Milford Living Summer 2020

Summer 2020 Vol. 17 Issue 2 $5.99

It’s good to know agents who know.

Sue McNulty Office Leader

Vivennie Blackwood

Lydia Lucas

Karla Franzman

The Talmadge Wall Group

Dave Brewster Dorothy and Elizabeth Schildgen

Yadira McLaughlin

Alicia Hale

Mia DiStasi

Robert Lamparski Aurelia Michelson

Victoria Sampieri

Diane Pucca

203-877-2704 54 Broad Street • Milford

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Feature

26

34

Grown in Milford

A trio of family farms continue to bloom and grow. By Makayla Silva

Milford Beach Names

Can you name every beach in Milford?

By Cindy Papish Gerber

Departments 4 6 8 12 16 20 22 40 42 44 46 48 52 54 56

Publisher’s Letter Readers’ Letters Milford Spotlight Around Town At Home At your Service Milford Morsels This Season Education Notebook Historical Perspective Milford Attic Congratulations Greetings From Milford Expressions Where is It?

About the cover: A summer view of the Milford Harbor.

Photo by Cathy Leite. View more of Cathy’s work by visiting: cathyleitephotography.com

2020 • Milford Living 1

SUMMER 2020 VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 2 Publisher/President Suzanne Cahill Suzanne@milfordliving.com

Editorial Director Ann McGuire

Art Director Ryan Swanson

Associate Publisher Susan Carroll-Dwyer

Advertising Director Joy Haines

Account Executive Mary Jo Downs

Contributing Photographers

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Penny Boland, Bill Canfield, Susan Carroll Dwyer, Sherry Lynn Johnson, Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Maryalice Manning, JJ Richards

Contributing Editors

Tracy Farricker, McKenzie Granata

Contributing Writers

Angela Arpino, Susan Carroll Dwyer, Bryan Creevy, Susan Glennon, Judy Goldwyn,Shaileen Kelly Landsberg, Marilyn May, Cindy Papish Gerber, Makayla Silva

Production Manager

It takes a local business owner to protect one.

Mario Recupido

Production Assistance Kevin Maher, Todd Manning, Tamara Simpson

Web Design Mario Recupido

Interns

What we write gets read.

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Anna Downs, Bridget Dwyer, Maryalice Manning

Milford Living Magazine 162 Bridgeport Avenue Milford CT 06460 203-283-5290 http://www.milfordliving.com

Milford Living Magazine (ISSN 1547-4429) is distributed quarterly by Red Mat Publishing. P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Publisher. Subscription Rates: U.S. $23.96. Newsstand: $5.99. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460. Please allow six to eight weeks for subscription processing. Copyright 2003-2020 Red Mat Publishing.www.redmatpublishing.com Opinions expressed in Milford Living Magazine articles and advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, respectively, and should not be considered as expressions of management or official policies of Milford Living Magazine. www.redmatpublishing.com

A distinctive voice in custom publishing

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Printed in the USA. www.redmatpublishing.com

Charlene Allen

Kathy Anderson

Eileen Barrett

Danielle Blumner

Sandy Burnell

Leila Chaucer

Peter Chapman

Noreen Daniells

Judie DiFranco

Sue DuBrow

Kelly Durrschmidt

Lisa English

Sarah Ferrante

Sonia Grant

Robin Helburn

Kelly Hill

Marilyn Hurteau

Ruth Korpita

Janet Lengel

Beth Lopez

Lorraine Luzietti

Debi McGinley

Len Nicoletti

Lorna Nichols

Barbara Oliver

Pete Peterson

Luke Porto

Christine Shaw

Jill Shaw

Phyllis Sochrin

Victoria Stillings

Donna Tartagni

Linda Wilson

Colleen Zacarelli

Barbara Zink

(203) 878-7424 • www.coldwellbankerhomes.com • 171 N. Broad Street *Based on SmartMLS data for single family/condo listing closed in Milford 2001-2019

publisher’s letter Dear Friends and Neighbors,

COMMITTED TO James E. Pucci, D.M.D. ted Top Dentist - Fairfield Living EXCELLENCE Periodontics & Dental Implants

Welcome to the summer issue of Milford Living; we are so glad to be here with you.

ni P. Edirisinghe, D.M.D.

The last few months have been challenging for all of us, but

we’re part of an incredibly kind community who came together by

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E Pre Nurturing the in K - 8 education ahearts safe, spiritual, and minds and academically of little learners for challenging over 32 years. environment.

Growing in Faith & Knowledge

for a while as if things would never return to the way they were.

But slowly the new normal is emerging, as our community—our beaches, parks, and businesses—reopen.

Now more than ever it’s

important to exercise kindness with one another. It may be

difficult: the emotions we feel as cities around the country

give voice to decades of racial injustice are complex.

We are outraged one minute and inspired the next. Here in Milford, we have a long tradition of uplifting one

another, continually working to build a stronger, more inclusive community.

July is the new

January. Time to begin anew.

In this issue we look to

nature as our companion as we

importance of our topography and community. We celebrate our rich

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Readers’Choice Best 72 Gulf Street Milford, CT Preschool 2012

www.saintmaryschoolmilford.org 72welcome Gulf Street Milford, CT E 203-878-6539 All faiths are and

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4 Milford Living • Summer

ones, and for that we offer you are deepest sympathies. It seemed

focus on the history and the

challenging All faiths welcome Offering many and E environment.

Pre K -are 8 education in tuition assistance is available. a safe, spiritual, enrollment options Milford Patch E and for 3academically & 4 yearBest olds.

Readers’Choice challenging Preschool 2012 GulftourStreet Milford, CT E 203-878-6539 Take virtual E environment.

Pre K -a872 education in AllaMilford faiths welcome and safe, spiritual, on ourare website.

Patch Etuition assistance is available. and academically Readers’Choice Best challenging Preschool Allenvironment. faiths are2012 welcome

tuition assistance is available.

of Covid-19. Some of us experienced the unexpected loss of loved

feature our beaches and farms,

E Start child’s in K - your 8Patch education Milford E Pre aReaders’Choice safe,ofspiritual, love learning at Best and academically Preschool 2012 St. Mary Preschool.

72 Gulf and Street Milford, CT E AllMilford faiths are welcome Patch Etuition assistance is available.

staying apart—ensconced in our homes to help control the spread

history together and we express our gratitude through service for one another.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the frontline workers

and volunteers who served our community during the darkest of

recent days and continue with their selfless labors. Well wishes to everyone doing their part to make a difference in our lives.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Milford Living and we wish you

many sunny days ahead.

All the best,

Suzanne

SUSAN FISHER

Stringent Infection Control for COVID-19 3 Cherry St. (Harmony Place), Milford, CT 06460 General and Cosmetic Dentist 203-878-1766 Child Psychology Certified www.familydentistrymilford.com Periodontist - Implant and Gum Surgery Certified New Office Hours

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readers’ letters Milford has a lot of seniors, maybe an article on something like that?

—Pat Damon, Milford, CT Thanks for writing! We regularly try to feature articles on things Milford seniors can enjoy as well as members of the Milford senior community who are living their lives to the fullest! For many years we had a Senior Corner department and will consider bringing it back.

Need captions for all photos.

—Janice Purcell, Milford, CT We try…we really do! We use a combination of our own photographers, stock photos, and pictures provided by the subjects so sometimes

Drop us a line…

it’s difficult to track down names. But we promise to keep trying!

My grandmother, Rytena Parsons Spencer, worked at the hat factory [featured in the last issue] when she was a young girl. Very interesting facts.

—Jane Allison, Milford, CT

We are excited to We are excited to An article on the original house that stood be celebrating where the condos across from the Yacht 40 years in practice Club are now. The original cannon was there be celebrating protecting Milford Harbor from the British.

Thanks Jane! We love writing Wehistorical strivepieces to and mainta —Mary Ann Griffin, Milford, CT bringing attention back to the Milford that was!

40 years in the practice. very same value Great idea. You’re speaking of course of the Clapp Great magazine and interesting articles. present The were o strive tothat maintain house, which sat on the same site as what was We history of local churches would be interesting, Day One: once Fort Trumbull but was lost to the wrecking especially if you highlight their ministries.

the very same values We want your famil that were present on to be a part of our Day One: family! We are

ball in the 1980s. The cannon was not, in fact, a Revolutionary War artifact; prior to being placed in its current location outside the Milford Chamber of Commerce, it was dated to the Civil War era.

