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 5
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The school-master was held in high estimation, and ranked next to the clergyman.
Ezekiel Cheever, the first school-master in this town, as far as we know, not only taught the elementary branches, but likewise the classics. His name will be associated with Davenport and Eaton, as aiding in form- ing the characters of the first settlers.
Since the year 1797, the interest of the school fund has been divided among the several school societies in the State. This has aided the common district schools throughout our State.
Notwithstanding this, most of the children in this town, previous to the opening of the Lancasterian school, were sent to private schools.
The first Lancasterian School was kept in the basement of the Methodist Church, upon the Green, soon after it was built. Each scholar, whose parents were able, paid one dollar per quarter; those that were poor had free tickets. Afterwards the admission was reduced to fifty cents, and at the present time, the district schools are free.
The present Lancasterian School House was built of brick, on the north east corner of Orange and Wall- streets, in 1827, Titus Street, Esq, giving the land. There are two departments-one for boys, the other for girls. This school has been taught by the popular in- structor, John E: Lovell, Esq., from its commencement.
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The name of this school has been changed to HILLHOUSE, and is now a graded school.
The WEBSTER SCHOOL, named after Noah Webster, Esq., who lived and died in this City, and who is the au- thor of the American Spelling-Book and Dictionary, was dedicated August, 1853. This is a graded school, and is thought to be one of the best in the State.
The EATON SCHOOL, named after Gov. Eaton, was opened Oct., 1855. The cost of the building and furniture, including the land, was $34,851.08.
The following is a list of the Public Free Schools in the City, and their location :
High School-Corner of Orange and Wall Streets.
Eaton School-Jefferson Street.
Dwight School-Corner of Gill and Martin Streets.
Webster School-Corner of George and York Streets.
Wooster School-Corner of Wooster and Wallace Streets. Skinner School-Corner of State and Summer Streets.
Howard Avenue School-Corner of Howard Avenue and Putnam Streets,
Washington School-Corner of Cedar and Gilbert Streets.
Hamilton School-Between Hamilton and Wallace Streets. Dixwell School-Dixwell Avenue.
South Street School-Between York and Park Streets. Fair Street School-No. 13 Fair Street.
Goff Street School-Corner of Goff and Sperry Streets.
Division Street School-No. 35 Division Street.
Whitney Street School-No. 8 Whitney Street. Elm Street School-No. 348 Elm Street.
City Point School-Foot of Howard Avenue.
Carlisle Street School-No. 64 Carlisle Street.
Beside the above Public Schools there are quite a number of private Select Boarding and Day Schools for youth of both sexes, some of which are of a high order and reputation.
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PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
The Mechanics' Library, was established in 1793. In 1807 it was merged into the Social Library Company. The most valuable por- tion of the books were finally sold to the New Haven Young Men's Institute, which was incorporated in 1841. A fine building for the Institute, and for other purposes, was commenced in July, 1855. After its completion and occupation for several years, it was sold to the Home Insurance Company, and the proceeds were funded for the purpose of erecting another building for the Institute. The Library was removed to the Phenix Building in June, 1864. It has been more than half a century in collecting, and is one of the most valuable public libraries in our country, adapted for all classes of citizens, and is, from various sources, annually increasing. A Reading Room is now connected with it, furnished with leading Periodicals and Newspapers.
In 1856, Joseph E. Sheffield, Esq., made a donation of fifty shares of the New Haven & Northampton Railroad stock, [$5,000] the in- come of which is to be invested in the purchase of books for the Institute.
In 1867, Philip Marett donated by will, after the decease of his wife and daughter, one tenth of his estate, to the city of New Ha- ven in trust " the income to be applied by the proper authorities, for the purchase of books for the Young Men's Institute, or to any public library which may, from time to time, exist in said city."
