Sign In

1638 - New Haven Founded as a Colony
In 1638, English Puritans established the New Haven Colony, which soon included what are now the towns of New Haven, Branford, Guilford, Milford, and Stamford, as well as Southold on Long Island. The settlers planned their town around a grid of nine squares centered on the Meeting House on the Green, a distinctive geographic feature of the city today.
newhavenmuseum.org

1643 - New Haven Colony is organized as a state including the towns of New Haven, Milford, Guilford, Branford, Stamford and Southold, Long Island. It is an independent colony without a royal charter, organized by the Congregational Church.

www.bethany-ct.com/ historicalSociety/ bhs-facts.htm

1673 - New Haven and Milford dispute the ownership of the Three Brothers, a clump of three chestnut trees on the Milford-New Haven boundary and now located in northern Bethany at the Naugatuck-Prospect-Bethany boundary point.
“The area in dispute was supposed to be haunted by evil spirits. The quarrel was carried to the Governor of the Colony of Connecticut for adjustment, but a satisfactory decision was not rendered. The townsfolk thereupon agreed to settle their differences by physical combat. Elimination contests were held to determine the town championships in 1673, and the two champions battled beneath the “Three Brothers” from ten o’clock until sundown. The contest was even. Both towns agreed to include the chestnuts in their land descriptions.”
www.bethany-ct.com/ historicalSociety/ bhs-facts.htm

1675 - Center of New Haven is fortified against Indian attack during King Phillip’s War (1675-76); a log palisade is built but the town is not attacked. This war resulted in the extermination of Indian tribal life in Southern New England.

www.bethany-ct.com/ historicalSociety/ bhs-facts.htm

1682 - A major tornado ripped through southwestern Connecticut, passing through Stratford, Milford, and New Haven, and then into Long Island Sound.

WeatherForYou.com
June 20, 1682

1717 - New Haven State House and Yale
1717 - New Haven State House erected on the Green.
New Haven's first State House was built in 1717 on the Green near the corner of Elm and College Streets. New Haven's colonial courts held sessions under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut charter. The courts were located in this building, and a jail was located nearby.

www.livingplaces.com/ CT/ New_Haven_County/ New_Haven_City.html

1717 - Collegiate School moves to New Haven; called Yale the next year.
...dissatisfied with the school's site in Saybrook, Connecticut, the trustees of the Collegiate School began searching for a new home for the institution, preferably one with a central facility. In a bidding war with Hartford, the citizens of New Haven pledged 2,000 English pounds to the Collegiate School if it would relocate there.

In order to raise additional funds for this building, in 1718 the school's trustees asked Cotton Mather, a Harvard alumnus who was unhappy at having been passed over for the presidency of his... Read MORE...

1755 - First Newspaper in Connecticut
Connecticut Gazette of New Haven, the Colony's first newspaper, printed by James Parker at New Haven.

The first newspaper known to be published in Connecticut is the Connecticut gazette, from New Haven. It began on April 12th and was published by James Parker. His business partner was Benjamin Franklin who enjoyed helping other printers start newspapers (but not in Philadelphia). Parker lived in New York City and published ten religious pamphlets, five almanacs, 2 New York newspapers, and 19 other works in 1755 in addition to the Gazette. He never visited New Haven for any extended period. It was chiefly a military record, reporting the events of the French and Indian War. In fact, it was suspended for a time after the war when support for it declined.

The newspaper was managed by John Holt who left it in the charge of Thomas Green in 1760. Thomas Green was part of a large family of printers and publishers who made large contributions to early newspaper publishing in Connecticut ... Read MORE...

