Historian's Corner

Old Newgate Prison  With the growth of the first settlements in New England, crime and punishment became common issues, just as they had been in the Old World.  However, the setting had changed and so the early codes and methods of … [Read more...] about Historian’s Corner

By Dan Shine Voice Columnist The West Shore Chronicles, As written, 1925  Thanks to Kathy Granfield for making this possible-  Compiled from Data Furnished by: C. Edwin Booth (Rocky Beach); Eugene Hubbard (Jones Hill … [Read more...] about Historian’s Corner

By Dan Shine Voice Columnist “Washington’s Black Regiment” Can you imagine Congregational ministers fanning the fires of war?  It couldn’t be possible, could it?  And yet, the English authorities termed the colonial ministers … [Read more...] about Historian’s Corner

By Dan Shine Voice Columnist Tom Thumb  This week’s column is taken from The West Haven Booster, dated November 1933, and written in the style of that era:  Today we beg to recall to your recollection a big, little man, who … [Read more...] about Historian’s Corner

By Dan Shine Voice Columnist Zuppardi’s Apizza Part II Read part one.  When Tony Zuppardi got sick in 1983, he turned the business over to his children, Robert, Cheryl and Lori.  The three of them ran the business until … [Read more...] about Historian’s Corner

By Dan Shine Voice Columnist Zuppardi’s Apizza Part I Read part two.  Do you remember your first pizza?  The Boy does:  It was on an evening in 1959 when the family had gone out to see a black-and-white “cops and … [Read more...] about Historian’s corner

Thomas Painter  Thanks to Peter J. Malia for contributing to this week’s column:  The most vivid account of the landing of the British in 1779 was given by Thomas Painter of the West Haven Congregational Church. He was a member … [Read more...] about Historian’s corner

A Flag, A Declaration, and an Anthem The months of June and July, 1776 were an exciting time for American Patriots.  A Quaker lady from the city of Philadelphia, named Elizabeth Claypoole Ross, or Betsy Ross as we know her, would … [Read more...] about Historian’s Corner

The Rev. Ernest Bodenweber This week we continue our series honoring First Church’s 300th Anniversary; the following was written 10 years ago:  Something always seemed to guide the teenaged Ernest Bodenweber toward his life’s … [Read more...] about Historian’s corner