People of Naugatuck
Dana Blackwell
Honoring Dana Blackwell (1920 – June 14, 2007)
Founding President, Historian, and Lifelong Advocate for Naugatuck’s History
Dana Blackwell’s dedication to the town of Naugatuck lives on through the work and mission of the Naugatuck Historical Society. As a founding member and our very first president in 1959, Dana helped lay the foundation for what would become a decades-long effort to preserve and share our local history.
Dana served as town historian and a longtime member of our Board of Directors, generously sharing his vast knowledge of Naugatuck’s past and helping generations understand how the pieces of our story connect. His contributions extended far beyond our walls – Dana also served on the Board of Education and was instrumental in school renovation projects that honored architectural heritage.
His deep love of history, paired with his wit, generosity, and lifelong commitment to Naugatuck, shaped nearly every effort the Historical Society undertook during his life. Dana’s expertise, especially in areas like timekeeping, literature, architecture, and music, made him a trusted voice and an irreplaceable guide.
Dana passed away on June 14, 2007, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit remains at the heart of everything we do. We honor Dana not only for his leadership and knowledge but also for the warmth, humor, and dedication he shared so freely with our community.
Waterbury Republican-American reporter Bob Fredericks, in 1991, quoted the horologist to say, “I’d be happy in the 17th or 18th century, very happy,” reflecting his fondness for the past and its history, literature, music, and architecture.
Source
Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter
Volume 12, Issue 4
July–August 2007
The Dana J. and Verna A. Blackwell Award (2004)
In 2004, the Naugatuck Historical Society extended the application deadline for the Dana J. and Verna A. Blackwell Award to September 15th. This $500 award was created to honor the contributions of Dana Blackwell, the Society’s first president and Naugatuck’s Historian Emeritus, and Verna Blackwell, a retired Hop Brook School teacher. Both Dana and Verna Blackwell were deeply involved in the Society since its founding in 1959—Mr. Blackwell as a founding leader, and Mrs. Blackwell as a dedicated museum docent and historical researcher.
To be eligible at the time, applicants were required to be Naugatuck residents currently enrolled in college or university, entering their third or fourth year of study, and majoring in either History or Engineering. All applications and supporting documentation were due by September 15th, 2004, and incomplete applications were not accepted.
Source
Naugatuck Historical Society Newsletter
Volume 9, Issue 4
July–August 2004
The Hillside Covenant Church was organized in 1894 by a group of 9 young Swedish immigrants. Originally known as the Swedish Bethany Congregational Church (the name was changed in 1950), it was built in the same general area as Salem Lutheran Church due to the high concentration of Swedish immigrants that came to work for the Tuttle & Whittemore Malleable Iron Company.
The original church was erected in 1899 but later remodeled into a colonial style with its central spire. Pews from the old Congregational Church on the Green were acquired when that church was demolished. The centennial celebration book for the church notes that in its early survival was thanks, in part, to the Congregational Church. In 1923, Gertrude Whittemore purchased an organ (with her own money) and donated to the church.
Many famous Naugatuckians were part of Hillside’s congregation. Mr. Dana Blackwell was one of them. Mr. Blackwell is a former Naugatuck Historical Society President. He left behind a legacy of passion for the borough’s history, as well as, an enormous wealth of writings and research on the topic. Mr. Blackwell’s funeral was held at the church on June 20th 2007.
Hillside Covenant Church Undated