Page 37 - North Haven Magazine Issue 39 Summer 2025

and cider makers in the North Ha-
ven Historical Society archives and
the historical society’s publication
Apples of Our Eyes–Fruit Growing
in Connecticut 1891–1991 by Lucy
McTeer Brusic. The current home-
owner reports that there was, until
recently, an apple tree in the yard.

In 1930, in a December-May wed-
ding, Downs, 68, married Flor-
ence Lewis of Hamden. She was
twenty-six. Edward passed away
in 1945. Florence continued to
Edward and Florence (Lewis family collection) live on Hartford Turnpike until she
to North Haven. No city directo- moved to Florida. She passed away I am grateful to the Lewis family,
in 1975, returning home to lie next the current owner of Ed’s home,
ry entries for Downs exist from to Edward in Evergreen Cemetery and the New Haven Museum for
1914 until 1929, when he is listed in New Haven. their help completing this article.
as a carpenter/cabinet maker liv-
ing on Hartford Turnpike. Downs I was able to connect with a de-
registered for the draft in 1917 scendant of the family who re- G&D Cook & Co. Illustrated Catalog of Carriages
but was 56 years old and ineligi- membered that his father learned and Special Business Advertiser. NY: Dover, 1970.
ble to serve by then. However, on the woodworking craft from Ed
that draft registration, he (and his during the Depression. Edward Hegel, Richard., Carriages from New Haven.
Hamden, Archon: 1974.
brother and next-door neighbor, Downs made the items pictured
George Downs) describes them- here. They are treasured heir- “Henry Hooker & Co. of New Haven, Connecticut,”
selves as “cider makers.” They are looms. Carriage Journal, Spring, 1984, Vol. 21, No 4.
both named as orchard owners Morning Journal and Courier, Aug. 30, 1893.

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