with permission from The Valley Post:

"This old picture was found in Shelton City Hall, between the rafters, and hidden for reasons unknown. There was no information on this picture of the 'Whiskered Foursome' until the Suburban News published it and asked if someone had a clue to their identity.

"Mrs. Harry B. Brownson of Shelton replied and identified them as follows:

"Back row (L to R) Byron Brownson, Stephen Palmer, front row (L to R) David Clark and Eliekien Walker. 
"Also according to Mrs. Brownson, these gentlemen were the founders of the Old Huntington Fair Grounds."


Many thanks to The Valley Post Facebook page for allowing me to post this historical photo. It certainly is an interesting one! 

Recuperation journey: Photo ID, please

You know when you "inherit" a box of old photos? 
You recognize relatives, friends, neighbors sitting at a picnic table in the backyard, pets, but there is always that one photo you can't figure out who the people in it are.

Over the years my husband Ralph has tirelessly scanned thousands of old pics. And between us we're able to identify the people in almost all of them.

But then there is this one Ralph unearthed in a box full of Villers' photos:

On the back it says Phil and Marty, ages 3 and 2. 
The photo appears to have been taken in the late '40s, or early '50s. 

Phil and Marty look like two mini-men. 
Were their parents vaudevillians? 

Did boys really wear straw hats?
Was it Easter morning and they had to pose in their new outfits?

The artwork behind them adds a nice touch, as does the cord plugged into the electrical outlet. 
I just love this photo, and I had to share. 

'Turnback Tuesday' features downtown Derby store

This week’s Turnback Tuesday features photos of the Howard & Barber Department Store, established in 1858 and formerly located at 268-270 Main St. in downtown Derby. 
Charles R. Howard and George E. Barber operated their business knowing full well that honestly-priced, quality merchandise was what customers wanted most. 
Famous for its one-stop shopping approach, the store offered gingham fabric, brass-trimmed beds, velour and corduroy upholstered furniture, dining room tables, curtains and drapes, women’s hosiery, gloves and men’s three-piece chamber suits. 
The top photo, taken in 1884, shows the staff and storefront. 
The bottom left photo highlights some of the store’s ornate decorating while the bottom right photo shows the gentlemen’s garment room, which was located on the second floor.


Thanks go out to the Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history.