Early Names for Branchville:Early Names for Branchville:

Wheer Cock “Native American Name” obviously Anglicized. Weyaquock or something along those lines is more Native American.

Copp’s Corner John Copp surveyed the Land in Ridgefield 1707-8. “The land was high and rocky, but the soil was fertile and there were more than sixty miles of streams that could serve future mills.” Copp’s Corner is the intersection of Mountain Rd. and Peaceable St.

Ridgefield Station/Beers Station From 1852-1870 it was the only station in Ridgefield. Sherman Beers sold Land to RR for $600, William W. Beers, Postmaster until 1879.

Ridgefield, Redding, Wilton Boundary Marker. Located at

corner of Peaceable St. and Mountain Rd.

Branchville Pre-RailroadBranchville Pre-Railroad

Not Much to ReportNot Much to Report

Why was Branchville less Why was Branchville less traveled?traveled?

Norwalk to Danbury Norwalk to Danbury TurnpikeTurnpike

The Main Route to Danbury at this The Main Route to Danbury at this time came up Old Mill Road. time came up Old Mill Road.

Most Businesses/Mills are along Old Most Businesses/Mills are along Old Mill Road heading into Georgetown.Mill Road heading into Georgetown.

1811 Map Main Roads1811 Map Main Roads

Florida Hill

Old Mill Rd.

Great Pond

Branchville

Cabinet Shop

Blacksmith

18561856

No BusinessesNo BusinessesOn Sugar HollowOn Sugar Hollow

Plenty ofBusiness on Old Mill Rd.

Sugar Hollow to Sugar Hollow to BranchvilleBranchville

Sugar Hollow Highway created around 1818 to ease traffic on

Danbury to Norwalk Turnpike. This was not successful until the railroad arrived. Later referred to as The Old

Route 7, a.k.a. “State Road”

Portland Ave.

Route 7

Sugar Hollow Rd.

Old State Highway

Horton’s Ice Cream Shop. At the corner of Sugar Hollow & Route 7.Building still stands today.

Danbury to Norwalk RR completed 1852Danbury to Norwalk RR completed 1852

The Danbury to Norwalk Railroad began construction in the autumn months of 1850, the task was to convert 23 miles of rugged landscape along the Norwalk River into an iron trail that could not exceed a 1% grade…via human labor. There was not any specialized equipment, hardy souls and hand tools would be the only tools employed in the railroad's construction. Newly immigrated, enduring prejudices, and in need of work, the Irish were the hardy souls that manned the pick axes and accomplished the arduous task in an astonishingly short timeframe. With the completion of the Danbury to Norwalk Railroad in the spring of 1852, its workers were faced with two options: take up work on another stretch of rail-line or settle where they were and find new work. Thus, the area around Branchville & Georgetown became home - or at least a jumping-off place - for many Irish immigrants in search of a home.

Railroad Workers Pay- 1851

Name Days Wages Board Take-Home Pay

John McCauliff 21.75 $21.75 $0.00 $21.75

Thomas Corcey 19.75 $14.81 $8.70 $6.11

Timothy Sullivan 19.25 $14.44 $10.00 $4.44

Andrew Sullivan 22.00 $16.50 $10.00 $6.50

John Brody 9.75 $6.17 $7.50 -$1.58

William Woolsey Beers- Station Agent/Postmaster until 1879

Beers Family major landownersin Branchville & Ridgefield:From 1789 to 1814 Anthony BeersAcquired 252.5 acres. Future Generations enjoy the benefits.

Branchville station is the lowest point in Ridgefield at 342’.

Seeing Sherman Beers sold landTo RR company the Station isreferred to as Beers or Ridgefield Station for 18 yrs.

Branchville name given by RRCompany in reference to BranchLine to Ridgefield built 1869-70.

After RR ArrivesStores and BusinessesQuickly find their way

to Branchville.

Map circa 1856Branchville then

Ridgefield or Beer’sStation

The Mining TownThe Mining Town

Branchville Becomes a Mining Branchville Becomes a Mining Town: First Granite, then Town: First Granite, then

Mica, then “Oh MY!” World Mica, then “Oh MY!” World Wide Fame.Wide Fame.

