In Durham, Connecticut, captured moments of time afford

a precious glimpse into the lives of the early residents

of this small, central Connecticut town. Situated between

Hartford and New Haven, Durham was a natural stopping

place for many early travelers, but with its rich farmland

and plentiful sources of water power, it quickly became

much more. Given Durham’s proximity to Yale University,

most of its residents were very well-educated farmers.

This resulted in a colorful social history and a beautiful

collection of architectural styles along the main roads.

Grand celebrations, patriotic and agricultural, are shown

here as well as a pictorial progression through more that

200 years of life in rural New England. In the captions that

accompany each picture, those familiar with the town will

recognize names of local streets and landmarks and meet

the people for whom the places are named. Those who only

know Durham through the Durham Fair will gain insight

into the beginnings of this very popular event.