History of the Naugatuck Historical Society

SMALL BEGINNINGS - The History of the Naugatuck Historical Society - Part 2
By Sandra Clark

In the last issue of the newsletter the story ended as the Society moved once again into the space provided at the Naugatuck Savings Bank. The year was 1986. The building now occupied by the bank was the former home of the Naugatuck Fuel Company and the First National Stores. A small airy room in back of the atrium was given to the Society for their museum. Artifacts were placed around the room, research material lined the bookcases, and photos of old Naugatuck were hung on the walls.

The doors were opened to the public on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p. m. Docents were there to take and answer questions and aid in research. Naugatuck residents were urged to visit the museum and to become members of the society, the fee was 4 dollars.

In 1991 Charlotte Wood Scully, published a journal, which consisted of a series of writings by Naugatuck resident Susan Hopkins. It was called "Susan's Diary" and was written by Susan in 1876. Susan logged her many thoughts and ideas formulated during the Civil War period in American history. Susan was the wife of a traveling salesman and a mother of 3. She talks about daily life in Naugatuck, the activities of her children and her loneliness when her husband was away and traveling on business.

By the fall of 1992 the Society entered a program with The Mattatuck Museum called "Our Towns". There were lectures, walking tours of the downtown area \that focused on the town green and the important buildings surrounding the green. Even a road rally was held to complete the "Our Town" events.

The 1993 the Naugatuck Jaycees Distinguished Service Award was presented to Past President Dana Blackwell. Within the walls of the tiny museum, exhibits were changed monthly, artifacts displayed included a bowl used by Goodyear Rubber Company, a mortar and pestle from the laboratory of the U. S. Rubber Co. used about 1900.

Involvement in local activities were of prime importance to the Society, participation in the planning of the sesquicentennial celebration (150th anniversary of Naugatuck's incorporation) began in September 1992. A History Day was scheduled for June 18th 1994 on the Green. Although it was one of the hottest days that year a great display was set up, members dressed in period costumes and tables with artifacts and information were set up to view. There were items for sale, which included postcards of Naugatuck, bumper stickers and maps and reproductions of old photos.

Never far from the minds of Society members was finding a home of our own. A thought that had its beginnings in 1959. Possible locations were considered, such as Building 25, the last remnant of the rubber shop, the railroad station and the Eastern Company building on Bridge Street in Union City. But with only $1600 in the Trinity Fund such a home seemed far away. However, Building 25 became the society's place of choice. The society was challenged to raise $500,000 to fund the project and then began a series of fundraisers. Our slogan became "Keep Alive, Building 25" and that we did. Through the efforts of Senator Upson, the Naugatuck Historical Society received a grant for $500,000 which is still waiting to be used. Along with fund raising activities and in kind donations and money from the Trinity Fund the account grew to over $600,000. As things progress it was suggested that the former railroad station a beautiful building designed by Henry Bacon, be used as a museum. The museum was established in that building in 2001.

To be continued………

Taken from the May 2004 issue of the NHS Newsletter

More information on this and other Naugatuck history topics can be found in the research area of our Museum. Please consider becoming a member of the Society and supporting this research or making a tax-deductible donation to the Society!

	The Naugatuck Historical Society P.O Box 317, 195 Water Street, Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770 203-729-9039
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	SMALL BEGINNINGS - The History of the Naugatuck Historical Society - Part 2 By Sandra Clark In the last issue of the newsletter the story ended as the Society moved once again into the space provided at the Naugatuck Savings Bank. The year was 1986. The building now occupied by the bank was the former home of the Naugatuck Fuel Company and the First National Stores. A small airy room in back of the atrium was given to the Society for their museum. Artifacts were placed around the room, research material lined the bookcases, and photos of old Naugatuck were hung on the walls. The doors were opened to the public on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p. m. Docents were there to take and answer questions and aid in research. Naugatuck residents were urged to visit the museum and to become members of the society, the fee was 4 dollars. In 1991 Charlotte Wood Scully, published a journal, which consisted of a series of writings by Naugatuck resident Susan Hopkins. It was called "Susan's Diary" and was written by Susan in 1876. Susan logged her many thoughts and ideas formulated during the Civil War period in American history. Susan was the wife of a traveling salesman and a mother of 3. She talks about daily life in Naugatuck, the activities of her children and her loneliness when her husband was away and traveling on business. By the fall of 1992 the Society entered a program with The Mattatuck Museum called "Our Towns". There were lectures, walking tours of the downtown area \that focused on the town green and the important buildings surrounding the green. Even a road rally was held to complete the "Our Town" events. The 1993 the Naugatuck Jaycees Distinguished Service Award was presented to Past President Dana Blackwell. Within the walls of the tiny museum, exhibits were changed monthly, artifacts displayed included a bowl used by Goodyear Rubber Company, a mortar and pestle from the laboratory of the U. S. Rubber Co. used about 1900. Involvement in local activities were of prime importance to the Society, participation in the planning of the sesquicentennial celebration (150th anniversary of Naugatuck's incorporation) began in September 1992. A History Day was scheduled for June 18th 1994 on the Green. Although it was one of the hottest days that year a great display was set up, members dressed in period costumes and tables with artifacts and information were set up to view. There were items for sale, which included postcards of Naugatuck, bumper stickers and maps and reproductions of old photos. Never far from the minds of Society members was finding a home of our own. A thought that had its beginnings in 1959. Possible locations were considered, such as Building 25, the last remnant of the rubber shop, the railroad station and the Eastern Company building on Bridge Street in Union City. But with only $1600 in the Trinity Fund such a home seemed far away. However, Building 25 became the society's place of choice. The society was challenged to raise $500,000 to fund the project and then began a series of fundraisers. Our slogan became "Keep Alive, Building 25" and that we did. Through the efforts of Senator Upson, the Naugatuck Historical Society received a grant for $500,000 which is still waiting to be used. Along with fund raising activities and in kind donations and money from the Trinity Fund the account grew to over $600,000. As things progress it was suggested that the former railroad station a beautiful building designed by Henry Bacon, be used as a museum. The museum was established in that building in 2001. To be continued……… Taken from the May 2004 issue of the NHS Newsletter More information on this and other Naugatuck history topics can be found in the research area of our Museum. Please consider becoming a member of the Society and supporting this research or making a tax-deductible donation to the Society!

The Naugatuck Historical Society