History of Stratford, Connecticut, USA

1639 - Stratford founded

wikipedia.org

1682 - June 20 - A major tornado ripped through southwestern Connecticut, passing through Stratford, Milford, and New Haven, and then into Long Island Sound.

HistoryForYou.com
June 20, 1682

1819 - Stratford
Stratford, a pleasant and flourishing post township, is situated on the west side of the Ousatonick river, about 3 miles from its mouth, and 13 from New-Haven; bounded on the north by Trumbull and Huntington, on the east by the Ousatonick river, on the south by Long Island sound, and on the west by Fairfield. Its average length is about 6 miles, and its average breadth 4 miles, comprising an area of about 24 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 - Stratford
Stratford, Connecticut
Fairfield county. This town was first settled in 1639, by persons from Boston, Roxbury, and Concord, Mass. and Wethersfield, Ct. Its Indian name was Cupheag.

Stratford is about 6 miles in length from north to south, and its breadth from east to west is between 2 and 3 miles. It is bounded north by Huntington, west by Trumbull and Bridgeport, east by the Housatonick, dividing it from Milford, and south by Long Island Sound. The central part of the town is 13 miles S.W. from New Haven and 8 E. by N. from Fairfield. The township is mostly level and free from stone, and there is a very rich alluvial tract of meadows on the river and harbor. The principal street in the town, is one mile in length, running north and south, parallel to the Housatonick; it is level, pleasant, and ornamented with shade trees. On this street, and others, in the immediate vicinity, there are about 200 dwelling houses, and 4 houses for public worship.

This place lies at the mouth of... Read MORE...

1854 - Stratford
Stratford, a post-township of Fairfield co., Connecticut, at the mouth of Housntonic river, about 15 miles S. W. from New Haven. Population, 2040.
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.

1871 - Lucky Find
The recent purchasers of an old mansion in Stratford, Conn., while engaged in tearing down the stone chimney, came across a large earthen pot of peculiar shape and very ancient, containing specie. What amount of treasure was found the lucky individual is reluctant to state, but it is noted that after his good fortune the gentleman, who had been engaged in the dry goods and grocery trade for a number of years, to the surprise of his many friends, sold out his stock and fixtures, leased his store and retired from business.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 17, 1871

1888 - Train Accident
BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Jan. 18. - The Washington express, going east, at 2 o'clock this morning, met with an accident while passing through West Stratford. The axle of one set of drivers broke and the large wheel rolled down an embankment to a pond below, carrying some of the framework of the engine with it. The engine did not leave the track. The east track was blocked until 9 o'clock this morning, when the wrecking train, which was sent from New Haven, removed the disabled engine. All trains had to use the west track. Fortunately none of the passengers or trainmen were injured.
The New York Times
New York, New York
January 18, 1888

1906
Stratford, a post-village in Stratford township (town), Fairfield co., Conn., on the W. bank of the Housatonic River, about 2 miles from its mouth, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 3 miles NE. of Bridgeport. The town is bounded on the S. by Long Island Sound. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3657.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1955 - Theater opened
Shakespeare Memorial Theater opened at Stratford.
Timeline of Connecticut History (ctfamilyhistory.com)

1956 - Driver Injured In 4-Car Crash
Milford Man Seems Unhurt, Later Hospitalized in ‘Critical’ Condition
A Milford man who walked away from a four-car crash in Stratford yesterday without realizing he had been injured was reported in “critical” condition and on the danger list at Bridgeport Hospital last night.

Stratford police said Samuel P. Randolph, 42, of 53 Beach avenue, Milford, was one of the drivers involved in a collision on Barnum Avenue cutoff, near the Veterans’ of Foreign Wars hall, at 4:50 p.m.
They said he and the others declined to go to the hospital, and all were taken to Police headquarters. During questioning, Mr. Randolph showed signs of illness and then was removed to the hospital, where he was found to have internal injuries.

Woman Hurt Slightly

Others involved in the accident were identifies as follows: John Micklos, 74, of 15 Thompson Street, Stratford; Robert S. Anderson, 28, of 565 Mill Hill road, Fairfield, and Raymond Slivinski, 23, of 708 Hallett Street.

Frances Foglia, 38, of... Read MORE...

2023 - Whether you're into history, outdoor activities, or just looking for a nice place to relax, here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Stratford:
1. Sikorsky Memorial Airport:
Why go: If you're into aviation, Sikorsky Memorial Airport is a must-visit. You can check out the aircraft on display and maybe catch a glimpse of some helicopters taking off or landing.

2. Short Beach:
Why go: Enjoy a day at the beach! Short Beach offers a nice sandy shore, a playground for the kids, and picnic areas. Perfect for a family day out or a relaxing afternoon.

3. Stratford Historical Society:
Why go: Explore the town's history at the Stratford Historical Society. They often have exhibits and events that give you a glimpse into the past of this charming town.

4. National Helicopter Museum:
Why go: For the aviation enthusiasts, this museum is a gem. It showcases the history and development of helicopters, and you can get up close to some fascinating aircraft.

5. Boothe Memorial Park and Museum:
Why go: A beautiful park with a diverse range of attractions. From a mini-zoo to historic buildings, it's a great place for a leisurely... Read MORE...