East Haven, Connecticut
Encyclopedia
East Haven is a town
in New Haven County
, Connecticut
, in the United States
. As of the 2000 census
, the town population was 28,189. The town is just 3 minutes from downtown New Haven. East Haven is 35 miles (56.3 km) from Hartford, 82 miles (132 km) from New York City, 99 miles (159.3 km) from Providence, Rhode Island and 140 miles (225.3 km) from Boston.
Located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of New Haven
, Connecticut
it is part of the Greater New Haven
area.
The area, now known as East Haven, was obtained by Puritan
settlers Reverend John Davenport
and Theophilus Eaton
on November 29, 1638 as part of the purchase of New Haven
, Connecticut
from Sachem Momauguin of the local Quinnipiack
tribe. Additional land was, in what is now known as Foxon, was purchased from Indian Chief Montowese on December 11, 1638.
In 1639 Thomas Gregson, petitioned for the purchase of Solitary Cove, later called Morris Cove. This was granted on August 5, 1644 and was the last piece of land that made up the original town of East Haven. The original town boundaries were from the harbor and Quinnipiac River on the west to the Branford and North Branford town line on the east. The southern boundary is the Long Island Sound to the North Haven town line in the north.
East Farms, as it was first called, was considered a parish of the New Haven Colony. Settlers settled into Morris Cove and what is now the “center” of East Haven in 1639. The first Connecticut ironworks, the third in New England, was founded on the shores of Furnace Pond in 1655. Originally called Lonotononket (Great Pond) by the Quinnipiac Indians, today it’s called Lake Saltonstall. With Branford and North Branford having had settlers since 1643, people from the New Haven Colony started to settle the Foxon section in 1683.
In 1665, the New Haven Colony was merged with the Connecticut Colony (Hartford) under a charter from King Charles II. With the success of the ironwork mill, the area became known as Iron Works Village. In 1675 Iron Works Village petitioned the Connecticut Colony to become a separate town. Negotiations with New Haven
regarding land never succeeded. This eventually led to the relinquishing of village privileges in 1685. Efforts were again made in 1703 and the Connecticut Colony granted the town petition for township in May 1707 and the name was changed from Iron Works Village to East Haven. With some outstanding land issues with New Haven
and a minor feud with Governor Gordon Saltonstall resulted in the rescinding of the township status and the area was once again a parish of New Haven
In 1706 the first public school building was built in East Haven followed by the appointment of a School Committee in 1707.
Jacob Hemingway, the original Yale student, served as the first pastor (1704–1754) of the Congregational Church. Several meeting houses were built in East Haven and in January 1772 the Society of East Haven authorized the expense of $1,000.00 to build a new 65’ by 50’ meeting house. As the new meeting house was being built, the building was extended by 8’ and a steeple was added. In 1774 the Old Stone (Congregational) Church was finished and Nicholas Street was named its first minister.
During the American Revolution
, the area saw troop movement and encampment by both revolutionary and British forces. On July 5, 1779, British forces led by General William Tryon landed from war ships, attacked Black Rock Fort in Morris Cove and captured its 19 defenders. The British were then able to march into New Haven and East Haven. General Lafayette and revolutionary forces also visited town and encamped on the green. During the American Revolution
East Haven lost 16 men. John Howe was killed at the Black Rock Fort. Fifteen other men died, mostly on British prison ships in Long Island Sound
. After the war, Black Rock Fort was abandoned.
The Town of East Haven became an incorporated town in May 1785. At the initial town meeting, Isaac Chidsey was named First Selectman on July 5, 1785.
When relationship between the United States of America and Britain deteriorated in the early 19th century, the government decided to re-fortify Black Rock Fort. A new masonry wall was built for fortification. Six guns were installed and a new barracks for 50 men and a magazine were built. The fort was renamed Fort Nathan Hale, in honor of a Connecticut patriot. During the War of 1812, the fort successfully defended the area from several British raids.
In 1863 a new Fort Hale was built to defend against possible raids by the Confederate States. Built next to the ruins of the original fort, the fortification included an earthen rampart, five fortified bunkers, eighteen guns and a moat with a draw bridge. The fort did not see any action during the Civil War.
During the American Civil War
, East Haven lost 15 men. Two men, Charles Benoit and James Murphy died at the infamous Andersonville prison
in Georgia
.
East Haven western border was the Quinnipiac River and the town was in charge of four bridges that crossed it. In 1881 East Haven was facing a financial problem. The repairing and maintaining of the four bridges that crossed the Quinnipiac River, highway maintenance and payments to Civil War Soldiers presented the town with a $200,000.00 debt. The bridges contributed $180,000.00 of that debt. Combined with request for additional town services, the Board of Selectman voted to sell Fair Haven, Granniss Corners and Morris Cove to New Haven. After a public vote where East Haven residence voted 123 to sell and 9 not to sell, the three sections were ceded to New Haven. Over night the town's debt was paid, the town’s population dropped by 70% and its land mass dropped by 33%.
Since the 1850s, Lake Saltonstall had become a major amusement center in the region. The lake was used heavily during the summer and by skaters in the winter. The lake, which borders the towns of East Haven and Branford, was sold in 1895 to the New Haven Water Company.
The new East Haven continued to grow. In 1892, after several businesses and the town hall were destroyed in a fire, the Board of Selectmen voted to install fire hydrants in the center of town and ordered 500 feet (152.4 m) of hose. Fighting town fires was handled by citizens that came to the fire. By 1899, several young town members formed a volunteer fire department. They applied for state recognition and started serving the town on January 2, 1900.
Policing East Haven was handled by New Haven sheriffs until 1900 or so when the town hired Jim Smith to be the town’s first Constable. Smith used the barn on his farm as the jail. The constable staff continued to grow until it was organized in 1925 under the Board of Public Safety which included the East Haven Fire Department and the newly organized East Haven Police Department.
Technology was improving the lives of the residents. 1898 saw gas lights being installed in East Haven. By 1903, four streets were lighted by gas lights. The town established its own telephone company in 1899 and had 75 customers before selling its holding to the local telephone company. Electric lights made their debut in 1918.
The East Haven Library was established in 1909. With an increase in population, especially citizens of Irish and Italian descent, the first Roman Catholic Church opened in East Haven in 1916.
World War I
cost the lives of 5 East Haven men.
The town voted to build a new town hall in 1927. At a cost of $135,000.00 the new town hall was dedicated on August 11, 1928. Over 5,000 residents attended the open house. The next month, on September 22, 1928, the new East Haven Library was opened and dedicated.
World War II
saw many men from East Haven going overseas. Twenty-four of them died in the war.
After World War II, East Haven benefited from families moving out of large cities into the rural areas. The population of East Haven nearly doubled from the end of the war to 1960. The population increase was also assisted by the building of Interstate 95 through the center of town in 1951.
The Vietnam War was kind to East Haven. Lance Corporal Richard J. Wolcheski, USMC, was the only East Haven casualty of this war.
Large retail stores and fast food franchises started to build outlets on both U.S. 1
and State Route 80
in the 1960s and 1970s. The downtown area went through re-development in the 1970s which saw the East Haven Mall built. Condominiums were built in the Center and Foxon sections. The town added its Athletic Complex, a new swimming pool to the High School. The new East Haven Police Headquarters was finished in 1973.
The downtown area is undergoing another re-development effort that started in 2004. The project will transform the downtown area from the 1970s city look back to a look of an old New England town, with period lighting and brick sidewalks.
On March 16, 2009, the town came to an agreement with neighboring New Haven over the future of Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport, which straddles the boundary between the two municipalities, ending over 40 years of strife.
, the town has a total area of 13.4 square miles (34.8 km²). 12.3 square miles (31.8 km²) of it is land and 1.1 square miles (3.08 km²) of it (8.57%) is water. East Haven also conatins Stony Island, approximately 660 yards (603.5 m) from East Haven Town Beach in Long Island Sound
.
If one were to look at East Haven on a map, it is taller than it is wide. It is bordered on the south by Long Island Sound, on the west by New Haven
, Connecticut
, on the north by North Haven
, Connecticut
and on the east by Branford
, Connecticut
, Lake Saltonstall and North Branford
, Connecticut
. East Haven shares with New Haven the land belonging to local Tweed-New Haven Airport
and Alling Memorial Golf Course.
Era, 450 to 250 million years ago), several plates collided to form the giant super continent called Pangaea
. East Haven was located in the middle of this collision and the results can be seen today with the schist
s, gneiss
es and granite
s which are exposed.
When Pangaea was broken up, during the Triassic
and Jurassic
Periods, volcanic
activity occurred, depositing basalt
or trap rock. Earthquake
s can still be felt in the area. In January 2001 the area was rocked by an earthquake originating in Madison
, Connecticut
.
It is estimated that Connecticut
was covered by glacier
s at least two times. The last glacial is estimated to be 1800 feet (548.6 m) thick in the New Haven
, Connecticut
area. 22,000 years ago, the glacier moved south, eroding mountains and pushed through East Haven and depositing large amounts of glacier till to form Long Island
. 14,000 years ago the glacier retreated and shaped the coastline, formed Long Island Sound
and created Lake Saltonstall
. It also deposited glacial till, soil, sand, rocks and boulders that the ice carried south from the north.
The coast is primarily covered gneiss rock (including granite), schist and quartzite
and is part of the coastal slope. The remaining sections are part of the Central Valley and are covered with clastic sedimentary rock
(redbeds, conglomerate, sandstone
, brownstone
and shale
). This soft surface has been resedimineted by a number of flood
s, making the soil soft and fertile and ideal for farm land.