—Jerry & Helene Dellert, Milford, CT

Thank you for the suggestion. We have been spotlighting Milford’s various houses of worship for many years and will try to include more.

happily accepting new patients.

We look forward to We want your family welcoming you to to be a parttheofBrush our& Floss family! Wefamily! are

Please send your comments, contributions, suggestions, and questions to Milford Living Magazine P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT 06460 or email our publisher at: suzanne@milfordliving.com

Still Selling Homeshappily withaccepting new patients.

Your Safety in Mind 

We look forward to

Virtual Tours & Live Showings welcoming you to via Facetime, Zoom & more

the Brush & Floss family!

Dr. Jeffrey C. Hoos, DMD, FAG

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milford spotlight

T

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

The Bridgekeeper he Washington Bridge…many of us travel across it daily, or at least once a week. This

It may look like something out of an old sci-fi

local landmark has a long history of getting people where they need to go, beginning

flick, but this complex control panel requires

in 1758 with a small barge to move people and goods across the Housatonic. Legend

specific sequencing to operate the bridge.

has it that George Washington crossed the river on the barge in 1775 during his journey to Massachusetts to take command of the Colonial Army. The first actual bridge was completed in

The advent of the industrial revolution required a different kind of bridge. In 1894, an

1868 when it was struck by the Monitor, the legendary ironclad steamship lauded for its service

iron bridge was built for the whopping cost of

during the Civil War.

$88,500. With a center span that could swing

The bridge’s signature arches make it a favorite for local photographers.

8 Milford Living • Summer

MARYALICE MANNING

??

1813. At one point, the wooden structure was rebuilt when damaged by ice flows, and again in

clear, it allowed larger vessels to make their way

Ray Parker is one of the three bridge

up the river. A trolley line was also added to

operators who “keep” the Washington Bridge

transport passengers along the Boston Post Road.

functioning. He’s been working on bridges for

Work on the current bridge began in 1915,

30 years. “I stay near the radio for calls from

which, due to shortages of steel during World

the coast guard and vessels. They will give us a

War I, was not completed until 1921. Fabricated

heads-up so the bridge is open by the time the

by Bethlehem Steel and considered to be a

boats arrive,” says Parker. “Sometimes if a car

marvel of engineering, at the time it was the

is broken down or there is heavy auto traffic,

most expensive bridge in the state, at a cost of

we contact the coast guard to notify boaters

(Top) Blueprints of the bridge and (Above) the

$1.5 million dollars.

there is a delay for a certain amount of time.”

bridge under construction.

As one of nine moveable bridges the state of Connecticut manages, the Washington

Ray keeps a weather eye on the river to keep up on conditions.

“The first thing is to manipulate the traffic

Bridge is one of only a few manned 24 hours a

When a call is received for the bridge to

light. Then the gates are down it permits me

day, 365 days a year. Who mans it? Well, that’s

go up, Ray gets prepared. There’s a course of

to unlock the span. Once the locks are cleared

where the bridgekeeper comes in.

action with procedures within the sequence.

out of the way it can be raised. Once the boat

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milford spotlight clears the bridge the procedure is reversed.”

There are multiple levers, switches, and keys to operate the span. Although the panel may look like something out of the 1950s, what is beneath it is high tech.

Federal regulation requires a vessel to lower its mast if it at all possible. The tide is a factor as well because it changes the clearance under

The drawbridge opens to allow for vessel passage up and down the Housatonic to and from LI Sound.

the bridge. (A tide marker is located on either side of the channel.) As a precaution, the

day, it was a respite spot for weary travelers.

bridge cannot be raised in winds surpassing 35 miles per hour.

“I like it,” Parker says about his job. “It’s

is no fishing allowed off the bridge due to the river traffic.

different and it’s a big responsibility. There

Parker has a job with a great view and equal

So, the next time you traverse the Housatonic

is always something to look at. Occasionally

River on State Bridge No. 327, or are waiting in

responsibility. The two brick buildings on the

there are bridge buffs who come to check it

traffic when it’s up…take a moment to marvel

bridge each have their function. The bridge

out. Fisherman have a favorite the spot just

at the engineering behind the gates, and give a

operator is in the Stratford side building while

south of it. There are quite a few walkers at all

wave to the Bridgekeeper.

the Milford side houses a generator. Back in the

hours of the day and night.” However, there

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

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around town

L

ast year, on September 28th, a unique festival took place in Milford, the likes of which our Small City with a Big Heart had never seen. The festival, PorchFest, was a huge hit for the community and brought out hundreds of folks to take part in this annual celebration of music.

PorchFest itself is an organic grassroots

COURTESY OF MILFORD ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Milford PorchFest

Local musicians entertained Milford residents on porches all around town.

great response,” shared Nash. “It felt almost

of Milford Arts Council (the MAC), the event

global initiative meant to develop

magical, like a giant block party. We left the

was a huge success, a wonderful way to

community and bring together local

commercialism out of it and made it very

embrace what makes Milford so special. “The

musicians and residents for music and fun

neighbor-friendly.”

arts bring us together and music is a huge part

in the casual setting of the front porch.

According to Paige Miglio, Executive Director

of that,” said Miglio.

The town of Ithaca, NY hosted the very first PorchFest, founded by residents Lesley Greene and Gretchen Hildreth, in 2007. Since then, more than 130 communities in the United States and Canada have had their own Porchfests, and the event has also spread beyond North America.

Julie Nash, Milford director of Economic and Community Development, was the driving force behind bringing the event to town. Nash, who has attended several PorchFests in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, felt that it would be a great fit for Milford.

“I’d been thinking about it for a few years, and knowing how successful another music event, Make Music Day, was for Milford, in 2019 I finally pulled the trigger. There was a

12 Milford Living • Summer

Many listeners brough their own chairs to PorchFest locations to relax and enjoy the music.

Meg Pelletier-Tramuta, whose porch hosted

those who appreciate music, was a perfect

RumRunners, felt it was a very successful event.

place for its very own PorchFest.”

“It was amazing; I loved it. It was wonderful

The event, which ran from 1:00pm-6:00pm,

and so much fun to see people get together to

consisted of close to 70 bands, singers, and

listen to music, dance, and sing along. Everyone

instrumentalists of many different genres,

was so happy, and I thought it was a positive

and played on close to 70 front porches

experience for the whole town.”

around the city. Attendees walked, biked,

Another popular local band, The Elwoods,

or drove from house to house, enjoying the

performed at the home of Michelle Kramer. “I

different musical offerings, local bars and

thought PorchFest was a brilliant idea and a

restaurants, or even having picnics along the

great way to bring music to the community,”

way. Some homes hosted multiple bands

said band frontman Tom Intelisano. “The

throughout the day while others hosted

Elwoods totally enjoyed our location and hosts.

one. At one home the popular local band

I’m hoping we can do it again.”

RumRunners played twice!

COURTESY OF MILFORD ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

“Milford, a city with many musicians and

Attendance at Milford’s 2019 PorchFest

Kids and adults alike took the time to pause, listen, and relax together in music.

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around town exceeded expectations, with at least several hundred people participating in the fun. It is estimated that approximately 75% of the people attending were Milford residents, and the other 25% came in for the day from out of town. According to Pelletier-Tramuta, whose downtown location lent itself to foot traffic that day, “Some people came on the train, and it gave them the chance to see the downtown. Some were even able to visit the Milford Historical Society and learn about Milford’s history.”

PorchFest attendees traveled throughout Milford’s neighborhoods to enjoy the day.

At the time of this article’s writing it is not known whether there will be a PorchFest in

time required for the event to be successful,

on Facebook for any updates on a possible 2020

2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According

there is a chance of it happening. Those

PorchFest in our city.

to Nash, since there is not a great deal of lead

interested can follow the Discover Milford page

14 Milford Living • Summer

—Shaileen Kelly Landsberg

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“Just mix tiny potatoes with a little oil, a pinch of salt, and some rosemary and you can cook them in the microwave if you don’t want to turn on the oven.” Among Arla’s favorites is Fontina cheese melted in a cast iron pan with oil and garlic with rosemary and thyme.

“Serve that for an appetizer with something to dip, and you’ll have nothing left when it’s time for dinner. You’d be surprised what herbs can do to a piece of cheese.”

