New Canaan began as a religious unit called the Parish of Canaan in
1731. This unit, with land from Stamford and Norwalk, was incorporated
into the Town of New Canaan in 1801. Male residents were generally
farmers and craftsmen. The first school was built in 1799, the first
Town Hall in 1825. There were general stores, post office, a drug store
and several factories by 1850. Shoemaking was the dominant industry
during the years before the Civil War. A railroad was built in 1868 to
Stamford to attract new industry, but instead, New Canaan became a
summer residence for wealthy New Yorkers. The Library was founded in
1877 and a police force in 1892. Over the years many of these summer
residents became permanent. After World War II a housing boom brought
more residents. In the late 1960's and 70's, the arrival of corporate
headquarters in Fairfield County spurred the growth of business and
housing in New Canaan. In 1967 the town acquired the property now known
as Waveny Park with its house, Carriage Barn Arts Center and Powerhouse
Theatre with land for the High School and Care Center. In 1995, the
central business district is surrounded by townhouses and condominiums.
Single family homes are still being built and families gather for
Christmas Eve Caroling on God's Acre, for the Memorial Day Parade down
Main Street and Family Fourth of July picnics at Waveny Park.
The Board of Education consists of nine members who are elected every
two years in odd numbered years for a four year term. They administer
one high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools
staffed by 258 teachers, with an average of 14 years experience,
serving a student population of 2,894.
New Canaan used the traditional Town Meeting form of Government until
Charter Revision in 1969. Since that time, an elected three person
Board of Selectmen is the executive body with the First Selectman
serving full time. They appoint members of the boards and commissions
and are assisted by an appointed fulltime professional Administrative
Officer. The 12 elected members of the Town Council enact laws and
ordinances, and approve the budget. Elections are held every two years
in odd numbered years. Other elected officials include the Town Clerk,
Treasurer, Board of Tax Review, Board of Education, and Constables.
Judge of Probate, Justices of the Peace and Registrars of Voters are
elected on even numbered years.
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