Nestled in the northern reaches of East Haven, bordered by stretching woodlands and winding country roads, lies Foxon—a neighborhood where East Haven’s historic tapestry comes vibrantly to life. Whether you’re strolling along Route 80 or admiring the stately facades along Granniss Street, the spirit of Foxon’s past lingers in every stone wall, church spire, and community gathering.
The Origins of Foxon: How It All Began
Foxon’s roots trace back to Colonial New England. In the early 1700s, this patch of land belonged to farmers and tradespeople seeking to build new lives beyond the bustling harbor towns. While East Haven itself was officially founded in 1785, the Foxon area—then simply called “North Farms”—was already blooming with homesteads and orchards.
The neighborhood name “Foxon” has an intriguing background. According to local lore, the area was named for its abundance of foxes that roamed the fields and forests in Colonial times. Some records suggest “Foxon” was also a nod to Foxon Brook, a winding stream that follows much of today’s Foxon Road. Either way, the name stuck, eventually lending a unique identity to this spacious, north-end district.
Growth, Industry, and Community: The 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Foxon’s transformation began in earnest in the 19th century. The opening of the Foxon Turnpike (modern Route 80) in the early 1800s turned a sleepy rural area into a vital corridor. Horse-drawn carriages and wagons once lumbered down the route, linking New Haven to inland markets and beyond.
With the industrial boom in neighboring New Haven, Foxon evolved. Mills and manufactories popped up along the Farm River and Foxon Brook. Notably, the Granniss family established one of the area’s first major mill operations, giving their name to Granniss Street—a thoroughfare that remains a backbone of the community to this day.
Meanwhile, Foxon’s Italian-American heritage was quietly taking hold. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, waves of immigrants settled in Foxon, bringing with them a deep faith, an industrious spirit, and the recipes for some of East Haven’s best-loved culinary traditions. St. Vincent de Paul Church, built in 1925 on Church Street, quickly became a cornerstone—not just of faith, but of community celebrations, festivals, and memories.
Landmarks and Treasured Places
- St. Vincent de Paul Church: Still active today, this beautiful brick church is the heart of Foxon’s spiritual and social life.
- Foxon Park Beverages: Founded in 1922 and operating on Foxon Boulevard, this local soda company has become an institution. Generations of East Haven families have stopped by for a bottle of Foxon Park’s famous White Birch soda or Iron Brew—an iconic taste of home.
- Farm River State Park: While technically spanning the border of East Haven and Branford, the nearby park is a favorite weekend escape. Its peaceful riverbanks and lush trails are a living reminder of the neighborhood’s more rural, pastoral past.
- Granniss Street Cemeteries: These historic burial grounds, tucked away off Granniss Street, hold the resting places of Foxon’s earliest settlers, a testament to the neighborhood’s enduring heritage.
Streets with a Story
Wander around Foxon and you’ll encounter street names that echo local history:
- Foxon Road (Route 80): The main artery through the neighborhood, lined with landmarks, shops, and homes.
- Granniss Street: Named for the influential founding family, it connects Foxon Road to leafy residential blocks.
- Thompson Avenue: A quiet residential lane named after another prominent early family.
- Hemlock Road: Reflective of the wooded groves that shaped Foxon’s landscape for centuries.
Evolution and Change: Foxon in the Postwar Era
After World War II, Foxon entered a new era. Like much of suburban Connecticut, Foxon saw a wave of new housing developments as families from New Haven sought leafy neighborhoods to call their own. Ranches, capes, and split-level homes appeared along side streets—each with a backyard where kids played well into a warm summer’s night.
At the same time, Foxon remained true to its roots. Foxon Park Beverages stayed a local favorite, while family-run Italian restaurants and pizzerias blossomed along Foxon Road, attracting regulars from all over Greater New Haven. Strong civic associations and block-watch groups ensured that, even as new faces moved in, neighbors still looked out for one another.
Modern Foxon: Heritage Meets Progress
Today, Foxon is a neighborhood where heritage and modern life harmoniously blend. Young families and longtime residents exchange greetings at local delis, and you’ll find joggers and dog walkers exploring trails that once served as old farm lanes.
The area around Foxon Road is a dynamic hub—with small businesses, bakeries, and even a few hidden gems that only the locals know best. Meanwhile, the sound of church bells from St. Vincent de Paul still carries on Sunday mornings, calling to mind generations of shared tradition.
Foxon also takes pride in its public spaces. Parks such as Kennedy Memorial Field offer residents green expanses for soccer matches, picnics, and family gatherings, keeping the spirit of community alive. Each fall, you’ll spot families visiting local orchards to pick apples—a charming connection to Foxon’s farming origins.
What Makes Foxon Special
It’s not just the history or the landmarks that set Foxon apart—it’s the people. Foxon is a place where generations meet, stories are shared over a slice of pizza, and neighbors remember the value of kindness and hard work. Although the landscape has changed with the times, the welcoming spirit remains.
For newcomers and natives alike, Foxon stands as a living reminder that history isn’t just about dates and buildings—it's about community, memories, and the little details that turn a neighborhood into a home.
So next time you find yourself driving down Foxon Road, take a moment to pause. Look around. You’re not just passing through—you’re experiencing a piece of East Haven’s history, alive and well in the heart of Foxon.