1763 - Brick State House erected on New Haven Green.
In 1763, a new brick State House with courtrooms and a town hall on the lower floor and rooms for the General Assembly on the upper floor was erected on the Green on Temple Street.
Timeline of Connecticut History

1767 - Thomas and Samuel Green launch newspaper which after many changes becomes New Haven Journal-Courier
Thomas [Green] was a prolific Connecticut printer, publishing or helping to publish about four hundred items in his lifetime. He helped edit and print the first newspaper in the colony, the 1755 New Haven Gazette for its owner, Parker & Company. Then, seeing opportunities in Hartford, one of the centers of Connecticut government, he moved there and started the Connecticut Courant in 1764. Though the name has changed through the years, the newspaper is still in existence as the Hartford Courant, America's longest continuous-running newspaper. Next, he and his brother Samuel founded the Connecticut Journal in New Haven in 1767. While Thomas Green was publishing newspapers, he also published yearly almanacs, printed Connecticut laws as they were changed and issued, and did other printing jobs. Thomas Green was married three times, and by those marriages, had seven children.

www.ctstatelibrary.org/ pages/ newspapers/ connecticut-newspaper-pioneers
Timeline of Connecticut History

1779 - British troops under General Tryon raid New Haven
On July 5, the British arrive off New Haven. Troops under Brigadier General George Garth come ashore and commence the destruction of public property and ships in the harbor, although Garth ignores Tyron's [New York Governor, British Major General William Tyron] orders to torch the town. Meanwhile, the second British division, led by Tyron himself, comes ashore at East Haven, where it encounters opposition from Connecticut militia led by Brigadier General Andrew Ward. The British take Blake Rock Fort, and Tyron then proceeds to destroy both public and private property. Ward's men lose 23 killed, 15 wounded, and 12 taken prisoner.

Almanac of American Military History, Volume 1
Editor Spencer C. Tucker
Edition illustrated
Publisher ABC-CLIO, 2012
ISBN 1598845306, 9781598845303
Page 324

Timeline of Connecticut History

1784 - New Haven Incorporated as a City
New Haven was incorporated as a city in 1784, and Roger Sherman, one of the signers of the Constitution and author of the "Connecticut Compromise", became the new city's first mayor.
Timeline of Connecticut History

1792 - New Haven Bank established
In 1792, New Haven Bank was established with capital of $400,000.

The Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, Volume 3
Author Sir David Brewster
Publisher J. & E. Parker, 1832
Page 229
Timeline of Connecticut History

1812 - Columbian Register First Published in New Haven
Joseph Barber starts Columbian Register at New Haven. In 1911 combined with New Haven Register and continues as Register to present.

Joseph Barber operated the Columbian Register from 1812 until the end of 1837. when he sold the paper to Minott A. Osborn and William B. Baldwin. At the time of the sale, the paper was still a weekly printed on a hand press and the United States was still a small agricultural nation.

www.nhregister.com/ general-news/ 20121201/ nhr-200-new-owners-enhanced-registers-stature
Timeline of Connecticut History

1812 - Apple trees at New Haven CT did not blossom until the first of June, the latest such occurrence during the period beginning in 1794.

WeatherForYou.com
June 1, 1812

1819 - New Haven
New-Haven, the seat of justice of the county, and semi-capital of the State, is situated at the head of the bay of the same name, upon Long-Island sound, in 41 degrees 18 north lat. and 72 degrees 56 mins west lon., 34 miles southwest from Hartford, 52 miles west from New-London, and 76 northeast of New-York. It is bounded on the north by Woodbridge and Hamden, on the east by the Quinipiack river, which separates it from East-Haven, on the south by New-Haven bay and Long-Island sound, and on the west by Milford; comprising an area, exclusive of the bay, of about eighteen square miles, having a mean length of nearly five miles, with a medium breadth of more than three and a half miles...

A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... : with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State
Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles
Publisher W.S. Marsh,... Read MORE...

1821 - Captain John Davis of New Haven becomes first man to set foot on the Antarctic Continent.
The first recorded landing on the Antarctic continent took place on February 7, 1821. Men from the American sealer Cecilia, under Captain John Davis, landed at Hughes Bay (64°01'S) looking for seals. Though they were on shore for less than an hour, these men were the first humans to set foot on this new southern land. Davis correctly guessed that the land was a continent.

www.antarcticaonline.com/ history/ history.htm
Timeline of Connecticut History

1827 - "New" State House erected in New Haven; Ithiel Town, architect.
Along with Hartford, New Haven became co-capital of Connecticut in 1701. General Assembly meetings alternated between the two cities. When sitting in New Haven, they met in a statehouse designed by Ithiel Town in 1827, on New Haven Green. In 1874, the building lost its status as a statehouse when Hartford was chosen as the sole state capital. The building fell into decal and was razed in July 1889.


