| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 12 — A Much-Loved Old Church and a Watering Trough for Horses Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The Methodist Episcopal Church had its beginnings in Ridgefield 1n 1787 when the first meeting was held – just 21 years after Methodism had been introduced into the U.S. from England. In 1789 Jesse Lee, a native of Virginia, was sent north as a circuit rider. His third sermon in Connecticut was preached at the Independent Schoolhouse on Main St. In 1841 a second meetinghouse was built, and in 1883 the building was moved back on the property where it was enlarged and remodeled in the . . . — Map (db m31936) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 2 — Bailey Avenue: A Short-Cut to the Train Station Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Louis Bailey (1819-1899), a prominent member of the community, created Bailey Avenue for the purpose of building stores and residences, and for access to the train depot on Prospect St. He was an incorporator of the Ridgefield Savings Bank, a state senator, owner of the Bailey Inn and principal of Bailey and Gage, located in Old Hundred.
In 1882, Phineas Lounsbury donated land and money to build an elementary school on the northern side of Bailey Avenue. By 1912 the Center School . . . — Map (db m31998) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 9 — Ballard Park Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Philip Burr Bradley was one of the earliest owners of the property. Bradley, a cousin of Aaron Burr, was placed in command of the Fifth CT Regt. in the Revolutionary War, and commanded a battalion at the Battle of Ridgefield. He also served in the State Legislature, was a Justice of the Peace, the first Postmaster, and a friend of George Washington. Lucius H. Biglow, music publisher and partner in the firm of Biglow & Main in New York City, came here at the urging of his partner who lived . . . — Map (db m24808) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Battle of Ridgefield April 27, 1777 |
| | The Third and Chief Engagement Occurred on This Ridge — Map (db m23395) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Battle of Ridgefield Dead |
| | In defense of American Independence at the Battle of Ridgefield April 27, 1777 died Eight Patriots who were laid in this ground companioned by Sixteen British Soldiers Living, their enemies, Dying their guests, in honor of service and sacrifice this Memorial is placed for the strengthening of hearts. — Map (db m23396) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 22 — Benedict Arnold's Betrayal and Lieutenant Joshua King Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | On September 23, 1780, on his way through American lines to New York City, Major John Andre of the British Army was captured, taken prisoner and brought to American headquarters in South Salem, N.Y. Andre had plotted with General Benedict Arnold to betray the American fortress at West Point and when captured was found to have concealed the plans of West Point in his boot. Lt. Joshua King was given the charge of watching over Andre until he was hanged as a spy on October 2, 1780. Lt. King . . . — Map (db m32002) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 18 — Bissell's – Destroyed by Two Conflagrations Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Hiram K. Scott set up the town's first variety and drug store in 1853. Scott was an influential businessman, serving as postmaster, town clerk, probate judge and a druggist for 50 years. He sold his store to Harvey Bissell in the summer of 1895, just six months before the Great Fire destroyed the building. Bissell rebuilt the following year and the drugstore continued in business until, in 2005 it once again burned to the ground. Bissell's lives on although it has moved a half block to . . . — Map (db m31587) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 29 — Branchville – A Center of Italian–American Life Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | A Small Village began to emerge in the area in 1852 with the opening of the Danbury-and-Norwalk Railroad line. Stores, a hotel, a post office, a school and small industries in the area were establishes. The building that housed the Branchville General Store, owned by the DeBenigno family, still stands just east of the train station. It was the center of the Italian community in the area. Newly arrived immigrants were frequently housed there until they found work and homes of their own. . . . — Map (db m31967) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Ensign James Benedict House |
| | c. 1730
Ensign
James Benedict
Cobbler's Shop and Home — Map (db m32243) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Gen. David Wooster |
| | On this spot fell Gen. David Wooster Mortally Wounded April 27,1777, at the Battle of Ridgefield — Map (db m23397) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Keeler Tavern |
