84 Walnut Street

In the early 1900s this charming 1873 Colonial home was owned by Michael Flaherty who is described as a teamster. Others who lived in the home were most likely related to Michael. Elizabeth Flaherty was a teacher, Margaret Flaherty was a dressmaker and Nellie Flaherty worked for the Goodyear India Rubber Manufacturing Co. In the early 1900s this charming 1873 Colonial home was owned by Michael & Ann Flaherty along with their 3 children Edward, Elizabeth & Mary. Michael was described as a “teamster” in city directories. The entire family were lifelong members of St. Francis Church.

Edward was the chief telegraph operator for the Delaware Hudson Railroad in Ballston Spa, NY. Even though his job was in New York, Edward lived in the house his entire life until his passing in 1948.

Mary married Michael Scully, who worked at US Rubber, and had one daughter – Gertrude, and moved to Highland Avenue. Upon Michael’s death in 1948 (shortly after her brother Edward’s), Mary moved back to her childhood home with her sister. She remained here until her death in 1965.

Elizabeth Flaherty graduated from the New Britain Normal School in June of 1900 and it was said she was one of the most promising new teachers in her class. She began her teaching career (before graduation) as a substitute at the Rubber Avenue School. She formally began teaching for the borough in 1902. Miss Flaherty would become the president of the Naugatuck Teachers’ League and the delegate to the Connecticut Teachers’ Association. She taught in Naugatuck’s schools until her retirement in 1947. Like Edward, she lived in the house her entire life until her death in 1967.