History of Bethlehem, Connecticut, USA

1734 - Bethlehem was settled

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ bethlehem/

1754 - (Bethlehem) The BELLAMY-FERRIDAY HOUSE was built for the Reverend Joseph Bellamy
It is the site of the first theological seminary in the United States.
www.ci.bethlehem.ct.us/ obhsi.htm

Read more about Joseph BELLAMY

1787 - Bethlehem, CT incorporated as "Bethlem"

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ bethlehem/

1819 - Bethlem
Bethlem is a small elevated interior post township, 38 miles from Hartford, and 33 from New-Haven; bounded on the north by Litchfield, on the east by Watertown, on the south by Woodbury, and on the west by Washington. Its average length from east to west is 4 and a half miles, and its average breadth 4 miles, containing an area of about 18 square 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, 1819

1839 - Bethlehem
Bethlehem, Connecticut
Litchfield county. This town is 38 miles W.S.W. from Hartford, 32 N.W. by W. from New Haven, and 8 S. from Litchfield. It was taken from Woodbury, in 1787. It is hilly, with a gravelly loam, and fit for grazing and the growth of rye. It has 2,000 sheep. Population, 1830, 906. The town is watered by Pomperaug river, a branch of the Housatonick.
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. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Bethlehem / Bethlem
Bethlehem, or Bethlem, a post-township of Litchfield county, Connecticut, 30 miles N. W. from New Haven. Population, 815.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1886-87 - (Bethlehem) The Arch Bridge was built over Wood Creek which flows into the Weekeepeemee River. The bridge cost $1050.00.

www.ci.bethlehem.ct.us/ obhsi.htm

1895 - Bethlehem
Beth'1ehem, a post-township of Litchfield co., Conn., about 30 miles N.W. of New Haven. It has 3 churches, a woollen-mill, &c. Pop. 750.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1910 - He Voted Wrong in '56; Has Never Shaved Again
Bethlehem, Ct., Aug. 18. - Cornelius C. Parmelee, who is dead at the age of 80, was a staunch supporter of of John C. Fremont for president back in '56.

At that time Cornelius was a handsome young man, with a smooth, whiskerless complexion. He made a solemn vow that if Fremont wasn't elected he would never shave again. Fremont lost and Parmelee threw away his razor. The result was that he took to the grave with him one of the flowingest crop of whiskers in the state.

However, Connecticut is not to lose her prestige for facial shrubbery, as the man who vowed 14 years ago he would never shave until Bryan was elected is running a close second to Parmelee.
genealogybank.com
Saginaw News
Saginaw, Michigan
August 18, 1910

1916
Bethlehem, a post-township (town) of Litchfield co., Conn., about 30 miles NW. of New Haven. Pop. in 1900, 578.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1924 - Bethlehem Fair
The Bethlehem Fair was established in 1924.

1930 - Trousers Save Life
BETHLEHEM, Conn., July 25. - Homer Somers owes his life to two pairs of pants. Homer wore double trousers when he went wood-chopping to protect his limbs from the brush. Hearing a rattle, he glanced behind him just in time to see a rattlesnake strike his leg. The fangs failed to penetrate both thicknesses and Homer killed the snake.
Painesville Telegraph
Painesville, Ohio
July 5, 1930

2023 - There are plenty of places to go and things to do in Bethlehem and its surrounding areas. Here's a diverse list to help you make the most of your time in this delightful town:
Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden: Explore the historic Bellamy-Ferriday House and its beautifully maintained gardens. The house dates back to the 18th century and offers a glimpse into Connecticut's colonial history.

March Farm: Located just a short drive from Bethlehem, March Farm is a fantastic place for family fun. Pick your own fruits, enjoy a hayride, or visit their farm store for fresh produce and homemade treats.

Bethlehem Fairgrounds: If you're visiting during the annual Bethlehem Fair, you're in for a treat. The fair features livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, live music, and a wide variety of delicious food.

Museums and Galleries: Bethlehem and its neighboring towns have several art galleries and museums worth exploring. Check out the Five Points Gallery in Torrington or the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury for a dose of culture.

Breweries and Wineries: Connecticut has a growing craft beer and wine scene. Visit local establishments like Hawk Ridge Winery and... Read MORE...