| | The Keeler Tavern served as headquarters for the Patriots during the Battle of Ridgefield, April 27, 1777. It is now owned by the Keeler Tavern Preservation Society and maintained as an historical building. — Map (db m23410) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 25 — Keeler Tavern and the “Big Shop” Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Built as a farmhouse in 1713 on Lot#2 by David Hoyt, it was sold to his grandson Timothy Keeler, who converted it into an inn/tavern in 1772. The Keeler Tavern, which also served as a post office, was inherited by Anna Keeler, Timothys daughter, who with her husband, Abijah Resseguie and their daughter Anna Marie operated it as a hotel. For many years the building was a stagecoach stop on the line from New York to Boston. Its reputation for hospitality and service made it a favorite . . . — Map (db m23411) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 11 — Main Street in the Late 1800s Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Looking south from Prospect Street, where the shops and offices of Yankee Ridge are today, stood homes at the beginning of the 20th century. From the left are the Osborn house, owned by Richard Osborn, owner of the Ridgefield Lumber Company; the home of Dr. Howard P. Mansfield; the Dauchy house, which was torn down in the 1960s to make way for a commercial building at 440 Main St.; and the Lannon house. Gone are the fields that existed back then and all but one of the elm trees that lined . . . — Map (db m24807) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 17 — More of the Great Fire Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | On the Night of December 8, 1895 a fire broke out in the undertaking and furniture store of Bedient & Mead at the northeast corner of Main St. and Bailey Ave. The fire spread rapidly to the adjoining Western Union telegraph office and Barhite & Valden's general store. Fire continued east on Bailey Ave. consuming businesses and apartments, jumped across the street and partially burned Hiram Scott's livery stable.
Next to burn was Town Hall, the Masonic Hall, and several homes and . . . — Map (db m31586) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Old Hundred |
| | Old Hundred
1783
This Structure Was Originally
The Store of Lts. Joshua King And
James Dole, Later Used As A Resi-
dence Known As "Old Hundred." — Map (db m30464) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 13 — Out of the Ashes
Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The Fire District in Ridgefield was organized in 1896 following the devastating fire of 1895. Ex-Governor Phineas Lounsbury was an early benefactor of the Department and the new engine company took his name. The firehouse is also the site of the old Sholes and Smith Shirt factory, later moved to the Big Shop then located at the corner of Main Street and West Lane. The eastern section is the original 1908 Georgian Revival Style building of brick and wood with granite corner quions. . . . — Map (db m32050) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Place Where Wooster Fell |
| | David Wooster, in command of the Conn Troops Born in Stratford March 13, 1711 Mortally wounded April 27, 1777 while defending the liberties of America and nobly died at Danbury May 2, 1777. Give me Liberty of give me death. — Map (db m23431) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 30 — Quarries, Abrasives and the "Fresh Air" Kids Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The Bridgeport Wood Refinishing Company and Silex Mills had a plant on the eastern side of Route 7, north of the Branchville train station, and a much larger one at the intersection of Branchville Road and Route 7 along the newly built branch line into Ridgefield. The company ground quartz into powder to be used in paints and stains, as well as producing abrasives for polishing and other products. Stone came from quarries in the Branchville area, but some came in by train to the company's . . . — Map (db m31966) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Rev. Thomas Hawley House |
| | This house is
the Oldest in
Ridgefield
-----------
Built in 1713
--- by ---
Rev. Thomas Hawley
First Pastor
and Town Clerk — Map (db m32000) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 28 — Ridgebury – George Washington Slept Here Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Ridgebury, "The New Patent," was one of the last land purchases made by the Proprietors. Tradition says that the First Congregational Church in Ridgebury had its beginnings in the "New Patent Meeting House" as early as 1738. In 1768 the congregation voted to construct a new church, which was completed in 1769. Services at the Episcopal Church in Ridgebury began at the same time as those in Ridgefield, often sharing the same minister. The building continued to be used, except for the . . . — Map (db m32052) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Ridgebury Congregational Church |
| | Gathered Built 1760 1851 This property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior < Second Plaque: > Connecticut Washington – Rochambeau Revolutionary Route 1780 - 1782 — Map (db m23423) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Ridgefield |
| | This town was founded in 1708 by a group of families from Norwalk who purchased twenty thousand acres from the Ramapoo Indians for one hundred pounds sterling. They were aided by John Copp, a surveyor, who explored the land now lying between High Ridge and East Ridge and recommended it as a promising agricultural area, suitable for settlement. In 1777 at the Battle of Ridgefield, Colonial militia fought British and Hessian troops returning from a raid on American military stores in Danbury. . . . — Map (db m23409) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Ridgefield Veterans Memorial |
| | Center Panel: Honor Roll
World War II and Korean War Action
“Into the Mosaic of Victory, These Priceless Jewels Were Set”
In Supreme Sacrifice
World War II
Acocella, Charles
Bell, William P.