Brownstone, a sedimentary rock that erodes easily, was easily dug into by glaciers and carved out many lakes and valleys. The area surrounding Farms River and Lake Saltonstall on the East Haven and Branford border is an example of this. The brownstone that did not erode was used for building foundations and rock fences found throughout New England.
Deposits of basalt (lava
flow) can be found in the north and northeast sections of East Haven. Several quarries
can be found in this area. Traprock (basalt) is turned into crushed stone. It is primarily used in construction and the in the bedding of roads. Sand and gravel from glacial till is the second most profitable quarried rock. They are used as fill, in concrete, leach
fields or for road sand.
, Connecticut
at the Dinosaur State Park were recently found at a construction site near Lake Saltonstall. The tracks were made by Eubrontes
. Fossils of Triassic period reptile have been found in the area. Stegomus, was covered with armor plates and looked similar to an armadillo.
Today, East Haven is mostly covered with broadleaf, hardwood trees. There are a few conifer (evergreen) forests, mostly around Lake Saltonstall. Salt marshes are located in areas around Long Island Sound.
Dinosaurs have been replaced with deer
, coyote
, squirrel
, fox
, chipmunks and rabbit
. Garter snakes can be found in the area. Pheasants, grouse
, ducks and wild turkey
can be found in East Haven as well as cardinals
, blue jay
, warblers, crows, sparrows, parrots, woodpeckers and sea gull. Trout
can be found in the fresh water lakes. Bluefish
, bass
, crabs and clams
can be found in Long Island Sound.
The residents of the town divide it into three large "sections" rather than a number of smaller neighborhoods. These sections are:
. This is the hilliest section of town. It counts among its landmarks the town high school, Foxon Park
Beverage (a locally famous soda manufactury), and Camp Murray
, a Girl Scouts of the USA
day camp. Grannis Pond use to host a YMCA
camp until the land was sold and developed.
The most recognizable landmark in East Haven is the Old Stone Church. Built in 1774, the steeple of the church stands out against the low horizon.
The original high school now houses the East Haven Historical Society, and a teen center.
The Town Green is a 2.4 acres (9,712.5 m²) park located at the eastern end of the central business district (two blocks east of the town hall) and is mostly covered by trees. There are monuments dedicated to honor war veterans and firefighters. The focal point of the green is their gazebo or bandstand. The Green is the site of the annual East Haven Fall Festival and summer concerts.
Margaret Tucker Park is considered the second East Haven Green, with its location across the street from Town Hall and the Old Stone Church. Plans are be developed to add additional land to the park, along with a water fountain.
Included in section is the "West End", which borders New Haven, CT. The area has seen a decline of the neighborhood over the past decade or so and blight has stepped in. Efforts are underway to revitalize the area that most residents think have been overlooked with all the focus of the re-development efforts in the center of town.
The Senior Center is also located one block from Town Hall. This facility is for all seniors 60 years of age and older. Many activities are planned on a daily basis as well as a daily lunch program. It is a great place for all seniors to visit and enjoy time with friends. Enjoy trips and get information on all senior programs.
East Haven's climate is tempered by its location on Long Island Sound and experiences a continental climate
which is common in New England. Winters are usually milder, with less snow accumulation, than those found inland. In a normal winter East Haven averages 27 inches (68.58 cm) of snowfall. It is not unusual to have a dusting of snow by the coast and an inch of snowfall in the northern areas of East Haven. The town is vulnerable to Nor'easter
weather systems that can drop heavy rain or snow in the region. The Blizzard of 1888 dropped about 40 inches of snow, while the Blizzard of 1978 dropped almost 2 foot (0.6096 m).
Summers are moderately warm and humid, though cooler than inland. Though rare, the region does experience high [heat waves] and sometime 100 °F (37.8 °C) days. Precipitation is evenly spread throughout the year.
East Haven enjoys a fairly long growing season with the last frost occurring in mid April and the first frost occurring in mid October. On an average East Haven sees 207 sunny days and 158 cloud or rainy days.
Severe weather does occur in East Haven. The area has been hit by several hurricanes, most recently in August 2011 when Hurricane Irene
severely damaged numerous shore areas. In 1985, Hurricane Gloria eye came across the state 22 west of East Haven. The area was without electricity. telephone and cable TV service for 7 days. Tornadoes sometimes occur in Connecticut
. Though the town has not been directly effected, a tornado
did touch down in Hamden
, Connecticut
just 3 miles (4.8 km) away.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 28,189 people, 11,219 households, and 7,494 families residing in the town. The population density
was 2,298.4 people per square mile (887.8/km²). There were 11,698 housing units at an average density of 953.8 per square mile (368.4/km²).
The total gender makeup of the town is 14,094 (47.9%) male and 15,324 (52.1%) female. Age distribution of the estimate 2007 population of the town is as follows:
The racial makeup of the town is 91.72% White, followed by 5.68% Hispanic
or Latino
, 2.55% African American
, 2.84% Asian, 2.79% from other races
and 0.01% Native American.
Italian ancestry makes up 43.1% of the population of East Haven, giving it the fourth highest percentages of Italians in the country, followed by 18.8% Irish, 8.0% Polish, 8.0% German, 6.6% English and 3.4% French. 7.1% of the population of East Haven is foreign born.
There were 11,583 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples
living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals (single person) and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.08.
The median age of a house is 40.5 years. The median house purchase price is $123,100.00 and median monthly rental is $1,001.00.
The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.
The town is primarily considered a Democratic
town, though it has elected a Republican
mayor in the last 5 of 6 elections. There are 15,925 registered voters in East Haven. 5,683 registered Democrats, 2,544 Republicans, 7,681 unaffiliated and 17 registered to minor parties. The town voted 56% for Barack Obama
in 2008, which was actually a much smaller margin of victory compared to neighboring towns.
The median income for a household in the town was $57,887. About 3.5% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.
78.1% of the adult population (25 years and old) have a high school degree or higher. 22% have some college education and 17.1% of the same population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
1.85% of the population work at home. 1.81% of the population use mass transportation, 9.46% car pool and 84.93% drive alone.
East Haven has an unemployment rate of 4.1%
When the town was incorporated in 1785, the system of government was that of selectmen and town meeting. When elections are held, the three people with the most votes were elected selectmen. The person with the most votes became the first selectman. Over the years the number of selectmen changed until it reached seven during the 1950s.
In 1960, the system of government was changed from selectmen – town meeting system to selectmen – representative town meeting. This system of government lasted until 1969, when the town charter was changed to a mayor – town council based government. In the 1969 general election, Francis W. Messina became the first mayor of East Haven, having been the incumbent first selectman.
April Capone Almon
defeated Mayor Joe Maturo
on November 6, 2007 by an apparent 21 votes. The slim margin of victory forced an automatic recount. On November 11, 2007, the recount showed Almon increasing her margin of victory to 63 votes, but discrepancies forced a second recount. On November 14, 2007, Almon was certified as the winner over Maturo by 25 votes. Almon became the first female mayor of East Haven and also the youngest at age 32.
Joe Maturo
defeated Mayor April Capone Almon
on November 8, 2011 by an apparent 31 votes. The slim margin of victory forced an automatic recount. On November 12, 2007, Maturo was certified as the winner over Almon by 34 votes. By winning a sixth term, Maturo becomes the lonest serving mayor.
The 2006 Mill Rate is 37.75. Total revenue in 2006 was $78,564,860.00 with total expenditures of $77,845,635.00. Moody's Bond rating for the town is A3.
There were 26 registered sex offenders living in East Haven as of October 2011. The ratio of East Haven residents to the number of sex offenders is 1128 to 1.
2010 is the last reported year. Statistics are published yearly by the FBI.
in the center of town and State Route 80
in the Foxon Section. East Haven has two Industrial Parks on land adjacent to Tweed-New Haven Airport
which houses many manufacturing and distribution companies.
There are approximately 528 companies that employee 6,593 employees in East Haven. The top 5 employers are Super Stop & Shop, Thermatool Corporation
, Village at Mariners Point (healthcare), Laural Woods (healthcare) and Talmadge Park Health Care(healthcare).
Business sector of East Haven are divided by 32.4% service workers, 31.9% in trade, 9.7% in manufacturing, 8.1% construction or mining, 6.6% in financial or real estate, 4.7% in transportation and utilities, 1.0% in agriculture and 5.7% in town government.
East Haven Grand List (2006) was $1,098,580,900.00. Retail sales from 2005 was $282,660,713.00. East Haven Labor Force (those of working age) is 16,205 residents. 15,386 or 94.95% are employed while 819 or 5.05% of the employable residents are unemployed.
The first town high school was opened on September 28, 1936 in the "Center" of town. Prior to the building of the high school, students had to apply to local area town high schools for acceptance into their school system. A new junior high school complex was built in 1957. In 1997, a new high school campus was built in the Foxon section of town.
Today the school system operates 12 schools. In 2006 there were 3,743 students enrolled in the East Haven Public School system, with 311 Certified Staff and 68 Non-Certified Staff. The towns budget allocated $44,282,000.00 to the Board of Education or approximately $11,830.00 per student.
The average class size: Grade K 16.4, Grade 2 18.4, Grade 5 19.0, Grade 7 18.0, High School 21.3. There are 13.9 students per teacher, 748 students per library staff, and 3.7 students per computer. The school system, for the class of 2006, had a drop out rate of 2.1 compared to the state rate of 6.6. There are an additional 266 students attending St. Vincent DePaul Catholic School and 400 adults enrolled in the Adult Education Program.