Branchville Art Gallery Location

P.W. Bates owned Ridgefield Granite P.W. Bates owned Ridgefield Granite Works and deeds show the BatesWorks and deeds show the Batesname on or close to Mountain Rd. name on or close to Mountain Rd. until 1890. William Haaker also was until 1890. William Haaker also was given the right to Quarry granite in given the right to Quarry granite in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s.the late 1800’s, early 1900’s.

Single-Jacking

Double-Jacking

Mining Scar or feather mark. These Mining Scar or feather mark. These can be found throughout the Scott can be found throughout the Scott Preserve/Rock Lot off Peaceable St.Preserve/Rock Lot off Peaceable St.and Mountain Rd. and Mountain Rd.

House on Peaceable St. view facing north. An mid-1800 map notes Iron Ore being mined on Peaceable Street.

18518566

PeaceablePeaceable Street at the turn of the century.Street at the turn of the century.House shown still stands today (barely). House shown still stands today (barely). A caretaker house for 33 Peaceable St.A caretaker house for 33 Peaceable St.

Anne Parrish TitzellAnne Parrish Titzell

The World Famous The World Famous Branchville MineBranchville Mine

Some Redding Residents call Some Redding Residents call themselves Reddingites… Very themselves Reddingites… Very

few know it actually means: few know it actually means: “hydrated phosphate of manganese “hydrated phosphate of manganese

and iron”and iron”

Reddingite was one of the 8 Reddingite was one of the 8 unique minerals discovered at unique minerals discovered at

the Branchville mine.the Branchville mine.

Reddingite

Branchville Mine

Abijaha N. Fillow

Branchville Art Gallery Location

Branchville

Mine

Branchville Station

Pine MountainRoad

Mountain Road

Branchville Mine TimelineBranchville Mine Timeline

• First Excavation by AFirst Excavation by Abijaha N. Fillow approx. 1876. N. Fillow approx. 1876. Mined for Mica but ceased in the spring of 1878 Mined for Mica but ceased in the spring of 1878 because he thought the mica was of inferior quality.because he thought the mica was of inferior quality.

• George Brush and Edward Dana of Yale University George Brush and Edward Dana of Yale University become so enthused by the new minerals Fillow become so enthused by the new minerals Fillow uncovers that they engage Fillow to resume uncovers that they engage Fillow to resume excavations with Yale Funds.excavations with Yale Funds.

• Nine new minerals were discovered. Mineral types: Nine new minerals were discovered. Mineral types: pegmatite, and quartz, feldspar, mica, spodumene, pegmatite, and quartz, feldspar, mica, spodumene, beryl and columbite. beryl and columbite. Eight uniqueEight unique to Branchville to Branchville location. Brush and Dana get famous, Fillow gets rich.location. Brush and Dana get famous, Fillow gets rich.

• In 1926: 31 minerals excavated by Frank Schairer. In 1926: 31 minerals excavated by Frank Schairer. Schairer, in addition to being a well known Schairer, in addition to being a well known Mineralogist, was a key contributor to the stellite-Mineralogist, was a key contributor to the stellite-lined machine gun barrel project.lined machine gun barrel project.

George Brush Edward Dana

YPM = Yale University’s Peabody Museum

Branchville Mine Timeline, Branchville Mine Timeline, cont.cont.

• From September 1943 to November 1944, Fred From September 1943 to November 1944, Fred and Joseph Burrone and Carlo Rusconi, all of North and Joseph Burrone and Carlo Rusconi, all of North Branford, Connecticut, operated the mine for micaBranford, Connecticut, operated the mine for mica

• Sandy Ridge Mica and Mining Company, Inc., 927 Sandy Ridge Mica and Mining Company, Inc., 927 15th Street N. W., Washington, D. C., worked the 15th Street N. W., Washington, D. C., worked the mine in November and December 1944. Minor mine in November and December 1944. Minor mining projects would continue until 1954.mining projects would continue until 1954.

• Sheet Mica was important in WWII because it was Sheet Mica was important in WWII because it was used to insulate electrical equipment…Spark used to insulate electrical equipment…Spark Plugs, Radio Apparatus, Fuse Boxes, Heating Plugs, Radio Apparatus, Fuse Boxes, Heating Devices and Telephones.Devices and Telephones.

• Michael DeLuca attempted to open the mine again Michael DeLuca attempted to open the mine again in 1979-80 but ran into zoning problems. in 1979-80 but ran into zoning problems. Monaplastics, Inc. landowners Monaplastics, Inc. landowners

J. Frank Schairer located 31 different minerals in 1926. It was part of his research work on "The Minerals of Connecticut." He collected the data while he was at Yale. Schairer helped organize the Yale Mineralogical

Society and was elected its first president on October 5, 1923.