Birarelli, James J.
Blume, Robert N.
Cogswell, Charles G.
Frulla, Armondo
Hall, William H.
Nelson, John E.
Polverari, Geno J.
Rose, Walter
Schere, Meinhard H.
Scott, Harold
Ward, Thomas A.
Vance, Lee P.
“I do . . . — Map (db m23875) WM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Ridgefield Veterans Monument |
| | [ west side ]
To the Memory of The
Citizens of Ridgefield
Who Served Their Country
In the Wars of the Republic
1775 – 1918
Erected by the People of Ridgefield MCMXXIV
[ east side ]
War of the Revolution
Patrick Ambrose Amos Baker Bartholomew Baker Seth Baker John Baldwin John Barns Wakeman Barrett Stephen Beers Abijah Benedict Daniel Benedict Darius Benedict Gamaliel Benedict Jesse Benedict John Benedict Benjamin Bennett . . . — Map (db m31972) WM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 24 — Ridgefield's Colonial Plans Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The First Recorded Plan for settlement was in 1697 when a group of Congregationalists primarily from Norwalk petitioned "to purchase of the Indians a certain tract of land lying about 14 miles northward of the town of Norwalk to settle a plantation there." On May 13, 1708 a petition for purchase of the land was submitted to the General Assembly in Hartford. On September 30, 1708 the purchase was formalized and plans for settlement were being drawn up. Each of the original Proprietors . . . — Map (db m32048) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 26 — Settlers Rock Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The first surveyors came north from Norwalk to determine the suitability of the land for settlement as a plantation. Tradition says that they spent their first night on top of Settlers Rock and that fires were built at its base to protect them against wild animals. It is probable that they singled out the rock as a prominent landmark in the wilderness because of its great size and elevated location along the Indian trail to the Titicus River. Titicus was part of the second purchase of . . . — Map (db m23420) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Settlers Rock |
| | On this rock the original settlers scouting party spent their first night 1708 – 1958 A.D. — Map (db m23418) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 6 — Smith Tavern – A Colonial Meeting Place Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The Smith Tavern stood on the site of the present library. Ebenezer Smith arrived from Milford in 1709 and was assigned Lot # 26. He opened a small tavern in his home. By 1797 a new building was erected on the site by Amos Smith, who ran a tavern and inn, as well as a cider mill behind the tavern and a vineyard on the western side of Main Street. Taverns were used for more than eating and drinking; they were important centers for community activities. In 1900 the Smith Family sold the . . . — Map (db m24806) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 15 — St. Mary Church and Rectory Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | A New Catholic Church was first planned in 1896. This Victorian Gothic building was completed and dedicated on July 5, 1897. This building is described by the Ridgefield Preservation Trust as "
one of Ridgefield's finest buildings
a complex and disciplined design [and] reflects the idealistic romantic approach to the architecture of the Victorian age." On September 12, 1901 its bell tolled for the first time on the occasion of the death of President William McKinley. The Victorian-style . . . — Map (db m32049) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 20 — State Police and the Benjamin Franklin School Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Looking Towards East Ridge from Governor Street, the four buildings on the hill have been an important part of Ridgefield's landscape for the last 100 years. On the left is the George Rockwell home, which, with the house next door was once the Vinton School for Girls. By the 1920s, the Connecticut State Police moved into the Rockwell house and made it their home for the next 50 years. When they relocated to Southbury it became the headquarters for the Ridgefield Police Department. The . . . — Map (db m31588) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — The Battle of Ridgefield April 27, 1777 |