Connecticut and Rhode Island Covered Bridges
Images of America
Author William S. Caswell, Jr.
Publisher Arcadia Publishing, 2011
ISBN 0738575402, 9780738575407
Page 17
Timeline of Connecticut History

January 5, 1835 - It was a record cold morning in the eastern U.S. The mercury at the Yale Campus in New Haven CT plunged to 23 degrees below zero, and reached 40 below in the Berkshire Hills of Connecticut.

WeatherForYou.com

1839 - Railroad completed between New Haven and Hartford.
The Hartford and New Haven Railroad, New Haven's first railroad was opened in New Haven to North Haven in November, 1838. An old newspaper gives an account of this first trip, and states that the return trip from North Haven to New Haven was made, in 19 minutes, which was considered good time and as a matter of fact, is 10 or 12 minutes faster between those points than the time made today by the so-called "modern" bus transportation! The road, originally planned to go via Middletown, was opened to Meriden December 3, 1838 and to Hartford in 1839 and reached Springfield in 1844.

catskillarchive.com/ rrextra/ abnere2.Html
Timeline of Connecticut History

1839 - New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven, city and town, the chief town of New Haven county and the semi-capital of the state of Connecticut, is 76 miles N.E. from New York, and 300 from Washington city, in latitude (Yale College Observatory) 41° 18' 30" N., and W. longitude 72° 55'. It is situated on a large and pleasant plain, around the head of a bay which sets up four miles from Long Island Sound. This plain is nearly level, and is partially enclosed by an amphitheatre of lofty hills, and by two bold eminences called East and West rocks, which vary in height from 330 to 370 feet. These rocks, which consist of trap, terminate in naked precipitous fronts, and are conspicuous and beautiful objects in the landscape. On the west, the plain is limited by a small stream called West river, and on the east by the Quinnipiack, which is navigable for several miles. Another stream, called Mill river, passes through the eastern part of the city and enters the harbor in union with the Quinnipiack.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - New Haven
New Haven, a city, port of entry, seat of justice of a county of its own name, and semi- capital of Connecticut, is situated in a beautiful plain, at the head of New Haven bay, 4 miles from its entrance into Long Island sound. It is 160 miles S. W. from Boston, and 76 miles N. E. from New York, being in a direct line between the two cities. The plain on which New Haven stands inclines gently towards the water, and is environed on all by an amphitheatre of hills, two of which, presenting ragged and perpendicular precipices from 300 to 400 feet in height, are called East and West rocks. These eminences consist principally of greenstone trap, and are conspicuous objects in the landscape. Three small streams, the Quinepiack on the E., with Mill river flowing into it about half a mile from its mouth, and the West river on the right, intersect this plain, discharging their waters into the bay. Of the two former, the first forms the eastern limit of the town, and the other of the city.... Read MORE...

1860 - The Late Boiler Explosion - Body Recovered - Serious Affray.
New-Haven, Saturday, Nov. 3

The boy, HENRY RICE, who was killed by the steam-boiler explosion at DANN & BROTHERS' coach factory, yesterday, was found under the ruins last night; nearly all his bones crushed. The boy JOHN KANE lives, but with no hope of his life. G. G. BALDWIN and GEORGE DE WOLF are very low. JOSEPH VAN RIPER was badly scalded, but may live. The cause of the accident was poor boiler iron. The loss of property is about $5,000.
New York Times
New York, New York
November 5, 1860

1861 - The Excitement In New Haven, Conn.
NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 11. - The excitement here is intense. The streets are crowded with people who are clamoring after extras. The national flag is flying. The City Grays are holding a meeting in anticipation of receiving a call to duty. The indignation against the rebels is universal.
genealogybank.com
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 15, 1861

