USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > History and antiquities of New Haven, Conn. : from its earliest settlement to the present time, with biographical sketches and statistical information of the public institutions, &c., &c., 3rd ed. > Part 4
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WOOSTER SQUARE
Is situated in the eastern section of the City, and is bounded on the north by Green, east by Wooster, south by Chapel, and west by Academy-streets. It was opened in 1825, the City agreeing to pay not exceeding $6000 for the land. It was first inclosed with a wooden fence, and contained five acres. In 1853, this was replaced with an iron fence, at an expense to the City of $4000. A great variety of trees were planted by individuals, at an expenditure of $1500.
YORK SQUARE .- This is a private inclosure, opened about the year 1836, in the northern part of the City. It is planted with trees, and is surrounded with private re- sidences. Entrance from Broadway.
There are two small parks inclosed in Broadway, which add to the beauty of that part of the City.
FRANKLIN SQUARE, in the north-east part of the City, between East and Wallace-streets, is not inclosed.
COUNTY HOUSE AND JAIL.
The first County House and Jail was built upon the Upper Green, between the old Cemetery and College- street. In April, 1784, measures were taken to remove the County House and Jail from the Green, and to pur- chase the lot on which Mr. Stephen Munson's barn then
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stood, which was on the present College yard, near the street, in front of the Lyceum. This was afterwards ac- complished. The yard of the Jail was inclosed by tim- bers or plank, placed side by side, and firmly secured to each other, and of sufficient height. Joseph Peck, being Jailor at this time, kept a public house connected with it. The building remained here until about the year 1800, when it was removed into High-street.
The present County House and Jail was built about that time. The original plan was to build the house two stories ; but, through the influence of James Hillhouse, Esq., it was built three, with a condition that he would pay for the extra story provided the County should re- quire it.
The prison in the rear, and connected with the County House, was three stories high, and contained six large rooms. It was afterwards taken down and constructed with two tiers of cells, similar to those of the State Prison at Weathersfield. It was taken down in 1861, and a new prison on the Westville road was constructed.
ALMS HOUSE.
The first Alms House built in this town, as far as we have any knowledge, was situated in front of the Trum- bull Gallery ; the entrance to it was from College-street, immediately south of the Jail.
'The second Alms House was built upon the south side of Maple-street, thirty rods beyond the Orphan Asylum, about the year 1800 It was built of wood, and con- tained eight rooms upon the first floor, and the same above-the kitchen being in the basement.
Another building was subsequently erected, which was occupied as a kitchen. and for lodging-rooms. Likewise a stone building for a Chapel. In the basement there was a row of cells for the confinement of the refractory. The buildings were inclosed in 1815 with a high stone wall, so that there was no egress or ingress except through the gate with the permission of the keeper.
The New Alms House, which is built of brick, was first occupied in 1852. It is a large building, and is situated near the West Meadows, at the head of Martin-street.
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The cost of the house was $16,000. It is in a retired and healthy situation, and commands a handsome view. The occupants who are able, are employed in winter in pick- ing moss and hair, and in summer, working upon the town farm and garden.
PUBLIC MARKETS.
Permission was given in August, 1785, to build a Mar ket House upon the south-east corner of the Green, by subscription, which was accomplished. About the same time another Market was built in Union-street, east of the creek, near Chapel-street.
About the time, the Green was inclosed with a fence, the Market which stood upon it was removed to the foot of Church-street, south of George. After standing some years it became a nuisance, and was demolished in the night season, " without authority."
Many of our citizens will remember, that for quite a number of years meats were brought into the city and sold about the streets in two-wheeled vehicles covered with white canvass; the owner sitting partly upon the shaft, and partly within and upon the bottom of the cart, with his feet dangling nearly to the ground. At an ear- lier period, meats were brought in upon horses in pan- niers (baskets) slung upon each side of the horse, with the owner astride.
The Market in Union-street was subsequently enlarged and modernized, and for a few years was well supplied with meats and vegetables. It was nearly abandoned as a market before the ground was wanted for the Station- House.
From first to last the market laws caused a great deal of trouble, and were a source of much ill feeling among the citizens. The laws were all repealed June 6, 1826.
Meats, fish, and vegetables are now sold in stores by individuals in all parts of the city.
STATE HOSPITAL.