Mr. Marett was born in Boston in Sept., 1792. His ancestors were from the Island of Jersey, near the coast of France. He was connected with the con- gregation who worshipped in the Kings Chapel in Boston. Upwards of twenty years since, he removed to New Haven, where he died, March 22d, 1869 ; his re- mains were interrod in the family ground at Mt. Auburn, near Boston. His memory will be held in honor and gratitude by the citizens of New Haven, for the noble bequests he has made. The value of his estate, at his death, was es timated at $730,232. After the legacies to his family and friends are paid, it is estimated there will be upwards of $600.000 left for the following purposes :
One fifth of his estate is by his will donated to the city of New Haven ; the income of which is to be applied to the purchase of fuel and other necessities for the deserving poor, not paupers; one fifth to Yale College ; one fifth to the Connecticut Hospital, the income of which is to be applied in providing free beds for indigent patients, giving the preference to those incurably affected, if such are admissible ; one tenth, to the New Haven Orphan Asylum; one tenth to the St. Francis (Catholic) Orphan Asylum ; one tenth to the City, in trust for a Public Library, and one tenth, in trust to the State of Connecticut, the in. come of which to be used for an Institution for the care of idiots, imbeciles, and feeble-minded persons.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT.
In January, 1788, it was voted in City meeting that a Fire Engine be furnished at the expense of the City. The next year it was ordered that two Fire Engine Com- panies be formed, consisting of seventeen men, including the foreman and second. The engines were made by Mr. Ebenezer Chittenden of this town, an ingenious me- chanic. They were small, but very serviceable. Fire Wardens were appointed at this time, and Sackmen ; also Hook and Ladder Companies organized. Up to about 1845, fire buckets were used at fires to convey water to the engines, instead of hose; the citizens attending fires, and forming two parallel lines to each engine ; one pass- ing full. and the other empty buckets. In January, 1856, the number of reservoirs was 58, besides several public wells.
The Fire Department now consists of four Steam Fire Engine Companies, one Hook and Ladder Company, and two Hose Companies. The first steam engine in New Haven, at a fire, was used 1860. The Fire Alarm Tele- graph was adopted in 1868, and fifty-three alarm boxes were placed on the corners of various streets. These box- es communicate with the City Hall, where the bell strikes the number of the box nearest to the fire.
BANKS.
NATIONAL NEW HAVEN BANK, (formerly New Haven,) was incorporated in October 1792 and commenced business in Feb., 1796. Its capital for several years was $60,000. The present capital is $464,800.
MECHANICS' BANK was incorporated in 1824, with a capital of $500,000 Present capital $300,000. $200,000 was lost in the Farmington Canal.
CITY BANK OF NEW HAVEN was incorporated in 1831, with a capital of $500,000.
NEW HAVEN COUNTY NATIONAL BANK, (formerly New Haven Co.) This was incorporated in 1834 with a capital of $500,000.
MERCHANTS' NATIONAL BANK, (formerly Merchants') was incor- porated in 1851, with a capital of $500,000.
YALE NATIONAL BANK, (formerly Quinnipiac), was organized as a free bank in 1853, and incorported in 1855, with a capital of $500,000.
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NATIONAL TRADESMEN'S BANK, (formerly Tradesmen's,) was incorporated in 1855, with a capital of $500,000.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK was incorporated in 1863 with a capi- tal of $500,000
SECOND NATIONAL BANK, (formerly Elm City,) was incorporated in 1855, with a capital of $500,000.
THE NEW HAVEN SAVINGS BANK in Orange Street was incor- porated in 1838, and had, on Jan. 1st, 1856, $1,986,863.20 on deposit ; on July 1st 1869, $2,729,883.39.
CONNECTICUT SAVINGS BANK OF NEW HAVEN, corner of Chapel and Church Streets, was incorporated in May 1857.
TOWNSEND SAVINGS BANK, corner of Orange and Chapel Streets, was incorporated 1860.
NATIONAL SAVINGS BANK, corner of Chapel and Church Streets.
E. S. SCRANTON & CO's BANKING HOUSE, Orange Street This is an institution where deposits in currency and coin are received, subject to checks at sight, and interest allowed on daily balances.
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The charter for a Horticultural Society was granted ir. 1832. Previous to that time much attention had been given to Agriculture and Horticulture. Mr. Nathan Beers, whose name has been previously mentioned " re-® tired from business with a fortune, which, with his time and talents, he devoted to the improvement of Agricul- ture and Horticulture."
" Mr. Beers taught and inspired with a zeal for Horticulture Mr. Daniel Punderson, a scientific and practical gardener; the owner of a nursery, and the cultivator of seeds and fruits for the market." " President Dwight was the first to introduce strawberries into our gardens. He had the largest garden, the best culinary plants, and the finest fruits in the City-and all cultivated with his own hands."
