USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > West Haven > History of West Haven, Connecticut > Part 10
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The Reverend Carl H. Nelson, who became the pastor of the Bethesda Lutheran Church in New Haven in 1913, then also assumed the duties in the West Haven Mission. At that time, the place of worship was changed to the Thompson Block, on Campbell Avenue. The Reverend Nelson organized the Lutheran parish in 1920 and continued his work until 1923, when he accepted a call from a community in the Middle West.
From 1923 to 1928, the local church was affiliated with St. Paul's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church in Ansonia. Dr. Vergelius Ferm, a graduate of Yale University, took over the West Haven services in 1923. The property at Camp- bell Avenue and George Street was purchased for $2,400, and the wooden edifice was erected at a cost of $11,000. The church was dedicated on November 16, 1924.
The Reverend A. D. Mattson became the pastor in 1926 and remained until 1928, when the Reverend Nelson returned to take charge of the parish once more.
The First Lutheran Church was originally organized to serve the needs of the Swedish people of the community, but it has long since cordially opened its doors to all races. The services are conducted in English. There are 233 communicants, but it is still a mission church, inasmuch as it receives aid from the Augustana Synod.
The pastor, the Reverend Carl H. Nelson, a native of Stockholm, Sweden, has lived in the United States for the past 50 years. He studied for the minis- try at the Augustana Theological Seminary, Rock Island, Illinois, and was or- clained by the Augustana Synod at New Britain, Connecticut, in 1907.
WEST HAVEN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
Until 1929, West Haven Jews had no house of worship here. Previously Jewish services had been held occasionally in private homes, but, generally. local residents of the Jewish faith attended the various temples in New Haven. In January, 1929, a small group of West Haven Jews organized to raise funds
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HISTORY OF WEST HAVEN
to provide a building where services could be conducted, and meetings and socials could be held.
The group that sponsored the movement for erecting a one-story building on New Street, now known as the West Haven Jewish Community Center, in- cluded : Mr. and Mrs. Saul Alderman, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shiner, Mr. and Mrs. David Shanbrom, Mr. and Mrs. Isadore Podheiser, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Horwitz, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Horowitz, and Mr. and Mrs. Morris Krall.
West Haven Jewish Community Center was incorporated on February 1, 1929; the first officers named were: Saul B. Alderman, president ; Morris Krall, vice-president; M. Ginsberg, secretary; and Edward Shiner, treasurer. The first rabbi called was D. Gris, who served for two years. His successors have been : Rabbi David Genuth, 1931-33; S. Winters, 1933-34; M. Maskin, 1934-36; and the present incumbent, Max Newman.
Affiliated with the center is a Ladies' Auxiliary, the Kadimah Club, Boy Scout Troop No. 6, Girl Scout Troop No. 36, and a study or reading club. The West Haven Probus Club, a civic group comprised of West Haven businessmen, hold their business sessions at the Center.
Present officers of the Center are: Joseph Susman, honorary president ; Joseph Hoffman, president; Barney Kornman, vice-president; M. Danzi- ger, treasurer; and H. Newman, secretary.
Services at the Center are held on Saturday morning at 9:30 o'clock, while Sunday school, where the youthful members of the congregation are instructed in the history and language of the ancient Hebrews, is held on Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. Special services are held on the important holy days of Rosh Hashana (New Year's), Yom Kippur ( Day of Atonement), and Pesach (the Passover).
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PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, AND ATHLETIC FIELDS
West Haven is favored with a park system of unusual scope, area, and beauty, for a town of its size. The community is awake to the necessity of pro- viding facilities for residents who seek outdoor recreational opportunities with- in the limits of their own township. Approximately 75 acres of land are devoted to parks, playgrounds, and recreational purposes.
WEST HAVEN GREEN, in the center of the town, bounded by Campbell and Savin avenues, Church and Main streets, is owned by the First Congre- gational Church Society but is cared for by the Park Department. Like other New England town greens, this plot has been the center of much of the town's social and political activity.
PAINTER PARK, some 45 acres on Kelsey Avenue at the head of Chestnut Street, bounded on the west by Cove River, was purchased in part by the town- ship in 1922, to establish a children's playground. Additional lands were donated by heirs of the Painter family and by Frank I. Nason. Recreational facilities of this park include: sports fields, three ball diamonds, bleachers, and tennis courts. The three fields are extensively used for baseball, softball, football, and track events. "The six tennis courts are adequate to meet the demand. The picnic area is much used by organizations for their annual outings. This park also provides a setting for annual school pageants.
