Nick Silvaggi 1998

Unlike many of its surrounding towns, whose roots are firmly planted in farming, the town of New Milford encompasses 64.8 square miles of a fine blend of history enhanced by modernization. Located in Western Connecticut, its bordering towns of Sherman on the west, Kent and Warren to the north, Washington to the east, and Bridgewater, Brookfield and Roxbury lining the south, all remain more rural to this day.

In 1880, the population of New Milford stood at 3,000. That figure has risen to an estimated 30,000 residents according to the Town Clerk in 1998. Most of this growth has occurred in the last four decades on the heels of new industry coming to town in the late 1950’s.

Although industry has brought modernization to this largest town in Connecticut, New Milford has retained its deeply seeded historic venue, with a main street shopping district boasting a quaint village atmosphere of specialty shops, gourmet restaurants, craft shops, and cafes, designed with a seasonal diversity for enjoyment by people of all ages. The Town of New Milford is an elixir for every soul.

The recreational assets of Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah coupled with winter activities in the nearby Berkshires might lead one to believe this is more of a vacation paradise than the actual family community. New Milford residents are offered a myriad of recreational programs and special events year round for all age groups. The many local parks, along with a public golf course, hiking trails, cross country skiing, camping, and boating at nearby state parks and preservations all provide access to the area’s recreational abundance.

Quality education is a fundamental consideration in any community and New Milford is no exception. The children are offered three elementary schools - Hill & Plain, Northville, and John Pettibone School. There is one middle school, Schaghticoke Middle School, serving grades 6 - 8. New Milford High School serves grades 9 - 12. To meet the increased educational demands on an ever-growing community, a new high school has been built at Larson Farm which accommodates 1,600 students. Along with the excellent opportunities offered in the public school system, residents have the option of a private education at The Canterbury School in New Milford.

Further learning opportunities can be found at the local library. Prominently located on the Green is the New Milford Public Library which just celebrated their 100th Anniversary. Originally established as the Union Library in 1796, its 350 volumes were first located in “public spirited homes”. In March of 1886, the collection was moved to Town Hall. The original building, built on property donated by Mr. Egbert Marsh, opened on January 19, 1898, and now houses the Jr. Library. The adult library and circulation services are located in an addition that was subsequently built in 1977. The library offices are housed in the 1839 Goodman House, The entire complex covers 18,684 square feet and boasts exhibit space, and total holdings of 92,045 including books, periodicals, newspapers, record., C.D.s, audio cassettes, videos, a computer, copy machines and a young adult paperback collection.

New Milford is governed by a Mayor, and a nine-member Town Council with meetings held regularly for budget approval and other pertinent issues.

The health care needs of the community are met by New Milford Hospital’s 85-bed facility offering state-of-the-an technology in both in-patient and out-patient care. Nearby Danbury Hospital’s 371-bed capacity also offers residents comprehensive care and treatment alternatives. A large number of doctors, dentists, and other health care professionals serve the community along with the local office of the Greater New Milford Visiting Nurse Association, whose caring staff provide quality care to those whose needs can be accommodated at home. New Milford boasts its own health and fitness facility, The Club.

Although New Milford has allowed new technology into their community, they continue to keep history and culture as a vibrant part of life through The Commission on the Arts, The New Milford Historical Society, Gaylordsville Historical Society, The Creative Arts Center, New Milford TheatreWorks, and The Merryall Center for the Arts, to name a few. Residents enjoy local and regional art shows, theater performances, workshops for writing, photography, and varied media exploration along with special events such as the annual Village Fair Days sponsored by The Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, which offers arts, commercial exhibits, crafts, food, games, regional storytelling, a tall-tales contest and live music. Other events include fireworks, various parades, caroling on the Green, and summer concerts ranging from blue grass to classical.

The fire of 1902 could have gutted the enthusiasm and hearts of the residents, and New Milford could have been a mere shadow of the community it is today, but, with former patriots such as Roger Sherman in their lineage, the fire merely sparked the smoldering embers of pride. New Milford has erupted into a vibrant, bustling, ever-growing “hometown” atmosphere that only a town built on pride can display

(Gaylordsville) - 354-9727
Probate Judge - 355-6029
Public Works - 355-6040
Recycling Center - 355-6042
Registrar of Voters - 355-6026
Sheriff - 355-2289
Social Services - 355-6079
Tax Collector - 355-6085
Teen Center - 355-6087
Town Clerk - 355-6020
Wetlands - 355-6083
Youth Agency - 354-0047
Zoning - 355-6095

Cable
Charter Communications - 355-0937

Gas
Yankee Gas Services - 800-989-0900

Health Care
Danbury Hospital - 203-797-7000
(371 beds 502 physicians/surgeons)
New Milford Hospital - 860-355-2611
(affiliate of (Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Canter)
(85 beds 75 physicians/surgeons)

Houses of Worship

Local & Area Newspapers
Litchfield County Times - 860-354-2261
New Milford Times - 860-354-2261
The Greater New Milford Spectrum - 860-354-2273

Telephone
SBC/SNET - 800-453-7638

Theaters
Bank Street Theaters - 860-354-2122

Trash (Residential & Commercial)
ASTI Waste Systems - 860-354-2211
Automated Waste Disposal - 203-743-0405
Diversified Waste Disposal - 203-778-4347

Utilities - Electric
CT Light & Power - 800-286-2000

Water
United Water - 860-354-4118

Permits- certificates-licenses are issued by various departments. Contact the Town Hall for more information and hours of operation.

 

11 Railroad Street, New Milford, CT 06776
Tel. (860) 354-6080 ~ Fax. (860) 354-8526
nmcc@newmilford-chamber.com