The above quotations are from the first address, deliv. ered in 1837, before the Society, by Prof. Eli Ives, M. D., who has himself promoted the interest of this Society, both by "precept and example," more than any othe person.
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From the settlement of the town, as far as we know, up to about the year 1820, peaches of the finest varieties could be raised in great abundance in this City. The trees lived quite a number of years, and became of large size. Since the last date, the trees have becomes diseased, and have continued so up to the present time. The cause of the disease (yellows) is not known. We believe it (to some degree) extends throughout the country. It is true some good peaches are raised ; but the trees continue but a short time.
In former years (virgalieu pears,) White Doyenne, were raised in this City in great abundance, but now have become imperfect. The same is true of the Jonah pears ; formerly they were a fine winter pear-becoming yellow by keeping, and were tender, sweet, and juicy. They have now become small, and of a woody texture. The pound pear has suffered the same deterioration.
The Society have had annual (and, during summer, weekly) exhibitions of its fruits, vegetables, and flowers, since its organization up to the present time. Some years the exhibition has been held in connection with the Agricultural Society. Since 1833, they have been held in the State House.
MANUFACTORIES, &c.
From the settlement of the Town up to the commencement of the present century, farmers were in the hapit of raising sheep in order to procure wool in sufficient quantities to clothe their own families. The wool at an early period was carded by hand, and spun and wove in families.
Flax was likewise raised by farmers for their own use, and as an article of merchandise ; most merchants keeping it in their stores for sale. Almost every family had their spinning-wheels, and mo- thers and daughters were in the habit of spinning wool and flax. They were such women as Solomon describes: "She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her ha ds hold of the distaff."
The manufacture of linen was a long and laborious process ; such as preparing the ground, sowing the seed, pulling and rotting the flax, breaking it with a brake, dressing it with a swingling knife, to remove the shives, hatcheling and separating the tow from the flax, spinning, weaving, and whitening the cloth, &c.
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Formerly there was much more linen used in families than at present. Cotton cloth has taken the place of it, and is much cheaper.
When cotton cloth was first introduced, it was coarse, and called hum-hum, and brought from Calcutta.
COTTON MANUFACTORY.
One of the first manufactories of cotton cloth in this State and country was erected in this town, at Westville, on the site of the paper-mill, owned by the Messrs. Park- er, not far from 1790. John R. Livingston, of New York, in connection with David Dixon and Wm. McIn- tosh, were the principal owners. The State, in order to encourage the undertaking, agreed to pay $3000 upon certain conditions, which we believe were complied with.
Large quantities of very fine cotton cloth, likewise cot- ton yarn and wick, table cloths, &c. were manufactured there. Calico printing was carried on at one time, and the blocks on which it was printed were carved there. Woolen Cloths and Satinets were manufactured there at a subsequent period.
For causes to us unknown, the business was suspended after several years, and the building, which was a large one, (100 feet in length and four stories high,) converted into a paper-mill. This was burnt, as is supposed, by an incendiary, in 1837.
PAPER MILLS.
The firstPaper-Mill erected in this town was at West- ville, in 1776. by David Bunce, on the site of the auger and tool Factory of Wales French, Esq. Subsequently a Paper Mill was built at the base of West Rock.
The Paper-Mill of the Messrs. Parker, in the same village, has a Fourdrinier machine, where the paper comes out " cut and dried"-a wonderful improvement upon the old method of making it by hand, one sheet at a time, which required two men and a boy, and then had to be pressed and dried in a loft above, occupying days, and perhaps weeks, depending upon the weather.
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New Haven has become one of the largest manufac- turing towns in the State .* The largest amount of capi- tal employed in any one business is the manufacture of Carriages.
ANTHRACITE COAL.
Anthracite Coal was first introduced into this City in 1827, by Harrison and Reynolds, who were the agents for its sale.
Previous to that time, wood was about the only thing used for fuel. Some families used a small quantity of peat. In the winter season a great number of teams came into the City, when the wea- ther permitted, loaded with wood. They were accustomed to have stands in different parts of the City, where persons would go to buy their wood, as they would go to the market for provisions. One stand was at the south end of the Colleges ;t one at the corner of Chapel and Church-streets, and one at " Bradley's Corner," (corner of Chapel and State-streets.) At these places, the streets at times were almost blocked up with teams.