During the winter of 1939, an excellent ice skating rink was constructed on baseball diamond number three. Using the services of eight National Youth Administration employees, the park department erected a log fence, about 125 yards in length and 200 feet in width, along the bank of Cove River. As the diamond at this location is about 30 feet lower than diamonds one and two, it proved ideal for the purpose. A stairway, leading from the upper level to the new rink, was also constructed. The total cost of the project, including lumber, truck hire, and labor, was under $200.
On December 28, 1939, the enclosed area was flooded by the fire depart- ment, with water donated by the New Haven Water Company, and the rink was opened for use the following day. This addition to the town's recreational facili- ties provides safe skating, where the depth does not exceed four inches, and serves to keep school children away from the dangers of deeper ponds.
BAYVIEW PARK (sometimes called Main Street Park), on Main Street at Bayview Place, was formerly equipped with playground apparatus but is now used only as a softball field.
.PHIPPS LAKE PICNIC AREA, also called Shingle Hill Park, a tract of about four acres at the head of Phipps Lake off Main Street on Shingle Hill, is pro- vided with fireplaces, tables, and a pavilion, for the use of the many picnic groups who seek relaxation in the park during the outdoor season.
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PARK, on Third Avenue at Jones Street, three acres of playground for small children, is supervised by a qualified playground instructor during the summer months. In addition to playground apparatus, the park is supplied with material for the teaching of arts and crafts.
MORSE PARK, about an acre and a half of salt meadow, is in process of development. This land, donated to the park system by Frederick L. Morse, will serve as a playground when properly filled. Located on the west side of Old Field Creek, south of Blohm Street, opposite Chamber of Commerce Park, this tract is to be added to 17 acres of salt marshes that are also under develop- ment in that area. The possible construction here of a huge municipal athletic stadium is under consideration. If those plans are carried out, the entire area will be joined under one name, not yet determined.
ABBOTT PARK, a part of the Dawson estate and formerly called Dawson Park, a small rectangular plot opposite the West Shore Fire Department's quar- ters on Ocean Avenue, was created from filled swamp lands. The park depart- ment has landscaped the area, and the West Shore Progressive Association has donated a play pole.
ALLING PARK, a small triangular plot on Orange Avenue at the foot of the Milford Turnpike, donated by the Alling family, contains a play pole erected by the Allingtown Fire Department.
NORTH END FIELD, at the junction of First and Campbell avenues in the rear of the Wehle Brewery, and owned by the Wehle Brewery Company, has been cared for by the park department since 1924. This park provides an ideal field for sandlot baseball teams and is used by various groups, who obtain per- mission from the department.
HOGGAN FIELD, a tract on Highland Avenue, loaned by the owner for recrea- tional use by the children of the West Shore, is maintained by the park depart- ment.
ALLINGTOWN FIELD, 7.1 acres at the western end of Taft Avenue, set aside by the American Mills Company as an athletic field, was deeded to the town in May, 1940, in lieu of taxes. For several years, this field has been maintained by the park department.
TREMONT PARK, covering ten acres on Chestnut Street, willed to the town by the late Mrs. Edward A. Ray in 1938, is the latest addition to West Haven's park system. The donor stipulated that this property should be maintained and preserved as a mecca for nature lovers. Planted with beautiful shrubbery, and with rock formations left in their natural state and incorporated in the land- scaping plans, Tremont Park will provide a peaceful refuge at the edge of the resort area. Mothers, small children, and elderly folk will here find quiet and seclusion. According to present plans, a suitable memorial to the donor will be erected at the entrance to the grounds.
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TWO PUBLIC BATHING BEACHES are maintained by the park department, one at Cove River and the other at Oyster River. Both are protected and well policed during the season. From June to September, a member of the super- numerary police force is assigned to each of these beaches.
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WEST HAVEN INSTITUTIONS
West Haven's institutions, although few in number, have played an impor- tant part in the history of State and local welfare.