Information from Strategic School Profile 2006-07 compiled by Connecticut Department of Education
, Connecticut
. The Hospital of St. Raphael, Yale-New Haven Hospital
, a major teaching hospital affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine
, Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and Yale-New Haven Psychiatric Hospital. A VA
medical center is located in West Haven
, Connecticut
.
, Connecticut
.
Though East Haven does not have a train station, there are two stations within close driving distance. Union Station is located three miles (5 km) from the center of town in New Haven
, Connecticut
and a commuter station is located equal distance in Branford
, Connecticut
. Both are serviced by commuter railroad services to New York and other coastal Connecticut towns, and New Haven's Union Station has Amtrak
train service to Boston and many other cities.
Interstate 95
runs from east to west through the “Central” portion of East Haven. Interstate 91
, which is located west of the town does connect with State Route 80
which intersects the town in Foxon, running east to west. State Route 100
connects Foxon with the “Center” of town, running north to south. U.S. 1
intersects the town through the “Center”, paralleling Interstate 95
.
The Connecticut Transit Bus Company, a state run mass transportation system services the town
, Connecticut
provides drinking water to the south section of East Haven as well as being a recreational facility for hiking and fishing. The northern section is served by Lake Guillard in North Branford
, Connecticut
. The New Haven Regional Water Pollution Control Authority is responsible for sewage-disposal services with facilities located in New Haven
, Connecticut
United Illuminating is the exclusive distributor of electric power
to the town. Natural gas
is distributed by the Southern Connecticut Gas Company with several sections being served by local propane distribution companies. AT&T
is the primary wired telephone service provider for the area. Phone service is also available from various national wireless companies and the local cable television provider. Cable television
is available from Comcast
. Satellite television
is available from AT&T
(Dish Network
) and DirecTV
.
The town of East Haven has a notable mention in the film Ocean's Twelve
at the beginning. This is the town in which George Clooney
's and Julia Roberts
's characters are hiding after the heist from the Ocean's Eleven
(2001) remake.
New England town
The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states. Without a direct counterpart in most other U.S. states, New England towns are conceptually similar to civil townships in other states, but are incorporated, possessing powers like cities in other...
in New Haven County
New Haven County, Connecticut
New Haven County is a county located in the south central part of the U.S. state of Connecticut. As of the 2010 Census, the county population is 862,477 making it the third most populated county in Connecticut. There are 1,340 people per square mile...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As of the 2000 census
United States Census, 2000
The Twenty-second United States Census, known as Census 2000 and conducted by the Census Bureau, determined the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2000, to be 281,421,906, an increase of 13.2% over the 248,709,873 persons enumerated during the 1990 Census...
, the town population was 28,189. The town is just 3 minutes from downtown New Haven. East Haven is 35 miles (56.3 km) from Hartford, 82 miles (132 km) from New York City, 99 miles (159.3 km) from Providence, Rhode Island and 140 miles (225.3 km) from Boston.
Located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
it is part of the Greater New Haven
Greater New Haven
Greater New Haven is the metropolitan area whose extent includes those towns in the U.S. state of Connecticut that share an economic, social, political, and historical focus on the city of New Haven...
area.
History
Puritan
The Puritans were a significant grouping of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries. Puritanism in this sense was founded by some Marian exiles from the clergy shortly after the accession of Elizabeth I of England in 1558, as an activist movement within the Church of England...
settlers Reverend John Davenport
John Davenport (clergyman)
John Davenport was an English puritan clergyman and co-founder of the American colony of New Haven.-Early life:Born in Manchester, Warwickshire, England to a wealthy family, Davenport was educated at Oxford University...
and Theophilus Eaton
Theophilus Eaton
Theophilus Eaton was a merchant, farmer, and Puritan colonial leader who was the co-founder and first governor of New Haven Colony, Connecticut.-Early life and first marriage:...
on November 29, 1638 as part of the purchase of New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
from Sachem Momauguin of the local Quinnipiack
Quinnipiack
This article is about the Native American nation. For the university, see Quinnipiac University.The Quinnipiac — rarely spelled Quinnipiack — is the English name for the Eansketambawg a Native American nation of the Algonquian family who inhabited the Wampanoki This article is about the Native...
tribe. Additional land was, in what is now known as Foxon, was purchased from Indian Chief Montowese on December 11, 1638.
In 1639 Thomas Gregson, petitioned for the purchase of Solitary Cove, later called Morris Cove. This was granted on August 5, 1644 and was the last piece of land that made up the original town of East Haven. The original town boundaries were from the harbor and Quinnipiac River on the west to the Branford and North Branford town line on the east. The southern boundary is the Long Island Sound to the North Haven town line in the north.
East Farms, as it was first called, was considered a parish of the New Haven Colony. Settlers settled into Morris Cove and what is now the “center” of East Haven in 1639. The first Connecticut ironworks, the third in New England, was founded on the shores of Furnace Pond in 1655. Originally called Lonotononket (Great Pond) by the Quinnipiac Indians, today it’s called Lake Saltonstall. With Branford and North Branford having had settlers since 1643, people from the New Haven Colony started to settle the Foxon section in 1683.
In 1665, the New Haven Colony was merged with the Connecticut Colony (Hartford) under a charter from King Charles II. With the success of the ironwork mill, the area became known as Iron Works Village. In 1675 Iron Works Village petitioned the Connecticut Colony to become a separate town. Negotiations with New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
regarding land never succeeded. This eventually led to the relinquishing of village privileges in 1685. Efforts were again made in 1703 and the Connecticut Colony granted the town petition for township in May 1707 and the name was changed from Iron Works Village to East Haven. With some outstanding land issues with New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
and a minor feud with Governor Gordon Saltonstall resulted in the rescinding of the township status and the area was once again a parish of New Haven
In 1706 the first public school building was built in East Haven followed by the appointment of a School Committee in 1707.
Jacob Hemingway, the original Yale student, served as the first pastor (1704–1754) of the Congregational Church. Several meeting houses were built in East Haven and in January 1772 the Society of East Haven authorized the expense of $1,000.00 to build a new 65’ by 50’ meeting house. As the new meeting house was being built, the building was extended by 8’ and a steeple was added. In 1774 the Old Stone (Congregational) Church was finished and Nicholas Street was named its first minister.
During the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
, the area saw troop movement and encampment by both revolutionary and British forces. On July 5, 1779, British forces led by General William Tryon landed from war ships, attacked Black Rock Fort in Morris Cove and captured its 19 defenders. The British were then able to march into New Haven and East Haven. General Lafayette and revolutionary forces also visited town and encamped on the green. During the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
East Haven lost 16 men. John Howe was killed at the Black Rock Fort. Fifteen other men died, mostly on British prison ships in Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound is an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, located in the United States between Connecticut to the north and Long Island, New York to the south. The mouth of the Connecticut River at Old Saybrook, Connecticut, empties into the sound. On its western end the sound is bounded by the Bronx...
. After the war, Black Rock Fort was abandoned.
The Town of East Haven became an incorporated town in May 1785. At the initial town meeting, Isaac Chidsey was named First Selectman on July 5, 1785.
When relationship between the United States of America and Britain deteriorated in the early 19th century, the government decided to re-fortify Black Rock Fort. A new masonry wall was built for fortification. Six guns were installed and a new barracks for 50 men and a magazine were built. The fort was renamed Fort Nathan Hale, in honor of a Connecticut patriot. During the War of 1812, the fort successfully defended the area from several British raids.
During the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, East Haven lost 15 men. Two men, Charles Benoit and James Murphy died at the infamous Andersonville prison
Andersonville prison
The Andersonville prison, officially known as Camp Sumter, served as a Confederate Prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War. The site of the prison is now Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville, Georgia. Most of the site actually lies in extreme southwestern Macon County,...
in Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
.
East Haven western border was the Quinnipiac River and the town was in charge of four bridges that crossed it. In 1881 East Haven was facing a financial problem. The repairing and maintaining of the four bridges that crossed the Quinnipiac River, highway maintenance and payments to Civil War Soldiers presented the town with a $200,000.00 debt. The bridges contributed $180,000.00 of that debt. Combined with request for additional town services, the Board of Selectman voted to sell Fair Haven, Granniss Corners and Morris Cove to New Haven. After a public vote where East Haven residence voted 123 to sell and 9 not to sell, the three sections were ceded to New Haven. Over night the town's debt was paid, the town’s population dropped by 70% and its land mass dropped by 33%.
Since the 1850s, Lake Saltonstall had become a major amusement center in the region. The lake was used heavily during the summer and by skaters in the winter. The lake, which borders the towns of East Haven and Branford, was sold in 1895 to the New Haven Water Company.
The new East Haven continued to grow. In 1892, after several businesses and the town hall were destroyed in a fire, the Board of Selectmen voted to install fire hydrants in the center of town and ordered 500 feet (152.4 m) of hose. Fighting town fires was handled by citizens that came to the fire. By 1899, several young town members formed a volunteer fire department. They applied for state recognition and started serving the town on January 2, 1900.
Policing East Haven was handled by New Haven sheriffs until 1900 or so when the town hired Jim Smith to be the town’s first Constable. Smith used the barn on his farm as the jail. The constable staff continued to grow until it was organized in 1925 under the Board of Public Safety which included the East Haven Fire Department and the newly organized East Haven Police Department.