Branchville MineBranchville Mine20062006

Branchline to Ridgefield completed 1870Branchline to Ridgefield completed 1870

Prior to Branchline passengers driven to Ridgefield by Horse and Buggy. Branchline the result of increased demand for both passenger & freight service to Ridgefield. Following completion 3 trips a day were made to/from Ridgefield…15 minutes each way. Almost immediately “Branchville” name applied to village.

Branchline is now hiking/biking trail starting at CL&P lines below Hickory Lane off Florida Road.

Route 7 Looking North Toward Route 102

Building to the left is currently Pete’s Mane Concern. Branchline RR Crossing can be seen in the distance. By this time Rt. 7

improvementshad closed Branchline to passenger service in 1925. Freight

continued until 1964. The line was never electrified.

Ridgefield Station 1875

Grass yard shown later replaced with gravel. Station is Ridgefield Supply warehouse in the present day.

Ready to head off to the country estate

Dangerous Return Trip to Main LineDangerous Return Trip to Main Line

There was no turn-around in Ridgefield. Trains traveling up to Ridgefield would have to return to Branchville in Reverse. This was dangerous seeing Ridgefield is 700’ above sea-level, Branchville is 342’ above sea-level.

Branchline from Branchville to Ridgefield

1905 Accident Ivy Hill. Conductor William Horan Killed.

“The snow is up to my knees this morning and still coming. I had a fierce time getting to the station.”

Water TowerWater Tower

Double semaphore is a train order signal, one for each direction

Gruman’sIce Tools

Post Office & StorePost Office & Store

Elisabeth Mead operated a general store and post office in Branchville. Elisabeth Mead operated a general store and post office in Branchville. ItItwas said to have been reached via a bridge. She sold Santanella Baked was said to have been reached via a bridge. She sold Santanella Baked Goods.Goods.

Comical story relayed by Jack Sanders…Branchvillers tried to pull a "switch-a-roo" on Ridgefield. Signs were created and posted re-naming Branchville as Ridgefield and the actual town of Ridgefield as "West Ridgefield" This did not go over big andlasted a very short time.

Perhaps this explains why West Branchville Rd. was appliedto the eastern most section of Ridgefield. Pay back.

Quartz & Feldspar Mining

• 1880 Union Porcelain Works of Greenpoint, New 1880 Union Porcelain Works of Greenpoint, New York, leased the Branchville Mine property and York, leased the Branchville Mine property and operate it for feldspar and quartz until at least operate it for feldspar and quartz until at least 1890. Feldspar is used in making porcelain.1890. Feldspar is used in making porcelain.

• Soon after (1891) The Bridgeport Wood Finishing Soon after (1891) The Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company of New Milford, Connecticut, operated Company of New Milford, Connecticut, operated for quartz and feldspar until approx. 1917. BWFC for quartz and feldspar until approx. 1917. BWFC also leased mining land to other companies also leased mining land to other companies during this time period.during this time period.

Key Products: Wheeler’s Wood Filler, Breining’s Oil Stain & Lithogen Silicate Paint.

Ancona’s MarketAncona’s Market

Silex = trade name for finely ground quartz

Viewpoint from Route 7 looking toward Viewpoint from Route 7 looking toward Ridgefield. Branchville Oil/Motorcycle locationRidgefield. Branchville Oil/Motorcycle location

Viewpoint: looking back toward Route 7Viewpoint: looking back toward Route 7

Main line Water tower

View from Branchville School Playing Fields

Double Jacking MethodDouble Jacking Method

Fine Powdered Quartz & FeldsparThe BWFC first baked, then crushed and ground Quartz and Feldsparinto a fine powder with large Quartz wheel stones.

Of the crusher Willis DeForest recalled “ I can still hear the pounding noise,Hour after hour, of that crusher.”

The powdered material was then sifted through sieves, some producedlocally by Richard Bennet. Over time they found silk sieves worked thebest (they were more durable).

Next the product was barreled and shipped via railroad to their processing Plants. Where “Cooper’s Tavern” (Bank 59, Amici’s) stood there was oncea cooperage that supplied barrels for this purpose (in addition to local wine).