METHODIST HOME
The earliest charter for a semipublic institution here was granted in 1874 to Sylvester Smith, a prominent Methodist, who started a movement to estab- lish a church home for aged members of his denomination. But not until 1919, long after his death, was the charter acted upon. In that year, the Julius Coe residence at 111 Elm Street was purchased, and the Methodist Church Home was established under the guidance of a board of directors, including both men and women.
The home opened with seven women and one man registered as guests. In 1929, facilities of the institution were enlarged by the purchase of the ad- joining property and the building of a brick addition, a gift from the Blakeslee family as a memorial to the late Charles W. Blakeslee. The present registry exceeds 30 men and women, whose average age is 80 years. Careful arrange- ments are made for their comfort, medical attention, and entertainment.
The men of the board of directors are responsible for the upkeep of the structural property of the institution, and the women members assume control of interior maintenance. Mrs. Jennie N. Lewis, present matron, is employed under the direction of the women's section of the board of directors.
NEW HAVEN COUNTY HOME
The New Haven County Home, built at the top of Milford Hill in 1909, is the only county-owned home for the care of orphans and children without suitable homes in New Haven County. Several hundred other wards of the county are cared for in boarding homes. This $630,000 plant, composed of a group of Colonial style buildings, with modern equipment, on a 20-acre tract of land at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Boston Post Road, annually cares for an average of 150 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 18.
Education, through the eighth grade, is provided in the home's grammar school; high school pupils attend the West Haven High School, where many of them have proved exceptional scholars and athletes. Buildings of the in- stitution include a central dining hall and dormitories.
A conscientious effort is made to provide a homelike atmosphere. Mrs. Esther N. Wolfe, superintendent of the home, has included many group activi- ties in her program, including scout troops, drum corps, and baseball teams.
This home was first organized in 1884, when it was located in the section known as Tyler City, now a part of southeastern Orange. Two years later, increased facilities were necessary, and the home was moved to New Haven,
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where a building was secured on Bassett Street at Shelton Avenue. A con- stantly growing enrollment forced the county commissioners to urge the con- struction of a new institution in 1907, which resulted in the choice of this ex- cellent site on high ground overlooking the city of New Haven.
WILLIAM WIRT WINCHESTER HOSPITAL
William Wirt Winchester Hospital, at 892 Campbell Avenue, for the care of tuberculous patients, erected at a cost of more than one million dollars, was completed in 1917, with funds provided by Mrs. William Wirt Winchester for the construction of a memorial to her husband.
'The New Haven Hospital Society in 1909 received $300,000 from Mrs. Winchester of Menlo Park, California, for the construction of a tuberculosis hospital. In 1911, the society purchased 44 acres at Lion Park, West Haven. Mrs. Winchester donated an additional $300,000 in 1912, and a sanatorium with 100 beds was completed and opened. Further gifts in 1913 amounted to $302,427.99, in addition to $25,000 for a memorial gateway in honor of the late William Wirt Winchester.
During the World War, the United States Government leased the hospital for the care of tuberculous and wounded soldiers. In 1927, the New Haven Hospital resumed control of the plant for the exclusive use of tuberculous patients.
CAMP HAPPYLAND
Camp Happyland, sponsored by the General Hospital Society of Connecti- cut and directed by New Haven Hospital, for the care of tuberculous children during the summer vacation period, occupies a 17-acre tract of land at the rear of the William Wirt Winchester Hospital on Campbell Avenue.
The camp provides strict dietary and recreational supervision for approxi- mately 100 boys and girls, between 5 and 15 years of age. Originally established in New Haven in 1911, the camp was moved to its present location in 1926. Its activities are materially supported by donations from the city of New Haven and from such organizations as the New Haven Kiwanis Club, West Haven Women's Club, and the Employees' Tuberculosis Relief Administration. The Visiting Nurse Association assists in carrying on the work. In 1931, the New Haven Kiwanis Club provided funds to construct a concrete wading pool on the camp site and installed a pit of sea sand for the use of the younger children.
HENRY WRIGHIT MEMORIAL, COTTAGE
The Henry Wright Memorial Cottage at 481 Ocean Avenue, owned by Yale Divinity School, provides a meeting place for students and faculty of the school and members of various church groups, who assemble there for discus. sion, prayer, and relaxation. Meals are served, and students may make reser- vations for the night. The gracious homelike surroundings provide an excellent atmosphere for meetings of young people's groups, who are brought here for
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HISTORY OF WEST HAVEN
religious instruction by student pastors, stationed in near-by communities. Dur- ing the summer, many students of the Yale School of Nursing rent rooms at the cottage for a pleasant respite near the shore.
