The History of Livery Service in Waterbury


Origins in the Carriage Era

Livery service in Waterbury traces its roots to the late 19th century, a time when horse-drawn carriages were the primary means of hired transportation. Prominent local figures, such as Henry H. Peck, maintained carriage houses to serve both private and public needs. The H.H. Peck Carriage House, constructed in 1898, is a surviving testament to this era. Originally built to house horses and carriages for Peck-a public servant and businessman-the building later served as a public facility and storage space, and today stands as a restored historic landmark in the city.


The Advent of Motor Vehicles and Livery Plates

With the advent of the automobile in the early 20th century, Waterbury's livery industry evolved rapidly. Connecticut introduced the 'Livery' license plate type in 1910 for vehicles transporting people for a fee. These plates were issued statewide, including in Waterbury, and marked the transition from horse-drawn carriages to motorized taxis and chauffeur services.


Growth of Taxi and Livery Companies

By the early 20th century, livery services in Waterbury began to formalize, leading to the establishment of taxi and car-for-hire companies. One notable example is Curtin Livery, which began operations in 1918 as a small taxi and livery business. Founded by Bill and Mary Curtin, the company expanded its reach over the decades, eventually serving Waterbury and surrounding areas. Charles W. Curtin, after joining the family business in 1945, helped grow the company’s territory and services, including student and disabled transportation, airport runs, and Connecticut Dial-a-Ride.


Modern Services and Community Role

Today, livery service in Waterbury encompasses a range of transportation options, from traditional taxi cabs to specialized services for students, the disabled, and airport travelers. Companies like Curtin Livery have adapted to changing community needs, offering reliable transportation for diverse populations and playing a crucial role in local mobility.


Preservation and Legacy

The legacy of Waterbury’s livery service is preserved not only in the ongoing operations of local companies but also in historic structures like the H.H. Peck Carriage House. Restored and repurposed, these buildings serve as reminders of the city’s transportation heritage and its evolution from horse-drawn carriages to modern livery fleets.



Sources:

1 Curtin Livery History
2 H.H. Peck Carriage House - Nicholas Law Firm
3 Curtin Livery Waterbury Services
5 Connecticut Livery License Plate History

Livery Street in Waterbury was named after Samuel W. Hall, who was a Coachman in the eary evolution of Waterbury.

Based on available historical sources, Samuel W. Hall (Samuel William Southmayd Hall) was a notable resident of Waterbury, Connecticut, in the 19th century.  While there is no direct evidence in the provided sources that he was specifically a coachman by trade, he was a prominent local figure and benefactor whose legacy is closely tied to the city.

Samuel Hall is best remembered for his generous bequest to Riverside Cemetery: upon his death in 1877, he left $20,000 for the construction of the Hall Memorial Chapel, which was completed in 1885. The chapel, designed by renowned architect Robert Wakeman Hill, stands as a significant Victorian Gothic Revival landmark at the cemetery entrance and is dedicated to the memory of his wife, Nancy Austin Hall.

Regarding Livery Street: According to The Town and City of Waterbury (Anderson, 1896), Waterbury’s street names often honored local families, prominent citizens, or their professions. While Livery Street’s name strongly suggests a connection to the city’s historic livery and coach services, and it is plausible that it was named in honor of Samuel W. Hall’s association with such services, the specific documentation directly linking Hall as a coachman and the naming of Livery Street for him is not confirmed in the cited sources.
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In summary, Samuel W. Hall was a respected Waterbury resident and benefactor, best known for his philanthropy and the Hall Memorial Chapel. The connection between his name, the coachman profession, and Livery Street is consistent with Waterbury’s tradition of naming streets after notable citizens and local trades, but direct documentary evidence for this specific naming is not present in the provided sources. If you require more precise confirmation of Hall’s occupation and the naming of Livery Street, consulting Waterbury’s detailed street name histories or local archives may yield additional information.