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ABOUT THE PLACE

About New Canaan

New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - Railroad Station
New Canaan, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA

New Canaan is home to the Glass House, a glass-walled structure built in 1949 by architect Philip Johnson.
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VINTAGE NEW CANAAN

New Canaan Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - Railroad Station
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Railroad Station
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - Ardsley Inn
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Ardsley Inn

"In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, many city residents ventured to New Canaan for the summer to experience the “countryside” and experience a change from city life... The Ardsley Inn began housing summer (and long-term) residents... The Ardsley was located at the corner of Maple St. & Park St. now the site of six town homes. It was originally built in the 1790’s by Ezra Benedict, about 11 feet above street level. In 1824 it was purchased by David Law, who passed it along to his son Alexander and then sold it to Philo Thatcher in 1883. The property changed hands yet again in 1905, when Mrs. J. Mortimer Dow purchased it. She named the house, “The Ardsley” and advertised “excellent suits of rooms, heat and bath, with all modern improvements”, emphasizing the location in town near the train station...the Great Depression left its toll on the country; in 1934, the inn closed its doors." nchistory.org
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - The Maples
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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The Maples

"The original Maples inn was built in 1908 by the Elwood Brothers, designed with well-proportioned spaces and Queen Anne details so characteristic of Colonial Revival homes from that specific period. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the inn continued to provide a charming New England respite for travelers through most of the last century. Today, more than a century since its beginnings, the inn’s elegant style has been revived, with an inspired purpose: To provide a new concept for gracious living, in the heart of the New Canaan community." glazergroup.net
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - The Old Mill museumofcthistory.org
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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The Old Mill
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New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - Bowery Mill museumofcthistory.org
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Bowery Mill
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New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - Gray Brothers Bottling Works museumofcthistory.org
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Gray Brothers Bottling Works
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New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - Golf Links Country Club, New Canaan, Conn.
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Golf Links Country Club, New Canaan, Conn.
GENEALOGY SHOP

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Gifts Inspired by NEW CANAAN

CONNECTICUT Roots Mug: Bed-and-Breakfast Enthusiast Edition

CONNECTICUT Roots Mug: Bed-and-Breakfast Enthusiast Edition

Start your day with a sip of history and charm from our Connecticut-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming: "My ancestors came from Connecticut, that explains a lot about my love for charming bed-and-breakfasts and discussing the nuances of colonial architecture." This delightful mug is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like cozy mornings at quaint inns and lively conversations about the elegance of colonial design.

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BOOKS & RESOURCES

Books & Genealogy Resources Related to NEW CANAAN

Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State
Finding Early Connecticut Vital Records: The Barbour Index and Beyond
Connecticut Cookbook: Traditional Recipes of Connecticut
A History of Connecticut Food: A Proud Tradition of Puddings, Clambakes & Steamed Cheeseburgers
Old-Time New England Cookbook
American Cookery: The Historic Colonial Cookbook First Published in 1796

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LOCAL HISTORY

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In 1731, Connecticut’s General Assembly established Canaan Parish in northwestern Norwalk and northeastern Stamford.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ new-canaan/
1801 - Town of New Canaan is incorporated
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ new-canaan/
1819 - New Canaan
New-Canaan, a small post township, is situated 8 miles north of Long Island sound, and 77 miles southwest from Hartford.

It is bounded north by the State of New-York, west by the town of Stamford, south by Stamford and Norwalk, and east partly by Norwalk and partly by Wilton. Its extent is 6 miles in length and 4 in breadth, containing 24 square miles, or 15,360 acres...

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 - New Canaan
New Canaan, Connecticut
Fairfield county. This town was taken from Norwalk and Stamford in 1801. It lies 5 miles N.W. from Norwalk, 37 W.S.W. from New Haven, and 50 N.E. from New York. Population, 1830, 1,826.—The surface of the town is rough and mountainous; the soil is a hard, gravelly loam, but generally productive. The manufacture of shoes is carried on to a considerable extent; the annual value is about $400,000.

