More Than Oysters: A Walking History of "Fair Haven East"

The borough of Fair Haven East, incorporated in 1872, represents the city’s one (and only) experiment with this semi-autonomous form of local government. With much of the waterfront already built out for the oystering trade, residents sought a different approach to developing the steep, wooded hills to the east of the village. By directly electing their neighbors to serve as government officials, the community enjoyed a much greater say in the arrangement of streets, utilities, and amenities that soon came to be known as Fair Haven Heights. During our tour, we’ll focus architecture that exemplifies the development of the borough from its roots in East Haven; through its annexation to New Haven in 1881; and its eventual consolidation with city government starting in 1897. Historic maps, newspaper articles, and photos will help us visualize changing patterns of commerce, agriculture, transportation, and housing in the borough – and some interesting stories about the residents who called it home!