| | The chief engagement of Connecticuts only inland battle during the War for Independence was fought approximately 100 yards from this site. Several hundred hastily-mustered militia joined a handful of Continental troops under Generals Benedict Arnold and Gold Stilliman to face British regulars more than thrice their number led by Major General William Tryon. Only an hour before, American General David Wooster fell mortally wounded during his second attack on the British rearguard as it . . . — Map (db m23400) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 8 — The Battle of Ridgefield, April 27, 1777 Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | British General Tryons Raid on Danbury occurred on April 26, 1777. The beginning of the 1777 campaign was the first British invasion and the only pitched battle in Connecticut. Following the burning of Danbury the British troops marched through Ridgefield the next day on their way back to their ships moored at Compo Beach in Westport. The first skirmish, under the leadership of American General David Wooster occurred at the intersection of Barlow Mountain Road and North Salem Road. The . . . — Map (db m23412) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — The Confederate Bell |
| | The Confederate bell was captured during the Civil War by Colonel Alexander Warner who later presented it to Governor Phineas Lounsbury. For many years the bell stood on the Grounds of the Lounsbury Mansion, which in 1953 became the Community Center. After cleaning and repairing the bell, it was mounted on this pedestal and rededicated to the Town of Ridgefield in a ceremony held July 4, 1971 — Map (db m23575) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 7 — The Elms Inn and Stebbins Homestead Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | In 1799, Thomas Rockwell opened a small carpentry shop which later became part of the Elms Inn. It was also a shoemakers shop and later, a tin shop operated by Francis Rockwell. Francis was also a vintner whose vineyard was across the street between Catoonah and Gilbert Streets. In 1860 John Rockwell opened the Elm Shade Cottages to serve wealthy New Yorkers arriving to vacation in the country during the summer months. The restaurant and inn still serve the public. Dr. Amos Baker was . . . — Map (db m23435) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — The First Society of Ridgefield |
| | The First Society of Ridgefield
was formed in 1725
under the leadership of
The Reverend Samuel L. Johnson
The name St. Stephen's was given
in the year 1831, the year
in which it became a parish.
The Church of the Living God, the
pillar and ground of the truth
Timothy 3:15 — Map (db m31965) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — The Gilbert House Circa 1790 |
| | Built by Benjamin Stebbins for his daughter Sarah and her husband Amos Baker, a Revolutionary War Hero, the first surgeon in Ridgefield and the originator of the famous Baker Apple. — Map (db m23602) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 1 — The Great Fire of 1895 Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The East Side of Main Street as it appeared the day after the devastating fire of 1895. (See Panel #17 for a description of the fire.)
Barhite & Valden General Store and the Western Union telegraph office next door were located just north of the Gage building, where the fire started on December 8, 1895. All three buildings burned to the ground. The Gage building housed Bedient and Mead Furniture and Undertaking. Bedient bought out his partner's share and after rebuilding opened . . . — Map (db m31585) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 14 — The Livery Stable and the First Catholic Church Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Whitlock's Livery, later the Sperry Livery stable, was across the street from the firehouse. Whitlock ran a stage to the Branchville station before the branch line was built in 1870. The livery stable also boarded horses, including those used by the fire department. One of Sperry's employees remembered weekends when a party coming from the station to one of the "summer cottages" would have from 12 to 20 trunks delivered by their drivers. Sperry's was replaced by Young's Feed Store.
In . . . — Map (db m32051) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — The Lounsbury House |
| | Lounsbury House Circa 1896 has been placed on the
National Register Of Historic Places — Map (db m23877) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — The Museum in the Streets Ridgefield, Connecticut |
| | Welcome to Ridgefield's History Trail!
Ridgefield, Connecticut – 1708
The Fundamental Orders adopted by Connecticut in 1639 directed would-be settlers, able to support a minister, to establish a settlement, build a Congregational Church and farm the land. This is exactly what was done in Ridgefield. On September 30, 1708 a group of inhabitants from Norwalk and Milford, Connecticut purchased a parcel of land called Caudatowa, or "high land", from the resident Ramapo tribe for one . . . — Map (db m31997) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — The Museum in the Streets Ridgefield, Connecticut |
| | Welcome to Ridgefield's History Trail!
