New Canaan There & Then: Letters from the Civil War Battlefield

By Nick Williams, Board Governor, New Canaan Museum and Historical Society | March 26, 2026

‘New Canaan There & Then’ is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens Realtors Bettina Hegel, Joanne Santulli and Dawn Sterner.
In the third summer of the Civil War, Union Army Private Justus Silliman, a 21-year-old native of New Canaan, wrote home about his role in the greatest battle in American history.

Did You Hear … ?

(more…)
Paul Elwood Weaver, 80

Paul Elwood Weaver of Naples, FL and New Canaan, CT passed peacefully on March 12, 2026 in Naples, FL due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Two-Lot Subdivision Proposed for Vacant North Wilton Road Parcel

The owners of a nearly nine-acre vacant property in northeastern New Canaan are seeking permission to subdivide the parcel into two residential lots.
Parks Department: 92 of 120 Out-of-Town Families Returning to Steve Benko Pool This Season

Of about 120 non-New Canaan families that held passes to the Steve Benko Pool last year, 92 have said they want to come back for this season, parks officials say.
Letter to the Editor

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter.
Parks Department: ‘Waveny Playground’ on Track for May Opening

Following a winter storm, blizzard and sustained low temperatures, the widely anticipated new playground at Waveny is on track for a May opening, officials say.
Former ‘Silvermine Market’ Owners Seek New Space in New Canaan

The longtime former owners of the Silvermine Market in New Canaan are seeking a commercial space to set up shop again.
Recreation Department’s Inaugural ‘Labor Day Weekend Bash’ Planned for Sept. 4

Town recreation officials are planning a new community event to be held just after school starts up again later this year.
Price for Pass to July 4th Fireworks Up $5 to $40

Town officials last week approved a modest increase to the price of a family pass to the New Canaan Fireworks set for Saturday, July 4.
Warrant: New Canaan Man, 89, Had Near-Empty Bottle of Vodka on Passenger Seat at Time of DUI

New Canaan Police on March 8 arrested an 89-year-old Oenoke Ridge man by warrant after finding him intoxicated behind the wheel following a crash at nearly 2 a.m. (more…)
Patricia ‘Colleen’ Morgan, 81

Patricia “Colleen” Morgan, 81, of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Report: ‘Mouse Infestation’ at Animal Shelter; No Fire Alarms, Smoke Detectors or Security Cameras at Facility

There are no fire alarms or smoke detectors in the New Canaan Animal Shelter, which has a mice infestation, documents show.
Head of Housing Authority Voices Worries Over Parking Plan for Affordable Building on Parade Hill Road

The head of the Housing Authority—an appointed body that oversees the town’s affordable housing complexes at Millport, Canaan Parish and Riverwood—last week voiced concerns regarding the allocation of parking spots for another planned affordable project in New Canaan.
Jelliff Mill Road Colonial Sells for $2,315,000

The following property transfer(s) were recorded recently in the Town Clerk’s office.
New Canaan There & Then: The World’s Greatest Athlete—Bill Toomey (Part 2 of 2)

‘New Canaan There & Then’ is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens Realtors Bettina Hegel, Joanne Santulli and Dawn Sterner.
Town Approves $485,000 Contract To Replace Sidewalks on Butler, Danvers and Whiffle Tree Lanes

Town officials on Tuesday approved an approximately $485,000 contract with a Shelton-based company to replace aging sidewalks on Butler, Danvers and Whiffle Tree Lanes.

What You’re Saying …

“What a strange thing to say. Surely, Mr. Cohen, you know what a false equivalency is. Kudos to…”
— Irene Hendricks on Parks Department: ‘Waveny Playground’ on Track for May Opening
“I was so saddened to learn of Jane’s passing. I first met the Magrino Girls when they were teenagers through…”
— Sonia Sicuranza on Jane Magrino Tolman, 1965-2026
“Nick, I thought Whitney was the comedian. This is great.”
— Robin Foley on New Canaan There & Then: Top 10 List — The Perambulation Line
“I hope all of the machines used to put the playground up were powered with batteries. Otherwise the environment…”
— Jeff Cohen on Parks Department: ‘Waveny Playground’ on Track for May Opening
“For historical accuracy. a few notes. Francis Barlow wasa brigade commander in the 11th Corp commanded by Oliver Otis Howard.…”
— Sperry DeCew on New Canaan There & Then: Letters from the Civil War Battlefield
“Jeff, your comment is wrong on so many levels that it's hard to know where to start.…”
— John Seel on Letter to the Editor
“This is a fascinating story. I'm touched that the Rebels cared well for their prisoners. I'm proud of Justus Silliman,…”
— Peter Hanson on New Canaan There & Then: Letters from the Civil War Battlefield
“My heart breaks for Kathy and the entire Weaver family and they are all in our prayers. Paul was a…”
— Maria Weingarten on Paul Elwood Weaver, 80
“Paul was a longtime, good friend of both my both dear deceased husband, Bailey, and mine. He was not only…”
— Gail Stewart on Paul Elwood Weaver, 80
“You guys are a bunch of whiners. It lasts for 15 minutes and then it is over. Talking…”
— Jeff Cohen on Letter to the Editor
“As a proud Lafayette grad, (though the college may not be particularly proud of me), I can attest to Prof…”
— William Walbert on New Canaan There & Then: Letters from the Civil War Battlefield
“Agree 100%”
— Douglas Walker on Letter to the Editor
“also closed”
— Michael Dinan on Affordable Housing: 14-Unit Apartment Building Planned for Parade Hill Road
“I agree 100%. We are not here to support landscaping companies. They are hurting their own employees, along with our…”
— Peter Hanson on Letter to the Editor
“This is great news Lou! I look forward to seeing you and Scott at a new location soon. I always…”
— Cynnie Thunem on Former ‘Silvermine Market’ Owners Seek New Space in New Canaan
“Great points!”
— Chrissy Hewitt on Letter to the Editor
“Thank you for stepping up expressing this extremely important issue for the environment & human health. My hometown needs…”
— Marcy D H McKee on Letter to the Editor
“Apparently you have a emotional distaste for successful hardworking citizens that earned their success. Tell us what you do and…”
— Roy Abramowitz on Affordable Housing: 14-Unit Apartment Building Planned for Parade Hill Road
“Aaaaand this thread is closed. Thanks everyone.”
— Michael Dinan on ‘Our Purview Is To Protect the Town’: P&Z Opens Application for 14-Unit Affordable Project on Parade Hill Road

Events

Sun 29

Author Amity Gaige Presents “Heartwood”

March 29 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Mon 30

Making the Most of Play in Everyday Routines

March 30 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Tue 31

Haley Cohen Gilliland Presents A Flower Traveled in My Blood for Women’s History Month

March 31 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm