Derby History Quiz

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Derby/Shelton Board of Trade



The headquarters on Main Street in Derby

Long before the Chamber of Commerce, the Derby/Shelton Board of Trade was a businessman's association that was a powerhouse not only in the Valley, but in the state. It was started about 1890 and formally incorporated about 1895. From its impressive and eloquent headquarters on Main Street that included the gentlemen's billiards room pictured above, it attracted the most influential business leaders in the community and influenced not only local government, but also the state legislature in Hartford. Among its accomplishments was securing state financial support to replace the wooden Derby/Shelton bridge, securing lower freight rates that benefited manufacturers, and securing funding to dredge the river.

It sponsored a baseball team, held courses and other events for its members and put on many successful banquets. The group was concerned not only with business issues, but with the general quality of life in Derby and Shelton. The group was composed of the leading manufacturers, business people and professionals in both Derby and Shelton.

Correct answers were received from: Jack Vagnini, Marc J. Garofalo, Mary Bisaccia, Randy Ritter, L. A. Cwanek, Joseph DiRienzo, Fred Grant, Ann Searles, Tom Marcucio, John M Rak, Rick Dunne, and Bob Ahearn.

To see our earlier quizzes and learn more about Derby's unique history, click here.

02/26/2013

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