Branford Green History Hunt, Branford, CT Preview

1

Introduction and Town Hall

The Branford Green has been the center of the town’s religious and social life since the land was given to the town in 1699. It has seen many uses over the years from cow pasture and militia training to town carnivals, concerts and today’s Branford Festivals.The first stop on our history hunt is the Town Hall and the Branford history sign. Town Hall was built in 1860 and has hosted many activities including voting, banking, dances, roller skating and even boxing matches. The porch and pillars were added to the building in the early 1900s and further additions added in the 1960s. An old stone jail stood directly behind the building from 1878 until the 1970s.Question: What was the original name of the Branford settlement (meaning “Tidal River”)?

2

Civil War Monument

More than 200 men from Branford served in the Civil War. This impressive monument was built by the Grand Army of the Republic (a Union Army veterans’ group) as a lasting memorial to those who died. It was dedicated in 1885. The monument is made of granite and is over 30-feet tall with the figure of the soldier on top standing 7 feet 4 inches.Question: The monument recognizes eight Civil War battles where Branford men fought. What are the names of two of those battles?

3

First Congregational Church of Branford

The history of the Congregational Church is the history of Branford, as church members founded the town. The land was owned and distributed by the church, and everyone in town was required to attend lengthy services each Sunday. The first building on the Green was the Congregational Church built in 1701. It was located in front of the current town hall. The church at this location was built in 1843. Question: What year did the First Congregational Church first gather and start serving the community of Branford?

4

Corner Main Street and Blackstone Ave.

Main Street was laid out around the Green by the earliest settlers and was part of what was known as the King’s Highway. It has seen many changes over the years. Private homes have gradually been replaced by businesses. Horses and oxen have been replaced by bikes, trolleys and eventually cars. Main Street has also seen several fires. The most recent fire happened in 1998 and destroyed the section of buildings across the street from this stop.Question: What local arts organization has a gallery in the new Branford Town Center building?

5

First Baptist Church

This section of the green was originally known as “whipping post hill”. During colonial times a pillory and stocks stood here and were used for public punishment and humiliation. The Baptist Church was organized in 1838 by families from Branford and Wallingford. The church building was built in 1843 and is the oldest church building on the Green.Question: What time is Sunday worship at the First Baptist Church?

6

World War I Cenotaph (Memorial)

This cenotaph is a memorial to the World War I servicemen who lost their lives in battle. It was designed by Branford resident J. Andre Smith, a World War I veteran and well-known military artist. Smith was also commissioned by President Woodrow Wilson to create the design for the Distinguished Service Cross. The Distinguished Service Cross is the Army’s second highest award for heroism, behind only the Medal of Honor. The granite symbol in the center of the cenotaph is the design of the Distinguished Service Cross.Question: What is the Latin phrase on the cenotaph?Bonus: The Branford 350th Time Capsule is located near the Cenotaph. What year will it be opened?

7

The Academy

The Academy is the oldest building on the Green and was built as a private school by a minister of the First Congregational Church. This is the third location for the Academy building. It originally stood where the Town Hall is now, was moved to the rear of the Congregational Church in 1860, and then moved again to this location in 1972.Question: What year was The Academy built?

8

Trinity Episcopal Church

Trinity Episcopal Church was formed in 1784 by town members unhappy with the Congregational Church. When this church building was constructed in 1851 its bell served as the town’s first fire alarm. The parish hall was added later and served as a clinic during the flu epidemic of 1916 to 1918.Question: What year was Trinity Church built in Roman numerals? (Hint: Look for the cornerstone)

9

Corner Main Street and Montowese Street

Electric trolleys were a popular way of getting from place to place in the early 1900s. This corner of the Green is curved because trolley cars coming down Main Street made the turn onto Montowese Street here as they continued on their way to Indian Neck and Stony Creek.Question: What famous school was founded near here in 1701?

10

Flag Pole

There has been a flag pole near the center of the Green for over 100 years. You can see it standing tall in photos of the Branford Carnivals from the early 1900s. During World War II there was a wooden honor roll memorial at the flag pole The current granite memorial was placed here in 1985.Question: This memorial recognizes those who served in which three wars?