Milford’s Historical Society maintains a large herb garden on the front and south sides of the Bryan-Downs House. The garden at the Milford Historical Society site on Plains Road was started by the Wepawaug Garden Club in 1967. Although herbs can be used for

The Secret Ingredient I

medical and other purposes, members of the Wepawaug Garden Club chose a selection

f the meatloaf you ordered at your favorite restaurant tastes more scrumptious than the one you make at home; if a simple tuna sandwich in your friend’s kitchen makes you wonder why you can’t make yours that way, you might be missing the secret ingredient known by fine cooks in Milford and around the world. “They turn an ordinary dish into something special,” says Arla Wiles, a Milford resident and member of the Milford Garden Club, known by her friends as an extraordinary cook. of herbs they could use in their home meal Club, grows rosemary, thyme, basil, and

preparation. By the time the garden was

replicate in your own cooking is probably

The distinctive flavor that you yearn to

parsley in her yard. “At least two herbs go

returned to the Historical Society in 1973, the

an herb or several herbs. This summer, as

into every meal I make,” she says. One of her

perennials were well established and the

in summers past, herb gardens will provide

favorites recipes is cream of mushroom soup,

annuals had their place to grow each year.

Milford gardeners and cooks with enough

in which she mixes a variety of vegetables

herbs to last throughout the year.

and that secret ingredient, thyme. “There’s

Historical Society’s Herbcrafters, is able to

always rosemary roast potatoes,” Arla says.

point out the many unusual herbs: lemon

Wiles, a member of the Milford Garden

16 Milford Living • Summer

Ardienne Damicis, president of the Milford

balm, horehound, lamb’s ear, rue, and

Herbcrafters is approximately fifteen

for example, are popular and reputedly

feverfew, along with better known herbs like

committed community members who meet

very tasty. Herbal butters can be made by

sage, lavender, and others. Herbs are annual

on the fourth Monday of most months to

combining softened butter with tarragon

or perennial. “Some of these herbs can be

exchange plants, plan their participation

(great on chicken, fish, or vegetables) chives

kept for the winter by spreading them on a

in Milford events, and discuss herbs.

(good mixed into plain rice or corn on the

tray, freezing them, and transferring them to

Membership is open to anyone who wants to

cob) or, as suggested by Arla Wiles, dill and

plastic bags,” Damicis says. “Others are best

attend, whether to learn or to educate others.

rosemary on steak.

dried and put in jars,” she added. “We use them all year-round in our cooking.”

The current membership of the

Herbcrafters and members of the Milford Garden Club are always ready to share recipes

Experimentation is encouraged, but first you have to plant your herb garden.

containing their herbs. Rosemary cookies,

—Judy Goldwyn

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at your service

Feeding Frontline Heroes

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic began to get its grip on local communities this spring, people began to look for ways to help those in need. Matt Glennon, a lifelong Milford resident and local attorney, created a Go Fund Me page to generate funds to buy meals from local restaurants to be delivered to essential service workers. His idea was conceived as a way to help many friends and relatives who are healthcare practitioners and first responders, and from his experience working in the restaurant field which helped pay his way through law school. He knew how hard restauranteurs work, the long hours they put in, and the small profit margins they often realize.

Matt Glennon delivers breakfast from Little Lasse’s to Diego Brito for D Company, 102nd Infantry of the CT National Guard.

Glennon opened the Go Fund Me page on March 20th. “With COVID-19 causing

shutdowns across the country, the Milford restaurants that make our city so great and

that we all love will be facing tough times.

Simultaneously, many workers will be putting their health on the line to treat the sick and ensure our essential services continue to be delivered. Let’s come together and kill two birds with one stone—support our local businesses and those keeping us safe,” he said at the time.

A cadre of friends donned face masks and gloves and made the first deliveries on March 24th. As word of the fund spread, the initial goal of $10,000 was quickly surpassed. It currently stands at over $16,000 from generous donations ranging from $5 to $1000.

Thumbs up to the Bees Knees Café crew for supplying Yale Hospital nurses with a nutritious breakfast.

20 Milford Living • Summer

As the state begins to slowly open back up,

Glennon will shift to “phase two” of his plan, purchasing gift cards from local eateries to be distributed to other service workers, such as grocery and postal employees.

“It felt great to get out into the community and see the positive impact of a small gesture like making a purchase or providing a meal,” said Glennon, adding that once the page is closed any remaining funds will be donated to a charity that supports laid off restaurant workers or essential service providers.

To read more about the fund, or donate, please visit gofundme.com/f/msjzsc.

—Susan Glennon

Ben Eisenhandler and Matt Glennon deliver Liberty Rock Tavern fare to the Milford Fire Department.

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milford morsels

Preserving Summer’s Bounty

A

few generations ago, preserving food from the harvest was about the only way to ensure adequate supplies of food all year. Most families spent time every summer and fall washing, prepping, and canning their fruits and vegetables, making jams and sauces, pickles and preserves, to be stored in the pantry for future use.

With the expansion of the global supply

of food being canned: hot water bath canning,

and a jar lifter to remove the jars from the water

chain, fresh produce became available

pressure canning, and dry canning. It is

in which they were processed.

year-round, and canning fell by the wayside.

also recommended to always use the most

But the past several years has seen the rise of

up-to-date resource by canning experts such

pickles as these are relatively easy and can be

what is known as the locavore movement—

as Ball (ballhomecanning.com) to ensure safe

processed in a hot water bath. According to

people committed to eating food grown or

practices. Canning jars, new lids with wax

Iowa State University Extension, “pickling is

produced within their local community—and

seals, and rust-free rings are a must for all

preserving a food with acid and salt. The key

the old ways are returning to favor.

Many home canners begin with canning

three types of canning. Other useful supplies

to safe pickling is making sure that the acid

The locavore focus is on choosing local

are a wide-mouth funnel for filling the jars, a

is high enough to kill any microorganisms

food sources, picked in-season at the peak of

magnetic wand to lift the lids from hot water,

that can lead to spoilage or illness.” It’s

ripeness, full of flavor and nutrition, rather than

recommended that vinegar with 4-6% acidity

food picked early and transported thousands

is used. In addition to pickles, some sauces are

of miles before reaching the store. In that, this

also included in this type of canning since their

shift has led to a resurgence of home canning of

acidity is high enough to kill illness-causing

the summer’s local bounty.

microorganisms. Some popular canned pickles

Canning made its debut in 1809, when

go beyond the traditional cucumber ones. These

Frenchman Nicholas Appert, who had been

include the delicious dilly beans (pickled green

tasked with finding a way to preserve food

beans), corn relish, pickled beets, pickled green

for France’s military, developed a successful

tomatoes, pickled garlic cloves, and many,

procedure. His method, storing the food

many more. Recipes can be found online or in

in glass bottles or jars then heating them

canning books.

to a certain temperature for a period, was

The procedure is generally to place the fruit

successful, and changed the landscape of food

or vegetable in the sterilized jar, make the brine

preservation.

in a pot on the stove, and pour the hot brine

There are three general methods of home

into the jar, place a sterilized lid on top, screw

canning, each chosen depending on the type

on the ring, and place in the water bath. Once

22 Milford Living • Summer

all jars are in the bath, it is brought to a boil for

to be pressure canned. A pressure canner

the prescribed amount of time, then the jars are

or pressure cooker, along with the above-

removed to a cooling rack.

mentioned equipment, is required for this.

Jams, jellies, and most preserves are also

As there is a bit more risk to this type of food

processed in a water bath canner since the

preservation, use of the most recent guides is

acidity of the fruit (plus any lemon juice or

strongly recommended. It is also recommended

other acid added) allows for enough acidity

that the pressure canner’s (or cooker’s) gauge

to adequately destroy microorganisms. Some

be tested each year for accuracy by the state’s

favorites are raspberry jam, strawberry

extension office. In Connecticut it is done at

preserves, (served over shortcake in February

UCONN (The website is extension.uconn.edu.)

are delightful!) mint jelly, strawberry rhubarb

Meats, less-acidic sauces, eggs, soups,

jelly, and more. The sky is the limit with

vegetables, and more can be canned using the

summer fruit.

pressure-canning method. A similar method

Foods that are not acidic enough to kill the illness- and spoilage-causing bacteria need

to water bath canning is used, but instead of just boiling water, the pressure canner is

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milford morsels brought to a prescribed amount of pressure for a determined amount of time, which allows for much higher temperatures, killing microbes through heat rather than a combination of acidity and heat.

Dry canning is a less frequently used method, and is appropriate for dry goods such as grains, flour, dried beans, and such. This type of canning is done in the oven using sterilized and dried jars, lids, and rings, and increases the

As they cool, they will seal with a welcome

Home canning is a great way to preserve the

shelf life of the dried goods stored inside. Many

telltale popping sound, which is music to every

flavor and nutrition of favorite foods, allowing

online resources can be found for dry canning.

home canner’s ears. Once cool, the jars can be

them to be enjoyed all year long. Many recipes

With all methods, after the jars are removed

stored in a cool, dark place for a year. Jars that

can be found online or in books at the public

from whatever vessel in which they have been

do not properly seal should be stored in the

library and at any bookseller.

processed, they are placed on a cooling rack.

refrigerator and used relatively quickly.

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A trio of family farms continue to bloom and grow

GROWN in Milford G A trio of family farms continue to grow and bloom

By Makayla Silva

rowing flowers requires a well-honed technique, the right ingredients, and a lot of love. It’s a formula that flourishes at these beloved Milford family-run farms, where acres of flowers are sown not for commercial sales but for you, the visitor. This season, spend carefree hours among the plants, take home mood-boosting blooms, and restore your faith in the softness this earth can produce.

26 Milford Living • Summer

COURTESY OF RIVER CREST FARMS

BY MAKAYLA SILVA

COURTESY OF RIVERCREST FARMS

River Crest Farm

from the farm greenhouse, and their fruits

Young Oscar is the 5th generation to work

Tucked on the western edge of the city, River

and vegetables were sold to the Bridgeport-

River Crest Farm. The current clan focus on

Crest Farm is a family owned and operated

based N. C. Capozziello & Sons Wholesale

both flowers and veggies as well as hands-on

farm on Oronoque Road that was established

Fruit & Produce Co. After a while, storeowner

gardening experiences. The whole family helps

in 1942.

Nick Capozziello introduced his son Leonard

out at farmers markets around town.

Vermonter Ralph Perry and Hungarian

to Perry’s daughter Bobby, and in 1956 they

immigrant Irene Takacs Perry, along with

married. In 1963 they built a house on the

their daughter Irene “Bobby” Perry, devel-

farm and ended up raising three children

oped River Crest Farm and primarily raise

there.

vegetables and livestock.

“My great grandfather, Ralph Perry, would

For nearly eight decades, the farm contin-

unusual perennial and annual plants.

Today the farm is run by Bobby’s daughter Maria with her husband Andy and their family. In warmer months, you might meet

ued to evolve through each generation. A

members of the family at the Walnut Beach

drive his truck around Devon to sell eggs

small dairy herd was replaced by Christmas

Farmer’s Market or Downtown Milford

and vegetables right out of the back of the

trees. Eventually, flowers became the farm’s

Farmer’s Market. Or, perhaps, if you’re lucky

truck bed,” says River Crest family member

major crop. Bobby Capozziello, who had

enough to grab one of the farm’s prized farm

Andromeda Macri. “He became well known.”

a passion for growing flowers, expanded

shares (CSA), you could get a chance to meet

the greenhouse business to include many

the Macri’s once a week for your farm pickup.

The flowers Irene Perry grew were sold

2020 • Milford Living 27

Inspired by the thriving Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, in which consumers buy upfront shares in exchange for produce throughout the growing season, the Macri’s saw an opportunity to bring the concept to their customers. “We launched our CSA in 2010 and started very small,” says Andromedia Macri. “Now, we have about 80 spots for our CSA and they fill up quickly.

Each week you get to pick your own raspberries, herbs, and flowers along with your regular crop pickup.”

Macri says the local farm-to-table movement has helped to increase the farm’s revenue and reach through the Milford community and beyond. “It so important because people have become very out of touch with their food, knowing where your (Above) River Crest Farm offers a variety of workshops. (Below) This historic barn greets visitors as they

food comes from and how far it’s traveling,”

arrive at Glendale Farm and is a reminder of Milford’s not-too-distant days as a farming community.

she explains. “If you know the person who is picking your food—giving you your food—it feels good to get something that just grew, that you’re eating fresh food, and knowing you can trust it.”

Macri says the farm has diversified its operations to include some hands-on experiences including workshops on wreath-making and how to create a succulent garden. “To be successful, a lot of farms are looking at how to provide folks with an experience. You have to be more creative to stay afloat now because you’re competing with so many things.”

The greenhouse at River Crest Farm is open a few weeks before Easter through early June so you can find annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable starters, and more! And by more we mean, their resident cat and peacocks.

Glendale Farm

A hidden gem nestled in the northern corridor of Milford, Glendale Farms is a third-generation family farm that has been owned by the Astriab clan for more than 100 years. Established in 1917, Glendale Farm

28 Milford Living • Summer

MARYALICE MANNING

has its roots as a traditional New England

says current owner Tim Astriab. “We were

Fruits, flowers, and foals equal fun at Glendale

“truck farm” of vegetables, an apple orchard,

the first operation in the state to have a

Farm. With over 18 acres of farmland and

milking cows, and chickens.

mechanical string bean picker, making us one

a number of greenhouses, there is always

of the state’s largest producers at the time.”

something growing.

By the 1960s, a growing greenhouse operation had replaced the small apple orchard

By the 1980s, most of the farm’s land was

and both flowers and vegetables were being

lost to development and vegetable farming

to growing flowers in 1985,” explains Astriab.

grown for the wholesale and retail markets.

was no longer viable.

“We do more retail here than we’ve ever

“Beans were actually our principal crop,”

“We transitioned from growing vegetables

done. We cater to the homeowner and

2020 • Milford Living 29

gardener more than ever, growing plants for people who want to have gardens around their home.” He estimates that Glendale Farms does “about 25,000 hanging baskets every year.”

With five acres of greenhouses, Glendale Farms features more than 300 varieties of annuals, vegetable plants, ground covers, and Easter flowers and serves both the wholesale and retail markets. In addition, the farm distributes to about 25 landscapers and four or five garden centers, boards 21 horses, and offers more than four acres of Pick-Your-Own Strawberries during June.

“It has become a year-round business,” says Astriab. “For the longest time, we were just growing spring plants, but in 1990, we began growing mums, pumpkins, and poinsettias at Christmas,” he says. “There’s not many farms left, and people like to go to their local farms to see open space. You come up to North Milford here, and there’s 18 acres here to walk around, horses to see, and flowers to smell.”

Filanowski’s Farm

The oldest operating farm in Milford, Filanowski’s was established in 1900 by the Filanowski Family. Five generations of the family, starting with Mark Filanowski Sr., have continually farmed the expansive Wheeler’s Farms Road property since that time.

Today, the farm is owned and operated

by Mark Filanowski Jr., 89, and his family.

The farm’s caretaker, Anthony Allen married into the Filanowski family and has been working on the farm for more than

COURTESY OF FILANOWSKI FARM

three decades. “I do it all,” says Allen. “The

30 Milford Living • Summer

farming, the electrical, the plumbing—I constructed many of those greenhouses out there,” he says, pointing to the line of the The Filanowki family has been providing Milfordites with vegetable plants, flowers, gourds, and trees for 120 years.

40 or so plastic covered greenhouses chock full of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and vegetables.

Spanning more than 50 acres, historically, Filanowski’s was known for its vegetable crop which would be trucked all the way down to New York. But, Allen says, when that was no longer economically sustainable, the farm transitioned its focus to flowers and decided to sell straight to the public.

“We made a good decision transitioning COURTESY OF FILANOWSKI FARMS

to selling to the public,” he says. We take the middleman out of the equation. And people feel like it’s a family atmosphere,” he says.

“You might not get the right information about when or what to plant if you go to larger, big-box garden centers, whereas here, we tell our customers all of our secrets. We want their gardens to be beautiful.”

Filanowski’s features eye-popping planters full of succulent plants that can be enjoyed year round.

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2020 • Milford Living 31

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POP QUIZ:

Can you name every beach in Milford? The answer may not be as crystal clear as water.

A 2002 Natural Resource Inventory Report for Milford’s Open Space Steering Committee, written

by Bartley C. Block, listed “15 named beaches in approximately 14 miles” of coastline, but the report

JJ RICHARDS

MILFORD BEACH NAMES

failed to include a few beaches that have been “unofficially” named by locals.

Predictably, beach names evolved in response to Milford’s development. Whether named for a historic family, prominent individual, landowner, geographic characteristic, landmark, or street name, each beach’s personality is unique. BY CINDY PAPISH GERBER

Anchor Beach

appears that the original name

had a natural deposit of sand. The

FUN FACT: Anchor Beach’s iconic

Theories abound regarding how

was ‘Sandy Beach’; printed on

rest of the shoreline was all rocky;

Signal Rock pole dates back to

this cove-shaped beach acquired

several postcards. It was the only

you had to wear bathing slippers

1881, when it was used it as a

its name. “My hypothesis is many

Woodmont beach that always

or sneakers to get into the water.”

navigation tool to “signal”

years ago, a large vessel dropped anchor here,” says Dan Worroll, chairman of Milford’s Park, Beach & Recreation Commission.

