John Howard Whittemore Memorial Bridge
Maple St.
After the death of John Howard Whittemore in 1910, people in Naugatuck sought a suitable memorial to be erected to him because he had done so much for the town. Mary Ann Wilcox (Bronson, B Tuttle’s Wife) thought a new Maple Street Bridge, well designed, would be an effective memorial and something all citizens could participate in. It was hoped that everyone, including young and old, would contribute. The records list many school-aged children who contributed.
Henry Bacon, Whittemore’s choice of architect for the Train Station, was commissioned to complete the bridge. The shallow arch design was engineered by George Ham of Ham & Tuttle. It was officially dedicated May 14, 1914, as the John Howard Whittemore Memorial Bridge.
The design featured marble railings to enhance its classical design - these were lost in a flood in 1950. The Honor Roll plaque commemorating Naugatuck residents who served in various conflicts was washed away in the 1955 flood catastrophe. Despite these damages, the bridge itself withstood the flood, one of the few structures in the area to survive. A high-water mark from the 1955 flood remains visible today.
This was the third bridge to cross the river in downtown Naugatuck. The first documented bridge spanned the river from 1843 to 1882 at the current location of the Whittemore Memorial Bridge. A steel arch bridge, built in 1883, lasted until it was replaced by the present bridge in 1914.
In 2016, Naugatuck began a comprehensive restoration project to restore the bridge’s historical character. The renovations included replacing the asphalt road with brick paving, constructing stone parapet walls inspired by the original design, and adding period-style lighting fixtures. Decorative lighting was also installed under the arches to highlight the bridge’s architectural features at night. The restoration was completed in 2018, and the bridge was rededicated to commemorate its historical and cultural significance.
Images of America - Naugatuck & Naugatuck Revisited Dana J. Blackwell and The Naugatuck Historical Society (November 1, 1996) Ron Gagliardi (August 25, 2004)
Images of America - Naugatuck & Naugatuck Revisited Dana J. Blackwell and The Naugatuck Historical Society (November 1, 1996) Ron Gagliardi (August 25, 2004)
Images of America - Naugatuck & Naugatuck Revisited Dana J. Blackwell and The Naugatuck Historical Society (November 1, 1996) Ron Gagliardi (August 25, 2004)
Images of America - Naugatuck & Naugatuck Revisited Dana J. Blackwell and The Naugatuck Historical Society (November 1, 1996) Ron Gagliardi (August 25, 2004)
“Nov. 16, 1913 The first sleigh to cross the Whittemore Memorial Bridge by John H. Freeman son of Wm. J. Freeman”
John Howard Whittemore Memorial Bridge - 10/2024 Photo Credits: Taylor Bennett
John Howard Whittemore Memorial Bridge - 10/2024 Photo Credits: Taylor Bennett
John Howard Whittemore Memorial Bridge - 10/2024 Photo Credits: Taylor Bennett
John Howard Whittemore Memorial Bridge - 10/2024 Photo Credits: Taylor Bennett
John Howard Whittemore Memorial Bridge - 10/2024 Photo Credits: Taylor Bennett
Collection Item
Some Distinguished Naugatuck Women
by D. J. Blackwell
Today, and for some years now, “women’s rights” have been getting considerable attention. Because they have won many rights the call for such now is less strident than in the past. Many groups of both sexes have talked much about rights, sometimes forgetting that there are no rights without duties or obligations. This seems to be better understood now than in the past. It used to be said, “A woman’s place is in the home”, but today, many women are effective in the professions, business and other fields. Gradually women have taken a more active role in community and civic affairs. This was true in Naugatuck and it might be worthwhile to consider some of these people and their contributions to life in town.
Mary Wilcox Tuttle, wife of Bronson B. Tuttle had been a school teacher and had many interests. Living in a large home with servants, she could pursue her interests in ways that many women with large families and no domestic help could not. Ms. Tuttle took a great interest in Naugatuck affairs and had enjoyed cultivating flowers, particularly orchids. Having greenhouses and a couple of gardeners at her disposal, she could specialize and devote the necessary time to build up the finest orchid collection in the state including many rare varieties from all orchid growing areas of the world. She exhibited at flower shows at the New York Horticultural Society and sometimes took a first prize. Her gardener, Michael Pope, became an expert on orchid culture.
After the death of J. H. Whittemore in 1910, people in Naugatuck sought a suitable memorial to be erected to him because he had done so much for the town. Mrs. Tuttle thought a new Maple Street Bridge well designed would be an effective memorial and something all citizens could participate in. It was hoped everyone including young and old would contribute. The records still exist listing many school children that contributed.
…
Mrs. Tuttle deserves credit for suggesting a most useful structure that has joined the east and west sides of town since 1914 and withstood complete destruction by natural forces that destroyed many bridges and buildings in this valley.
Reference - Naugatuck Historical Society News, September/October 1998
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