The State Hospital is situated south-westerly from the center of the City, on high ground, commanding a view
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of the City, harbor, and surrounding country. The Gen- eral Hospital Society obtained a charter in 1826, and the Legislature granted $5000. Subscriptions were taken up in this City, and other parts of the State, and the building wascompleted in 1832.
During the late Secession War, the Hospital and grounds were leased to the United States for a Military Hospital, which was established June 9th, 1862, and was used for this purpose till April, 1866. The number of patients received was 13,000. One hundred and eighty five died at the Hospital. The largest number present at any one time was 1,600. The front grounds of the Hospital were nearly covered with large tents, and tem- porary wooden structures for the accommodation of the sick. The patients in the State Hospital were removed to buildings on Whalley Avenue in the spring of 1863, and returned in the spring of 1866.
ORPHAN ASYLUM.
The New Haven Orphan Society was incorporated in 1833. It is a charitable institution, and under the direc- tion of ladies.
The orphans for a few years occupied a house on Grove- street. After this, a building was purchased for them on the north side of Oak-street, beyond Day-street. An ad- dition was subsequently added to the building.
In 1854, the number of children increasing, and the house not being sufficiently large for their accommoda- tion, JAM BREWSTER, Esq., generously proposed to fur- nish funds for the erection of a new building, provided the Town would grant the Society four Acres of land, to be taken from the Town farm, on which to erect the building ; and that the Society should relinquish to him the old premises.
It is unnecessary to say that the proposition was ac- cepted both by the Town and Society.
The NEW ORPHAN ASYLUM was soon after commenced, and first occupied Sept. 6th 1855.
It is built of brick, three stories, except the wings, and stuccoed in imitation of white marble. It is furnishe-
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with all the modern improvements, and will be a lasting monument to the munificence of the donor.
The grounds are handsomely inclosed by a substantial wooden fence, furnished by Abraham Heaton, Esq., at an expense of $1,100.
The cost of the building was $13,000.
The architect, S. M. Stone, Esq., gave his services gra- tuitously, and other individuals have generously contrib- uted about $4000 towards furnishing the house. The building, which is an ornament to the City, is situated about three-fourths of a mile from the corner of York- street and Broadway.
Yearly contributions are taken up, it being supported principally by voluntary contribution. A lady matron presides over the flock of children, having the necessary assistants. The number of children in 1869 was up- wards of one hundred.
ATTENTION TO STRANGERS.
The following vote will show the interest the inhabit- ants manifested towards strangers coming into the City in " olden times."
" At a meeting of the Mayor, Aldermen, Common Council, and Freemen of the City of New Haven, holden at the State House in said City (by adjournment) on the 23d day of Sept. 1784,
"Voted, that Chas. Chauncey, Pierpont Edwards, James Hillhouse, Timothy Jones, Jonathan Ingersoll, David Austin, and Isaac Beers, Esqrs., be a Committee in behalf of this City to assist all such strangers as shall come to the City for the purpose of settlement therein, in procuring houses and land on the most reasonable terms, and to prevent such persons, so far as possible, from being imposed upon with respect to rent, and the value of houses and lands, and to give them such information and intelligence with respect to bu- siness, markets, and commerce, mode of living, customs, and man- ners as such strangers may need ; and to cultivate an easy acquaint- ance of such strangers with the citizens thereof, that their residence therein may be rendered as eligible and agreeable as possible.
" Voted, also, that this vote be published in both puplic news- papers in the City for the following year.
" Test.
TIMOTHY JONES, Clerk."
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LONG WHARF.
When the Town was first settled, vessels of a moderate draught could pass up the Creek on the east side of Fleet- street, as far as State-street. The winter harbor was on che west side of Meadow-street, where vessels wintered.
The Wharf was commenced in 1682, and extended into the harbor gradually. In 1748, it extended about twenty rods-in 1765, thirty rods. In 1760, a charter was ob- tained, by the name of Union Wharf Company.
In 1764, the Pier by the side of the channel was com menced, and completed in 1770. The cargoes of large vessels were conveyed from the Pier to the Wharf in scows and boats for a number of years before the inter- mediate space was bridged.
In 1791, a Lottery was granted to raise $3000 to bridge part of the space between the end of the Wharf and Pier, which was accomplished in a few years after.
