Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program Connecticut Rivers
Farm River
Site
Location: Basic Information: The Farm River originates below the Pistapaug Mountain, in an area where Durham, Northford, and Wallingford, Connecticut meet. To the right of Route 17, a residential area is located, which from casual observation appears to "dip". It is in this residential area where the head waters are nestled. Unviewable from the road, the head waters originate in a lightly wooded area between Hyla Lane and Ginny Drive in Northford, Connecticut. On Hyla Lane, a slight stream can be seen piped under the road and continuing southward. The Farm River continues its journey along Route 17, then to Route 22, winding through farms and residential areas. It flows into Pages Millpond, near the intersection of Mill Road and Totoket Road in North Branford, Connecticut where a water fall can be observed. Continuing southward, it “runs” into Route 80
where it follows (or is followed) down Route 80 to Route 100. Trickling
past the west side of
Lake Saltonstall
Season: Site Contact Information: Site Coordinates:
Longitude 72.85561 ºW
Latitude
USGS Quadrangles: Branford OE S Driving Directions: Directions Map: ITouch Map: Farm River Boat Launch Information: ADA Access: Site Description: Environment: Additional Info: Friends of the Farm River Estuary Bridges
Over The Farm River “Over the years many bridges have been constructed, most of them of modern design. Starting from Interstate 95, one can drive up to the headwaters of the Farm River in Pistapaug Pond, tracing the river’s course using various highways and counting the bridges." The first bridge is located off of North High Street on Willow Road in East Haven, Connecticut, in a residential area. The second and third bridges constructed of cement are located on Hellstrom Road, which travels in a u-shape off of North High Street. Continuing north on North High Street, taking a right onto Corbin Road will lead one to the fourth bridge. Bridge five, found on Maple Street, leads residents to the Pit, a popular local ball field. Continuing on down North High Street approximately half mile passed Maple Street, one will run into Route 80. Taking a right turn here will lead eventually into North Branford. Before leaving East Haven, the final bridge (number 6) in this town is located right off of Route 80, on River Road. The remainder of the bridges are located in North Branford and Northford, Connecticut. The seventh bridge to count is located directly on Route 80, an older bridge located near local business and across from Totoket Valley Mobile Home and RV park. Shortly after this bridge, a left onto Totoket Road will bring travelers to the eighth bridge. Once past this bridge a scenic drive winds through part of a local dairy farm where vegetables are frequently sold at a roadside stand. Eventually a right turn on Mill Road will bring you to the ninth bridge, where a water fall can be observed
The Farm River’s name when Indians occupied the area
was Taphamshashack, which translated to “at the place of cold springs”.
Throughout history the river has been called other names in confusion,
such as the
Muddy River and the
Stoney River. Early settlers
to the area used the land alongside the river mainly for farming.
“Primitive roads for the transport of farm produce to market were laid
along the Farm River”. Both Forest Road and Totoket Road run alongside
the river.
In addition to farming, the stream was used for
industrial purposes, creating water-powered mills. “The first damming of
the river was recorded in 1697 when William Hoadley was granted the
privilege of setting up a sawmill if he would agree to sell boards at five
shillings and not take more than half a log to pay for the sawing of it.”
“Fulling mills, in which cloth was shrunk and cleaned, and barkers’ mills,
in which hides were tanned, started up in the early 1700’s.”
“Besides these manufactories there were the
ever-present gristmills. The Rogers family dammed up the river, shaped a
large millpond, and erected mills that ground grain into flour and corn
into meal on the west bank and cut up logs on the east bank. The family
ran the business from 1734 to 1880, when the Page family took over,
continuing the operations until about 1930.Pages
Millpond on the Mill Road is a familiar
landmark today.”
The East Haven portion of the
river had similar activity in history. In the upper end, Daniel Holt
raised dairy cattle alongside the river. His home is one of the oldest
buildings in the town. Farther down the river, where the Farm River meets
up with runoff from
Lake Saltonstall
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