Ridgefield, Connecticut – 1708
The Fundamental Orders adopted by Connecticut in 1639 directed would-be settlers, able to support a minister, to establish a settlement, build a Congregational Church and farm the land. This is exactly what was done in Ridgefield. On September 30, 1708 a group of inhabitants from Norwalk and Milford, Connecticut purchased a parcel of land called Caudatowa, or "high land", from the resident Ramapo tribe for one . . . — Map (db m32234) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — The Original Episcopal Church |
| | Here stood the original
Episcopal Church
erected in 1740
partly burned by
British soldiers
during the battle
of Ridgefield
April 27, 1777 — Map (db m31964) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 4 — The Ridgefield Train Station Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | In 1870, A Branch Line from the Branchville train station was built to offer service to the wealthy New Yorkers who began arriving to spend their summers in Ridgefield. Many of these "summer people" had their own private railroad cars. Chauffeurs would meet them, driving horse and buggies and other fancy conveyances to carry volumes of luggage to their estates located throughout the town.
Benvenuto Carboni arrived in 1901, one of the earliest Italians to come to Ridgefield. Several . . . — Map (db m31591) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 3 — The Spotting Tower and Railroad Warehousing Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The Small, White Octagonal Building on the corner was originally built as a boathouse on the estate of F.E. Lewis. It was moved behind the high school on East Ridge during World War II, and used as a warming hut for volunteers looking for enemy planes on the tower next to it. Over 200 men, women and children counted and identified more than 2,000 planes. In 1944 the Army shut down the site, but it was reactivated during the Cold War in the early 1950s. The warming hut was moved and the . . . — Map (db m31590) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 23 — The Town Common and Hauley House Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The First Meeting House was built on the green in 1713. In 1723 the first Congregational Meeting House was erected and served as a school, church and government building. It was replaced in 1800 by a second Meeting House, in use until 1888 when the current church on the corner of West Lane and Main Street was dedicated. The Town Common, today encompassing much of the front yard of the Methodist Church, was used for militia drills as early as 1727. The first pound was built in the . . . — Map (db m31999) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 16 — The Village Center in the Early 1900s Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | Henry Mead and His Wife are seen standing on the stoop of their grocery store in the early part of the 20th century. The building was moved when Ridgefield Hardware built their new store in 1948. Today Ridgefield Hardware is one of the oldest family businesses in Ridgefield.
The Scott house, to the right of the Mead Store was built around 1714 on Proprietor's Lot #13 by Irish-born David Scott. In 1925 the house was moved around the corner to Catoonah Street to make way for Ernest . . . — Map (db m31937) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 10 — The Village in the 1900s Ridgefield, Connecticut The Museum in the Streets |
| | The International Order Of Odd Fellows, Pilgrim Lodge No. 45 was established in Ridgefield in 1847, meeting in the Masonic Hall until 1895 when the structure was destroyed in the Great Fire. The Odd Fellows built their own building in 1928 and it soon became a popular meeting place. During the 1930s and 40s many dances and other activities were held there. In 1956 the Lodge sold the building and moved to a carriage house on King Lane where it is now part of the Methodist Church. The . . . — Map (db m31970) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — 27 — Titicus: An Industrial Center The Museum in the Streets Ridgefield, Connecticut |
| | Mills first appeared along the Titicus River in the early part of the 18th century. Sawmills, the first to come, permitted the proprietors to build frame houses instead of rough log cabins. Titicus also boasted the largest tannery in town, which was owned by Jabez Mix Gilbert, known as “Uncle Mix.” Uncle Mix was known for his generosity towards the poor, and was a founder of the Methodist Church here. Later, his business was sold to David Valden whose homestead, built in 1857, . . . — Map (db m23609) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Washington – Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Ridgefield |
| | French General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, and thousands of French ground and naval forces arrived in Newport in July of 1780 to assist the Americans in the War for Independence. After wintering in Newport, Rochambeaus troops marched through Connecticut to join General George Washingtons Continental Army, just over the New York border. The combined forces moved down the eastern seaboard and confronted Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis and the British army in . . . — Map (db m23416) HM |
| Connecticut (Fairfield County), Ridgefield — Ye Burying Yard |
| | Ye Burying
Yard
Ridgefield's
Oldest Cemetery
Restored 1988
maintained by
The Caudatowa Garden Club
&
Parks & Recreation Dept.
The Burying Yard contains a monument listing 40 people who were buried in this cemetery between 1708 and about 1760. No original stones still stand.
Inscribed on the stone monument in the Burying Yard:
Ye burying Yard. Lay'd out ye Nov. 25. 1708
by the first Settlers of the Town of Ridgefield.
Samuel Keeler Sarah Keeler Annie . . . — Map (db m32237) HM |