In subsequent years, the wharf, needing repairs, and it being very desirable to make solid the part that was not bridged, and to extend the same to the Pier-the old Com- pany not having funds sufficient to accomplish the same, a new Company was formed, with certain conditions, called " Contractors to rebuild and support Union Wharf and Pier."
Contracts were soon made, and the whole distance completed solid in 1811. The whole length of the Wharf is 3,943 feet, being the longest in the United States.
About half the distance on the west side was widened, on which stores and warehouses were built. An exten- sive fire in Oct., 1820, destroyed most of these, together with a large quantity of Lumber. Loss from $80,000 to $100,000
Since that time, stores and warehouses have been re- built.
DYKE ACROSS THE WEST MEADOWS.
The Dyke crossing the West Meadows, adjoining the Milford turnpike, was built in the year 1769, principally
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through the efforts of Nathan Beers, Esq., who died in this City, July, 1779 .* The Dyke is a great protection to the road at this place. Mr. Beers was a large land-hold- er, and was the principal owner of the meadows above the bridge. Water gates were placed at the bridge to pre- vent the tide overflowing the meadows above, which were marshy, and produced salt grass, and which became fresh after the salt water was excluded.
There is a Dyke and Tide Gate a little west of Meadow- street. When this was built we have not been informed.
Perhaps it will not be improper to mention in this con- nection, that Nathan Beers came to this City from Strat- ford to enjoy the ministry of Rev. Mr. Bird. He had three sons-Isaac, Nathan, and Elias. Isaac Beers, his eldest son, during the Revolutionary war kept a public house upon the present site of the New Haven Hotel, corner of Chapel and College-streets. It was one of the first hotels in the country at that time. General Wash- ington, when passing through the Town, always stopped there. Mr. Beers afterwards opened a book-store, and imported (we have it from good authority) a greater va- riety of books than any other house in the country.
TURNPIKES AND PUBLIC ROADS.
MILFORD TURNPIKE .- The old stage road to New York through Milford passed out of the City through Broad- street and Davenport Avenue, up to about the year 1820, when Congress Avenue was opened from West Bridge to the foot of Church-street. The Milford Turnpike was made about the year 1800.
DERBY TURNPIKE was made a few years after. The road to Derby was by Broadway, through Westville and Woodbridge.
STRAIGHT'S TURNPIKE to Litchfield was completed about the year 1800.
Previous to the Hartford Turnpike, all the travel from Farmington and the intermediate towns came into the
* Mr. Beers died in consequence of a wound received from the British when they invaded New Haven.
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City through Long Lane, or Cheshire road, by the Ditch Corner .* Within about eight miles of New Haven there were four taverns, which were resorted to during the sleighing season by parties from New Haven.
HARTFORD AND NEW HAVEN TURNPIKE was incorpo- rated in 1798, and completed in the year 1801-2. Mill Lane, a narrow road leading out to the grist mill above Whitneyville in a circuitous route, was the only road in that direction. Mill Lane is now called Orange-street.
MIDDLETOWN, DURHAM, AND NEW HAVEN TURNPIKE was chartered in 1813, and finished in 1814
The road from the east, through [Dragon] Fair Haven, came into the City by Neck Bridge until the year 1819, when Barnesville Bridge was built by individuals. This was a frail structure, and soon came upon the Town. Since then the bridge has been rebuilt and the road widened.
The bridge at Fair Haven was constructed about the year 1784. Previous to this, the river was crossed by a ferry. A Lottery was granted to aid in building the Bridge, and tolls were collected for a number of years.
TOMLINSON'S BRIDGE.
This Bridge is built below the junction of the Quinni- piac and Mill Rivers.
It was commenced in 1796, and finished two years after. The length of the Bridge is half a mile, and the original width 27 feet. It was built by individuals, and is supported by collecting tolls. The west half is built solid to the channel, with the exception of two sluices. The Bridge is now owned by the New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield R. R. Company, with the exception of one share .. The Company have extended a wharf south by the channel several rods, where steamboats land their passengers and freight. A large area has been filled in solid, or bridged, adjoining the Bridge, for railroad and steamboat accommodations.
* Ditch Corner is at the south end of Beaver-street, near the Beaver Ponds.
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There is a draw in the bridge at the channel to permit vessels to pass to Fair Haven. That part of the bridge that is not made solid, which is about 30 rods, is roofed. The part extending to East Haven is made solid, with a wall on each side. The travel from the East is partly by the bridge, and partly through Fair Haven.