The Cottage was presented to the Divinity School in 1924 by friends of the late Henry Burt Wright, Ph.D., who was Stephen Merrell Clement Professor of Christian Methods at Yale from 1914 until his death in 1923.
WEST HAVEN LIBRARY
The West Haven Library, dedicated in 1909, was built through the efforts of the members of the Village Improvement Association and funds made avail- able by the Carnegie Foundation. The building, erected at a cost of $10,000, contains approximately 12,000 volumes. The Graham Room, equipped with a small stage, and available for the use of school children, was the gift of Miss Marguerite Graham in memory of her father, Charles Graham. Miss Ora Mason, librarian, succeeded Mrs. Robert Hart Lewis, who had served in that capacity for 30 years.
Two branch libraries have been established, one in Allingtown and another at Prospect Beach.
WEST HAVEN POST OFFICE
The West Haven Post Office, 589 Campbell Avenue, a red-brick and lime- stone building of modern Colonial design, erected at a cost of $65,000 under a P. W. A. grant for public buildings, was completed in 1937. A sum of $85,000 was appropriated for the land, building, and equipment. Before moving to the new quarters, this branch of the New Haven Post Office, occupied the building at Campbell Avenue and Center Street.
The staff of 24 employees, 17 of whom are carriers, are under the direc- tion of Superintendent Jacob Jacobs, who has served in that capacity for 29 years. Almost the entire area of the town is serviced with two mail deliveries daily.
The southern interior wall of the Post Office is decorated with an historical mural, Crossing the West River-1648, executed as a Federal Arts Project by Miss Elizabeth Shannon Phillips and installed November, 1937. The mural depicts a group of settlers fording the West River, their household effects in wagons drawn by two head of cattle. A horse led by one of the pioneers car- ries a woman with a baby in her arms. West Rock is seen in the distance.
BANK
The West Haven Branch of the First National Bank and Trust Company of New Haven opened for business on November 2, 1936. This branch, known as a "neighborhood institution", occupies the building at Campbell Avenue and Center Street, previously used by the former West Haven Bank and Trust Com- pany.
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Main Library at Ward's Corner; Dedicated in 1909; Endowed by the late Andrew Carnegie
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Sewage Disposal Plant; Built with P. W. A. Grant; One of the Most Modern in the State of Connecticut
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WEST HAVEN INSTITUTIONS
Providing complete banking facilities for West Haven residents, this branch bank is under the management of Albert C. Murphy, who has been connected with the parent institution in New Haven since 1918. The First National Bank of New Haven, organized under a newly enacted National Bank Act, was given Charter No. 2 issued on June 20, 1863, and still operates under this original char- ter.
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WEST HAVEN FRATERNAL, CIVIC, AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
The oldest fraternal organization in West Haven is Annawon Lodge No. 115 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, organized June 15, 1873. Ac- cording to tradition, the Indian Chief, Annawon, possessed a Masonic emblem and, thus, was the first West Haven Mason.
A brick Masonic Temple, of modern Colonial design, one of West Haven's most imposing structures, was erected at 304 Center Street in 1912. In 1923, a two-story addition was built. Providing all modern facilities for lodge meet- ings, this building is equipped with a pipe organ and a complete modern kitchen. The main lodge room is 40 by 76 feet.
Lodge membership (1940) exceeds 800 members.
EASTERN STAR
In 1891, the sister organization of Annawon Lodge, the Golden Rod Chap- ter No. 34, was organized with a charter membership of 34. Mrs. Emma How- land was the first matron, and John Mar the first patron. The membership, more than 600 at present, shares the Masonic Temple with Annawon Lodge.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
Wilmot Lodge No. 5, Knights of Pythias, organized June 24, 1903, held its first meetings in the Masonic Hall then in the Thompson Block. In 1922, the lodge erected its own quarters on Curtiss Place.
PYTHIAN SISTERS
Oak Temple, No. 2, Pythian Sisters, an auxiliary of the Knights of Pythias, was organized March 26, 1919. This order has increased its membership from the original 45 members to well over 100. Meetings are held in the Pythian Lodge Hall.
