Historic Buildings of Connecticut

Captain Thomas Ransom House (1839)

At 237 Brewster Street in the Bridgeport village of Black Rock is a transitional Federal/Greek Revival house built in 1839. It is one of several on the street built at the time by housewright David Smith. It was the home of Captain Thomas Ransom, a ship captain and one of the trustees of the Bridgeport Savings Bank. He built a carriage shop on Calderwood Court in 1830 and founded the select school (private school) that met on the carriage shop’s upper floor. The school later had its own building.

William L. Cook House (1903)

At 2429 North Avenue in Bridgeport is an eclectic Colonial Revival house built in 1903 for William L. Cook.

Ernest W. Hanke House (1915)

The colonial revival house at 552 Maplewood Avenue in Bridgeport was built in 1915 for Ernest W. Hanke. He was the president of the Hanke Hat Company.

Lacey R. Blackman House (1916)

The Colonial Revival house at 734 Clinton Avenue in Bridgeport was built in 1916 for Lacey R. Blackman, a real estate and insurance agent. The house is now used for offices.

Arthur W. Burritt House (1915)

The Arthur W. Burritt House is at 782 Clinton Avenue in Bridgeport. It is an example of a Dutch Colonial house. Arthur W. Burritt was Treasurer of the A. W. Burritt Lumber Company in Bridgeport (The A. W. Burritt House is at 385 Barnum Avenue).

Deacon David Sherwood House (1830)

The Greek Revival house at 555 Clinton Avenue in Bridgeport was originally located on Fairfield Avenue. It was built for Deacon David Sherwood, a farmer, and was known as the “pink house.” According to A History of the Old Town of Stratford and the City of Bridgeport, Vol. I (1886), by Samuel Orcutt:

Dea. David Sherwood, a descendant of Matthew, through Samuel, John and Stephen, purchased this farm owned by Dea. Lemuel one hundred years before, consisting of one hundred acres, in 1830. He was chosen deacon of the First Church, in 1831, and served about twenty-five years. He died January 24, 1873, at the age of 94 years.

He cultivated and kept his farm nearly intact until his decease. The population and improvements had so surrounded him, that his land had become very valuable. He died with the impression that he was very rich. The land has been mostly sold, streets have been laid over it, and these acres are covered with manufactures, stores and fine residences; and a teeming, busy, population, with a school house and chapels.

In 1874, the house was moved to its current address to become the residence of George Willett, a bakery owner. The house was later remodeled with Colonial Revival elements.

Bridgeport City Trust Building (1929)

Built between 1927 and 1929, the Bridgeport City Trust Building, at 955 Main Street in Bridgeport, is a 10-story art deco building designed by the firm of Dennison & Hirons. It is part of a group of buildings, called the CityTrust Complex, that were constructed between 1917 and 1930. After the Bridgeport Citytrust Company failed in 1991, the building was restored and is now called the City Trust Apartments.