1869 - Fish Hooks
Fish-hooks are made now almost entirely at New Haven, Conn. They are made entirely by machinery, a piece of wire going into a machine and coming out a perfect fish-hook. The machinery is the most ingenious that has ever been invented for any purpose.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 19, 1869

1871 - In New Haven, if the people neglect to clean the snow off their pavements, the city does it for them at the rate of two dollars each.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 17, 1871

1878 - First telephone exchange in world opened in New Haven.
The first commercial telephone exchange system in the world was opened in New Haven, in January, 1878, and has been in continuous operation ever since. This pioneer exchange was organized by Mr. George W. Coy, who now resides in Milford, New Haven County, and who, during the twelve years ending with the year 1877, was managing the local offices of the Atlantic and Pacific and the Franklin Telegraph companies.

In July, 1877, the local papers in New Haven contained an advertisement of 'Bell's telephone' reading in part:

The proprietors keep the instrument in repair, without charge, and the user has no expense except the maintenance of the line. It needs only a wire between the two stations, though ten or twenty miles apart, with a telephone at each end.... The outside of the telephone is of mahogany finely polished and an ornament to any room or office. Telephones leased and lines constructed.

In September, 1877, Mr. Coy secured several Bell telephones and installed a few... Read MORE...

1882 - SILVERWARE FACTORY BURNED. LARGE FIRE IN CONNECTICUT - LOSS, $150,000.
NEW-HAVEN, Sept. 26 - The factory of Maltby, Stevens, Curtis & Co., manufacturers of hollow-ware and German silver spoons, in Shelton, was destroyed by fire at 2 o'clock this morning. The flames started in the casting-room, where there were several furnaces, and, as the floors were oil-soaked and the stock of an extremely combustible nature, spread with great rapidity and defied the efforts of the watchman to put them out with the small hose with which the factory was provided. The building was completely gutted, and the stone walls which are still standing will have to be pulled down. While the fire was in progress, Alexander Wahlig, the proprietor of a boarding-house near by, went out to watch the burning building and returned in an hour. On entering his door he fell dead on the floor. He had been complaining of illness for a few days, and intended to consult a physician to-day. It is supposed that heart disease, aggravated by the excitement of the occasion, caused his death.
New York Times
New York, New York
September 27, 1882

1883 - November 27 - Fire engines were called out in New York City and New Haven, CT, as a result of the afterglow of the sunset due to vivid red ash from the Krakatoa Volcano explosion in August.

The Weather Channel

1885 - Men of Brains - Some of the Distinguished American Inventors
Charles Goodyear, inventor and patentee of the simple mixture of rubber and sulphur, the basis of the present great rubber industries throughout the world; born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1800; in 1839, by the accidental mixture of a bit of rubber and sulphur on a red-hot stove, he discovered the process of vulcanization. The Goodyear patents proved immensely profitable.
The Daily Republican
Monogahela, Pennsylvania
January 20, 1885

Read more about Charles GOODYEAR

1886 - AN EXPLOSION OF GAS.
NEW-HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 27. - People living in the lower part of the city were alarmed at noon to-day by what seemed like an earthquake shook preceded by a sharp report. Almost immediately thereafter smoke was seen issuing from the roof of the japanning department at O. B. North & Co.'s, hardware shops, Franklin-street. The Fire Department was summoned, and, after hard work, succeeded in confining the flames to the japanning room, where the explosion had occurred. It was found that a dry kiln had been blown up. It is supposed that the explosion was caused by gas forming in the kiln faster that it could escape through the usual apertures. The loss is about $1,000; covered by insurance. No one was in the room at the time. Had the explosion occurred half an hour earlier or later there would have been a terrible loss of life.
The New York Times
New York, New York
January 26, 1886

1890 - Why They Were Not Married.
That the hand of the law extends over all the land dawned sadly but unmistakably on Fred N. Smith, aged eighteen and Miss Jennie Dean, aged sixteen of New Haven, last night. They left that city in the "Owl and Pussy Cat" style, i.e., on marriage bent. They were met in Boston, however, by some policemen and escorted to Station 4, and will, in all probability, return to New Haven today, still single, and in charge of loving parents.
Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
February 1, 1890

