[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 39 (Wednesday, April 13, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              BRANFORD, CELEBRATES 350 YEARS OF COMMUNITY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 1994

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I inform 
Congress that this year, the town of Branford, CT, will be celebrating 
its 350th anniversary. A town rich with history that rests on the 
shores of Long Island Sound, Brandford's unique history reminds us of 
the perseverance and exceptional vision of colonial America.
  In 1638, members of the New Haven Colony purchased a tract of land 
from the Mattabesech Native Americans. This purchase included a piece 
of land called Totokett, that later became Branford. In 1643, the 
colony granted Mr. William Swayne of Wethersfield the Totokett 
plantation. He was joined by settlers of the New Haven and Wethersfield 
communities, who made Branford their home.
  Tradition has it that Yale University was actually founded in 
Branford in 1701. Seven area ministers came to the Reverend Russell's 
home in Branford, and donated books that were the foundation of Yale 
University's library.
  Throughout the colonial period, Branford residents contributed to the 
economic strength of the Connecticut colony. While some residents also 
took advantage of the town's accessible port, and traveled along the 
eastern seaboard exporting lumber, livestock, brooms and produce, 
farming was the chief occupation for Branford families for over 200 
years.
  That began to change in 1852, when the railroad came to Branford, and 
brought with it the age of industry. Several companies were critical to 
Branford's new economic strength, including the Branford Lock Works, 
founded in 1865 and the Malleable Iron Fittings Co., founded in 1864. 
The Malleable Iron Fittings Co. grew to become the town's largest 
employer and taxpayer. The coming of the railroad opened Branford up to 
not only manufacturing, but to tourism as well. In the late 1800's, 20 
summer hotels lined the shoreline of this beautiful summer resort. 
Visitors could travel via trolley up and down the shore. Branford 
provided a cool and tranquil refuge to many city residents eager to 
escape the heat and humidity of the Northeast.
  Today, Branford takes pride in its beautiful shoreline and its unique 
history. The Branford Trolley Museum has captured Branford's past as a 
summer resort and popularity of the trolley cars. Ferries run from 
Branford to the Thimble Islands, where summer residents still return 
year after year. Branford remains a dynamic community with a small-town 
atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Branford as it 
celebrates 350 years of closely knit, community living.

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