What’s Grand about Grand Ave.?

In the 1865 Directory of Fair Haven, Connecticut, it was written: “Today no thoroughfare into the city is more thronged than Grand Street.” The two main arteries that have shaped Fair Haven are Grand Avenue and Ferry Street, both as old as the Fair Haven colony itself. Today Grand Avenue continues to be the heart and soul of Fair Haven.

Grand Street was originally the road that ran from New Haven to the ford across the Quinnipiac River, which was later the site of the Dragon Bridge, built in 1793. Here, the village of Dragon, or Fair Haven, developed on both sides of the bridge. In 1887 (almost ninety-three years later), Grand Street was changed to Grand Avenue for the entire length of the road, which ran through all of Fair Haven. It was designated, perhaps, because avenue connotes a larger thoroughfare than street. This was the foundation of Grand Avenue as we know it today. Grand Avenue has been the site of major growth in Fair Haven.

“I still know people from that neighborhood, and have maintained friendships with some of the same people for about 45 years.” This is the response from Rose Cimino about her memories of growing up in Fair Haven in the earlier twentieth century. According to her, the neighborhood was a perfect place to raise children. “Everybody knew each other and did everything together. My neighborhood was a very interactive community.” At that time everything to do in Fair Haven was practically right next door to each other. Children would board the Sharpie, a major oystering boat, for fairs, magic shows, races, and games. Teenagers attended dances in the local Catholic churches, and the parties on the Green. Adults would have weekly get togethers, where they would have coffee, treats, and bands. Every person played an important role in the community. Even as the names, languages, and faces changed as different groups migrated in and out of the neighborhood, the tradition of the community being one large family never did.

The neighborhood was a melting pot from its beginnings. After the Civil War ended, immigrants flew into Fair Haven. Among these immigrants were Irish, Italians, Germans, and Russians. In the 1930’s there were more immigrants than natives living in Fair Haven. By the 1960’s, most of the occupants were African Americans and Hispanics. All of these different nationalities helped turn Fair Haven into one of Connecticut’s most diverse neighborhoods.

Today Fair Haven continues to be a community-oriented place. In the midst of its diverse people and different businesses, Grand Avenue continues to play an integral role in Fair Haven. Although major problems of crime and violence have negatively affected the opinions of many new customers, and have deterred them from shopping on Grand Avenue, the community is showing its gratitude to the “heart of Fair Haven” by restoring its industrial front.

Organizations such as the Grand Avenue Village Association (G.A.V.A,) are not only improving businesses along the commercial strip, but they are also interested in the quality of life in the community. Mottos such as “What’s good for the people, is good for us,” define the working principles of these organizations. These organizations help decrease crime, improve parking, increase lighting and maintenance, and increase the balance and equality of service provided to neighborhoods and community. G.A.V.A and organizations like G.A.V.A continue to push to unite community and economic concerns. They continue to push on in to the future. Although the neighborhoods and people may change, Grand Avenue’s historical and community presence will persevere.

- Dymonique Colon