Woodmont Borough Warden Ed Bonessi recalls, “We used to have a granite dock that protruded off of Signal Rock… and large boats COURTESY OF KATIE MURPHY

would tie up and drop anchor.”

Katie Krauss Murphy, author of Woodmont on the Sound, offers, “I‘ve never been able to determine whether the [bygone] Anchor Restaurant took its name from Anchor Beach or vice versa! It

34 Milford Living • Summer

Crescent Beach on a summer day in 1906.

locations of oyster lots. This

feet in extent, 800 feet of Cedar

landmark marks the unofficial

Beach is owned by the State.

dividing line between Anchor

The remainder of the narrow

Beach and Crescent Beach.

beach is privately owned.”

Bayview Beach

Crescent Beach

and Calf Pen Meadow Creek,

beach is situated to the right

Bayview runs along Bay Shore

of Anchor Beach. The name

Drive. Since 1921, it has been

“Crescent Beach” can be found on

privately owned and operated

postcards dating back to 1906. Its

by The Bay View Improvement

sand traces the shape of a perfect

Association. A 1938 edition of

crescent moon, hence the name.

Shore & Beach, describes it as, “a

Gulf Beach

Situated between Welch’s Point

This residential Woodmont

typical bayhead beach, separated

In 1714, the town granted the

by cobbles from each point.”

privilege of building a mill by the

Fronting a low-lying tidal marsh,

stream at the gulf at the harbor.

Bayview is flood-prone and has

Gulf Mill operated for 50 years,

weathered damage inflicted

and then was followed by the

by hurricanes Irene and Sandy.

construction of Gulf Wharf in

Government grants have taken

1793. Footpaths once led from the

steps to alleviate these issues.

busy shipyard to the sand. The Town of Milford purchased Gulf

FUN FACT: Nearby Bay Pointe

Beach in 1912 from George Wilcox

Village Condominiums on Melba

for $1,850. Present facilities

Street was converted to housing

include a fishing pier and picnic

from the old Point Beach Elemen-

tables. This picturesque beach

tary School in 1982.

has served as the backdrop for countless photos and publica-

Burwell’s Beach

tions (this one included)!

This is one of the several beaches named for Milford’s

Farview Beach

original settlers. John Burwell

Postcards were often sent as a way to share details of summer fun fro

accompanied the group of

one end of the Milford shoreline to the other including Bayview and

Farview intersects Hillside

“free planters” led by Rev. Peter

Cedar Beaches.

Avenue, extending down to the

Prudden in 1638. In 1690, his descendants Samuel and Nathan

Woodmont, these three beaches

established Burwell’s Farms on

are Merwin’s Beach, Burwell’s

a hillside, overlooking the beach

Beach, and Far View Beach.”

that would eventually bear their

Cedar Beach

Southernmost of the Tri-Beaches,

end of South Street. It’s unclear if the view inspired its name,

Eastern Red Cedar Juniper shrubs

but two circa 1902 photographs

commonly found along the CT

of a pristine Farview Beach are

coast were once in abundance

featured in Ernest L. Nettleton’s,

family’s name. “Burwell’s is lo-

FUN FACT: Free of the anti-

here. Bartley C. Block defined

The Shore of Milford. Ap-

cated on what’s referred to as the

semitism that pervaded other

Cedar Beach as, “The eastern por-

proximately 2,400 feet long, the

“Tri-Beach area,” explains Katie

areas, the Tri-Beach area became

tion of the sand spit” (comprising

beach surface is extremely rocky.

Murphy. “If you’re coming from

a Jewish summer enclave in the

Milford Point) at the western

Remnants of a damaged seawall

the center of town, just before

1930s and 40s.

end of the shoreline. About 3,000

can still be viewed at high tide.

2020 • Milford Living 35

Laurel Beach

In 1897, Connecticut designated the mountain laurel as the official state flower. In 1899, the Laurel Beach Association was formerly chartered by the State.

It’s likely that when the latter hired esteemed architect Stanford White to design this beach community, these native shrubs were already in full bloom.

JJ RICHARDS

As reported by Bartley Brock, at “approximately 2,200 feet in length, Laurel Beach is a

Fort Trumbull Beach

relatively wide beach, covered

The name pays tribute to the his-

in fine to medium sized grains

toric fort that protected Milford’s

of sand, with a curved seawall

citizens during the Revolutionary

fronting the cottages that is

War, and to Jonathan Trumbull,

approximately 900 feet long.”

an advisor to General George Washington, who served as Con-

FUN FACT: In 2007, an archeo-

necticut’s Governor from 1769-

logical excavation project at Laurel

1784. A century later, Augustus

Beach yielded an important dis-

Taylor’s lavish summer estate,

covery of Native American artifacts

The Gables (now condos) would

dating back some 3,000 years.

preside over Fort Trumbull Beach.

Morningside Beach

Due to its higher elevation, this beach has been less susceptible

Industrialist Henry G.

to erosion than others in the city.

Thompson named his sprawling Victorian summer

Merwin’s Beach

estate “Morningside” due to

Milford’s history has been

its enviable location, perched

influenced by several members

high on a bluff overlooking the

of the Merwin Family. First

Sound, facing the rising sun.

among them was Miles Merwin

Morningside Association mem-

(1623-1697), who established

bers have traditionally called

a successful tannery at the

their beach—located downhill

wharf. Mistress Abigail Merwin,

from their homes—“Center

regarded as Milford’s Paul

Beach,” due to its position in the

Revere, famously warned local militia about an impending

center of their seawall area. In A pleasant day on a Milford beach has been enjoyed for hundreds of years.

British invasion in 1777. Milford’s once-prominent role in the oyster

earlier days, brave beachgoers would have to navigate over

On summer weekends,

located at the far eastern limits

rocks, boulders, or season-

industry is due to William S.

visitors would disembark at the

of Milford’s shoreline, between

ally installed steps to access the

Merwin’s 1857 lab experiments

Merwin Avenue trolley stop to

rocky outcroppings at Burwell’s

water. After the city installed a

to plant oysters in Gulf Pond.

reach Merwin’s beach, which is

Beach and Merwin Point.

ramp in 1989, swimming out to

36 Milford Living • Summer

Point Beach

Regiment, mapmaker, writer,

The composition of this 2,500

prominent fur trader and ex-

ft long beach is mostly made

plorer who organized expedi-

up of various size stones. But

tions to the Northwest Passage,

the unobstructed view of Long

inspiring Lewis & Clark.

TOP: COURTESY OF DIANE DUMAS

Island Sound from the tip of

2. Charles Pond (1744-1832) Peter’s

Point Lookout more than makes

younger brother was a mer-

up from the lack of sand. Nearby,

chant shipmaster who crossed

at the corner of Gulf Street and

the Delaware with Washing-

Welch’s Point Road, a large brick

ton and served in the 19th Con-

wall indicates the entrance to the

necticut Regiment during the

old Pond Estate. During the 1920’s

American Revolution. His son,

many cottages were built along

Charles Hobby Pond (1781–1861)

Point Beach Drive.

served as Governor and Lt.

Point Lookout (Welch’s Point)

Governor of Connecticut.

3. Nanine Lawrence Pond (1869– 1950) holds the record as the

A 225-foot section of the 100-foot-

longest serving regent of the

wide beach has been maintained

Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter

Top: Point Lookout with its dramatic view. Above: Myrtle Beach has always

by the Point Lookout Association,

of the Daughters of the

been a great place for a swim.

an organization of Welch’s Point

American Revolution (DAR).

homeowners. The beach material

She was instrumental in

the ever-popular Center Beach

high tides, storms and hur-

is fine to coarse sand with gravel

helping to establish the

raft became a summer rite of

ricanes, only to fail the wave of

and cobbles above the high-

Milford Historical Society.

passage for many.

eminent domain. From 1964-68,

water line.

redevelopment would take more

Another descendant, Wil-

Pond Point

liam S. Pond, was appointed

Three members of the Pond

a Turnpike Commissioner by

area, effectively ending a chapter

Family have been inducted

the Senate in 1868. His former

were built for residents to wait in

of history. Myrtle Beach would

into Milford’s Hall of Fame:

estate on Gulf Street near New

relative comfort before catching

reemerge as Walnut Beach.