Wood was brought sometimes from a great distance, and much anxiety was manifested by intelligent persons in order to ascertain in what manner we were to be supplied with fuel in future years. Wood was becoming scarce, and increasing in value. It did not grow as fast as it was consumed.
Providentially, about this time coal was introduced. A great deal of obloquy was cast upon the agents who had the sale of it. Persons did not believe it would burn. It was first used in the Tontine, in grates ; a person was sent from New York to set them up. Many persons went to see it burn, and the faithless were made to believe. The quantity of coal consumed when first introduced was small, but has been constantly increasing, so that at the pres- ent time almost every family use it for warming their dwellings, and for cooking. It has done much to build up our manufactories. It would be impossible to ascertain the number of tons consumed in this City, as immense quantities are taken into the country.
About twenty years previous to this some gentlemen of
* Some years since, a gentleman from a distance inquired of Professor Silliman, Sen., what it was that supported New Haven. The ready reply was : " The manufacture of mind and matter ;" re- ferring to our college, schools, and manufactories.
t The students at that time purchased their wood and had it cut in the rear of the Colleges, before wood saws were generally used.
--- --- -- -
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this City were interested in a coal mine in Pennsylvania, and some specimens were brought here. It was placed upon a common wood fire, and, of course, would not ig- nite, and was condemned, not knowing how to burn it. The same ignorance was manifested in other cities when it was first introduced.
CARRIAGES AND , WAGONS.
Carriages and Wagons were not very common until the com- mencement of the present century. Some of the aristocracy or " Notables," rode in Chaises or Chairs, as they were called. In 1761, there were only four in New Haven. Boys were obliged to carry the grist to mill upon the backs of horses, and sometimes had a great deal of trouble, especially when the bags were not well balanced. Wives and daughters rode upon side-saddles and pillions. In 1798, there was only one Public Carriage in the City. Gentle- men and ladies, in going longer or shorter distances, rode on horse- back.
STOVES.
A few Franklin open Stoves were used previous to 1800; like- wise Box Stoves of cast and sheet iron in mechanics' shops.
Not many Cooking Stoves were used until after 1820. They were greatly multiplied in number and kinds after the introduction of Anthracite coal, in 1827. Cylinder Stoves and Grates came into use at that time. Cooking Ranges were of a later period ; like- wise Furnaces in cellars for warming buildings.
NEW HAVEN GAS COMPANY.
This Company was chartered in 1847, and commenced business the following year. The number of miles of the main pipes laid in the streets, is 15 1-3 miles. The number of Public Lamps on the 1st of Dec., 1855, were 189. The number of consumers at the same time, 1252.
Many families, up to the year 1800, and even later, used dipped Tal- low Candles, which were made in most families. The wicks in early times, before cotton was introduced, were made of tow. These candles were kept for sale in most of the grocery stores. They va- ried in size and quality. Some were made of pot fat, which con-
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tained a little salt, which caused a continued decrepitation, or sput- tering.
Our ancestors were acquainted with the fact which Dr. Franklin afterwards published in Paris, " That sun-light was more economical than candle-light." Not much whale oil was used until the com- mencement of the present century. The various burning fluids have been introduced since the year 1840.
During the revolutionary War, and for several years after, up to the commencement of the present century, large quantities of pow- der were manufactured in this town, at Westville. There were two mills engaged in the business-one in the upper, and the other in the lower part of the village. The business was carried on by Isaac Doolittle, Jeremiah Atwater, and Elijah Thompson.
CHURCH BELLS were cast by Isaac Doolittle, in a foundry on the south side of West Chapel-street. Another foundry for casting Bells was near Bell Lane, now called Grand-street.
Previous to 1790, there were several Mulberry Orchards planted in this town. Quite a number of the inhabitants were engaged in raising silk-worms. How much silk was manufactured we have not been informed.
PUBLIC HOUSES.
The TONTINE HOTEL stands fronting the Public Square, on the east side of Church-street, with a wing extending upon Court-street. It was built in 1824-5, and in 1854 was thoroughly repaired and newly furnished, and the exterior walls painted. Several buildings formerly built for dwelling houses, are now connected with it.
The NEW HAVEN HOTEL likewise fronts the Public Square, on the south side of Chapel-street, with a wing extending upon College-street. It was built in 1850-1, and is a beautiful structure, not surpassed by any in the City.
