Looking Back at Our Town: New Canaan in 1927

An estimated 200 residents filed into the Lamb Room at New Canaan Library on Monday night for a presentation led by NewCanaanite.com contributing editor Terry Dinan, on New Canaan in 1927. New Canaan Library’s selection of “One Summer: America 1927” for a community-wide reading initiative will culminate this week with Wednesday’s speakeasy in the same Lamb Room and Saturday’s original play at the Powerhouse Theater. Terry, who writes the news site’s popular “0684-Old” local history feature, walked the crowd through a rapidly changing time in New Canaan’s history. The 1920’s saw New Canaan’s population jump by 40 percent, and important pieces of the town’s downtown and landscape took shape in the period. In 1927 itself, both Karl Chevrolet and New Canaan High School were founded, and the town marked locally much of what Bryson chronicled in his book, including Babe Ruth’s 60-home run feat and Charles Lindbergh’s trans-Atlantic flight.

Post Office: Final Decision on New Canaan Site Coming in Two to Three Weeks

The U.S. Postal Service plans to announce its final selection for a permanent location in New Canaan within two to three weeks, officials say. Owners of both properties in the running—16-18 Locust Ave. and 121 Park St.—are aware that the federal agency is still negotiating as details are worked out, according to Christine Dugas, a USPS spokesperson. “We are hoping to reach a conclusion in the next few weeks,” she said. “Both are still under consideration, but we are hoping to finalize the process and make an announcement in two to three weeks.”

USPS on Feb.

Post Office Candidate on Locust Avenue Sells for $1,125,000

One of the two property transfers recorded this week at the Town Clerk’s office is for 18 Locust Ave., which the U.S. Postal Service has identified as one of two candidates for a permanent New Canaan location. The .18-acre lot abuts the municipal parking lot on Locust Avenue, roughly across the street from Joe’s Pizza. (The other candidate for a New Canaan Post Office is 121 Park St., just south of Mrs. Green’s.)

The property sold Thursday for $1,125,000, according to records on file at the Town Clerk’s office. The new owner is LJ 18 Properties LLC, a company whose principal is listed as a New Canaan resident, according to the Connecticut Secretary of the State. Reached by NewCanaanite.com, he declined to comment, citing ongoing talks.

Did You Hear … ?

One of New Canaan’s most prominent homes—the stately ca. 1910 Colonial at 275 Main St. (on the left as you climb toward the crest of the final hill toward town)—is hitting the market Tuesday at $2,695,000. From a website featuring the property, owned by Denise Gannalo: “The house on Main Street that you have been waiting for. This turn of the century timeless classic has been lovingly restored, renovated and updated with up to the minute elegance and detailed character.

VOTE: Locust Avenue or Park Street for New Canaan Post Office Location?

The U.S. Postal Service has narrowed down the field of possible sites for a permanent New Canaan home to 16-18 Locust Ave. or 121 Park St. 

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USPS is calling for New Canaan residents to send comments on either the proposed Park Street or Locust Avenue properties within a 30-day window (through about March 6) to: Joseph Mulvey, U.S. Postal Service, 2 Congress Street, Room 8, Milford, MA 01757