Community Corner
Milford Inducts 5 Into Its Hall of Fame
Milford history stays alive with display at Parsons Government Center.
With the five latest inductees, there are now 30 members of the Milford Hall of Fame.
"We go through five centuries of Milford's past life, five centuries of history, as we choose who should honor this hall of fame," Jerry Patton, the chairman of the Milford Hall of Fame Committee, said at a induction ceremony last week.
Patton, a former state representative, started the Milford Hall of Fame about seven years ago. The plaques line a wall at the Parsons Government Center, across from Milford City Hall.
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The individuals inducted last week follow, along with the description inscribed on their respective plaque.
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Find out what's happening in Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Jasper Gunn
1606 – 1671
Milford’s First Doctor, a lawyer, legislator, diplomat, judge, Sealer of Weights and Measures, miller, Deacon of the church, original planter, metal worker, scholar, first teacher and headmaster of the first school in Milford. Gunn was a Renaissance Man of the 1600s.
Edward Rodolphus Lambert
1808 – 1867
He was a teacher, scholar, map maker, antiquarian and author. His 1838 landmark, “History of the Colony of New Haven Before and After the Union with Connecticut,” is perhaps the best record of the colonial Milford region.
Herbert Mathewson
1856 – 1927
As teacher, principal and Superintendent of Schools from 1883 to his death in 1927, he led Milford from one-room schools to one modern district, four-year high school, college prep curricula, and many new schools.
Captain Jehiel Bryan
1728 – 1823
A revolutionary war defender of Milford. He hosted Lafayette and repulsed British invaders, capturing their officer’s sword. A carpenter by trade, he rebuilt the National Register listed historic Buckingham House on North Street.
Fannie Elizabeth Beach
1867- 1967
A descendant of the original Milford Planters, 50-year teacher and principal in her native Woodmont, she was a kind, thoughtful, nature-living inspiration to all. The Fannie Beach Community Center is named for her.
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