Top quality (flour sized) quartz became wood filler and paint, low-to-mid quality (sand sized) feldspar was used as poultry grit. High quality feldspar was used in ceramics and soap.

Many mill employees died as a result of the ever-present dust. 90% of the employees were said to be Italians.

Wilson Point on Long Island Sound

1882 Addition to Danbury/Norwalk Railroad. This leads to profitable

Agreements with other RR’s & is a great benefit to businesses on the line.

Ice, Eggs/ Milk, Wire, Granite, Feldspar, Quartz all products that can now reach NYC ports from Branchville & Georgetown.

Shipped TrainsTo Long Island

RR’s 1893

Railroad Success = Railroad Success = Community GrowthCommunity Growth

Branchville, fueled by the success Branchville, fueled by the success of the RR & Mining Industry, of the RR & Mining Industry, attracts Italian Immigrants, attracts Italian Immigrants,

Summer Residents, Service Related Summer Residents, Service Related Businesses.Businesses.

DeBenigno’s Branchville General Store Doubled

as a Boarding House for Italian Immigrants

National Historic RegisterNational Historic Register

Joseph Ancona’s 1930. Arrived in 1912 from Sicily.

Cooperage

Porch Enclosed

Walter Little’s General Store. West Branchville Rd.

The Italian American Citizens Political Club of Ridgefield, June 29, 1913

Where Could Immigrants Find Work?

• Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company

• Country Estates • Deland & Gilbert Soap• Gilbert & Bennett

Wire Mill• Gruman Ice Tools

• Mead Stone Tools• Monarch Mining Co.• Railroad• Ridgefield Water lines• Ridgefield Sewage

lines• Service industry

In addition to these “day jobs” many Italian immigrants were able to create a second income via wine and hard cider. A number of home based Taverns or “drinking rooms” proved successful and quite popular in the area.

Cooking Porchetta- Frank Santini, James Costanzi, Enrico Frulla and Bruno Franceschini

Clearing the land for Branchville playground and ball field.Branchville Civic Association. Joe Ancona, Jr & Sr, Ray Platt,Frank D’Addario, Rick & Gene Ridolfi. 1930 Chevy.

Memorial Day parade from Georgetown to Memorial Day parade from Georgetown to Branchville Cemetery was once an annual event.Branchville Cemetery was once an annual event.

G&B School, North Main, speech at 3 trees (memorials to WWI), Route 7,G&B School, North Main, speech at 3 trees (memorials to WWI), Route 7,Route 102, Florida Road, Flowers on Graves. Some would walk back to Route 102, Florida Road, Flowers on Graves. Some would walk back to Methodist Chapel, Kearns’ would give out Ice Cream to kids that walked Methodist Chapel, Kearns’ would give out Ice Cream to kids that walked

back from Miller Sisters: Beth and Kate.back from Miller Sisters: Beth and Kate.

Anna Giovanna, Anne, Giuseppe and Anthony Del BiondoAnna Giovanna, Anne, Giuseppe and Anthony Del Biondo

Adolfo, Silvestro and Nazzareno Lavatori

Sacred Heart Church convenient to Branchville residents. A good number attendedSaint Mary’s in Ridgefield.

Branchville District School. Closed June 1939

Life’s Fresh Air CampLife’s Fresh Air Camp• John Ames Mitchell of Life Magazine opened John Ames Mitchell of Life Magazine opened

the camp in 1899.the camp in 1899.• He originally raised $800 to send 266 under He originally raised $800 to send 266 under

privileged city kids from NYC to Branchville.privileged city kids from NYC to Branchville.• Located where Branchville School is today.Located where Branchville School is today.• Later Hidden Valley, the New York Herald Later Hidden Valley, the New York Herald

Tribune’s Fresh Air Camp. Tribune’s Fresh Air Camp. • A version of the camp still exists to this day A version of the camp still exists to this day

in other parts of the country…in Redding in other parts of the country…in Redding New Pond Farm runs a similar program New Pond Farm runs a similar program each summer.each summer.

John Ames Mitchell’s West Lane Estate“Windover”

Life’s Fresh Air Camp location of Life’s Fresh Air Camp location of Branchville Elementary SchoolBranchville Elementary School

The Branchville School opened in 1969 on lower FloridaRoad, and remained in use until 1983. Decliningenrollment led to the school’s closing. The Board ofEducation occupied the school until 1994 when increasingenrollments resulted in voters agreeing to re-open the school.