Technology was improving the lives of the residents. 1898 saw gas lights being installed in East Haven. By 1903, four streets were lighted by gas lights. The town established its own telephone company in 1899 and had 75 customers before selling its holding to the local telephone company. Electric lights made their debut in 1918.
The East Haven Library was established in 1909. With an increase in population, especially citizens of Irish and Italian descent, the first Roman Catholic Church opened in East Haven in 1916.
World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
cost the lives of 5 East Haven men.
The town voted to build a new town hall in 1927. At a cost of $135,000.00 the new town hall was dedicated on August 11, 1928. Over 5,000 residents attended the open house. The next month, on September 22, 1928, the new East Haven Library was opened and dedicated.
World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
saw many men from East Haven going overseas. Twenty-four of them died in the war.
After World War II, East Haven benefited from families moving out of large cities into the rural areas. The population of East Haven nearly doubled from the end of the war to 1960. The population increase was also assisted by the building of Interstate 95 through the center of town in 1951.
The Vietnam War was kind to East Haven. Lance Corporal Richard J. Wolcheski, USMC, was the only East Haven casualty of this war.
Large retail stores and fast food franchises started to build outlets on both U.S. 1
U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut
In the U.S. state of Connecticut, U.S. Route 1 is a major east–west state highway along Long Island Sound. It has been replaced by Interstate 95 as a through route, which it closely parallels, and now primarily serves as a local business route...
and State Route 80
Route 80 (Connecticut)
Route 80 is a long secondary east–west state route in Connecticut from New Haven to Deep River. It serves as a more inland alternate route to US 1 in eastern New Haven County and Middlesex County.-Route description:...
in the 1960s and 1970s. The downtown area went through re-development in the 1970s which saw the East Haven Mall built. Condominiums were built in the Center and Foxon sections. The town added its Athletic Complex, a new swimming pool to the High School. The new East Haven Police Headquarters was finished in 1973.
The downtown area is undergoing another re-development effort that started in 2004. The project will transform the downtown area from the 1970s city look back to a look of an old New England town, with period lighting and brick sidewalks.
On March 16, 2009, the town came to an agreement with neighboring New Haven over the future of Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport, which straddles the boundary between the two municipalities, ending over 40 years of strife.
Geography and climate
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 13.4 square miles (34.8 km²). 12.3 square miles (31.8 km²) of it is land and 1.1 square miles (3.08 km²) of it (8.57%) is water. East Haven also conatins Stony Island, approximately 660 yards (603.5 m) from East Haven Town Beach in Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound is an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, located in the United States between Connecticut to the north and Long Island, New York to the south. The mouth of the Connecticut River at Old Saybrook, Connecticut, empties into the sound. On its western end the sound is bounded by the Bronx...
.
If one were to look at East Haven on a map, it is taller than it is wide. It is bordered on the south by Long Island Sound, on the west by New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, on the north by North Haven
North Haven, Connecticut
North Haven is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut on the outskirts of New Haven, Connecticut.North Haven is less than ten miles from downtown New Haven and Yale University. It is near Sleeping Giant State Park and home the Quinnipiac University School of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing,...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
and on the east by Branford
Branford, Connecticut
-Landmarks and attractions:Branford has six historic districts that are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places . These include buildings in Federal, Arts and Crafts, and Queen Anne styles of architecture...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, Lake Saltonstall and North Branford
North Branford, Connecticut
North Branford is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 13,906 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 26.6 square miles , of which 24.9 square miles is land and 1.7 square miles is water...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. East Haven shares with New Haven the land belonging to local Tweed-New Haven Airport
Tweed-New Haven Airport
Tweed New Haven Regional Airport , formerly known as Tweed-New Haven Airport, is a public airport located three miles southeast of the central business district of New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Tweed New Haven Regional Airport is currently owned by the City of New Haven. The airport...
and Alling Memorial Golf Course.
Geology
During the PaleozoicPaleozoic
The Paleozoic era is the earliest of three geologic eras of the Phanerozoic eon, spanning from roughly...
Era, 450 to 250 million years ago), several plates collided to form the giant super continent called Pangaea
Pangaea
Pangaea, Pangæa, or Pangea is hypothesized as a supercontinent that existed during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras about 250 million years ago, before the component continents were separated into their current configuration....
. East Haven was located in the middle of this collision and the results can be seen today with the schist
Schist
The schists constitute a group of medium-grade metamorphic rocks, chiefly notable for the preponderance of lamellar minerals such as micas, chlorite, talc, hornblende, graphite, and others. Quartz often occurs in drawn-out grains to such an extent that a particular form called quartz schist is...
s, gneiss
Gneiss
Gneiss is a common and widely distributed type of rock formed by high-grade regional metamorphic processes from pre-existing formations that were originally either igneous or sedimentary rocks.-Etymology:...
es and granite
Granite
Granite is a common and widely occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock. Granite usually has a medium- to coarse-grained texture. Occasionally some individual crystals are larger than the groundmass, in which case the texture is known as porphyritic. A granitic rock with a porphyritic...
s which are exposed.
When Pangaea was broken up, during the Triassic
Triassic
The Triassic is a geologic period and system that extends from about 250 to 200 Mya . As the first period of the Mesozoic Era, the Triassic follows the Permian and is followed by the Jurassic. Both the start and end of the Triassic are marked by major extinction events...
and Jurassic
Jurassic
The Jurassic is a geologic period and system that extends from about Mya to Mya, that is, from the end of the Triassic to the beginning of the Cretaceous. The Jurassic constitutes the middle period of the Mesozoic era, also known as the age of reptiles. The start of the period is marked by...
Periods, volcanic
Volcano
2. Bedrock3. Conduit 4. Base5. Sill6. Dike7. Layers of ash emitted by the volcano8. Flank| 9. Layers of lava emitted by the volcano10. Throat11. Parasitic cone12. Lava flow13. Vent14. Crater15...
activity occurred, depositing basalt
Basalt
Basalt is a common extrusive volcanic rock. It is usually grey to black and fine-grained due to rapid cooling of lava at the surface of a planet. It may be porphyritic containing larger crystals in a fine matrix, or vesicular, or frothy scoria. Unweathered basalt is black or grey...
or trap rock. Earthquake
Earthquake
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time...
s can still be felt in the area. In January 2001 the area was rocked by an earthquake originating in Madison
Madison, Connecticut
Madison is a town in the southeastern corner of New Haven County, Connecticut, occupying a central location on Connecticut's Long Island Sound shoreline. The population was 18,812 at the 2000 census....
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
.
It is estimated that Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
was covered by glacier
Glacier
A glacier is a large persistent body of ice that forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years, often centuries. At least 0.1 km² in area and 50 m thick, but often much larger, a glacier slowly deforms and flows due to stresses induced by its weight...
s at least two times. The last glacial is estimated to be 1800 feet (548.6 m) thick in the New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
area. 22,000 years ago, the glacier moved south, eroding mountains and pushed through East Haven and depositing large amounts of glacier till to form Long Island
Long Island
Long Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
. 14,000 years ago the glacier retreated and shaped the coastline, formed Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound is an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, located in the United States between Connecticut to the north and Long Island, New York to the south. The mouth of the Connecticut River at Old Saybrook, Connecticut, empties into the sound. On its western end the sound is bounded by the Bronx...
and created Lake Saltonstall
Lake Saltonstall
Lake Saltonstall is a long narrow lake located in south-central Connecticut. It covers an area of approximately and is nestled in the center of the trap rock Saltonstall Mountain...
. It also deposited glacial till, soil, sand, rocks and boulders that the ice carried south from the north.
The coast is primarily covered gneiss rock (including granite), schist and quartzite
Quartzite
Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock which was originally sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure usually related to tectonic compression within orogenic belts. Pure quartzite is usually white to gray, though quartzites often occur in various shades of pink...
and is part of the coastal slope. The remaining sections are part of the Central Valley and are covered with clastic sedimentary rock
Sedimentary rock
Sedimentary rock are types of rock that are formed by the deposition of material at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water. Sedimentation is the collective name for processes that cause mineral and/or organic particles to settle and accumulate or minerals to precipitate from a solution....
(redbeds, conglomerate, sandstone
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains.Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours are tan, brown, yellow,...
, brownstone
Brownstone
Brownstone is a brown Triassic or Jurassic sandstone which was once a popular building material. The term is also used in the United States to refer to a terraced house clad in this material.-Types:-Apostle Island brownstone:...
and shale
Shale
Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments of other minerals, especially quartz and calcite. The ratio of clay to other minerals is variable. Shale is characterized by breaks along thin laminae or parallel layering...
). This soft surface has been resedimineted by a number of flood
Flood
A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land. The EU Floods directive defines a flood as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water...
s, making the soil soft and fertile and ideal for farm land.
Brownstone, a sedimentary rock that erodes easily, was easily dug into by glaciers and carved out many lakes and valleys. The area surrounding Farms River and Lake Saltonstall on the East Haven and Branford border is an example of this. The brownstone that did not erode was used for building foundations and rock fences found throughout New England.