1. Peter Pond (1740–1807) A

Haven Avenue was once the

the Bridgeport-Milford-New Haven

Thankfully, bygone Myrtle Beach

trolley line.

memories are preserved in the

FUN FACT: The two stone waiting

than 500 hundred homes, 150

stations that mark the entrances

businesses, and an amusement

to Morningside off Merwin Avenue

Myrtle Beach

While we can’t confirm this

beach is named for the dense thickets of Myrica (bayberry/ beach myrtle) that thrive along our shoreline, records indicate

soldier with a Connecticut

site of Milford Academy.

pages of Sand in Our Shoes: A Narrative and Pictorial History of Walnut Beach-Myrtle Beach, Milford, Connecticut.

Oyster River Beach

An asterisk indicates this beach

that this close-knit beach com-

doesn’t technically belong to

munity once extended from the

Milford. Only a tiny section is

east side of Naugatuck Avenue

situated in Woodmont, border-

(to the Sandbar to Charles Island),

ing Rosemary Court and New

north to Meadowside Road.

Haven Avenue at the West

Myrtle Beach would survive

Haven City line.

Pond Point Beach in 1910 - A favorite of vacationers for over a century.

2020 • Milford Living 37

Pond Point Beach

began breakwater construction

2,500 ft. in total, this beach,

on this private beach to, “protect

which begins on the east side of

the valuable fish-oil works” and

the Calf Pen Meadow Creek is

bluffs against severe storms

mostly composed of gravel and stones. At the time of Block’s

FUN FACT: In 1639, 500 new

report, mussel beds were preva-

residents attended Milford’s first

lent. During the late 1800’s, Pond

community-wide sunrise Easter

Point Beach waters encompassed

service on what is now Welch’s

200+acres of oyster beds.

Point.

Silver Sands Beach

Wildermere Beach

after Hurricane Diane destroyed

dermere Congregational Church

75 homes in 1955. Before its

was founded. That same year, the

official designation as a State

Wildermere Beach Improvement

Park in 1960, two Silver Beaches

Association was incorporated…

(East and West Beach) existed

as The Walnut Beach Association!

here, separated by a low-lying

This has lead to confusion about

headland. In addition to offer-

both the origin and spelling

ing recreational facilities and

of this beach’s name—which

access to Charles Island, Silver

appears as Wildemere (no “r”) in

Sands State Park encompasses

many official documents, books,

297 acres of beach, dunes, salt

real estate listings, and social

marsh, and woods—a natural

media pages. “When the Church

habitat for birds and wildlife. Its

was formed 125 years ago it was

Acquisition of Silver Sands began

1895 marked the year that the Wil-

silvery-colored sand is largely

Top: Point Beach in 1910. Center: Silver Beach’s sand was a magnet for

called Walnut Beach Chapel...

due to the prevalence of Knobbed

tourists. Above: Walnut Beach in 1907. The summer fun continues to

because we are near the border

Whelk (busycon carica)—which

this day.

of Walnut Beach,” says Rev. Ken

have outer shells ranging in hue from ivory to pale gray.

Fellenbaum, pastor at Wildermere name Walnut Beach. The Walnut

beach, fishing pier, parking,

Beach Congregational Church.

Beach Improvement Association

concert pavilion, Charles Island

But he adds, the church “is

FUN FACT: Next year marks the

was incorporated in the summer

views, and the aforementioned

actually in Wildermere Beach,

10th anniversary of the ribbon

of 1895. State records defined the

boardwalk that connecting to

so the name was changed.”

cutting for the three-quarter mile

beach boundaries as properties

Silver Sands State Park.

boardwalk that links Silver Sands

previously owned by Benham

to Walnut Beach.

Brothers, Charles Nettelton, the

FUN FACT: The 1833 General

and Heraldic Dictionary of the

Also known as Point Lookout, this

Peerage and Baronetage of the

Merwin Hotel. For years, Walnut

beach was named for Thomas

British Empire Vol.1 references a

According to Ellie Benefico, a

Beach had an amusement area,

Welch, one of the “Seven Pillars”

“Reverend Sir Richard Fleming,

co-author of Sand in our Shoes,

complete with a carousel, small

of the original Milford Church,

Baronet…rector of Grassmore and

“There used to be a grove of

roller coaster, boats, cars, an

the very settler who deeded this

Wildermere.” As Wildermere/ (or

walnut trees at the foot of

airplane ride, and Ferris wheel.

tract of land to Chief Ansantawae

Wildemere) represents an historic

Naugatuck Avenue near a road

Today, due to the efforts of The

for the equivalent of $100.

country in extreme NW England,

that ran along the shorefront.”

Walnut Beach Association (WBA)

That’s probably the origin of the

the area boasts a well-maintained

Walnut Beach

38 Milford Living • Summer

Boughton Estate, and up to the

Welch’s Point

During the late 1800’s, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers

an early Milford settler may be linked to this distinguished family.

Woodmont Beach

connected Woodmont to New

Although Waterbury resident

Haven. By the 1950s the glory

Dr. Joseph Anderson built the

days of the Borough faded, but

first beach cottage here in 1874,

present-day Woodmont Beach

it was his friend, Russell Ayres,

fans continue to sing its praises.

who came upon this stretch of marshy shoreline during a

FUN FACT: According to every

horse and buggy ride two years

map Ed Bonessi has viewed over

prior. Ayres liked what he saw,

the last 35 years, “the 1,500 feet

purchased two vacant hillside

Woodmont Beach section that

properties and dubbed this,

runs along Beach Avenue from

“wooded mount set back from

Clinton Street to Bonsilene Street

the shore,” as Woodmont.

is called ‘Middle Beach’. Not 100%

By the time Woodmont

sure why!”

became an official Borough in

Attempts to mitigate erosion

Beach kids frolic in the water at Fort Trumbull beach.

1901, the summer population

on this largest stretch of beach in

was booming. This surge was

the Borough (1959 and 1977) were

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers

end of the bargain by doing

largely due to the development

ineffective. In 1993, a $2 million

was implemented. “It will run

periodic elevation checks and

of the New Haven Electric Rail

repair-and-restoration-project

Company trolley line, which

by the city in cooperation with

and Woodmont uphold their

Bonessi adds.

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this season It allows us to get a bunch of bands.”

“For the 2nd Annual Fest, we made t-shirts and sold all of them. We donated the $750 we raised to Yale Children’s Hospital. Last year we were able to donate $2,500. This year we would like to double that. The Children’s Hospital was chosen because our son had

E

Hospital in Boston, and we wanted to donate to someone local,” DeStefano explains.

Last summer about 250 boats, along with their floats, were on hand to enjoy the music.

Kim Buda has attended all three Fests. “It was a beautiful day on the water. So much fun to raft up to other boats, listen to great music KIM BUDA

4th Annual Charles Island Music Festival

multiple surgeries with the Children’s

njoying a traditional annual event is nice, but starting one is whole other ball game.

Every year, Milford’s Joe DeStefano and his wife Lori would make a trip across the sound on their boat “Wicked Naughty” to a music festival. “Every year in Northport, Long Island, they have a concert at their lighthouse. One year the lighthouse was under construction, so they did not have the event. Then I thought, ‘Maybe we could have one here.’”

and float around enjoying a cocktail! I love that they sold t-shirts and koozies with all proceeds benefitting the Yale Children’s Hospital. I see people wearing them around and they all say what a great event it was.” Buda says, “I am very excited that the Rum Runners will be playing this year’s event. They are a fun, entertaining band with an amazing group of followers.”

Doug Edo, a member of the Rum Runners,

The inaugural Charles Island Music Festival in 2016 was small, but it worked. “We got a guy to come out with a guitar and an amp; we had about 20 boats rafted up and it was a good time.”

The next year kicked it up a notch. “We had a two-person acoustical band on a pontoon boat,” DeStefano recounts. “We had about just COURTESY OF CHARLES ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

over 100 boats enjoying the music.” But what about next year? he thought.

2019 he took it to a whole new level.

DeStefano formed a committee and reached out to companies to sponsor the event. “Last year, our third, we made it a little bigger and better. Blakeslee Arpaia Chapman, Inc. in Branford (a 175-year-old marine construction company) graciously donated a barge to use as a stage and will be donating it again this year.

40 Milford Living • Summer

Joe and Lori DeStefano present last year’s donation to representatives of Yale Children’s Hospital.

attended last year’s Fest for the first time. “We floated on tubes tied off to the boat, fired up the grill, and ate everything you would at a COURTESY OF CHARLES ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

backyard BBQ. All the time live music was being performed by so many amazing people on the barge.” Edo recalls, “Everyone was asking, ‘How about the Rum Runners?’ Of course, we want to play! And it is also a fundraiser for Yale Children’s Hospital, so it’s a no brainer.”