1891 - FIRE ON A BIG STEAMER. Thirteen Hundred Persons Narrowly Escape Death on a Sound Steamer.
New Haven, Conn., July 31. - When the steamer Elm City, with 1,300 excursionists on board, was midway between New York and Bridgeport last evening, fire broke out on board. The flames originated in the engine-room and spread with alarming rapidity, and the dense clouds of smoke that rolled up struck terror to the hearts of the passengers. The excitement was intense, amounting almost to a panic. Women screamed and the little ones clung to their mothers in terror. A man and woman in state-room 49, which is immediately over the boiler, were almost suffocated by the smoke which filled the room, and were carried below in an unconscious condition. The prompt work of the officers of the boat was the only thing that averted an awful catastrophe. An aperture was cut in the floor of the state-room over the boiler, a hose inserted and a stream of water was soon playing on the flames. After working about an hour the men managed to extinguish the fire. The blaze originated from an overheated... Read MORE...

1895 - First hamburger, served at Louie's Lunch in New Haven
Louie's Lunch first opened its doors in 1895 and has been operating in the same location ever since. The small, unassuming building, resembling a small diner, has become a landmark in New Haven, drawing both locals and tourists eager to experience its unique charm and historical significance.

The restaurant's claim to fame is its invention of the hamburger sandwich, which is said to have originated around the turn of the 20th century. The story goes that one day in 1900, a hurried customer requested a quick meal to-go. The owner, Louis Lassen, quickly placed a beef patty between two slices of bread, creating the first-ever hamburger. This simple but delicious creation quickly gained popularity and became a staple of American fast-food culture.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ connecticut.html

1895 - New Haven
New Haven, a city and port of entry, the county seat of New Haven co., Conn., and the largest and most populous city of the state, is situated at the head of New Haven Harbor, 4 miles above its entrance into Long Island Sound, and on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Rail road, 74 miles E.N.E. of New York, and 36 miles W.S.W. of Hartford, the state capital. Lat. 41° 18' 23" N.; Lon. 72° 56' 30" W. New Haven stands upon a plain which is enclosed landward by an amphitheatre of hills, of which two, called East Rock and West Rock, rise from 300 to 400 feet in rugged, perpendicular precipices, producing a very picturesque effect. Three small streams, the Quinepiac on the E., with Mill River, its affluent, and the West River on the W., intersect this plain and fall into the harbor. The streets of New Haven are wide, and generally skirted with majestic elms, for which this city is noted, the dwellings being generally built in separate plots. There are 4 large natural parks on the outskirts, ... Read MORE...

1896 - LIVES LOST IN RAGING FLAMES. THREE MEN SACRIFICED BY A DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT WITH GAS.
TWO EXPLOSIONS ENSUE.

ONE WORKMAN KILLED INSTANTLY AND TWO SUBSEQUENTLY PERISH IN THE FIRE.

MUCH PROPERTY DAMAGE.

New Haven, Conn., Jan. 21. -- The building on Crown Street, opposite Orange, occupied by English & Mersick and two other firms, was destroyed by fire this morning, which started from an explosion.

Three lives were lost.
The killed:
JOSEPH C. HAUSER, machinist, aged 38.
J. T. TOOF, aged 40.
HARBONA STEVENS, aged 21.

About 10:30 o'clock this morning FRANK P. PHLEGAR, SR., a machine jobber, was experimenting with acetylene gas in his shop on the second floor of the building. Around him were a corps of assistants, and it is said the PHLEGAR was working upon some sort of regulator to control the delivery of the gas from steel cylinders in which it is kept under high pressure, sometimes as high as 2000 pounds to the square inch. Definite knowledge as to the conditions of the experiment cannot be had, since the PHLEGARS positively refuse to talk tonight,... Read MORE...

1898 - New Haven - The City of Elms by Frederick Hull Cogswell
The main incidents in the history of New Haven have a flavor of romance. Even the original settlement, usually a prosy affair, was brought about by the chance letter of a victorious soldier. On the 26th of June, 1637, a company of wealthy English immigrants sailed into Boston harbor, undecided as to its final destination. It was led and directed by Reverend John Davenport, a Non conformist clergyman of London, and Theophilus Eaton, a retired merchant of the same town, who had once represented the British crown at the court of Denmark. The company had thought to settle near Boston, but a theological controversy that threatened to envelop the whole jurisdiction led to a change of plan, and for several months the party remained at Boston in a state of indecision.