FIRST STEAMBOAT FROM NEW YORK, &c.
Formerly passengers and goods were transported prin- cipally by water, in packets. The passage sometimes occupied a week, depending upon the wind and weather. The price of passage varied from three, to five dollars. Passage in the mail stage occupied part of two days, and sometimes more.
The first STEAMBOAT that passed through the Sound was the Fulton, commanded by Captain Bunker. She made her first trip from New York here, March 21, 1815 .* She started a little past 5 o'clock in morning, and arrived here at half-past four ; occupying between 11 and 12 hours. There were thirty passengers on board. On her return she had a large number of passengers, and was fifteen hours on the way, being delayed by a dense fog.
The cost of the boat was about $90,000.
Previous to that time it was considered quite doubtful whether a steamboat would be able to navigate the Sound,
The price of passage when the Fulton commenced running was $5.00. She made two trips per week each way.
The New York Advocate, giving an account of the first trip, among other things, says: " We believe it may with truth be af- firmed, that there is not in the whole world such accommodations afloat as the Fulton affords; indeed, it is hardly possible to con- ceive that any thing of the kind can exceed her in elegance and convenience."
It was then predicted that the time would come when improve- ments would be made in the machinery and the model of boats, so that the passage would be made in ten hours.
* The first steamboat on the Hudson River was in 1807. The first on Lake Erie, in 1818. Ocean steamers commenced running in 1838. The Great Western arrived in New York, April 23, 1838.
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The ordinary time of passage is now from four to five hours ; the price of passage, one dollar.
FARMINGTON CANAL.
The Farmington Canal Company was chartered in 1822. In July, 1823, subscription books were opened under the direction of commissioners in this City, and soon after in other places. In 1824, a charter for the Mechanics' Bank in this City was obtained on the condi- tion that the bank should make a subscription to the stock of the Canal Company to the amount of $200,000, which was done. The ground was first broken at the State line at Suffield, July 4, 1825, by Gov. Wolcott throwing out the first spade-full.
In 1826, the stock of this Company was united with the stock in the Hampshire and Hampden Company. In 1828 the Canal was opened to Cheshire and Farmington. In 1829, this city subscribed $100,000 to its stock. Du- ring this year it was finished to Westfield, Mass. In 1832, the City Bank of New Haven subscribed $100,000 for its charter, upon the condition that it should be free from taxation for ever.
Before the Canal was finished to Northampton, a new Company was formed-the " New Haven and Northamp- ton Company."
The Canal was finally finished to Connecticut River at Northampton, and the first boat passed through it, Au- gust 21st, 1835.
The total cost has been estimated at $1,478,425.10. From this amount should be subtracted the value of the Canal to the Canal Railroad, in lessening damages for land, cost of grading, and lessening the expense of trans- portation for articles, &c., in building the Railroad.
Should any person wish to refresh their memories with the history of the Canal from its commencement to its abandonment, in 1847, the opposition it met with from various sources, the damages it sus- tained at different times, from floods, and from malicious persons, the cost to corporations and private individuals, &c., &c., see " An Account of the Farmington Canal Company, of the Hampshire and
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Hampden Canal Company, and of the New Haven and Northamp- ton Company, till the suspension of the Canals, in 1847." New Ha- ven, T. J. Stafford, 1850: pp. 24.
It proved to be an unfortunate undertaking, but not without some benefit. It gave an impetus to business and public improvements ; it prevented, in two or three instances, what would otherwise have been extensive conflagrations ; it cleared out the old Creek, and made a path for our railroads.
RAILROADS.
The NEW HAVEN AND HARTFORD RAILROAD Was chartered in 1833. The cars commenced running to Meriden in the spring of 1839, and to Hartford the next year.
CANAL RAILROAD .- This road was chartered in 1846, the work was commenced in 1847. The road was opened to Plainville, January 18th, 1848, to Tariffville, January 19th, 1850, and to Collinsville. February 28th of the same year. It is now extended to Northampton, Mass. The distance from New Haven to Northampton is the same as to New York, being 7519% miles, and is nearer an air line, than any other road. It is now extended to Wil- liamsburg, about 8 miles northward of Northampton.
NEW YORK AND NEW HAVEN RAIL ROAD .- This road was incorporated in this State in 1844. The road was commenced in 1847. The cars first passed through, Dec. 29, 1848.