The 4th Annual Charles Island Music Festival will take place on August 1st from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, with a rain date of August 2nd. “We are excited to feature The Rum Run-

Boats, kayaks, jet ski’s, paddleboards, and rafts gathered to enjoy the day on the water.

ners this year. Doug Edo had a few suggestions to improve some of the technical glitches

in the sun, and great times with good friends.

we experienced last year,” says DeStefano.

We are working to meet our goal of donating

“Everyone can expect some good music, fun

$5,000. Hope to see you on the water!”

For more information visit the Charles Island Music Festival Facebook page.

—Susan Carroll Dwyer

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education notebook

Mapping the Boardwalk

F

or some, maps symbolize adventure, mystery, and treasure. (Can you imagine Indiana Jones or the Goonies without one?) For others, maps are an essential and time-saving tool now available at the touch of a fingertip. (Thank you, Google!)

Caroline Chesson, a senior at Jonathan Law High School, melds both concepts and opens our eyes to the adventure and treasure of our own Walnut Beach/Silver Sands Boardwalk.

Now available through Google Maps on your

Chesson, 18, grew up in Milford with a love

phone, you can explore the boardwalk with

for the water, thanks in part to her dad, Milford

a new awareness of the wildlife, foliage, and

Attorney Robert Chesson, a Navy veteran and

natural formations of the land around you. The

SCUBA diver. She is also SCUBA certified and

map features colorful pins of interest like the

says the water is her second home. Chesson

migration of goldfinches to Walnut Beach and

will begin her studies in Marine Biology at the

the invasive autumn olive bush found here,

University of Tampa this fall with a focus on

but native to the Himalayan mountains. Do

marine mammals and dolphin training. “I’ve

The app provides detailed information for any

you know what a “kettle pond” is or that we

been going to the Dolphin Research Center in

lover of Walnut Beach or Silver Sands.

have two of them at Silver Sands? (Chesson’s

Florida for five years now. I spend a week every

map tells you that a kettle pond is an almost

summer at the dolphin lab,” Chesson says.

perfectly round reservoir of water formed at

According to Christine Bouchard, Science

the cartography or mapmaking project at Jonathan Law High School. The project was

the end of the Ice Age.) The map also features

Department chair and also Conservation

offered by the Natural Resource Conservation

nesting piping plovers, wildlife photography,

Commissioner for the town of Madison,

Academy at the University of Connecticut as

and overviews of the marshland and coastal

Chesson’s love of water and its wildlife

an Independent Study course.

habitats along the boardwalk.

made her the perfect candidate to lead

42 Milford Living • Summer

“I wanted to get students here involved,

and Caroline was all for it. She ran with it

the map. She then focused on points of interest

and I was very impressed with her poster

and created each of the 23 pins. In addition to

presentation—it was thesis-level work,” said

those already mentioned, other pins explain

Bouchard, who acted as Chesson’s advisor and

why you shouldn’t feed waterfowl bread or

mentor. She added that although Chesson

wheat (it can cause malnutrition) and how a

has completed the first part of the project, the

jetty is formed by tides.

second part, featuring signage and city and

“This project will have an impact on the

state promotion of the map, are still pending.

residents of Milford,” said Bouchard, citing

Currently, the link and QR code to the map can

the detail Chesson put into the points of

be found on the website of the Walnut Beach

interest along the Boardwalk. “I would love

Association: www.WalnutBeachAssociation.

Check in from your desktop or mobile device for

more people to appreciate our natural outdoor

com. Or, you can explore the Walnut Beach/

a virtual visit to the beach anytime.

spaces, especially our young people. I hope this

Silver Sands Boardwalk at: https://tinyurl. com/milfordctboardwalk.

project prompts others to promote the care of app available from Google. She walked the

Chesson created the map with “TrackIt,” an

our environment.”

Boardwalk and the app set the coordinates for

—Angela Arpino

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historical perspective

The Milford Grenadiers

B

ack in the Colonial era, after acquiring our freedom from Great Britain under one flag as the United States of America, individual states still held their own militias, and Connecticut was no exception.

Of the Connecticut Militia, there was one

The Milford Grenadiers were originally organized in 1796 with the officers of Captain Daniel Sacket, Lieutenant Abram V. H. DeWitt, and Ensign Benjamin Bull. The regiment

resident Matt Michell. (The Janissaries,

served the Milford community until they were

group of men who were famously known

formed in the 14th century, are considered

officially disbanded on June 15, 1836.

in Milford and its surrounding areas as the

the first modern standing army in Europe.)

First Flank Company of Light Infantry of the

“Typically used as an elite shock troop, they

instilled a feeling of safety and security

32nd Regiment of Connecticut Militia, more

were often physically larger than other

amongst the residents of Milford. The

commonly called the Milford Grenadiers.

infantry, carried grenades, an infantry

company marched through the town with

weapon, and could often be relied on for

music following in their wake and the citizens

group that was an offshoot of the Janissaries

siege warfare-type assaults on defended

knew they were protected.

from the Ottoman Empire,” says local

fortifications.”

“Grenadiers are a specialized infantry

During their active days, their presence

The men serving in this company wore scarlet coats with buff facings, gold lace trimmings, drab knee breeches with buckles, Suwarrow boots with tassels, and 18-inch pointed caps. Several years later, the breeches were swapped out for blue broadcloth pants, and in 1815, white pants were the new standard. In the mid-1820s, the cap was changed out for a heavy, square-top inverted fire bucket with a red feather.

One of the most notable times in the Milford Grenadiers history began on the first Monday of May 1812, one month before the War of 1812 began, when Captain Pond delivered the news of a British ship taking four of his men and

PENNY BOLAND

his interview with the ship’s

44 Milford Living • Summer

Two Milford Grenadiers hats are part of the Milford Historical Society collection.

RICHARD PLATT

commander, Viscount Wellington. He proudly

In 1816, the company was changed from the

written by John W. Fowler and published

declared himself a representative of Milford,

32nd Regiment to the 2nd Regiment. In 1822,

in 1876, describes the scene in dramatic

Connecticut and stated that further such

the ranks had reached its height with 70 men

fashion: “All that remained of that once

actions would surely lead to a war with the

enlisted.

unrivalled corps (about twenty-five)

United States. Captain Pond shared the news

Beginning in 1827, under Captain Curtis

assembled at the junction of Broad and

that the commander had said “…Heaven save

Summers, the Milford Grenadiers began their

Wharf streets, surrounded by many of

us from a war with the United States so long

slow decline. Rivalries, political maneuverings,

the “old Guard” and amid the tears of

as the Milford Grenadiers retain their reputed

and suspicions of treachery took their toll

the populace, the funeral obsequies were

efficiency, discipline, and bravery.” Despite

and Summers lost the confidence of his men.

performed and the once renowned Milford

this statement, war broke out in the next

Old timers retired and the numbers quickly

Grenadiers were ranked among the things of

month, and as British ships were seen out in

declined. Finally, on August 5, 1836, the last of

the past; and the mourners went about the

the Sound, the Milford Grenadiers were called

the Grenadiers disbanded.

streets.”

to defend Fort Trumbull.

The History of the Milford Grenadiers,

—Brian Creevy

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milford’s attic

Summer and sports just go together. Games with friends can turn into life-long memories and Milford families in the 1900s and earlier were as ready to play as we are today: croquet, tennis, squash, golf, and fishing.

The croquet set shown here is from the 1920s. While croquet is often thought of as a genteel game, this set shows the wear of many games of tactical play, just like it should. These tennis racket frames are wooden with plastic “strings” that had to be re-strung to keep them taught. You didn’t just buy a new racket—you fixed it. The smallest racket in the middle is a squash racket that was manufactured by the Moody Co. of Milford.

Golf clubs like the ones shown here once

46 Milford Living • Summer

had shafts and club heads made of wood until blacksmiths in about 1900 began experimenting with metal-forged styles.

When the tide was just right and the sky so clear, your next thought might have been wishin’ you were fishin’. The thin fishing rod, shown at the right, would likely be close at hand just out in the back shed.

Win or lose the game, catch a fish or not, everyone could enjoy snacks from a picnic basket. Imagine all the sandwiches, homemade pies, fresh strawberries, and lemonade packed in that over the years in this blue metal basket. Who cares about the score?