KNIGHTS OF WASHINGTON
Founded here in 1909 by the Reverend Floyd Kenyon and Charles G. Chamberlin, the Knights of Washington has become an organization of interna- tional scope, which has grown within the membership of Episcopal churches throughout the United States and Canada. The order promotes good citizenship and a better understanding of the tenets of the Episcopal church. Military titles, similar to those used in the U. S. Army, are conferred upon officers of the or-
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ganization, and a miformed rank is maintained. A special room called the "Armory" is reserved by Christ Episcopal Church for monthly meetings of the Knights of Washington.
ILARUGAURI LIEDERTAFEL
The Harugauri Liedertafel, or Singing Society, formed in New Haven in 1875, combines many of the purposes of a civic organization and a fraternal order. After the society's rooms in the okl Wood Block in New Haven were swept by fire in 1910, the organization erected its present two-story, red brick building at 1082 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, in 1912, on land acquired sev- eral years previously by its president, Conrad Scholl. The clearing and reclaim- ing of the eight acres of club property was undertaken by the membership.
ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS AUXILIARY
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Auxiliary was formed in 1912 by a group of local women of Irish extraction. This order, which at present includes 75 ac- tive members, meets regularly at 481 Campbell Avenue.
IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN
Tountonomoe Tribe No. 57, of the Improved Order of Red Men, was organ- ized in 1911, and the first installation of officers was held at the Town Hall in 1912. Soon afterward, headquarters were established in "Red Men's Hall" at the corner of Brown Street and Washington Avenue, which is still used for meeting purposes.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Father Curtin Council, No. 2541, Knights of Columbus, was organized July 11, 1924, in the basement of St. Lawrence Church under the leadership of the late Daniel L. ()'Neill. Mr. Herman Bill was elected first Grand Knight of the order. Headquarters were maintained in the old Thompson Block for several years, until moved to 324 Main Street. The order's present headquarters is at 395 Campbell Avenue. From a charter membership of 82, this society now has more than 300 active Knights enrolled.
THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS
The youngest but one of the largest fraternal organizations in West Haven is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 1587. Formed in 1927, with a charter membership of 57, the local order has grown to a present membership of about 300. The early meetings were held in the Clarence Thompson School Auditorium and, later, at headquarters the organization purchased at 265 Main Street. In January, 1929, the Elks moved to the former Florence Crittenden Home on Campbell Avenue, but returned to the Main Street headquarters in 1936. The lodge holds annual Flag Day exercises, participates in civic activities, and each year holds a ball to raise funds for welfare work.
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WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS
Formed in 1911, Augur Mansfield Woman's Relief Corps is the oldest vet- eran-auxiliary organization in continuous existence in the community. The wo- men of the Relief Corps at first concerned themselves with service to Civil War veterans and their families but, in recent years, have participated in the work of community welfare.
AMERICAN LEGION
Hughson Post of the American Legion, founded in 1919, with Ralph E. Hart as the first commander, is West Haven's link in a world-wide organization of veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served during the World War. The Post owns a building on Curtiss Place and has established an enviable record for community welfare accomplishment. During the early days of the depression, in 1929, the Post conducted a soup kitchen under the supervision of Charles F. Schall. The War Memorial on the Green was secured for the com- munity by members of this organization. Sponsoring a Boy Scout Troop and a Sons of the American Legion Post, and with representation on several committees concerned with community welfare work, Hughson Post exerts a powerful influ- ence in local affairs.
The Auxiliary, formed in the same year, is also active in community life.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
The Stiles Woodruff Post, No. 1684, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, re- ceived its charter in 1929. This "gold stripe" veterans' organization is composed of members who saw service in foreign lands during the World War, as well as veterans of previous wars who served outside the territorial limits of the United States. Participating in civic affairs and welfare activity, the Post also joins with the other veterans organizations in Memorial Day celebrations. A Women's Auxiliary is connected with the Post.
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
Disabled American Veterans, Chapter No. 18, was incorporated in 1933 with a membership of 33. To be eligible for membership in this organization, veter- ans must have served in the armed forces of the United States and received in- juries or wounds in line of duty.
The Women's Auxiliary connected with this chapter has a membership of about 50. Both groups meet in the State Armory.
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
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