Marvin Beach Association
Marvin Beach History
Available records indicate that the Association was formed sometime around
the early twenties. No official records are available as it appears that in
the early years meetings were held on an informal basis. The first President
and charter member of the Association was Mr. Orla Wood, who lived on the
corner of Elliottt Street and Gregory Boulevard in what is now the Blackman
home.
The earliest formal records available go back to June 15, 1931, when a meeting was held at the home of Mr. Steward Marshall, 2 Wallace Avenue. The minutes, recorded by Miss Katherine Campbell, show that an “impromptu” meeting previously held triggered the formal recorded meeting. The notice of the meeting held on June 11 referred to the purposes of the meeting as a meeting of the reorganization, the election of officers, and discussion of matters pertaining to the welfare and development of the “colony”. The notice was signed by Ellis E. Howard President and Clare D. Hodge mon, Secretary-Treasurer.
Minute of the meetings from 1931 to 1940 reflect (corny as it may sound today) community spirit, and a genuine interest in the welfare of others. All members participated in one way or another, as the minutes bear out. Names of officers and committee members in the records are too numerous to mention but it would make real nostalgic reading to many of our old-time residents.
1931 – 1940
Early in the period our first float was built by Henry Wood. Basic activities were formalized; water sports, Fourth of July picnic, dinner dance.
In 1934 dues were increased to fifty cents a family ($1.00 for new members).
”Dogs must be kept off the Beaches” was recorded in the August 1936 minutes. A dinner for members at either Dorlon or the Shore and Country Club, the committee reported, would be either $1.50 or 1.75 depending on the number of courses. Card parties and bingo games were used as a means of raising funds and bringing people together.
Dues we increase to $1.00 in 1936.
In 1937 bus service to the area was a problem and in that same year, a vote of thanks was given to Mr. Klippel for keeping the float and Beach in repair at no cost to the Association; a function he performed for many years before and many years after. Dues were reduced to fifty cents for old members and remained $1.00 for new members.
In 1938 a motion by the Officers and Board of Directors to have a parade and community fireworks on the Fourth of July was approved. A committee was appointed to see the Sewer Commission regarding the unsightly sewer station at the end of Alden Avenue.
Prices for the Fourth of July hot dog roast in 1938 were 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children. This entitled the holder to two hot dogs and two sodas. Dues were $1.00 per family.
In 1939 a letter was sent to Marvin Beach residents by the newly elected president, Roland Bates. Attached is a copy of the actual letter. This letter is as appropriate today as it was 31 years ago. It expresses the ideas and goals of the Marvin Beach Association simply and more forcefully than any message in our Association’s history. Repairs to the float and steps were again a problem. The mosquito problem continued and sand was purchased for the Beaches for the first time.
The minutes of the June 12, 1939 meeting recorded a petition by 21 of “our up-and-coming citizens” objecting to "being prohibited from playing in the only safe place that there is to play on in Marvin Beach”. Where? What action was taken? Was not recorded. Many of the Marvin Beach parents of teenagers today would get a kick out of the names signed to the petition. A list of these “up-and-coming citizens” is a matter of record. Last year’s prices for the hot dog roast to remain. Dues remain at one dollar per family.
Letter:
4 Wallace Avenue
East Norwalk, Ct
May 1, 1939
Spring is here and with it comes the urge to swim and the thanks that we are privileged to live in such a fine location as Marvin Beach.
In order to have a good approach to the water and a float to swim to and climb upon for a rest, the Marvin Beach Association maintains an excellent one for its members and endeavors to keep the two pair of steps in as good condition as possible.
These two items are the most important reasons for the annual membership canvas. It has been the custom for each family in the Marvin Beach section to contribute $1.00 yearly for a membership fee to maintain these helps for all to have a good time. Some of us may not go in bathing but I am sure that we are all ready to join the Association in order to make it as strong as possible.
In the very near future, a group of the younger residents will call on you for your membership fee for the coming season. I hope every family will feel it a privilege to become a member of the Association. It is planned to have several parties or picnics during the summer season to come.
As the new President of the Marvin Beach Association, I will welcome suggestions for the benefit of our community and anyone making such a suggestion may be assured that it will be brought before the board of directors for their consideration at the very first opportunity.
Promising my best efforts and asking for your 1939, I am,
Yours very truly,
President
1940 – 1950
In 1940 raising of the dues was discussed at the first meeting of the season. No action recorded. Aid to the Marvin Beach Association football team “The Royals” was approved. A loss of $10.06 was recorded for the water sports. Bingo and card parties continued. Barrels for the float, a never ending problem, up again. Complaints of boys stripping on the Beach were recorded. Action, call police. Beach steps, float repairs necessary. The poor condition of Gregory Boulevard was discussed. Dues remained at $1.00 per family.
