Prof Writes the Book on Fairfield's Past

How much do you know about Fairfield’s history? There’s certainly been a lot to cover since Roger Ludlowe and his fellow travelers settled along these shores in 1639. If you’re curious about what happened here over the past 360 years, Thomas J. Farnham has you covered. The second edition of the  Southern Connecticut State University professor’s book, “Fairfield 1638-2000: The Biography of a Community” is now on sale at the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

“It is unlikely that Farnham’s book will ever be surpassed in its exhaustive exploration of the town’s 350-year development, its coverage of every facet of community life, and its descriptive passages encompassing one fascinating detail after another,” said Christopher Collier, Connecticut’s State Historian. 

The new edition covers the town’s history up to the year 2000. Along with interesting tales from throughout history, it also includes many rare photographs. Some choice shots include members of the Fairfield Fire Department in the 1920s posing in front of what is now the site of the Firehouse Deli, Fairfield Beach in the wake of the 1938 hurricane, an armed forces recruitment photo taken on Fairfield Beach in 1942, and an aerial view of the construction of the Connecticut Turnpike in 1955.

“Covering more than three centuries, ‘Fairfield: The Biography of a Community,’ explores the motives behind European settlement under Roger Ludlow, the town’s early importance as a county seat, its violent destruction at the hands of British invaders during the American Revolution, and its eventual rebirth as a thriving 21st century suburban community,” said FMHC executive director Michael Jehle in a press release.

 

Have you read “Fairfield: The Biography of a Community?” Give us a quick review in the comments. Want to learn more about Fairfield history? Send questions to gcanuel@mainstreetconnect.us.

 

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