'Turnback Tuesday' highlights second flood of 1955

 

Turnback Tuesday takes another look at the second flood of 1955. This took place in October with rain falling from the 14th - 17th. It brought about from 12” to 14” of rain.

The two images are of the Derby Bridge over the Naugatuck River looking at St. Michael's Church located at the intersection of Derby Avenue and Rt. 34.

The water rose in October, and as you can see, almost as much as it did in August. This meant those who were digging out from the first flood had to do so again in October.

Image one was taken on 8-19-1955 at 2 p.m. and image 2 was taken on 10-16-1955. These two images are on display along with many others at Derby Public library until the end of September.

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

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Griffin Hospital, Birmingham Academy

[This post was first published on Sept. 29, 2015.]

Since we missed last week's posting, this week's "Turnback Tuesday" features not one but TWO photos:

This first one is of Griffin Hospital, which admitted its first patient on Dec. 9, 1909. 

Originally designated as "The Derby Hospital," the name was changed when George Griffin, a wealthy Shelton industrialist, bequeathed a portion of his estate towards the building of the new hospital.

The second photo is of Birmingham Academy, built in 1838 on Fifth Street. 

This building became the Irving School in 1869 and was located where the Derby Veteran's Community Center is today.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' visits home in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits the home of Thomas B & Sarah A. Hull DeForest, 23 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Thomas was employed at Shelton Iron & Brass Co. He passed in 1892, but Sarah continued to reside at their home until 1918. The home was razed and a commercial building took its place.

Starting in 1930, David Schpero, jeweler, occupied the space until 1972. This aerial view was taken from an 1898 map the Derby Public Library has on display in the Local History Room and the photo looking up Elizabeth Street is from an old postcard. Interesting to see how the City of Derby built up around this home (red arrows.)

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Victorian home of manufacturer

Turnback Tuesday visits this very beautiful Victorian home of Joseph and Emma Willmann at 66 Fifth St., Derby.

In 1904, Joseph was a noted inventor, manufacturer, and President of the Dairy Machinery Co. on Canal Street in Derby until 1920.

He then became President of Derby Brass & Copper Co.

In 1932, he moved to Boston for work at another manufacturing company.

Joseph moved into this home at 66 Fifth St. in 1908 and raised a family with wife Emma. While he was employed in Boston, Joseph kept this house as his home base until his death in January, 1963 at the age of 89. Images are of the front and back of the home.

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

Derby Public Library staff is hunting for local history