Deposits of basalt (lava
Lava
Lava refers both to molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption and the resulting rock after solidification and cooling. This molten rock is formed in the interior of some planets, including Earth, and some of their satellites. When first erupted from a volcanic vent, lava is a liquid at...
flow) can be found in the north and northeast sections of East Haven. Several quarries
Quarry
A quarry is a type of open-pit mine from which rock or minerals are extracted. Quarries are generally used for extracting building materials, such as dimension stone, construction aggregate, riprap, sand, and gravel. They are often collocated with concrete and asphalt plants due to the requirement...
can be found in this area. Traprock (basalt) is turned into crushed stone. It is primarily used in construction and the in the bedding of roads. Sand and gravel from glacial till is the second most profitable quarried rock. They are used as fill, in concrete, leach
Leach
Leach may refer to:Placenames* Leach, Oklahoma in the United StatesSurnames* Al Leach* Archie Leach, real name of actor Cary Grant* Ben Leach, player in Liverpool-based pop group The Farm* Bernard Leach , British potter* Bobby Leach...
fields or for road sand.
Animals and plants
When Pangaea was broken up, East Haven had forests. Dinosaurs, reptiles and mammals roamed the area. Dinosaur track ways, like those found in Rocky HillRocky Hill, Connecticut
Rocky Hill is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 17,966 at the 2000 census. Rocky Hill was part of Wethersfield, the neighboring town to the north, until it was independently incorporated in 1849....
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
at the Dinosaur State Park were recently found at a construction site near Lake Saltonstall. The tracks were made by Eubrontes
Eubrontes
Eubrontes is the name of fossilised dinosaur footprints dating from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic. They have been identified from France, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Spain, Australia and the USA...
. Fossils of Triassic period reptile have been found in the area. Stegomus, was covered with armor plates and looked similar to an armadillo.
Today, East Haven is mostly covered with broadleaf, hardwood trees. There are a few conifer (evergreen) forests, mostly around Lake Saltonstall. Salt marshes are located in areas around Long Island Sound.
Dinosaurs have been replaced with deer
Deer
Deer are the ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae. Species in the Cervidae family include white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, reindeer, fallow deer, roe deer and chital. Male deer of all species and female reindeer grow and shed new antlers each year...
, coyote
Coyote
The coyote , also known as the American jackal or the prairie wolf, is a species of canine found throughout North and Central America, ranging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico, the United States and Canada...
, squirrel
Squirrel
Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium-sized rodents called the Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots , flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa and have been introduced to Australia...
, fox
Fox
Fox is a common name for many species of omnivorous mammals belonging to the Canidae family. Foxes are small to medium-sized canids , characterized by possessing a long narrow snout, and a bushy tail .Members of about 37 species are referred to as foxes, of which only 12 species actually belong to...
, chipmunks and rabbit
Rabbit
Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world...
. Garter snakes can be found in the area. Pheasants, grouse
Grouse
Grouse are a group of birds from the order Galliformes. They are sometimes considered a family Tetraonidae, though the American Ornithologists' Union and many others include grouse as a subfamily Tetraoninae in the family Phasianidae...
, ducks and wild turkey
Wild Turkey
The Wild Turkey is native to North America and is the heaviest member of the Galliformes. It is the same species as the domestic turkey, which derives from the South Mexican subspecies of wild turkey .Adult wild turkeys have long reddish-yellow to grayish-green...
can be found in East Haven as well as cardinals
Cardinal (bird)
The Cardinals or Cardinalidae are a family of passerine birds found in North and South America. The South American cardinals in the genus Paroaria are placed in another family, the Thraupidae ....
, blue jay
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to North America. It is resident through most of eastern and central United States and southern Canada, although western populations may be migratory. It breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common near and in...
, warblers, crows, sparrows, parrots, woodpeckers and sea gull. Trout
Trout
Trout is the name for a number of species of freshwater and saltwater fish belonging to the Salmoninae subfamily of the family Salmonidae. Salmon belong to the same family as trout. Most salmon species spend almost all their lives in salt water...
can be found in the fresh water lakes. Bluefish
Bluefish
The bluefish , called tailor in Australia, is a species of popular marine gamefish found in all climates. It is the sole species of the Pomatomidae family....
, bass
Bass (fish)
Bass is a name shared by many different species of popular gamefish. The term encompasses both freshwater and marine species. All belong to the large order Perciformes, or perch-like fishes, and in fact the word bass comes from Middle English bars, meaning "perch."-Types of basses:*The temperate...
, crabs and clams
CLaMS
CLaMS is a modular chemistry transport model system developed at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany. CLaMS was first described by McKenna et al. and was expanded into three dimensions by Konopka et al....
can be found in Long Island Sound.
Communities
Foxon
The area which borders Branford and North Branford on the east, New Haven on the west to about Grannis Pond in the south and surrounds State Route 80Route 80 (Connecticut)
Route 80 is a long secondary east–west state route in Connecticut from New Haven to Deep River. It serves as a more inland alternate route to US 1 in eastern New Haven County and Middlesex County.-Route description:...
. This is the hilliest section of town. It counts among its landmarks the town high school, Foxon Park
Foxon Park
Foxon Park is a soft drink brand produced by Foxon Park Beverage Company. The company is located in East Haven, Connecticut and has been in business for more than 80 years. Their sodas are a traditional accompaniment to the New Haven-style pizza sold throughout the area, and they are also served at...
Beverage (a locally famous soda manufactury), and Camp Murray
Scouting in Connecticut
Scouting in Connecticut has experienced many organizational changes since 1910. With only eight counties, Connecticut has had 40 Boy Scout Councils since the Scouting movement began in 1910. In 1922, 17 Boy Scout Councils existed in Connecticut, but currently only four exist...
, a Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA
The Girl Scouts of the United States of America is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It describes itself as "the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls". It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 and was organized after Low...
day camp. Grannis Pond use to host a YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
camp until the land was sold and developed.
Momauguin
The area is located in the southern section of East Haven, from Morris Cove section of New Haven on the west to Branford on the east and starting at Short Beach Road in the north. This section includes the town beach, numerous condominiums and summer cottages. The area near Tweed New Haven Airport has an industrial park that includes Town Fair Tire Centers Headquarters and Calabro Cheese Corporation."The Center"
The Center is not actually the geographical center of town but rather the hub of most things administrative. Landmarks of "The Center" include the Town Hall, Fire Department Headquarters, Hagaman Memorial Library, the "old" East Haven High School and other administrative buildings. The Police Department and Public Works Department reside on the "center" - Foxon line.The most recognizable landmark in East Haven is the Old Stone Church. Built in 1774, the steeple of the church stands out against the low horizon.
The original high school now houses the East Haven Historical Society, and a teen center.
The Town Green is a 2.4 acres (9,712.5 m²) park located at the eastern end of the central business district (two blocks east of the town hall) and is mostly covered by trees. There are monuments dedicated to honor war veterans and firefighters. The focal point of the green is their gazebo or bandstand. The Green is the site of the annual East Haven Fall Festival and summer concerts.
Margaret Tucker Park is considered the second East Haven Green, with its location across the street from Town Hall and the Old Stone Church. Plans are be developed to add additional land to the park, along with a water fountain.
Included in section is the "West End", which borders New Haven, CT. The area has seen a decline of the neighborhood over the past decade or so and blight has stepped in. Efforts are underway to revitalize the area that most residents think have been overlooked with all the focus of the re-development efforts in the center of town.
The Senior Center is also located one block from Town Hall. This facility is for all seniors 60 years of age and older. Many activities are planned on a daily basis as well as a daily lunch program. It is a great place for all seniors to visit and enjoy time with friends. Enjoy trips and get information on all senior programs.
Climate
Continental climate
Continental climate is a climate characterized by important annual variation in temperature due to the lack of significant bodies of water nearby...
which is common in New England. Winters are usually milder, with less snow accumulation, than those found inland. In a normal winter East Haven averages 27 inches (68.58 cm) of snowfall. It is not unusual to have a dusting of snow by the coast and an inch of snowfall in the northern areas of East Haven. The town is vulnerable to Nor'easter
Nor'easter
A nor'easter is a type of macro-scale storm along the East Coast of the United States and Atlantic Canada, so named because the storm travels to the northeast from the south and the winds come from the northeast, especially in the coastal areas of the Northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada...
weather systems that can drop heavy rain or snow in the region. The Blizzard of 1888 dropped about 40 inches of snow, while the Blizzard of 1978 dropped almost 2 foot (0.6096 m).
Summers are moderately warm and humid, though cooler than inland. Though rare, the region does experience high [heat waves] and sometime 100 °F (37.8 °C) days. Precipitation is evenly spread throughout the year.
East Haven enjoys a fairly long growing season with the last frost occurring in mid April and the first frost occurring in mid October. On an average East Haven sees 207 sunny days and 158 cloud or rainy days.
