Page 15 - North Haven Magazine Issue 7 Winter 2019

BANTON STREET:

By Sally Brockett Resort, Flood Zone, Ghost Town, State Park INSURANCE QUESTIONS?

any North Haven residents may not be aware of the By the summer of 1973, through cooperation with State
Mfascinating history of the Banton Street Community. officials, an appropriation of one million dollars was made
There have been four distinct and dramatic transitions for the purchase of properties and relocation of families
since the 1920s for this 33-acre tract of land. Banton Street from Banton Street. Gradually, homes were boarded up
was located off Upper State Street behind the northbound and the Banton Street Community left their neighborhood
rest area of the Wilbur Cross Parkway, and adjacent to the along the river to find safer and drier properties.
Quinnipiac River.
Although the chapter on the flooded neighbors finally
During the 1920s, a close-knit community developed right drew to a close, a new chapter opened. Once a small resort,
on the banks of the Quinnipiac River. Families enjoyed the then a flood zone, Banton Street now transitioned to North
peaceful beauty of the secluded woods and river, where Haven’s own ghost town. By 1976, the vacant, secluded Health Insurance Associates, LLP
Indian artifacts were found, and fishing in clear water was buildings attracted vandals and scavengers, and suspicious
great. Overbrook Beach, a sandy area along the river’s fires occurred. 565 Washington Ave, North Haven
edge, was the site for swimming and picnics. In fact, it was
such an attraction during the hot summer that bath houses
were built and a refreshment stand was erected. Nick Casella and Frank Landino are here for you to answer any
Medicare insurance questions you may have. While the annual
enrollment period may be over, there are special enrollment
periods that may still allow you to make changes. To make any
change, however, timing is key. Please contact us to learn if you
qualify to make any changes. There is no cost or obligation. The
only requirement is a smile!
Homes fell prey to scavengers, vandals, and fires • Skeletal remains of a home by the river

The unattended homes also became the victims of nature Are you going to be turning 65 in 2019?
as weeds, shrubs, and trees took over the properties.
Or, are you still working and getting ready to retire?
Eventually the structures and debris were cleaned up. All
that remains are signs of some foundations, driveways to
Bathhouse to the left of the refreshment stand near the river bank
nowhere, and Banton Street’s pavement. The decades of If so, it is very important to start the Medicare Insurance process
This area became known as “Little Savin Rock” and was a neglect have not stopped the growth of perennial vinca early. If possible, at least 3-6 months ahead of time is a good time to
small resort for some wealthy New Haven families. Ulti- and marsh marigolds that families had planted in gardens
mately, the community grew to a population of more than around their homes. start. There are several things that you have to take into consider-
100 people, with more than three dozen structures in the ation.
rural setting. Summer cottages were winterized, and per- The next transition for the Banton Street land, was the
manent homes were built. merging of this area with Quinnipiac River State Park. This 1. If you are aging in (turning 65), but want to continue to work, do
land is now open to the public for hiking, viewing wild- you still need to apply for Medicare?
In the early days, these families faced minor flooding prob- life, boating, and hunting. The old pavement from Banton 2. Are you going to start collecting Social Security at the same time
lems, to be expected when living alongside the river. By the Street makes this park especially attractive for walking
1950s, construction of I-91 altered the environment, and after wet weather, when other trails are too muddy. that you are applying for Medicare?
more frequent, and more serious, flooding began. This was Banton Street residents remain friends in spite of the 3. Are you considering moving to a different state upon retirement
the beginning of the transition to a floodplain. relocations, and still maintain their pride in the old neigh- or shortly after retirement?
borhood. In fact, Frank Pullano, who grew up on Banton 4. Will you and your spouse both be needing coverage at the same
By the 1970s, the situation had become dangerous to this
Street, founded his North Haven construction company in time?
little community. The Quinnipiac River forms an oxbow, or 5. Will your employer be offering any type of retirement benefits?
doubles back on itself, just north of Broadway, near where 1979 and named it Banton Construction as a tribute to his
the planned connector would cross. Richard Parrett, First riverside neighborhood. 6. If you are over the age of 65, currently working and considering Do you have questions?
Selectman at that time, requested the state eliminate this retirement, are you familiar with the complicated process for
oxbow as part of the construction plans. In spite of the ef- applying for Medicare? • Do you want to know if that knee brace
forts being made, the river continued to flood and families is really covered like they say on TV?
were now being rescued by row boats as waters reached 3 These are just some of the important questions you need answered.
to 5 feet above the river banks. The entire Medicare and Medicare Insurance process is most • What exactly does Medicare Part B
definitely overwhelming. Aside from that, you get bombarded with cover?
mail and phone calls from every insurance carrier and agent in the
marketplace wanting your business. It’s enough to make you lose all • How do I get help with hearing aids?
of the hair on your head, not just a few!
Entrance to the Quinnipiac River State Park on Banton Street
Not many towns have a neighborhood with such a remarkable Our motto is “Medicare Insurance Made Simple”! That means from
history! Participate in a “Walk & Talk” through the Banton start to finish, we make the process easy for you to understand and
Street neighborhood with some of the people who lived there. we walk you through every step of the way. Basically, we are here to Call 203-239-4044
Rowboats came to the rescue when the river flooded • Men and fowl marooned on Earl Coughlin’s house Co-sponsored by The North Haven Trails Organization and answer all of your questions. As always there is never any cost for
the North Haven Historical Society, this event will be held in or visit us at 565 Washington Ave, North Haven
Governor Thomas Meskill visited in 1973, and First Select- the consultation.
late April when the marsh marigolds are in bloom.
man Lester Gott encouraged the state to provide funding to with your questions.
buy the Banton Street neighborhood so the residents could Visit www.NorthHavenTrails.org for details. Call us today (203)239-4044.
escape the chronic flood conditions. Gott’s goal was to be We promise if you give us a smile, we will give you 10 back!
able to use the land as a picnic and park area that would Photos and historical records available at the North Haven His-
provide access to Quinnipiac State Park. torical Society were used for the information in this article.
Each issue will be printed with the questions and answers that are of interest to our community. We are here for you.
14 North Haven Magazine - Winter 2019