Meanwhile, the Pequot war was raging along the coast of Long Island Sound, and as the beaten braves were being driven westward toward the valley of the Hudson, their pursuers came upon a spot of surprising beauty. Its charms... Read MORE...

1901 - TROLLEY DEAL IN CONNECTICUT: New Haven Road Purchases the Webster and Worcester System.
NEW HAVEN, Jan. 12 - The New Haven Road has just purchased through the People's Tramway Company of Danielson, Conn., the Webster and Worcester Street Railway Company.

The purchase gives to the People's Tramway Company control of the trolley lines from Danielson, Conn., to Worcester, a distance of forty miles. The company recently acquired the Putnam and Thompson Street Railway Company, and later took over the Webster and Dudley system, the latest purchase of the Webster and Worcester completing the circuit. The New Haven Road will extend the People's Tramway line in time to Norwich, thus connecting with the steam road along the Thames to New London and forming a continuous line from Norwich to Boston, a distance of 120 miles.

The People's Tramway system will run express trains, freight, mail, baggage, and passenger coaches over the newly acquired line. The express trains will make stops only at Putnam and Webster in the through run from Danielson to Worcester, and will run at ... Read MORE...

1903 - Passengers Leave Burning Sleeping Car in Nightclothes.
Sixteen Men and Four Women Hurried from Temporary Home.

Woman Injured--Man Nearly Suffocated--Several Lose Valuables.

New Haven, Conn., May 14 - Passengers, including 16 men and four women had to flee in their night clothing, early Thursday, from a burning sleeping car at the Union station. The car was near the rear end of the N. Y., N. H. & H. Railroad train which left New York at 11 o'clock Wednesday night for Boston by way of Springfield. When the train reached here at 1 o'clock sleeping car No. 2032 was connected with a pipe which supplied the cars with gas and the gas supply was turned on. Immediately afterwards a slight explosion was heard. Flames burst out and the car filled with smoke.

The passengers dazed with sleep and half blinded by the smoke made a rush for the doors. A woman was knocked down and suffered a slight injury to her back and right arm, but said she was not seriously hurt. An old gentleman who had difficulty in getting out of his berth close to the... Read MORE...

1904 - FIRE WORKED DOWN THROUGH A SHAFT
One of New Haven's Finest Buildings Is Ruined - Firemen Extinguished $150,000 Blaze.

New Haven, Conn., Jan. 18. - Fire and water completely wrecked the Headley building, corner of Church and Crown Streets, tonight, causing a loss which will aggregate $150,000. A score or more of tenants lost all their office effects but in most instances the insurance is ample. The thermometer was not far above zero and the firemen worked under harsh conditions. Almost adjoining the Headley building, on the Crown Street side are some of the largest furniture houses in the city and to protect these was the chief aim of the firemen in the early stages of the blaze.

When the Headley building was put up some years ago for commercial purposes it was considered one of the finest in the city and many of its features remained until the end. The walls were of heavy brick and the interior was divided into three sections. The center one being a light shaft around which ran balconies and off which led... Read MORE...

1908 - First lollipop-making machine opened for business in New Haven. George Smith named the treat after a popular racehorse.
The modern lollipop, as we know it today, is thought to have been popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1908, George Smith, a candy maker from New Haven, Connecticut, is credited with inventing the modern lollipop as we know it. He reportedly named the sweet treat after his favorite racehorse, Lolly Pop. George Smith was the first person to patent the idea of putting candy on a stick, which is now a common feature of lollipops.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ connecticut.html

1914 - November 21 – In New Haven CT, the new Yale Bowl officially opens; Harvard defeats Yale 36-0 in the first football game held here.

wikipedia.org
November 21, 1914

1915 - HISTORIC THEATRE BURNS. Grand Opera House in New Haven Destroyed, with Loss of $80,000.
NEW HAVEN, April 25.- The Grand Opera House in Crown Street, the oldest playhouse in New Haven, was destroyed by fire early today, and the entire fire-fighting force of the city had a hard time to prevent the blaze from spreading to near-by buildings.

