Route 34 -- Derby Turnpike in olden times!
This chart used to hang at the Derby Turnpike toll house, west of Dogwood Rd. near the Maltby Lakes in Orange. The original sign can be seen on the corner of the house, near the front window and is now on display at the New Haven Museum. The Academy Museum has a reproduction. |
The Derby Turnpike Company was formed in 1798 to construct a highway from York Street in New Haven to Derby Landing in (East) Derby. It was discontinued as a toll road in 1897. A sum of money was required by the company for a right of way with Orange paying $800.0o. |
Grassy Hill Rd. trolley station on Derby Turnpike, looking south toward center of town. House to the right is still standing today.
Trolley station on Derby Turnpike at Clarks' Corner looking east at Orange Center Rd. Its name was derived from the extensive property owned by members of the Clark family running south for about one mile from the turnpike.
Trolley viaduct across Wepawaug River valley, on south side of Rte. 34 and just west of Mapledale Rd.
Joe Taylor Collection
Racebrook Rd trolley station. [add5/24]
Mystery solved! The Regional Water Authority tells us that this was not a trolley station, but rather one of three sheds used in the Maltby Lakes tunnel project from 1909 to 1911. Workers would sign in at these 'offices' and pick up their paychecks there. The dilapidated Racebrook Rd. building stood until a few years ago when it was torn down by the town. According to RWA, siblings structures still stand on Dogburn Rd. and at the Wepawaug Reservoir. [rev6/28]
Derby Turnpike, Rte. 34, looking toward Chestnut Ridge trolley station. Tracks are running parallel to the road with the trolley shelter visible in the distance. The New Haven-bound lanes of Rte. 34 today were built on the old trolley right of way.
Chestnut Ridge trolley station, looking east toward overpass for road.