Severe weather does occur in East Haven. The area has been hit by several hurricanes, most recently in August 2011 when Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Irene (2011)
Hurricane Irene was a large and powerful Atlantic hurricane that left extensive flood and wind damage along its path through the Caribbean, the United States East Coast and as far north as Atlantic Canada in 2011...
severely damaged numerous shore areas. In 1985, Hurricane Gloria eye came across the state 22 west of East Haven. The area was without electricity. telephone and cable TV service for 7 days. Tornadoes sometimes occur in Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. Though the town has not been directly effected, a tornado
Northeastern United States tornado outbreak of 1989
The 1989 Northeastern United States tornado outbreak was a series of tornadoes which caused more than $130 million in damage across the Northeastern United States on July 10, 1989. The storm system affected five states with severe weather, including hail up to 2.5 inches across, thunderstorm...
did touch down in Hamden
Hamden, Connecticut
Hamden is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The town's nickname is "The Land of the Sleeping Giant." Hamden is home to Quinnipiac University. The population was 58,180 according to the Census Bureau's 2005 estimates...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
just 3 miles (4.8 km) away.
| Month | -Jan- | -Feb- | -Mar- | -Apr- | -May- | -Jun- | -Jul- | -Aug- | -Sep- | -Oct- | -Nov- | -Dec- | --Year-- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °F (°C) | 35°F (2°C) |
37°F (3°C) |
44°F (7°C) |
55°F (13°C) |
64°F (18°C) |
75°F (24°C) |
80°F (27°C) |
78°F (26°C) |
71°F (22°C) |
62°F (17°C) |
51°F (11°C) |
39°F (4°C) |
57°F (14°C) |
| Avg low temperature °F (°C) | 23°F (-5°C) |
23°F (-5°C) |
30°F (-1°C) |
37°F (3°C) |
46°F (8°C) |
57°F (14°C) |
62°F (17°C) |
60°F (16°C) |
53°F (12°C) |
44°F (7°C) |
35°F (2°C) |
26°F (-3°C) |
41°F (5°C) |
| Rainfall in. (mm) | 3.7" (95mm) |
3.7" (94mm) |
4.1" (105mm) |
3.7" (94mm) |
3.7" (95mm) |
3.3" (84mm) |
4.0" (101mm) |
4.2" (107mm) |
3.6" (91mm) |
3.5" (88mm) |
3.7" (95mm) |
3.8" (97mm) |
45.0" (1145mm) |
| Source: Weatherbase | |||||||||||||
Demographics
| Town of East Haven Population by year * land sold to New Haven http://www.ct.gov/ecd/cwp/view.asp?a=1106&q=250676 |
|
| 1790 | 1,025 |
| 1800 | 1,004 |
| 1810 | 1,209 |
| 1820 | 1,237 |
| 1830 | 1,229 |
| 1840 | 1,382 |
| 1850 | 1,670 |
| 1860 | 2,292 |
| 1870 | 2,714 |
| 1880* | 3,057 |
| 1890* | 955 |
| 1900 | 1,167 |
| 1910 | 1,795 |
| 1920 | 3,520 |
| 1930 | 7,815 |
| 1940 | 9,094 |
| 1950 | 12,212 |
| 1960 | 21,388 |
| 1970 | 25,120 |
| 1980 | 25,028 |
| 1990 | 26,144 |
| 2000 | 28,189 |
| 2010 est. | 28,973 |
As of the census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 28,189 people, 11,219 households, and 7,494 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2,298.4 people per square mile (887.8/km²). There were 11,698 housing units at an average density of 953.8 per square mile (368.4/km²).
The total gender makeup of the town is 14,094 (47.9%) male and 15,324 (52.1%) female. Age distribution of the estimate 2007 population of the town is as follows:
- ages 0 to 4 years old - 828 (3%) male and 777 (3%) female
- ages 5 to 17 years old – 2,370 (8%) male and 2,279 (8%) female
- ages 18 to 24 years old – 1,216 (4%) male and 1,138 (4%) female
- ages 25 to 49 years old – 5,231 (18%) male and 5,393 (18%) female
- ages 50 to 64 years old – 2,602 (9%) male and 3,028 (10%) female
- ages 65 and above – 1,847 (6%) male and 2,709 (9%) female
The racial makeup of the town is 91.72% White, followed by 5.68% Hispanic
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
or Latino
Latino
The demonyms Latino and Latina , are defined in English language dictionaries as:* "a person of Latin-American descent."* "A Latin American."* "A person of Hispanic, especially Latin-American, descent, often one living in the United States."...
, 2.55% African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
, 2.84% Asian, 2.79% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
and 0.01% Native American.
Italian ancestry makes up 43.1% of the population of East Haven, giving it the fourth highest percentages of Italians in the country, followed by 18.8% Irish, 8.0% Polish, 8.0% German, 6.6% English and 3.4% French. 7.1% of the population of East Haven is foreign born.
There were 11,583 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals (single person) and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.08.
The median age of a house is 40.5 years. The median house purchase price is $123,100.00 and median monthly rental is $1,001.00.
The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.
The town is primarily considered a Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
town, though it has elected a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
mayor in the last 5 of 6 elections. There are 15,925 registered voters in East Haven. 5,683 registered Democrats, 2,544 Republicans, 7,681 unaffiliated and 17 registered to minor parties. The town voted 56% for Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
in 2008, which was actually a much smaller margin of victory compared to neighboring towns.
The median income for a household in the town was $57,887. About 3.5% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.
78.1% of the adult population (25 years and old) have a high school degree or higher. 22% have some college education and 17.1% of the same population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
1.85% of the population work at home. 1.81% of the population use mass transportation, 9.46% car pool and 84.93% drive alone.
East Haven has an unemployment rate of 4.1%
Government
In 1960, the system of government was changed from selectmen – town meeting system to selectmen – representative town meeting. This system of government lasted until 1969, when the town charter was changed to a mayor – town council based government. In the 1969 general election, Francis W. Messina became the first mayor of East Haven, having been the incumbent first selectman.
April Capone Almon
April Capone Almon
-Biography:April Capone was born, raised and educated in East Haven. She received her MBA from Southern Connecticut State University. She married in 1999 to Regan Almon....
defeated Mayor Joe Maturo
Joseph A. Maturo, Jr.
-Biography:He is a Republican and is a life-long resident of East Haven. He is a graduate of East Haven High School, class of 1970. He has attended South Central Community College and the University of New Haven. Maturo is a Master Electrician, having obtained his State Certification as an...
on November 6, 2007 by an apparent 21 votes. The slim margin of victory forced an automatic recount. On November 11, 2007, the recount showed Almon increasing her margin of victory to 63 votes, but discrepancies forced a second recount. On November 14, 2007, Almon was certified as the winner over Maturo by 25 votes. Almon became the first female mayor of East Haven and also the youngest at age 32.
Joe Maturo
Joseph A. Maturo, Jr.
-Biography:He is a Republican and is a life-long resident of East Haven. He is a graduate of East Haven High School, class of 1970. He has attended South Central Community College and the University of New Haven. Maturo is a Master Electrician, having obtained his State Certification as an...
defeated Mayor April Capone Almon
April Capone Almon
-Biography:April Capone was born, raised and educated in East Haven. She received her MBA from Southern Connecticut State University. She married in 1999 to Regan Almon....
on November 8, 2011 by an apparent 31 votes. The slim margin of victory forced an automatic recount. On November 12, 2007, Maturo was certified as the winner over Almon by 34 votes. By winning a sixth term, Maturo becomes the lonest serving mayor.
| Mayors of East Haven | ||
| Mayor | Years Served | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francis W. Messina (R) | 1969–1975 |
| 2 | Anthony Proto (D) | 1975–1985 |
| 3 | Robert M. Norman (R) | 1985–1991 |
| 4 | Henry J. Luzzi (D) | 1991–1997 |
| 5 | Joseph Maturo, Jr. (R) | 1997–2007 |
| 6 | April Capone Almon (D) | 2007–2011 |
| 7 | Joseph Maturo, Jr. (R) | 2011–present |
The 2006 Mill Rate is 37.75. Total revenue in 2006 was $78,564,860.00 with total expenditures of $77,845,635.00. Moody's Bond rating for the town is A3.
Crime
The East Haven Police Department employs over 50 uniformed officers. Crime rose in 2010, but the town's crime index still remains at half the national average.There were 26 registered sex offenders living in East Haven as of October 2011. The ratio of East Haven residents to the number of sex offenders is 1128 to 1.
| Type | -1980- | -1985- | -1990- | -1995- | -2000- | -2001- | -2002- | -2003- | -2004- | -2005- | -2006- | -2007- | -2008- | -2009- | -2010- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murders | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rapes | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Robberies | 16 | 15 | 27 | 24 | 15 | 23 | 23 | 17 | 15 | 21 | 17 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 20 |
| Assaults | 21 | 13 | 30 | 3 | 39 | 36 | 32 | 20 | 2 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 24 | 14 | 20 |
| TOTAL Violent Crimes | 38 | 30 | 57 | 28 | 58 | 66 | 66 | 44 | 18 | 31 | 25 | 42 | 50 | 35 | 43 |
| Burglaries | 369 | 158 | 194 | 212 | 115 | 108 | 126 | 74 | 75 | 93 | 99 | 123 | 121 | 147 | 119 |
| Larceny | 724 | 630 | 615 | 872 | 467 | 549 | 561 | 480 | 422 | 470 | 386 | 513 | 590 | 500 | 744 |
| Auto Thefts | 111 | 78 | 156 | 169 | 80 | 104 | 103 | 84 | 96 | 127 | 96 | 107 | 108 | 71 | 81 |
| Arson | na | na | na | na | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL Property Crimes | 1204 | 866 | 965 | 1253 | 664 | 760 | 792 | 643 | 593 | 694 | 581 | 743 | 819 | 718 | 944 |
2010 is the last reported year. Statistics are published yearly by the FBI.
