West Haven, Connecticut, USA
People, Pictures and News From the Past
Where is West Haven, Connecticut, USA? West Haven, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
West Haven is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 52,721.
Settled in 1648, West Haven (then known as West Farms) was a part of the original New Haven Colony. In 1719, it became the separate parish of West Haven, but was still officially a part of New Haven until 1822. During the American Revolution, West Haven was the frequent launch and arrival point for raiding parties on both sides of the war. On July 5, 1779 the British invaded New Haven Harbor and came ashore in West Haven and East Haven. Thomas Painter, a teenaged militiaman watching for the approaching British ships while standing atop Savin Rock, is depicted on the city seal. The main commercial street, Campbell Avenue, is named for British Adjutant William Campbell, who rescured the Reverend Noah Williston, the local Congregational minister, from being summarily hanged by British troopers, after he broke his leg trying to escape his captors. Campbell ordered the regimental surgeon to set the minister's leg and is credited with keeping his troops in good order during their march through the village to New Haven. Campbell was killed hours later atop Allingtown Hill on his way to New Haven. He is buried in the Allingtown section of town. Patriot victims of the invasion are buried in the Christ Church Cemetery. An historical marker marks Campbell's approximate gravesite.
West Haven and North Milford joined to become Orange (incorporated as a town in 1822). In 1921, West Haven split from Orange to become a separate town. It was incorporated as a city in 1961 and is known as "Connecticut's Youngest City.", but is ironically one of the state's oldest settlements.
West Haven is best known for the Savin Rock Amusement Park, which began in the late 19th century as a seaside resort. It evolved into a general amusement park in the 20th century and was closed in the 1960s. The park ran along the New Haven Harbor beachfront. One of the last reminders of the area is Jimmies of Savin Rock, a restaurant known for its seafood and split hot dogs.
West Haven has a mayor-council form of government. John M. Picard, the city's tenth mayor, was elected in 2005 and re-elected in 2007. There are three independent fire districts served by the First Fire Taxation (Center), West Shore and Allingtown Fire Districts. Over the years there have been unsuccessful efforts made to consolidate the fire districts, each of which levies its own tax rate.wikipedia
West Haven, Connecticut, USA
The Green Showing old and new Christ Church, West Haven, Conn.
West Haven, Connecticut, USA
Savin Rock Theatre, Savin Rock, Conn.
West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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"Savin Rock was an American amusement park in West Haven, Connecticut. It was previously called The White City. The park included a number of roller coasters, other rides and numerous funhouses.
The amusement park was established in the 1870s after entrepreneur George Kelsey extended the trolley lines and built a 1,500-foot pier at the end of Beach Street to accommodate a ferry service. Kelsey built the nearby Seaview Hotel, with rooms for up to 150 guests.
...In 1903 carnival rides were added and the area was officially opened as an amusement park called the White City...
By 1919, the park, now called Savin Rock Amusement Park, was attracting 1.2 million visitors each year...
Inside the White City was a movie theater, The Orpheum Theater, which was open all year round was owned by Doc Dewaltop from 1913 until it was destroyed by a fire in 1921...
The park was finally closed in 1966."
wikipedia)
New Haven, Conn., White City, Savin Rock
"Savin Rock was an American amusement park in West Haven, Connecticut. It was previously called The White ... Read MORE...
West Haven, Connecticut, USA
Savin Rock, Moonlight Scene, West Haven, Conn.
West Haven, Connecticut, USA
Airdome Theatre, White City, Savin Rock, Conn.
West Haven, Connecticut, USA
Osborn Ave., Woody Crest, West Haven, Conn.
West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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The "Colonnade" Savin Rock, Conn.
History / News
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1869 - Mr and Mrs Tom ThumbCommodore Nutt and Minne Warren were married on Thursday, at the residence of Tom Thumb's mother,...Read MORE...
1888 - Confessed to Heavy ForgeriesNEW HAVEN, Conn., Oct. 11. - Henry G. Hotchkiss, of West Haven, a hardware manufacturer, has been...Read MORE...
1889 - FireA church and five business buildings were destroyed by fire at West Haven, Conn., on the 27th.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 30, 1889
1893 - INCENDIARY FIRES IN WEST HAVEN. The Fire Department of the Town Was Kept Busy for Several Hours.NEW-HAVEN, Conn., Dec. 29. - Two incendiary fires in West Haven to-night kept the Fire Department...Read MORE...
1906
Orange, a post-township (town) of New Haven co., Conn., borders on Long Island Sound and is bounded ...Read MORE...
Orange, a post-township (town) of New Haven co., Conn., borders on Long Island Sound and is bounded ...Read MORE...
Savin Rock As It Was
Savin Rock As It Was (www.youtube.com)
Savin Rock As It Was (www.youtube.com)
1931 - June 19 - 1st photoelectric cell installed commercially West Haven Cthistoryorb.com
June 19, 1931
Ancestors Who Were Born Here
 
Michael BLESSING
(14 December 1982, West Haven, Connecticut, USA - 15 July 2012, West Haven, Connecticut, USA)
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Betsey HITCHCOCK
(1789, West Haven, Connecticut, USA - 16 January 1878, Deerfield, Massachusetts, USA (South Deerfield))
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Walter Alexander ZELANIN
(23 May 1927, West Haven, Connecticut, USA - 8 November 2007, Shelton, Connecticut, USA (Huntington))
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Ancestors Who Died Here
We currently have information about 54 ancestors who died in West Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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Ancestors Who Were Married Here
Cemeteries in West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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