An academy was established here in 1815, and has acquired a high reputation. It stands on an elevated and commanding situation, having a fine prospect of Long Island Sound and the intervening country. Pestles and other Indian implements have been found at the north part of the town, which probably was the resort of the natives. Excavations in solid rock, one large enough to contain eight gallons, are found; there were doubtless Indian mortars.
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 - New Canaan
New Canaan, a post-township of Fairfield co., Connecticut, about 35 miles S. W. by W. from New Haven. Population, 2600.
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.
1870 - A curious incident happened a few days ago in New Canaan, Conn.
A vicious but fast horse, driven before a "sulky" while proceeding at a rapid rate down Main street, kicked up, and got his two hind legs over the whiflletree, from which position the animal could not withdraw them. Nevertheless, he paddled along on two legs and made good time, to the wonder and astonishment of the lookers-on.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 5, 1870
1888 - Fire
IT WAS HEAVILY INSURED.
NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 15. - Early this morning at New-Canaan the large three-story dwelling house, situated near what is known as "Selleck's Corners," was discovered to be in flames. In less than an hour, despite the active work by the local fire companies, the building and its contents were totally destroyed.

The house and its immediate surroundings have for some years borne a queer reputation and at one time the place was said to be haunted by the spirit of a Mrs. Selleck, who had previously figured as the victim in a most atrocious murder. A few months ago the place was purchased by Herman Fifer, who on several occasions has been arrested on charges of violating local option and other laws. The house was heavily insured.
The New York Times
New York, New York
September 16, 1888
1892 - An Opera House Burned.
NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 1. - Fire was discovered in the Nicholas Opera House at New Canaan this afternoon, and before the local Fire Department, which consists of hand and a bucket brigade, could control the flames the building was damaged to the extent of several thousand dollars. The building is also used as a Town Hall and offices, and it is feared that the records have been damaged.

Rankin & Meadie's "Runaway Wife" company were to have played here this evening, and some of their properties have been destroyed. The building, a new one, is owned by G. Duff Nichols, a New-York City corset manufacturer, who resides in New-Canaan, and was finely equipped.

The fire was caused by a defective flue. The loss is covered by insurance.
The New York Times
New York, New York
December 2, 1892
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1895 - New Canaan
New Canaan, kā'nan, a post-village in New Canaan township, Fairfield co., Conn., about 18 miles W. by S. of Bridgeport, and 44 miles N.E. of New York City. It is the N. terminus of the New Canaan Railroad, which connects at Stamford with the New York & New Haven Railroad. It has several churches, a national bank, a newspaper office, and manufactures of shirts, clothing, and shoes. Pop. of the township in 1890, 2701.
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
1906
New Canaan, a post-borough in New Canaan township (town), Fairfield co., Conn., 44 miles NE. of New York city, on the New York, New Haven and Harford R. It has manufactures of clothing, shoes, and wire-sieves. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2968; of the borough, 1304.
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
Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in New Canaan:
Waveny Park: This expansive park is a local favorite for outdoor activities. It features walking and jogging trails, a beautiful pond, and open fields perfect for picnics. The historic Waveny House, located within the park, often hosts community events and is a picturesque spot for photographs.

New Canaan Nature Center: For nature enthusiasts, the New Canaan Nature Center is a must-visit. It offers hiking trails, educational programs, and a variety of wildlife, including birds and reptiles. It's a fantastic place to learn about the local ecosystem.

Glass House: The Philip Johnson Glass House is an iconic architectural masterpiece. The property includes not only the glass house itself but also several other structures and sculptures. Tours are available, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of America's most renowned architects.

Silvermine Arts Center: Just a short drive from New Canaan, the Silvermine Arts Center in neighboring New Canaan is a hub for local artists. It...
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GENEALOGY IN NEW CANAAN

Discover YOUR Roots: New Canaan Ancestry

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BIRTHS & DEATHS

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

We currently have information about 21 ancestors who were born or died in New Canaan.

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MARRIAGES

Ancestors Who Were Married in New Canaan, Connecticut, USA

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Updated: 9/28/2023 11:58:42 AM
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