Economy
Retail services dominate three stretches of roads in East Haven; Main Street and U.S. 1U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut
In the U.S. state of Connecticut, U.S. Route 1 is a major east–west state highway along Long Island Sound. It has been replaced by Interstate 95 as a through route, which it closely parallels, and now primarily serves as a local business route...
in the center of town and State Route 80
Route 80 (Connecticut)
Route 80 is a long secondary east–west state route in Connecticut from New Haven to Deep River. It serves as a more inland alternate route to US 1 in eastern New Haven County and Middlesex County.-Route description:...
in the Foxon Section. East Haven has two Industrial Parks on land adjacent to Tweed-New Haven Airport
Tweed-New Haven Airport
Tweed New Haven Regional Airport , formerly known as Tweed-New Haven Airport, is a public airport located three miles southeast of the central business district of New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Tweed New Haven Regional Airport is currently owned by the City of New Haven. The airport...
which houses many manufacturing and distribution companies.
There are approximately 528 companies that employee 6,593 employees in East Haven. The top 5 employers are Super Stop & Shop, Thermatool Corporation
Induction welding
Induction welding is a form of welding that uses electromagnetic induction to heat the workpiece. The welding apparatus contains an induction coil that is energised with a radio-frequency electric current. This generates a high-frequency electromagnetic field that acts on either an electrically...
, Village at Mariners Point (healthcare), Laural Woods (healthcare) and Talmadge Park Health Care(healthcare).
Business sector of East Haven are divided by 32.4% service workers, 31.9% in trade, 9.7% in manufacturing, 8.1% construction or mining, 6.6% in financial or real estate, 4.7% in transportation and utilities, 1.0% in agriculture and 5.7% in town government.
East Haven Grand List (2006) was $1,098,580,900.00. Retail sales from 2005 was $282,660,713.00. East Haven Labor Force (those of working age) is 16,205 residents. 15,386 or 94.95% are employed while 819 or 5.05% of the employable residents are unemployed.
- Calabro Cheese Corporation, founded in 1953, also calls East Haven home. They specialize in producing the following Italian cheeses: Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, and a line of select specialty cheeses. Calabro Cheese was the first Italian cheese company to develop fat-free ricotta cheese with no fat, no salt, and no preservatives added. Calabro Cheese has won numerous awards for a number of their cheeses and its products can be found in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania, the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maryland and Bermuda.
- Foxon ParkFoxon ParkFoxon Park is a soft drink brand produced by Foxon Park Beverage Company. The company is located in East Haven, Connecticut and has been in business for more than 80 years. Their sodas are a traditional accompaniment to the New Haven-style pizza sold throughout the area, and they are also served at...
Beverages, Inc., founded over 80 years ago in nearby New Haven, is a family owned and operated business. Their bottled soda and dispensed syrups can be found in many of New Haven County's popular restaurants and delis. Foxon Park Soda with pizza has become a tradition for many people living in the area.
- Town Fair Tire Center headquarters is located on Coe Avenue in East Haven. Town Fair Tire Centers started in Fairfield, CT and has grown to be the largest tire dealer in New England.
Schools
Education in the New Haven Colony was important. The colonist had required that each parish provide a common school. Prior to 1700, the parish education was being provided by the Congregational Church. The town voted in 1706 to build the first public school. The school was located around what is now 260 Hemingway Avenue. In 1707 the town established a School Board to oversee the education system. By 1728 East Haven had split their system into 4 school districts.The first town high school was opened on September 28, 1936 in the "Center" of town. Prior to the building of the high school, students had to apply to local area town high schools for acceptance into their school system. A new junior high school complex was built in 1957. In 1997, a new high school campus was built in the Foxon section of town.
Today the school system operates 12 schools. In 2006 there were 3,743 students enrolled in the East Haven Public School system, with 311 Certified Staff and 68 Non-Certified Staff. The towns budget allocated $44,282,000.00 to the Board of Education or approximately $11,830.00 per student.
The average class size: Grade K 16.4, Grade 2 18.4, Grade 5 19.0, Grade 7 18.0, High School 21.3. There are 13.9 students per teacher, 748 students per library staff, and 3.7 students per computer. The school system, for the class of 2006, had a drop out rate of 2.1 compared to the state rate of 6.6. There are an additional 266 students attending St. Vincent DePaul Catholic School and 400 adults enrolled in the Adult Education Program.
- Deer Run School enrolls 351 students in Grades PK-2
- Grove J Tuttle School enrolls 240 students in Grades 3-5
- D. C. Moore School enrolls 249 students in Grades PK-2
- Momauguin School enrolls 239 students in Grades 3-5
- Dominick H. Ferrara School enrolls 194 students in Grades 3-5
- Overbrook School enrolls 261 students in Grades K-2
- Joseph Melillo Middle School enrolls 528 students in Grades 6-8
- East Haven AcademyEast Haven AcademyEast Haven Academy is a public Magnet school in East Haven, Connecticut that enrolls children in grades 3-8. It opened its doors on September 3, 1997. In 2005 "EHA" was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S...
enrolls 249 Students in Grades 3-8 - East Haven High SchoolEast Haven High SchoolEast Haven High School is located at 35 Wheelbarrow Lane in East Haven, Connecticut. It is a co-educational public school serving grades nine through twelve. Its school colors are blue and gold and its mascot is the yellow jacket...
enrolls 1,260 students in Grades 9-12 - Pathway enrolls 31 students in Grades 7-12
- As of the 2010-2011 school year Robert W. Carbone School is shut down and is where the current East Haven Academy is located. Hays School is also closed.
| Connecticut Mastery Test Results | |||||||||||||
| Grade | -Reading- | -Math- | -Writing- | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Grade |
Town State |
42.3 52.3 |
53.0 60.8 |
50.3 59.4 |
|||||||||
| 4th Grade |
Town State |
47.3 57.0 |
56.3 65.1 |
53.8 62.3 |
|||||||||
| 5th Grade |
Town State |
61.6 61.4 |
58.2 64.6 |
66.0 66.0 |
|||||||||
| 6th Grade |
Town State |
65.5 64.3 |
65.6 64.6 |
67.4 63.9 |
|||||||||
| 7th Grade |
Town State |
59.0 65.9 |
64.1 60.4 |
58.0 60.3 |
|||||||||
| 8th Grade |
Town State |
73.1 66.6 |
60.4 64.0 |
64.3 60.8 |
|||||||||
| Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) Results | |||||||||||||
| Grade | -Reading- | -Math- | -Writing- | -Science- | |||||||||
| 10th Grade |
Town State |
27.5 45.6 |
31.0 45.2 |
36.1 52.9 |
32.4 44.4 |
||||||||
| SAT Results Class of 2006 | ||
| -Math- | -Verbal- | |
|---|---|---|
| Town State |
470 510 |
456 505 |
Information from Strategic School Profile 2006-07 compiled by Connecticut Department of Education
Library
The East Haven Library was established in 1909. The library occupied several locations in the center of town before a gift from Isaac Hagaman allowed for a permanent building to be built. On September 22, 1928 the East Haven Library was opened. During the years of 1973 and 1974, the library added a two story addition to the complex. Today the Hagaman Memorial Library, named to honor of Isaac Hagaman, holds approximately 59,201 books, 2,065 Audio Materials, 4,128 Video Materials and 90 serial subscriptions. The library has an extensive children’s library and facilities are available for community meetings.Health and medicine
East Haven does not have its own hospital but does have several excellent facilities within 3 to 5 miles (8 km) in New HavenNew Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. The Hospital of St. Raphael, Yale-New Haven Hospital
Yale-New Haven Hospital
Yale-New Haven Hospital , Connecticut's largest hospital with 966 beds, is located in New Haven, Connecticut.The hospital is owned and operated by the Yale New Haven Health System, Inc...
, a major teaching hospital affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine
Yale School of Medicine
The Yale School of Medicine at Yale University is a private medical school located in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. It was founded in 1810 as The Medical Institution of Yale College, and formally opened its doors in 1813....
, Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and Yale-New Haven Psychiatric Hospital. A VA
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. It is the United States government’s second largest department, after the United States Department of Defense...
medical center is located in West Haven
West Haven, Connecticut
West Haven is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 52,721.-History:...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
.
Transportation
East Haven is served by Tweed New Haven Regional Airport, which is located on the border between East Haven and New HavenNew Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
.
Though East Haven does not have a train station, there are two stations within close driving distance. Union Station is located three miles (5 km) from the center of town in New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
and a commuter station is located equal distance in Branford
Branford, Connecticut
-Landmarks and attractions:Branford has six historic districts that are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places . These include buildings in Federal, Arts and Crafts, and Queen Anne styles of architecture...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. Both are serviced by commuter railroad services to New York and other coastal Connecticut towns, and New Haven's Union Station has Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
train service to Boston and many other cities.
Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in Connecticut
Interstate 95, the main north–south Interstate Highway on the East Coast of the United States, runs in a general east–west compass direction for 111.57 miles in Connecticut from the Rhode Island state line to the New York State line. I-95 Southbound from East Lyme to the New York State...
runs from east to west through the “Central” portion of East Haven. Interstate 91
Interstate 91
Interstate 91 is an Interstate Highway in the New England region of the United States. It provides the primary north–south thoroughfare in the western part of New England...
, which is located west of the town does connect with State Route 80
Route 80 (Connecticut)
Route 80 is a long secondary east–west state route in Connecticut from New Haven to Deep River. It serves as a more inland alternate route to US 1 in eastern New Haven County and Middlesex County.-Route description:...
which intersects the town in Foxon, running east to west. State Route 100
Route 100 (Connecticut)
Route 100 is a state highway in Connecticut that connects the town center of East Haven with the Foxon community in the northern part of town.- Route description:...
connects Foxon with the “Center” of town, running north to south. U.S. 1
U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut
In the U.S. state of Connecticut, U.S. Route 1 is a major east–west state highway along Long Island Sound. It has been replaced by Interstate 95 as a through route, which it closely parallels, and now primarily serves as a local business route...
intersects the town through the “Center”, paralleling Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in Connecticut
Interstate 95, the main north–south Interstate Highway on the East Coast of the United States, runs in a general east–west compass direction for 111.57 miles in Connecticut from the Rhode Island state line to the New York State line. I-95 Southbound from East Lyme to the New York State...
