History

Through changing times, relocations and mergers, the Farnam Neighborhood House has evolved into a thriving multi-service neighborhood center which provides a continuum of services for people of all ages. Our programs reflect the diversity of those we serve, and we are dedicated to the ideal of helping the neighborhood to help itself by helping to develop in all people the capacity to carry responsibility through sharing and planning.

• 1899: Alexander F. Irvine and Dr. Julia Teele founded the "Floralia Society" or Flower Mission in Fair Haven. One year later it became Lowell House, a neighborhood center housed in rented rooms on Franklin Street.
• 1906: A new building was erected at 196-198 Hamilton Street.
• 1910: Neighborhood House was founded under the leadership of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
• 1920: Neighborhood House was incorporated on February 6 and purchased property at 213-221 Wooster Street from St. Paul's Church.
• 1921: Lowell House was given a camp at Goodsell Point in Branford, Connecticut.
• 1935: Lowell House became Farnam Community House, named after Professor Henry Farnam, who so generously gave both Lowell House and the campsite.
• 1939: Farnam Community House demolished for a federal housing project called Farnam Courts.
• 1942: Branch program started in West Haven by Farnam Community House, which later became West Haven Community House.
• 1943: An act of Legislature was passed merging Farnam Community House and Neighborhood House - the combined settlement became known as the Farnam Neighborhood House!
• 1944: Program moves to newly purchased building at 60 Beech Street.
• 1947: Farnam Neighborhood House operated a camp at Cedarcrest for five years.
• 1952: Sixty-five acre camp site known as Camp Farnam was purchased in Durham, Connecticut.
• 1959: Farnam Neighborhood House starts Extension Services for the youth at Farnam Courts, a part of the Neighborhood Improvement Project.
• 1960: Due to building of I-91, Farnam Neighborhood House organized Capital Fund Drive for a new building.
• 1962: Construction of building at 162 Fillmore Street.
• 1963: The new Farnam Neighborhood House dedication (April 28)!