—Marilyn May Photographer: Susan Carroll Dwyer

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congratulations

SUSAN CARROLL DWYER

C

ongratulations to the Milford Historical Society on their 90th Anniversary!

The first meeting on May 12, 1930 began 9 decades of dedication to preserve Milford’s long and storied history. Later that same year the Society purchased the Eells-Stow House, one of the oldest homes in town. Over the years the Stockade House (once Milford Hospital) and the Bryan Downs House were also saved from demolition and moved piece by piece to High Street.

Often referred to as Milford’s Attic, the Society’s collection of

thousands of historical items that tell the story of Milford. Aside from preservation the Society offers

education through house tours, school programs, special lectures, and historic walks around Milford.

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We want to make a difference in the lives of our clients. Our integrity compels us to offer honest and respectful conversations that result in clear decisions and accountability.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor.

6 masteR BaRBeRs Serving Milford for 46 years

759 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460 Visit us at nestorfinancial.com

All kinds of haircuts from traditional to modern - Short to long hair Beard styling In business since 1969!

I can help protect your condo.

Coverage designed with your condo in mind.

JOSEPH ALDO 203-877-8779

HOME, CONDO & RENTERS Subject to terms, conditions & availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. ©2018 Allstate Insurance Co.

Fa m i ly & p o r t r a i t photography

203.650.0383

www.sherrylynnphotography.com sherrylynnFoto@gmail.com

50 Milford Living • Summer

Mobile Wood Fired Pizzas for Parties!

Right Choice Real Estate

Gourmet Pizza, Calzones, Subs, Salads, Dinners, Greek Food & Much More!

CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST ACCREDITED BUYER REPRESENTATIVE

WENDY WEIR

wendyweir.realtor@gmail.com Let My Experience Work For You Call for FREE Market Analysis

203.882.0220

203-668-0509

BUSINESS HOURS Sunday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

silversandspizzact.com

415 Boston Post Road, Milford CT

www.WendyWeirHomes.com

670 Boston Post Road, Milford

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MILFORD MARINE INSTITUTE & GULF POND MUSEUM

T

his will be the 37th year of Marine Biology, Marine Biology Science and Art, Archaeology/Native American Culture, and Bird Identification Art Camps. The Milford Marine Institute possesses one of the largest collections of large marine mollusks in the northeast.

Due to the Covid outbreak, please call or e-mail Director Tim Chaucer for updates on camp dates, times, and procedures: 203-874-4000 or 203-988-0918 or tchaucer@msn.com.

228 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 06460

Group or individual programs in the areas of marine biology, archaeology, Native American culture, bird identification and even American history tools/ artifacts programs may be arranged with appropriate social distance and public health protocols.

The institute can also arrange programs about Milford historical figures such as Revolutionary War Continental Army soldier and autobiographer Joseph Plumb Martin or Revolutionary War militiaman and diarist John Downs with appropriate social distance and public health protocols.

DrRumley.com

Contact Tim Chaucer, Director 203-874-4000 tchaucer@msn.com or milfordmarineinstitute.org

Gregory F. Doyle FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Our team of Licensed Insurance Agents specialize in all types of Medicare plans

Now Entrusted with the Smith Funeral Home families

NEWLY RENOVATED

Handicap Accessible Family Owned & Operated Since 1950 “Our Family Takes Care of Your Family With Compassion & Dignity”

203-874-5641

291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford US Route 1, Rte I-95 Exit 34, Right .2 Miles

Devon Center

www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com

Senior Insurance Consultants Our mission is to serve our clients and give back to the community.

We meet at your home or offer virtual appointments.

We offer final expense planning We are here to help.

1-888-76-SENIORS - 1-888-767-3646 INFO@SIC65.COM 2020 • Milford Living 51

greetings from milford

Nothing Like a Dame n August 3, 1944, the world was at war and Patton’s 3rd

Army reached the German defense lines in the French

city of Rennes. But here on the homefront, Junior was

apparently polishing his game on the lovely bathing beauties

gracing the waters of Walnut Beach. The fact that these dames could swim was all it took to crow to his pal Herb in Agawam who must have thought, “Jeepers! Wish I was there!”

—Ann McGuire

C

ATE COMMUN R B E IT Y EL

CALL TO SCHEDULE

DELIVERY & CURBSIDE PICK UP

EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF EXCEPTIONAL WINES, SPIRITS & BEER KNOWLEDGEABLE AND FRIENDLY STAFF EVENT & PARTY PLANNING EXPERTS

203-876-1600 242 Boston Post Road WinesAndMoreMilford.com

52 Milford Living • Summer

Milford CT (NEXT TO BIG Y)

FAMILY OWNED & PROUDLY SERVING MILFORD SINCE 2005

St. Mary School

AWARDED BEST SOUPS, BEST SERVICE AND “INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING” MUSSEL CHOWDER!

Growing in Faith & Knowledge

Come discover the difference a St. Mary School education can make in your child’s future.

EST. IN 1988

PLEASE CALL AHEAD OR ORDER ONLINE DELIVERY: MON - SAT 11AM - 2PM (AVAILABLE WITH $20 MIN. ORDER) WE ACCEPT ALL CREDIT CARDS PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Now serving BREAKFAST..LUNCH..EARLY DINNER - Close at 6pm Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM | Sat. 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Currently accepting applications for 2020-2021 St. Mary School has been educating the mind, heart and souls of children for over 59 years.

72 Gulf Street Milford, CT

203-878-6539

www.saintmaryschoolmilford.org

• Award Wining Soups 5 plus served a day... Lobster bisque on Fridays • Breakfast specials to start out your day !

203-874-9414 Fax.203-876-1647

of Milford Living for only $17.80!

M i l f o r d

L i v i n g

L i v i n g

Milford is is fo r

Living

M i lf or d

for

Liv in g

Spring S u mm e r

2014

Summer 2020 Vol. 17 Issue 2 $5.99

2 0 2 0

#

P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460 (203)283-5290 www.milfordliving.com

127 Gulf St.

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CORNER OF NEW HAVEN AVE. MILFORD, CT.

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Milford Living Magazine

OUR NEW LOCATION

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• Salads galore • Combo meals • Huge assortment of Sandwiches daily and so much more!

expressions

#Milfordstrong igns of togetherness can be seen all throughout the Milford community.

Photographers: Dina Cashman and Maryalice Manning

54 Milford Living • Summer

2020 • Milford Living 55

?

where is it?

Answer to last issue’s quiz:

The cupola that sits atop of the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point.

Do you know the answer to this issue’s Where is It? Want to win a Milford Living Subscription?

Send your answer to this issue’s Where is It? (along with your name and address) to: suzanne@milfordliving.com Two lucky winners will be chosen at random.

56 Milford Living • Summer

BILL CANFIELD

Send us your answer at: suzanne@milfordliving.com

When a busy weeknight calls, we have the answer. With this time-saving treasure and freezerfriendly recipe, you can say goodbye to boring and say hello to deliciousness in no time. Ñ

SWEET & SPICY GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS

25 min. prep time

30 min.

grill time

8

servings

Add a little smoke to the sweet and spicy goodness. ¼ cup balsamic vinegar ¼ cup sweet chili sauce 3 Tbsp. Big Y pure honey 2 Tbsp. sriracha sauce 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 1 tsp. Big Y brown sugar 1 tsp. Big Y garlic powder ½ tsp. onion powder -sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

FIRE from

ICE An easy meal from freezer to grill. ®

the B I G Y M A G A Z I N E

2 tsp. cold water 1 tsp. cornstarch -Big Y no-stick cooking spray 4 pounds bone-in chicken wings, thawed 1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, chili sauce, honey, sriracha, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and salt and pepper to taste; whisk until combined.

Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until cornstarch has dissolved. Add to sauce mixture and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes and remove from heat.

3. Coat grill grate with cooking spray and preheat to medium. Grill wings for 10 minutes. Flip wings and continue to grill for 10 minutes. Generously brush wings with sauce and continue to grill wings for 5 minutes on each side or until done and desired crispness is reached. nutrition information per serving

Calories: 495 (Calories from Fat: 270); Total Fat: 30g (Saturated Fat: 9g); Protein: 40g; Total Carbohydrates: 13g (Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugars: 12g); Cholesterol: 252mg; Sodium: 343mg

Scan this code for the digital version of Big Y Dig In® Magazine full of more summertime goodness. Or pick up your FREE copy available in-store now!

WE WILL OVERCOME.

Milford Vascular Institute 20 Commerce Park, Milford, CT (203)882-VEIN (8346) www.milfordvascular.com