The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-08-08
Our s,r.sford Cosrespondene.

.srRArFoR D, Conn. July 81. 1853.
A Brief History Of The Piace-N,tc York Residents
in Summer Fen items Nbon the Churches-
Summer Enjoyments at a Reasonable Cost, &c.
This picturesque town is situated near the mouth
of the Housatonic river; and was laid out at right
angles, in 1859, with the intention Of founding a
city. The founders unquestonably thought that the
great water power in the Naugatuck valley-which
since has been developed equal 20 that OF the Saoo
in Maine-would ultimately make Stratford great
enfreptf both via Of the Sound and from the valley.
But the founders Of this town found out TO their
chagrin and disappointment that there was an i'm
mense sandbar which shot across the mouth Of the
Housatonic which rendered navigation for vessels OF
any considerable tonnage impracticable; and as the
colony was under British jurisdiction Nd embraced
a religion inimical to the orthodox Church Of Eng
gland, they could not expect any improvement in
tire hsrbor through the British government; and the
said government cared less about developing manu-.
factories IN the colony, IL would he detrimental TO
her home interests Hence, expected fortunes and
a large city vanished into thin air;' and the
founders who had laid out ihe town, moved to the
Pequonnock. four miles west, and laid out town
now the city Of Bridgeport. Stratiord however
continued 70 increase in population with wealthy
settlers, who at that day held slaves, and farming
was carried on extensively. The population Of
the town is now nearly three thousand and i
one of the wealthest towns In the State. The
houses here are OF very rich and ornate
style Of architecture. surrounded with shrbberv.
aud the streets are very wide, completely arched
with the rich and gorgeous foliage Of lofty elms,
which were planted, some Of them, century ego.
The harbor has never been improved for uaviga lie
purposes and probably never viii be- now that
Bridgeport is 20 pr0xmate and hourisbing and j.
the southern terminus Of the Naugatuck Railroad.
But the harlOr affords all kinds Of shell and oths
fish, and those "safron bivalves" viz: oysters.
caught IN loads at the mouth OF the river. Troll
ing, bathing and sailing are features in our enjoy
nents that hundreds Of New York people come
hither u embrace during the summer. Among The
personages who reside here Mr.. jesse 0ney, the
geJgfapher; Commodore Joshua n. Sands, OF the
United states steam frirate Sus1uelanna: ex-
judges Peabody aud Ruggles, Of Your city, and Mr..
Scbcfhin, recently the head OF o department in the
street Commissioners Office: Hon. Josiah Corham
formerly SPEAKER Of our State Legislature; William
a. boO.h, PRESIDENT OF the American Exchange
Bank. New York; Col. Ia ward johnson a scion Of
the johnson who signed the national Constitution
from this State on its adoption and other who are
engaged In large mercantile and nanc 4. fras,rt ms
in your city. who summer here The Foiscooal
church. which was the first that was built In
this State ia l743 still ste ds aud looks quite strog
notwithstanding the dement's have battled arlus't
for many years, viz, one hundred and fifteen. The
parish however, was organized IN 1902 and was
prosecuted for long time BY the "true blues or
presbyterians who, o. passGnt. may state. stand
no longer upon the old saybrOok platform. but have
merged into Congrega.iontlism. But alas for human
structure This old and timehonored sanctuary Is
soon 20 he RACED 10 the ground a. beautiful gothic
editce has been erected by the society 70 worship
IN, which was consecrated on Thursday last by the
Bishop with al The pomp and circumstance OF tie
usages 81 epscopacy. Fifty clergymen were pre-
sent from al parts Of the State. "back spirits and
willie, and never did J see sach display Of cas-