Various office buildings were endangered for a time. The loss is $80,000. The fire started in a cafe on the first floor, from an unknown cause.

The theatre, originally known as the Music Hall, was erected in 1860, and was rich in historic interest. Stage notables and singers of world fame appeared there. Half a century ago it was the scene of State political conventions, Yale junior promenades, and other university events Mass meetings to encourage enlistment were held during the civil war. After the war a national encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic was held in the building, at which were present Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan. Charles Dickens lectured in the house during his American tour.
The New York Times
New York, New York
April 26, 1915

1920 - University of New Haven founded.
The University of New Haven (UNH) was founded in 1920 on the campus of Yale University as the New Haven YMCA Junior College, a division of Northeastern University. The college offered instruction in business and engineering to local students.
www.newhaven.edu/ about/ history

1920 - First Frisbee, Yale students discovered empty pie plates from Mrs. Frisbie Pies in Bridgeport could be sailed across the New Haven Green
The first Frisbee, as we know it today, was originally a pie tin from the Frisbie Pie Company, based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The company was founded by William Russell Frisbie in the late 19th century. They produced and sold delicious pies, and to keep the pies fresh, they would pack them in metal pie tins.

Around the 1940s, students from nearby colleges, particularly Yale University, discovered that these empty pie tins could be tossed and caught for fun. They began using them to play a game they called "frisbie" or "frisbieing." The players would yell "frisbie" as a warning before throwing the pie tin, giving rise to the term associated with the game.

In 1948, a man named Walter Frederick Morrison was inspired by these college students and their pie tin tossing game. He saw the potential in creating a plastic version of the flying disc for recreational purposes. Morrison and his partner Warren Franscioni designed a plastic flying disc they called the "Pluto Platter" in... Read MORE...

1938 - The Great New England Hurricane of 1938
CAT 3 - September 21, 1938
The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 was one of the most destructive and powerful storms ever to strike Southern New England. This system developed in the far eastern Atlantic, near the Cape Verde Islands on September 4. It made a twelve day journey across the Atlantic and up the Eastern Seaboard before crashing ashore on September 21 at Suffolk County, Long Island, then into Milford, Connecticut. The eye of the hurricane was observed in New Haven, Connecticut, 10 miles east of Milford. The center made landfall at the time of astronomical high tide, moving north at 60 mph. Unlike most storms, this hurricane did not weaken on its way toward Southern New England, due to its rapid forward speed and its track. This kept the center of the storm over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream...

National Weather Service
www.erh.noaa.gov

1957 - Oak Street redevelopment
Ground broken for first building in New Haven's Oak Street redevelopment area.
Timeline of Connecticut History

2023 - Whether you're a foodie, history buff, or just looking for some outdoor adventures, New Haven has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this charming city:
Yale University: Start your visit with a stroll around the beautiful Yale University campus. Don't miss the iconic Harkness Tower and the stunning Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History: If you're into dinosaurs, fossils, and natural history, this museum is a must-visit. It houses an impressive collection of specimens and is a hit with both kids and adults.

New Haven Green: This historic park at the heart of the city is a great place to relax, have a picnic, or people-watch. It's also surrounded by some of New Haven's oldest churches and buildings.

Louis' Lunch: Visit the birthplace of the hamburger at Louis' Lunch. They've been serving up their famous burgers since 1895. It's a small, no-frills joint, but the history and taste make it worth a stop.

Yale Center for British Art: This museum boasts the largest collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom. It's a treasure trove of British masterpieces spanning over five... Read MORE...

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in New Haven, Connecticut, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in New Haven.

View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)

View MORE

Ancestors Who Were Married in New Haven, Connecticut, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in New Haven.

View Them Now

View MORE

Ancestors buried in New Haven - Cemeteries in New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Grove St. Cemetery