The elevation of the ground on which it stands, is the same as the Colleges ; being 40 feet above tide-water.
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The Tremont House corner of Orange and Court Streets, and several in the immediate vicinity of the R. R. Station, and in other places have goo laccomodations,
STATION HOUSE .- This is on the west side of Union-street, extend- ing from Chapel to Cherry-street, and joining the rear of the stores on State-street. It is a large structure, and contains two large sit- ting-rooms-one for ladies, wit . rooms adjoining, and one for gen- tlemen ; and several rooms for baggage, &c. In the tower of the building (which contains a clock and bell,) is the office of the Assistant Superintendent of the N. Y. and N. H. R. R., and the Agent of the Canal R. R.
Connected with the Station House is a fine Hotel, four stories high, fronting on State-street. This House is kept upon the Euro- pean plan, and is finished in modern style. The entrance to it from the Station House is on the same level with the Hotel, being very convenient for travelers.
WEST AND EAST ROCKS.
West Rock, which forms a bold and prominent object in the scenery about New Haven, is 325 feet in height. The village of Westville, (formerly Hotchkisstown,) sit- uated at its base, is about two miles north-west from the central part of the City. It is similar in its forma- tion and general appearance to East Rock, about two miles north-east from theCity.
These rocks are trap, and are composed of horn- blende and feldspar. Iron enters considerably into their composition ; hence, during their decomposition, iron rust gradually covers the exterior of the stone, thus giv- ing it a reddish, or rather brown appearance. It forms an excellent building stone, and is extensively employed for that purpose in New Haven. Their fronts are com- posed of vast assemblages of columns, more or less regu- lar, and are full of cracks and fissures, from which cause it probably arises that they are liable to break off. and fall, in consequence of water getting in and freezing. Hence vast masses of broken rocks, from the smallest size to that of the largest columns, are found sloping from the bases of these mountains up their fronts, for more than half their height.
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The fronts of both West and East Rocks were wisely retained by the early settlers as common property, so that any person belonging to the town has a right to convey away as many stone as they please. On the summit, the proprietors claim about two rods back from the front ledges. This property, which is of immense value to the town, also other common and undivided lands, are under the supervision of the " Proprietors' Committee," with the approval of the Selectmen.
GROWTH OF THE CITY.
Like all other Cities whose settlement commenced at an early period, its growth has been gradual. It could not boast of the richness of its soil or its extensive water privileges. Still a healthy and steady progress has been made. The opening of the Farmington Ca- nal gave quite an impulse to business. In 1817, Crown- street did not extend to York-street. Daggett's Pond, at the intersection of Crown and Park-streets, was filled in, and the grounds leveled, and Crown extended to Howe-street, about 1820.
In 1826, there was only one street west of York-street parallel with it, until you came to West-street. All the buildings west of York and south of Maple-street have been built since 1815, with few exceptions. There were a few houses, it is true, but they were "few and far be- tween."
Many of our elderly people remember a gate, about six rods west of York street, across the road now called West Chapel street, through which cows were driven to pasture. The former residence of Æneas Munson, M. D., stood, until within a few years, about twenty feet north of its present location, partly blocking up the street. The houses on Dixwell-street have been built, with three exceptions, since 1817. High-street, from Elm to Grove, was opened in 1837-8. In 1828, there were only five dwelling houses in Orange-street north of Grove, and only one street crossing it.
Formerly that part of the City lying east of Union-
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street was called the New Township. There was a slaughter-house at the foot of what is now called Green- street, and a few small buildings in that section of the City. Land, until a recent period was sold by the acre, and used for pasture and cultivation.
In 1832. James Brewster, Esq, who has expended more to build up and improve New Haven than any one citizen, removed his carriage 'manufactory to what was afterwards called Brewsterville. He purchased thirteen acres, with the buildings thereon standing, including the Pavilion, which had been built for a steamboat hotel. The property there, had depreciated. He built a large brick carriage manufactory at the foot of Wooster-street, of the size of the one now standing, which was burnt during the same year, and immediately rebuilt. East, Wallace, and Hamilton-streets, extended no further north than Wooster. From that time to the present that sec- tion of the City has rapidly increased.
The streets north from Grand-street, and many other in all parts of the City were opened in 1836-7. Most of the houses south and west from Meadow and George- streets have been built since the last mentioned date.
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