1941
Beach steps and float in need of repairs. Junior Life Saving course instituted - eight children signed up. Banquet plans made. Rats were a problem due to abandonment of the dump.
The season over, the end of 1941; the beginning of World War II on December 7th. On this day the Marvin Beach sponsored football team “Marvin Beach Royals” WE ARE PLAYING FOOTBALL ON Dorlon’s lot.
1942
Signs for the streets were requested. Major repairs to the steps, $400 expenditures required. Sand pile for the children was made at Marion Avenue Beach. Dues remained $1.00; however, members will be asked to contribute extra money for repair of the steps. War stamps were given as prizes in the water sports and a house-to-house campaign to sell war bonds and stamps as made. It was decided to given identification bracelets to all men and women going into the Service from Marvin Beach.
1943
A service flag was presented to the Association by Mr. Stewart Marshall. The flag carried a star for each boy and girl who left for the Service. The flag was flown on the pole belonging to Mrs. Towers Hamilton on River Drive. The 1943 Memorial Day Services were held to dedicate the new flag. The 1943 water sports were not held, due to the number of young people who had entered Service. A block party was held.
1944
In 1944 dues were increased to $1.50. The block dance, now an annual affair, was held.
1945 – 1945 brought a halt to all affairs and meeting for the season. As I.D. bracelets were no longer available, men and women entering the Service were given $5.00. A dinner dance was held at the close of the season.
1946 – 1947
During 1946 – 1947 things went back to normal. Both Wallace and Marion Avenue steps were rebuilt by a contractor. A war surplus life raft was purchased. A sewage problem will be discussed with the Department of Public Works.
Special dues of $5.00 per family were requested to pay for the major contract work done on the steps. Plans to incorporate were finalized. A new float was needed. Plans were made for a Winter Dinner Dance, Bingos and several other social events. The October 30, 1947 Dinner Dance was made a Welcome home party for all the men and women from Marvin Beach returning from the Armed Forces. Thirty-one men and three women from the Marvin Beach Association served their country. Two gave their lives: Robert Parks and John McGrath.
1948
In 1948 the Marvin Beach Association flourished again. Plans for a new float were made. Plans to incorporate were in the hands of the attorney. A pollution problem at the Beaches was brought to the attention of our Council, demanding immediate action by the City to clear the situation. An open meeting at the Marvin School was held to discuss pollution and the incorporation.
1950 – 1960
The records for this period for some reason are sparse; years were skipped. What we have on record is:
1950: The steps again became a yearly problem. 1952- 1953 the customary events were held. Dues were increased to $2.00 in 1952 and to $3.00 in 1955. In 1955, the Marvin Beach Association made a concerted but unsuccessful attempt to stop the Manresa Island Power Plant. In 1958, slower speed limits were posted on the Boulevard and side streets. Dues were increased from $3.00 to $5.00 in 1958. Block parties for teenagers were held. A notice to the Association in 1958 cautioned members to restrict swimming to an hour either side of high tide due to pollution problems. In 1958, the Articles of Association were amended to cover the newly-acquired lot leased from Louis Gardella by the Marvin Beach Association and, in particular, Harry Bracken made to achieve this settlement was commendable. In 1958 President Bill Morrow, speaking fro the Marvin Beach Association proposed that the Third Taxing District purchase the property on the corner of Gregory Boulevard and Calf Pasture Road and use this as a playground. This proposal was later approved and the playground was constructed. In the 1959 season the usual events were held and dues remained at $5.00.
1960 – 1970
In the early 1960s things went along as usual. The steps and float in constant need of repairs and the same social events were held each season.
In 1962 a problem arose relative to the lot that was leased to the Marvin Beach Association; the Association contracted an attorney and a copy of the lease was obtained and the location of the lot verified.
In 1961 the custom of having the Fourth of July parades was revived, and a children’s Christmas party was held.
On July 4, 1963, city Council President Martin Berger officiated at the dedication of the flagpole which was centrally located at the Wallace Avenue Beach. The flagpole was donated by Mr. John Hansen.
In 1965 a problem arose concerning late night noise and illegal parking at the playground. Several letters were sent to city officials with little result.
In 1966 in order to pay for major repairs to the steps at Marion Avenue a very successful raffle was held. The prize was a color television set. Also in 1966 an extra added attraction was a Treasure Hunt for the youngsters held in conjunction with the water sports. Spotlights were installed at the Beaches.
