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History of New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
Journey back in time to New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
Visit New Canaan, Connecticut, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have New Canaan Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!
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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There is MUCH more to discover about New Canaan, Connecticut, USA. Read on!
New Canaan Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
Railroad Station
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f724&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fnew_canaan_ct_3.jpg&description=New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - 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){kind=small}
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
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f724&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fcanaan_ct_the_maples.jpg&description=New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - 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){kind=small}
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
Postcard
The Old Mill
museumofcthistory.org
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Bowery Mill
museumofcthistory.org
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Gray Brothers Bottling Works
museumofcthistory.org
New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Golf Links Country Club, New Canaan, Conn.
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Discover New Canaan: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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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/
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ new-canaan/
1801 - Town of New Canaan is incorporated
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ new-canaan/
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
2023 - 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... Read MORE...
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... Read MORE...
Discover MY Roots: New Canaan Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about 19 ancestors who were born or died in New Canaan.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
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Genealogy Resources for New Canaan
Our New Canaan Gift Ideas
Connecticut Gift Idea - Apizza, Burger on Toast, White Clam Pizza - I Love Connecticut! - CT Mug for Genealogists Family History
Featuring iconic local delicacies, the design of this mug captures the essence of Connecticut's food culture. It pays homage to the Apizza, a unique and mouthwatering pizza style that originated in New Haven. The legendary Louis' Lunch Burger, said to be the birthplace of the hamburger, is also prominently featured. And of course, there's a nod to the classic White Clam Pizza, a coastal favorite that's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
Savin Rock, Connecticut Memories Vintage Postcard Ceramic Mug
Introducing the Memories of Savin Rock ceramic postcard mug, a charming tribute to the iconic amusement park in Connecticut! This 11-ounce ceramic coffee mug is a delightful blend of nostalgia and functionality. Featuring a vintage-inspired design, the mug showcases iconic images and landmarks from Savin Rock amusement park, evoking fond memories of days gone by.
My 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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NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 9/28/2023 11:58:42 AM