South End in Bridgeport in Greater Bridgeport Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Perry Memorial Arch
Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 1, 2010
1. Perry Memorial Arch Marker
[Inscription on the street (east) side]
AD MCMXVIII to the memory of
William Hunt Perry
of Bridgeport Conn by his wife
Harriet Adelaide Perry
[Inscription on the park side]
was erected by
Harriet Adelaide Perry
to the memory of
her husband
William Hunt Perry
who was born May 25 1820
in West Woodstock Connecticut
and died on May 9 1899
in the City of Bridgeport
Connecticut where he resided
for thirty two years and by
his character ability loyalty
and industry became one of
her leading manufacturers
financiers and citizens
Erected 1918.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. A significant historical date for this entry is May 25, 1820.
Location. 41° 9.767′ N, 73° 11.363′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport in Greater Bridgeport Region, Connecticut. It is in South End. It is at the intersection of Waldemere Avenue and Park Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Waldemere Avenue. Located at the Park Avenue entrance to Seaside Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bridgeport CT 06604,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Fairfield County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bridgeport Baseball Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bridgeport Soldiers and Sailors Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lt. John G. Corr U.S.M.C. Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Roberto Clemente (approx. half a mile away); James Henry ORourke (approx. 0.7 miles away); Bridgeport (approx. one mile away); Abraham Lincolns Visit (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.
Regarding Perry Memorial Arch. The Perry Memorial Arch in Bridgeports Seaside Park stands at the parks main entrance, at
Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 1, 2010
2. Marker Detail
The granite archway was dedicated in 1918 to honor William H. Perry, who had served as superintendent of the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company, a sewing machine producer that would later be acquired by Singer. Perry brought the metal working techniques he learned at Colt's armory in Hartford to Wheeler & Wilson when it was a small concern in Watertown, CT. He quickly rose to treasurer of the company. Under Perry, Wheeler & Wilson moved to Bridgeport in 1856, occupying a vacant factory building. It grew to a 15-acre complex, manufacturing over 170,000 sewing machines a year.
Perry's wealth came from investments in real estate. He retired from active business in 1884. Perry had also been president of the citys Parks Commission, and was instrumental in creating Seaside Park. He died May 9, 1899. His will left money for the creation of a gateway to Seaside Park.
The Perry Memorial Arch was designed by architect Henry Bacon, who also designed the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and a number of other public sculptures and monuments.
Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 1, 2010
3. Inscription Panel on the Park Side
Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 1, 2010
4. Perry Memorial Arch
Rear View from Seaside Park
Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 1, 2010
5. Perry Memorial Arch
Front View of the Entrance to Seaside Park from Park Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 2,725 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 4, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