NEW HAVEN, NEW LONDON, AND STONINGTON R. R., the " Shore Line Railway."-The first passenger train on this road was run from New Haven to Connecticut river, July 1, 1853, and to New London, July 22, the same year. It is now extended to Stonington, and permission has been recently given to bridge the Connecticut river at Saybrook.
DERBY RAIL ROAD and the New York and Boston Air Road are now (1869) being constructed.
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PAVEMENTS OF SIDEWALKS.
The first regular pavement was laid by Messrs. Beriah Bradley and Samuel Wilmot, in front of their stores, corner of Chapel and Orange-streets, opposite New Ha. ven bank, in the year 1809. Other individuals soon fol- lowed their example. It was not long before pavements were extended by order of the civil authorities, but not without opposition. Most of our principal sidewalks are handsomely paved, either with brick or flagging stone.
None of our streets are paved in the centre, with the exception of two or three small patches-a short space in State-street, north from the intersection of Cherry- street, a short space in Court-street, by the Tontine, and, recently, a Belgian pavement east of the Railroad bridge in Chapel-street, in front of the premises of James Brewster, Esq. Whalley Avenue was Macadamized with stone brought from West Rock in 1852, from the corner of York-street to Westville bridge, at a cost of 39,000. The year after, Grand-street to Barnesville bridge, was improved in the same way.
CONNECTICUT ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES.
This Society was incorporated in Oct. 1799, principally through the efforts of President Dwight, and a few gentlemen in the City. Literary gentlemen in various parts of the State were elected mem- bers. One object of the Society was to collect and publish a sta- tistical account of all the towns in the State. That of New Haven, written by President Dwight, was published in 1811, and is an in- teresting and valuable document. In 1815, the Academy published a statistical account of several towns in Litchfield County, and in 1819, of Middlesex County ; likewise, at different times, severa scientific papers on various topics of science and literature, many of which are contributions of permanent value.
Since the establishment of that highly valuable periodical, " The American Journal of Science and the Arts," by Professor Silliman, in 1818, (and still continued by him and others,) communications prepared for the Academy have been published in this Journal.
The Academy continue to hold their meetings monthly, (except in College vacations,) where a variety of subjects are introduced and discussed.
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NEW HAVEN HOPKINS GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
In 1655, the matter of establishing a collegiate school in New Haven was taken up in earnest; Gov. Eaton, Mr. Davenport, and Mr. Hooke, being especially active in the business, and the town passed a vote appropriating sixty pounds a year for the use of the proposed institu- tion.
In 1652, Governor Hopkins went to England to settle the estate of his brother, then recently deceased, intend- ing to return to New England. Mr. Davenport commu- nicated to him, in London, the result of the consultations respecting the collegiate school at New Haven, and soli- cited his aid in carrying on the work.
In March, 1657, Governor Hopkins died, at London, leaving to trustees a large bequest, " for the breeding up of hopeful youths, both at the Grammar School and Col- lege, for the public service of the country in future times."
In 1664, the surviving trustees allotted £400 to the town of Hart- ford, for the support of a Grammar School there, and ordered that "the residue of the estate, both that which is in New England, and the £500 which is to come from old England, when it shall become due to us after Mrs. Hopkins' decease, be all of it equally divided between the towns of New Haven and Hadley, (Mass.,) to be in each of these towns respectively managed and improved towards the erecting and maintaining of a Grammar School in each of them."
The amount realized by New Haven from the bequest was £412, which, with the land granted by the town, constituted the endow- ment of the Hopkins Grammar School of New Haven.
The School has been maintained, so far as we know, without ma- terial interruption, from the commencement to the present time, and has furnished to the boys and young men of New Haven and the surrounding country, ample opportunities for the acquisition of the elements of classical and other learning.
The first school house, as far as we know, was on the east side of Church-street, fronting the public square, a little south of the County house.
About the year 1838, a lot was purchased on the north-
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west corner of High and Wall-streets, and a school house erected of stone and stuccoed.
COMMON SCHOOLS.
Our ancestors wisely considered the education of their children of prime importance. After the erection of a house for public worship, the school-house next occupied their attention. Those children whose parents were un- able to pay for their education, were schooled at the ex- pense of the public. The selectmen of the town were required to see that all children of proper age, whether poor or rich, and likewise apprentices, should receive a common school education.
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