Historical Nuggets
Our friend, historian Jack Sanders, has been creating the Ridgefield Encyclopedia for several years, based on his extensive research as well as his knowledge of the town from his nearly-50-year career with The Ridgefield Press.
First Pride Day, 1998
FIRST ‘PRIDE’ DAY: “A Celebration of Community: Straight, Gay and Lesbian“ took place in 1998, on the Community Center lawn. Just a year later, a Rainbow Flag was flown for the first time in the nation over a state capitol, Hartford, on March 21, 1999.
Hezekiah Scott (1789-1879)
Hezekiah Scott was a weaver and operated a distillery on the brook near his home on Barlow Mountain Road — a stream now called Kiah’s Brook.
Paving
The first road paving, part of a state experiment, was done on the eastern end of Branchville Road around 1912. Catoonah Street was paved in 1922.
Lillian Barnard Gilkes and Louise “Lulu” Davidson
Gilkes, Lillian Barnard, (1903-1977), was a nationally recognized scholar, author and critic who lived at 93 Olmstead Lane with stepsister.
Notable Snow Storms
What was winter weather like in Ridgefield in decades and centuries past? A synopsis of memorable storms over almost 2 centuries.
John D. Edmonds (ca. 1832-1865)
John D. Edmonds was probably a Ridgefield native and as a teenager taught school in town. In 1861 he enlisted for three years in the Civil War, and may have been the town’s first lawyer.
American Legion, Everett Ray Seymour Post 78
Everett Ray Seymour Post 78, began Aug. 20, 1920 by World War I veterans. Its name recalls the first Ridgefielder to die in combat in WWI.
Col. Charles Armand (1751-1793)
In summer 1779, established a barracks for his Partisan Legion near the intersection of Barrack Hill and Old West Mountain Rds.
Hidden Barn Gift Shop
A gift and antiques shop operated from a red barn just south of Ballard Park next to where Grand Union, now CVS, stands. (Read More)
Larry Adler (1914-2001)
Larry Adler, harmonica virtuoso, gave concerts around the world; made many recordings; lived at James Waterman Wise house on … (Read More)
Dutch Settlers
Dutch settlers: John Sturtevant, Sturdevant or Stirtivant, a native of Holland, was among the original proprietors. Read more…
Zack’s Ridge
Zack’s Ridge: “Zack” was a nickname for Isaac, in this case, Dr. Isaac Hall of Fairfield, who in 1697 received a grant of 150 acres in what was to become Ridgefield.
Mugavero
Mugavero: Family of Ridgefield/Branchville barbers began with Vincent Mugavero of Norwalk who from 1931-38 ran Ridgefield Tonsorial Parlor.
Stephen Howard Young (1878-1972)
Young, Stephen Howard, (1878-1972), was one of the world’s wealthiest art dealers; from late 1940s until death, owned an estate on lower Branchville Road.
The Connecticut Citizen
NUGGET #69 Connecticut Citizen, The, was a “weekly” newspaper published in Ridgefield. The first and only issue was Oct. 8, 1892. It said its aim was to “battle on behalf
Hugh Mulligan (1925-2008)
NYC native and journalist, he was the only reporter, British or American, at the wedding and the funeral of…
Candlestick Factory
The history of a candlestick factory in Ridgefield that operated until about 1868.
Bedini, Americo Anthony “Ben”
NUGGET #66 Bedini, Americo Anthony “Ben,” (1921-2008), a Ridgefield native and Ridgefield High School 1939, was a star baseball player at RHS and taught and coached football at Housatonic Valley
Taporneck
NUGGET #65 Taporneck was an American Indian leader, about whom little is known; his signature or “mark” is included on the first deed from the natives to the settlers in
Warren’s map of 1812
Large boulder at edge of Fairlawn Cemetery on North Salem Road, opposite New Street, where, legend says, five Norwalk men, exploring for the new settlement of Ridgefield, spent a night.
Landis, Jessie Royce (1904-72)
Large boulder at edge of Fairlawn Cemetery on North Salem Road, opposite New Street, where, legend says, five Norwalk men, exploring for the new settlement of Ridgefield, spent a night.
