- The Museum in the Streets -

— Danbury, Connecticut —

In 1801, Mr. Major Starr donated the land necessary to take a large curve out of Main Street on condition that it serve as a permanent common. To this end, residents from the southern end of the street raised their own funds and created Elmwood Park in 1853, planting the first elm trees and a hay crop.
On Training Days, the park became the center for the Artillery and Cavalry Companies' maneuvers and celebrations. It was the site of early fairs held by the Fairfield County Agricultural Society.
Eventually the pretty fence rotted away and the park became an eyesore until efforts by local citizens resulted in the creation of Fountain Park in July of 1879. Danbury citizens spruced up the park with the installation of a large fountain, the planting of 60 elm trees and the addition of a bandstand where concerts were featured every Wednesday and Saturday night.
The proximity of St. Peter Church to Elmwood Park made the location a perfect setting for performances by the St. Peter Church Band. The group presented summer concerts there and evolved into the town band during the late nineteenth century.
Elmwood Park is still an oasis in the heart of Danbury and was recently revitalized with beautiful landscaping, welcoming benches and a bubbling fountain.

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