'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby's 300th birthday celebration

Turnback Tuesday remembers the 300th celebration of Derby in 1975.

We [at Derby Public Library] are highlighting some of the buttons used during the celebration which started May 31 and ran through June 8, 1975.

The “Derby” Hat was the logo for the 300th as seen here on the wooden nickel. Two different buttons for the Miss Celebration Belle and the button for the Junior Grade of the Brother of the Brush.

You can see the theme of these buttons with Derby colors of red and white.

*Remember* the Library is looking for memorabilia such as these to add to our collection. Please keep "Hunting for History" so we can preserve the incredible story of Derby.

You can contact us at dplreference@biblio.org.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Thursday) features souvenir stein from Derby's 300th

Turnback Tuesday brings us back to 1975 for Derby’s 300th Celebration. 
This stein was one of the many items produced for and during the 10-day celebration and was donated by P. Civitella, a local Derby merchant.
The Library also has a plate, pin, flyers, and programs from this monumental event, and we are ever on the hunt for even more history of Derby. 
To that end, we would love to add one of the bow-ties worn by many at this event to our collection. So please continue with your “Hunting for History.” We appreciate it.


A big thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) features USS Constitution commander

Turnback Tuesday introduces Commander Tyrone Gabriel Martin of the USS Constitution from August 1974 to June 1978. 
Martin was a guest at Derby’s 300th Celebration in 1975. 
He was invited by the Tercentenary Celebration Committee a month before the festivities when they visited him on the USS Constitution docked in Boston. 
Martin, born in Greenwich, was the 58th commanding officer of the Constitution. Our own native hero Commodore Isaac Hull was in command of the ship "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' seeks to ID people in Derby's 300th anniversary photo

Turnback Tuesday brings us back to the Derby Tercentenary Celebration in 1975. 
The 10-day event took two and half years to plan with hundreds of volunteers of all ages. Pictured on parade day from left:

Mayor Francis Kelley of Shelton, Mayor Michael Adanti of Ansonia, Attorney General Carl Ajello, and Seymour First Selectwoman Anna LoPresti. 
If anyone knows who the woman on the right is, please let us know. The Library has a book of photos from the 300th Celebration and need help identifying her and other people. 
Please contact the Derby Public Library if you can help. Thank you.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' features festive Derby Public Library staff

This week's 'Turnback Tuesday' is an oldie but goodie.
This is a picture of the Derby Public Library staff dressed in all their finery for Derby’s 300th celebration in 1975. 
Pictured from left: Tom Moran, Olga Guilletti, Mrs. Kopp, Helen Ahearn (Head Librarian), Joyce Tredinick, and Betty Guilletti.


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

'Turnback Tuesday' on Wednesday features Derby's 300th in 1975

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" brings us back to "Derby’s 300th" from May 30 to June 8, 1975. 

A 10-day celebration filled with activities for all. Old fashioned bargain days at stores, sports events, a parade, fireworks, Silver Tea, soap box derby, square dance, amusement rides, Hats Off to Derby performance, and the list goes on and on. 

In this photo you can see Vonetes Palace of Sweets, 300th Headquarters and Howard & Barber on Main Street. 

The Derby Public Library has a photo album of this event in our collection, and we'd love for our FB followers to help us identify who is in the photos. 

Please contact the Local History Coordinator 203-736-1482 for an appointment. Thank you.

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