Wallingford CT Historical Society

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

After yesterdays post about the Kay Brothers Circus, several followers inquired about the Wallingford airport, so here is a follow up post. The attached news article is an AI reproduction of an actual article dated June 16, 1927, that was found in a scrapbook from 1927. The bottom of the middle column is missing a line of text.

Despite the high expectations in the news article, the airport only operated from late 1927 until about 1940. The aerial photo is from 1934 and shows the approximate location of the airport. The highlighted hangar still stands at the corner of East and John Streets.

06/03/2026

In June of 1934, the circus came to town.

Not Ringling Brothers, not Barnum Bailey. The Kay Brothers.

From "circusesandsideshows.com":

Kay Bros. Circus was a circus that toured the eastern United States from 1932 until 1938. The show was owned by William "Bill" Ketrow (real name: William R. Peters).

The Ketrow family had a long history in various forms of traveling entertainment, from 1924 through 1930, Bill and his brother Frank operated a small one ring "dog and pony" show which they called the Ketrow Bros. Circus. The circus was very successful.

The circus did not tour in 1931. Bill Ketrow toured with a "Tom show" during that year.

In 1932 the circus came out of it's Petersburg, Virginia winter quarters, renamed as the Kay Bros. Circus.

The circus was mostly operated by family members. The show's staff was listed as Bill Ketrow manager, Bob Ketrow assistant manager and lot superintendent, Mrs. Bill Ketrow treasurer, the advance was handled by Frank Ketrow assisted by Tom Kennedy and the sideshow was managed Bob Ketrow and Milt Robbins. Bill's daughter Mary Ellen performed a wire act and also presented the performing Elephants

The circus went out once again in 1941 with Frank Ketrow as manager, this would be the show's last season on the road.

Frank Ketrow (Peters), died in October of 1950.

Willian R "Bill" Ketrow (Peters), died of a heart attack on April 8, 1951 in Miami, Fl. He was survived be his wife Maude, Daughter Mary Ellen O'Rear, Son William Jr. and Son Frank.

Credit for the photographs Edward J. Kelty. After World War I, Edward J. Kelty made his main living taking traditional banquet and party photographs for his Century Flashlight Photographers Company, based in New York City. During the summer months, Kelty used a custom-made large-format camera and portable darkroom and followed circus troupes around the East Coast and Midwest, taking some of the most vivid photographs known to circus historians. However, lingering injuries from his Navy service in World War I, other personal struggles, and the hardships of the Depression led to Kelty closing his business and selling his camera and negatives by the early 1940s. (NY Public Library)

05/31/2026

Welcome back to Signers Sunday, where over the course of 56 weeks, we are revealing the story behind each of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Today, in our forty-eighth installment, we highlight John Penn of North Carolina - who, despite only 2 years of formal education, became an attorney at the age of 21.

If you are new to the series, please visit our page to catch up on past posts. While you are there, hit those like, follow and share buttons.

05/28/2026

With the 2026 budget season wrapping up, a timely artifact from 158 years ago, detailing the expenses and receipts of the Central School District.

05/26/2026

With the Tolles Road bridge currently under reconstruction, we take a trip back to 1969 and visit the previous bridge, built in 1898. This bridge stood until around 1981, when the current bridge was installed.

05/25/2026

Looking for information on your Wallingford ancestors? Have you visited our website? We have an ever growing collection of genealogy reference materials covering familes from Wallingfords past. Stop in and enjoy!

https://www.wallingfordhistorical.org/wallingford-families

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Wallingford Historical Society honors the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. As we gather with family and friends, we also remember the sacrifices that shaped our country and preserved the freedoms we enjoy today.

From the earliest days of Wallingford’s history through every generation since, members of our community have answered the call to serve. Their courage and dedication remain an important part of our shared heritage.

We invite you to pause this Memorial Day to reflect, remember, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

05/24/2026

Welcome back to Signers Sunday, where over the course of 56 weeks, we are revealing the story behind each of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Today, in our forty-seventh installment, we highlight William Hooper of North Carolina - the "Prophet of Independence"

If you are new to the series, please visit our page to catch up on past posts. While you are there, hit those like, follow and share buttons.