A Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Milford
First United Church of Christ Congregational 34 West Main Street
Stowe maintains that “This church started Milford…and it was the founding center from which everything grew around it—a school, town hall, mill, farms, wharf and more. So, it’s a fitting place to begin our walk.” The church was organized August 22, 1639,
by Reverend Peter Prudden and a company of 15 families. During the pre-colonial period, members attended services in “the Common House”, once located at the about 150 yards south. A marker out front reads: Near this site stood the first Meeting House erected in Milford 1641.
By Cindy Papish Gerber
Captain Michael Peck in 1823-24, is a prime example of a two-story Federal-style church
A
with a looming steeple. It was constructed
ccording to Milford city historian Arthur Stowe, “Virtually all of American history can be uncovered by walking around downtown Milford. Within a short stroll, one can discover how our landmarks mirror those of our nation…and actually see how history evolved.” I met Stowe in front of the Parson’s Building
The present version (the 3rd), built by
to replace the “Second Church” or Plymouth Building, located across the river.
Plymouth Building 18 W. Main Street
While currently used for educational/community purposes, after construction in 1834, this building was remodeled in 1861, used for many years as a theatrical playhouse, then
at her home. She curated numerous walking,
razed and replaced (1951-52). Notably, Aaron
to embark upon an abridged version of “A
bus, and combo tours for school children,
Burr (yes, that third U.S. Vice President and
Walk Through Time,” a tour he gives as a vol-
teens, and adults that covered the breadth of
infamous Hamilton-duelist) was apprehend-
unteer for the Milford Historical Society (MHS).
Milford history, including one “very long” (in
ed here while hastily driving his carriage in
“There are many different types of tours out
her words) guide that includes over 38 tour
blatant disregard of the law banning Sunday
there,” he explains, producing copies of A Tour
stops. Her files, which I reference here, will be
travel. Unsurprisingly, the deacon sent Burr
Guide Book of The Colonial Houses of Milford
archived at the MHS for future generations.
to Clark Tavern (more about that establish-
Connecticut, by the Milford Bicentennial
Please keep in mind that our itinerary is by
ment later) until sundown.
no means definitive, but hopefully serves as
Historic Milford Connecticut, by Milford’s first
a good intro. As Rutheva Brockett suggested,
city historian Rutheva Brockett. Both booklets
“Whether your walking tour originates from
are currently available for purchase at MHS
an abiding interest in history, researching
Country Store (34 High Street).
early houses, or just spending a pleasant day
Built by Robert Treat in 1685 for his daughter
COURTESY OF FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO
Observance Committee, and A Walking Tour of
The Reverend Samuel Andrews House 124 North Street
On a personal note, I had the privilege of
retracing the paths our ancestors took,” we
and husband, the Reverend Andrews, who
meeting with the late MHS docent, educator,
hope it will offer readers “a way to make your
was third pastor of the First Church and an
and Milford Living Treasure Ardienne Damicis
journey though old Milford more enjoyable.”
original trustee of Yale College. During a cold
38 Milford Living • Spring