IT HAPPENED IN MILFORD WEEK 39

IT HAPPENED IN MILFORD WEEK 39

Co-authored by Jean Tsang and David Gregory

In 1717 it was voted that the selectman, Grand-Jurors, Constables, Listers, Ensign Beard and Ensign George Clark take turns to look after the boys at meetings for public worship.”

Edward R. Lambert in his 1838 book, “History of the Colony of New Haven, Before and After the Union with Connecticut,” lists the bridges of Milford:

· 1640 Meetinghouse Bridge

· 1645 Fowler’s Bridge

· 1662 Indian or Great Bridge

· 1706 Plum’s Bridge (crossing Indian River on Old Country Road

· 1711 King’s Bridge from point of rocks “a few rods” below Episcopal Church (not maintained in 1723)

· 1753 Oyster River Bridge (built by Milford and New Haven)

· 1768 North Street foot bridge

· 1819 Bridge by Jehiel Bristols

· 1810 Gulf Bridge

“Jefferson’s Bridge, over the Mill River, was built and supported by the turnpike company. Washington Bridge over the Housatonic was built and maintained by a company.”

In 1971 Doris Gagnon’s home was demolished to make way for Silver Sands State Park. In spite of an eviction notice, Gagnon erected a squatter’s camp. In 1988 Gagnon was ordered out of the park by January 1989; health reasons were cited. In 1990 state officials deemed that previous health problems had been cleared up and she was allowed to stay. The decision was recorded in the New York Times.

For more information on the City of Milford’s 375th Anniversary Celebration visit www.milfordct.375.org or email info@milfordct375.org

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