.
The Connecticut Transit Bus Company, a state run mass transportation system services the town
Utilities
Water supply is provided by the Regional Water Authority. Lake Saltonstall, located on the border between East Haven and BranfordBranford, Connecticut
-Landmarks and attractions:Branford has six historic districts that are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places . These include buildings in Federal, Arts and Crafts, and Queen Anne styles of architecture...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
provides drinking water to the south section of East Haven as well as being a recreational facility for hiking and fishing. The northern section is served by Lake Guillard in North Branford
North Branford, Connecticut
North Branford is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 13,906 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 26.6 square miles , of which 24.9 square miles is land and 1.7 square miles is water...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. The New Haven Regional Water Pollution Control Authority is responsible for sewage-disposal services with facilities located in New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
United Illuminating is the exclusive distributor of electric power
Electric power
Electric power is the rate at which electric energy is transferred by an electric circuit. The SI unit of power is the watt.-Circuits:Electric power, like mechanical power, is represented by the letter P in electrical equations...
to the town. Natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
is distributed by the Southern Connecticut Gas Company with several sections being served by local propane distribution companies. AT&T
AT&T
AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation headquartered in Whitacre Tower, Dallas, Texas, United States. It is the largest provider of mobile telephony and fixed telephony in the United States, and is also a provider of broadband and subscription television services...
is the primary wired telephone service provider for the area. Phone service is also available from various national wireless companies and the local cable television provider. Cable television
Cable television
Cable television is a system of providing television programs to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted to televisions through coaxial cables or digital light pulses through fixed optical fibers located on the subscriber's property, much like the over-the-air method used in traditional...
is available from Comcast
Comcast
Comcast Corporation is the largest cable operator, home Internet service provider, and fourth largest home telephone service provider in the United States, providing cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone service to both residential and commercial customers in 39 states and the...
. Satellite television
Satellite television
Satellite television is television programming delivered by the means of communications satellite and received by an outdoor antenna, usually a parabolic mirror generally referred to as a satellite dish, and as far as household usage is concerned, a satellite receiver either in the form of an...
is available from AT&T
AT&T
AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation headquartered in Whitacre Tower, Dallas, Texas, United States. It is the largest provider of mobile telephony and fixed telephony in the United States, and is also a provider of broadband and subscription television services...
(Dish Network
Dish Network
Dish Network Corporation is the second largest pay TV provider in the United States, providing direct broadcast satellite service—including satellite television, audio programming, and interactive television services—to 14.337 million commercial and residential customers in the United States. Dish...
) and DirecTV
DirecTV
DirecTV is an American direct broadcast satellite service provider and broadcaster based in El Segundo, California. Its satellite service, launched on June 17, 1994, transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States, Latin America, and the Anglophone Caribbean. ...
.
People and Culture
East Haven is known for its Italian-American ethnic heritage.The town of East Haven has a notable mention in the film Ocean's Twelve
Ocean's Twelve
Ocean's Twelve is a 2004 American crime comedy film, the sequel to 2001's Ocean's Eleven. Like its predecessor, which was a remake of the 1960 film Ocean's 11, the film used a celebrity ensemble cast. It was released in the United States on December 10, 2004. A third film, Ocean's Thirteen, was...
at the beginning. This is the town in which George Clooney
George Clooney
George Timothy Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award...
's and Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts
Julia Fiona Roberts is an American actress. She became a Hollywood star after headlining the romantic comedy Pretty Woman , which grossed $464 million worldwide...
's characters are hiding after the heist from the Ocean's Eleven
Ocean's Eleven (2001 film)
Ocean's Eleven is a 2001 American comedy-crime caper and remake of the 1960 Rat Pack caper film of the same name. The 2001 film was directed by Steven Soderbergh and features an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy García, and Julia Roberts. The film was...
(2001) remake.
Media and newspapers
- Newspapers: The town is served by one daily newspaper and two weekly newspapers. The New Haven RegisterThe New Haven RegisterThe New Haven Register is a daily newspaper published in New Haven, Connecticut. It is owned by Journal Register Company of Yardley, Pennsylvania. The Register's main office is located at 40 Sargent Drive in New Haven....
is printed seven days a week. The East Haven Courier is the weekly paper. - Media: The town is served by ETV, a local Public-access televisionPublic-access televisionPublic-access television is a form of non-commercial mass media where ordinary people can create content television programming which is cablecast through cable TV specialty channels...
cable TV channel on the ComcastComcastComcast Corporation is the largest cable operator, home Internet service provider, and fourth largest home telephone service provider in the United States, providing cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone service to both residential and commercial customers in 39 states and the...
System. A local ABC affiliate is in New HavenNew Haven, ConnecticutNew Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, WTNH TV Channel 8. East Haven can receive 15 on air televisions channels, 13 AM radio transmission and 20 FM radio transmission.
Museums
- East Haven Historical Society
- The Shore Line Trolley MuseumShore Line Trolley MuseumThe Shore Line Trolley Museum, located in East Haven, Connecticut, is the oldest operating trolley museum in the United States. It was founded to preserve the heritage of the trolley car. The museum includes exhibits on trolley history in the visitors' center and offers rides on restored trolleys...
was founded in 1945 as the Branford Electric Railway Association (BERA). The Branford Electric Railway Association was founded to preserve the heritage of the trolleyTramA tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
car, as well as artifacts and documents from the trolley era. The museum holds nearly one hundred trolley vehicles. The Shore Line Trolley Museum, just past the East Haven Green, operates the Branford Electric Railway, a National Historic SiteNational Historic Sites (United States)National Historic Sites are protected areas of national historic significance in the United States. A National Historic Site usually contains a single historical feature directly associated with its subject...
. The railway is the oldest continuously operating suburban trolley line in the United States.
National Register of Historic Places
East Haven has two nationally registered historic sites:- East Haven Green Historic DistrictEast Haven Green Historic DistrictThe East Haven Green is the town green of the New England town of East Haven, Connecticut. It is bounded by River Street, Hemingway Avenue, Main Street, and Park Place and is the focal point of the East Haven Green Historic District...
- (added April 11, 2002) - First Congregational Church of East HavenFirst Congregational Church of East HavenFirst Congregational Church of East Haven 251 Main Street in East Haven, Connecticut.The church was built in 1774 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.-References:...
- (added March 25, 1982)
Town events
- Every fifth years it hosts the Columbus Day Parade (which is shared between New HavenNew Haven, ConnecticutNew Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. According to the 2010 Census, New Haven's population increased by 5.0% between 2000 and 2010, a rate higher than that of the State of Connecticut, and higher than that of the state's five largest cities, and...
, ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, West HavenWest Haven, ConnecticutWest Haven is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 52,721.-History:...
, ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, North HavenNorth Haven, ConnecticutNorth Haven is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut on the outskirts of New Haven, Connecticut.North Haven is less than ten miles from downtown New Haven and Yale University. It is near Sleeping Giant State Park and home the Quinnipiac University School of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing,...
, ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, and HamdenHamden, ConnecticutHamden is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The town's nickname is "The Land of the Sleeping Giant." Hamden is home to Quinnipiac University. The population was 58,180 according to the Census Bureau's 2005 estimates...
, ConnecticutConnecticutConnecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
) - The town of East Haven sponsors a town wide beach party to bring the town together to celebrate Independence Day.
- The town also host the Fall Festival, which is patterned after a town fair which many New England towns host throughout the fall season.
Notable residents
- Cy BentleyCy BentleyClytus George "Cy" Bentley was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played one season in professional baseball, for the Middletown Mansfields of the National Association.-Career:...
(1850–1872), Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player for one season with the Middletown MansfieldsMiddletown MansfieldsThe Middletown Mansfields were a Baseball team in Middletown, Connecticut. The Mansfields were a member of the National Association in 1872. The baseball team was organized by Ben Douglas Jr., who named the team after his great-uncle General Joseph Mansfield. They were managed by catcher John...
, born in East Haven. - Kori Gardner and Jason Edward HammelJason Edward HammelJason Edward Hammel is an American musician. He is a vocalist and drummer for Mates of State, of which he is half complemented by his wife, Kori Hammel, a vocalist and keyboardist for the band. Married in 2001, Kori and Jason have two children. Hammel went to high school in Stewartville, Minnesota,...
of the pop music duo Mates of StateMates of StateMates of State are an American indie pop duo, active since 1997. The group is composed of the husband-and-wife team of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel .Over the course of the band's fourteen year career, they've released three EPs and six full-length, studio... - Henry WinklerHenry WinklerHenry Franklin Winkler, OBE is an American actor, director, producer, and author.Winkler is best known for his role as Fonzie on the 1970s American sitcom Happy Days...
, most notably known as the actor who played "The Fonz" on the hit-show "Happy DaysHappy DaysHappy Days is an American television sitcom that originally aired from January 15, 1974, to September 24, 1984, on ABC. Created by Garry Marshall, the series presents an idealized vision of life in mid-1950s to mid-1960s America....
" resided in the Momaugin area of East Haven during the years he attended Yale for acting classes.