In 1967 the dues were raised to $10 per family.
In 1968 the Marvin Beach Association expressed opposition to an application to establish a commercial seaplane base. We were successful in this endeavor. In answer to more pressure by our President and the Association, the persistently recurring parking and misuse of Ludlow Park was brought to the attention of City officials, with substantial results. A boating committee was set up and boating and mooring rules established for both the area adjoining the leased lot and the Beaches. Movies for children were held on Brackens' lot for the first time.
In 1969 speed limits in the Beach were reduced and new signs posted; more police patrols were requested; barrels on the float were replaced with more permanent Styrofoam. Also in the 1969 season shortly after a very successful Fourth of July Hot Dog Roast, our Beaches were closed due to a severe water pollution problem which was to continue through to the end of the season, canceling out our annual Water Sports and all other recreational facilities. There was extensive communication between City officials and our Association President, Louis Ciccarello, regarding the pollution problem.
1970 – 1971
The Fourth of July picnic and parade were a great success. A Steak Roast was held in August at the corner of Wallace and River Drive. Everyone enjoyed participating in the swim meet on August 23 and a dinner dance was held for adult members in October. Our traditional Christmas visit from Santa and caroling was held as usual.
Sand was delivered, the float painted and spotlights were covered with wire in an attempt to cut down on vandalism. A new flag and bulletin board were donated by Jack Farrell and located at the end of Wallace avenue.
1971 – 1972
Plans to build a 68-unit condominium at the site of the former Dorlon’s Restaurant, on Gregory Boulevard, were discussed with builders in June. It was decided not to oppose the construction.
Good weather helped to make a successful Fourth of July picnic and all had a good time at our Adult Steak Roast, which was catered by Chuck’s Steak House. A Teenager Block Party was held on August 27 from 8 to 11pm. All Marvin Beach residents between the ages of 13 and 17 were invited to attend.
1973 – 1977
Record for these years were water-damaged. However, it is well remembered that during this period our float was burned while on the Beach for repairs. A new float was donated to the Association by Jack Farrell and the youth painted it red, white and blue for the bicentennial.
1978 – 1979
On June 15, a special meeting was held regarding the development of Charles Creek. Mr. Louis Gardella spoke on behalf of Shore Acres, developers. A question and answer period followed. A vote was taken in favor of the condominiums.
The picnic and parade were successful despite a rainy day. The Lady Joan boat ride was held in August and a dinner dance in October.
Dues were raised to $12.00.
1979 – 1980
Our traditional annual events were held. Dues were held at $12.00. Sand was delivered late this year because of the barge strike.
On April 10, the Easter Bunny held an egg hunt and jelly bean count for the children.
1980 – 1981
The float was painted, sand delivered and extensive step renovation at the Beaches was accomplished by a hard-working crew.
A Marvin Beach logo contest was held and the winning design was made into decals, which were then sold. Marvin Beach T-shirts were seen everywhere. Once again, the picnic, Lady Joan boat ride, Halloween party, and Christmas caroling took place. A bake sale was also held in September. Marvin Beach represented in the Oyster Festival rowing contest with teams taking 2nd and 3rd places.
1981 – 1982
This year our logo design appeared on car license plates throughout the Association. The proved to be a profitable fundraiser.
Due to an erosion problem at the Norman street Beach, bulk heading was necessary. This was done by a hard-working crew of Marvin Beach members using railroad ties donated by John Vanderhoef.
Our annual events took place; additionally, a Tupperware Party was held in July.
A special meeting was held on October 7 during which it was voted to accept the deeding to Marvin Beach Association of a 50-foot strip of land at Charles creek.
1982 – 1983
The Association became owners of a 50-foot strip of land on Charles Creek and signed a lease with the City of Norwalk for another 100-foot strip of land. Many meetings were held throughout the year to discuss the dredging and bulk heading of all this property. Work will continue on this.
The float was removed from the water through the generosity of Mr. Gardella at Cove Marina, allowing painting of the underside. A new flag was donated by friends of the Joneses.
The theme of the parade this year was “Disney on Parade”. Pony rides were available again for the children. This year it was voted to reimburse John Gray for his expenses involved in the now traditional fire engine rides given throughout the 4th.
The Lady Joan set sails on August 20 with the usual Halloween, Christmas, and Easter celebrations during the following months.
In May and June, Marvin Beach residents joined with others in the East Norwalk community to successfully oppose the construction of a 7-story high golf “dome” proposed for the Taylor Farm property.