Bridgeport, Connecticut

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City of Bridgeport
City
Bridgeport
Bridgeport
Flag of City of Bridgeport
Flag
Official seal of City of Bridgeport
Seal
Nickname(s): 
The Park City, The Port, B-Port, BPT
Location in Fairfield County, Connecticut
Location in Fairfield County, Connecticut
CountryUnited States
StateConnecticut
CountyFairfield
NECTA/MSABridgeport-Stamford
RegionGreater Bridgeport, Greater New York
Incorporated (town)1821
Incorporated (city)1836
Government
 • TypeMayor-council
 • MayorBill Finch
Area
 • City19.4 sq mi (50.2 km2)
 • Land16.0 sq mi (41.4 km2)
 • Water3.4 sq mi (8.8 km2)
 • Urban
9,014.3 sq mi (3,843.8 km2)
Elevation
3 ft (1 m)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • City145,638 (US: 169th)
 • Density8,720.9/sq mi (3,354/km2)
 • Metro
925,899 (US: 56th)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
06601, 06602, 06604, 06605, 06606, 06607, 06608, 06610, 06650, 06673, 06699[2]
Area codeArea code 203
FIPS code09-08000
GNIS feature ID0205720
Websitewww.bridgeportct.gov

Bridgeport is the most populous city in Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County on the Pequonnock River and Long Island Sound, the city had an estimated population of 144,229 at the 2010 United States Census[1] and is the core of the Greater Bridgeport area. The city is part of the Greater New York City Combined Statistical Area. It is the fifth-largest city in New England (behind Boston, Worcester, Providence and Springfield.) Bridgeport is the center of the 48th-largest urban area in the United States, just behind Hartford (47th). Most of Bridgeport was originally a part of the township of Stratford.

English colonists began settling along the Pequonnock River after 1639, quickly buying land from the Paugussett tribe or otherwise divesting them of it. The settlement became a center of trade, shipbuilding, and whaling. In the mid-19th century, the village rapidly industrialized, attracting immigrants to the growing number of factory jobs. Industry stayed strong until after World War II. Industrial restructuring and suburbanization caused the loss of many jobs and affluent residents, leaving Bridgeport struggling with problems of poverty. In the 21st century, conversion of office buildings to residential, and other redevelopment is attracting new residents.

The circus-promoter and former mayor, P.T. Barnum, was a famous resident of the city. Barnum built three houses there, and housed his circus in town during winters. The first Subway Restaurant opened in the North End section of the city in 1965.[3] The Frisbie Pie Company was located here, and Bridgeport is credited as the birthplace of the frisbee.[4]

History

Main article: History of Bridgeport, Connecticut

The first English settlement on the west bank of the mouth of the Pequonnock River was made somewhere between 1639 and 1665 and was called Pequonnock, after the name of the Native American people, a sub-tribe of the Paugussett, who had historically occupied this area. One of their sacred sites was Golden Hill, the center of springs and planting fields, now within downtown Bridgeport.[5][6] The village was renamed Newfield sometime before 1777.[7]

More people settled further inland and to the West and the area officially became known as Stratfield in 1701, likely due to its location between the already existing towns of Stratford and Fairfield.[8] During the American Revolution, Bridgeport and its harbor was a center of privateering.[6] In 1800, Newfield village was chartered as the borough of Bridgeport, and in 1821 the township of Bridgeport, including more of Stratfield, was incorporated. Bridgeport was chartered as a city in 1836.[9]

Early years

Bridgeport's early years were marked by residents' reliance on fishing and farming, similar to the society of the Native American Paugassett. They had cultivated corn, beans and squash, and fished from both the river and Sound. The city's location on the deep Newfield Harbor fostered a boom in shipbuilding and whaling in the mid-19th century, especially after the opening of a railroad to the city in 1840.[10][11]

The city rapidly industrialized in the late 19th century, when it became a manufacturing center. It produced such goods as the famous Bridgeport milling machine, brass fittings, carriages, sewing machines, brassieres, saddles, and ammunition.[12] Bridgeport annexed the village of Black Rock and its busy harbor in 1870.[13]

Eastern View of Bridgeport, Con. by John Warner Barber (1836)

Presidential visits

On Saturday, March 10, 1860, Abraham Lincoln spoke in the city's Washington Hall, an auditorium at the old Bridgeport City Hall (now McLevy Hall), at the corner of State and Broad streets. The largest room in the city was packed, and a crowd formed outside as well. Lincoln received a standing ovation before taking the 9:07 p.m. train that night back to Manhattan.[14][15] A plaque marks the site where Lincoln spoke; later that year, he was elected as President. Other notables who have given speeches in Bridgeport include Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., who spoke three times at the Klein Auditorium during the 1960s; President George W. Bush spoke before a small group of Connecticut business people and officials at the Playhouse on the Green in 2006;[16] and President Barack Obama spoke at the Harbor Yard arena in 2010 to gain support for the campaign of Democratic Governor Dan Malloy.[17]

Industrialization and labor history

Industrialization was underway by he mid-19th century. Famous factories included Wheeler & Wilson, which produced sewing machines and exported them throughout the world, and the Locomobile Company of America, builder of one of the premier automobiles in the early years of the century.[18]

In the summer of 1915, amid increased labor demand as men were drafted for World War I, workers in Bridgeport called a series of strikes demanding the eight-hour day. They were so successful that the strikes and 8-hour day spread throughout the Northeast.[19]

By 1930, Bridgeport was a thriving industrial center with more than 500 factories. Since the late 19th century, its industrial jobs had attracted the most recent immigrants: Irish, Italians and eastern Europeans. The build-up to World War II further helped its industries.[20]

Columbia Records' primary pressing plant was located in Bridgeport. It manufactured the Columbia OKeh (after 1926), as well as their dime-store labels (Harmony, Velvet Tone, Diva and Clarion).

Deindustrialization

Restructuring of heavy industry starting after the mid-20th century caused the loss of thousands of jobs and residents. Like other urban centers in Connecticut, Bridgeport suffered during the deindustrialization of the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.[21] Continued development of new suburban housing attracted middle and upper-class residents, leaving the city with a higher proportion of poor. The city suffered from overall mismanagement, for which several city officials were convicted, contributing to the economic and social decline.[22]

In September 1978, Bridgeport teachers went on a 19-day strike due to deadlocked contract negotiations. A court order, as well as state law that made strikes by public workers illegal in Connecticut, resulted in 274 teachers being arrested and jailed.[23]

A portion of the harbor in Bridgeport. Facilities shown are part of the United Illuminating coal-fired power plant

Like other northeastern cities suffering from the effects of post-World War II industrial decline, Bridgeport made numerous efforts at revitalization. In one proposal Las Vegas developer Steve Wynn was to build a large casino, but that project failed to be implemented. In 1991, the city filed for bankruptcy protection but was declared solvent by a federal court.[24]

Twenty-first century

In the early 21st century, Bridgeport is a city that has taken steps toward redevelopment of its downtown and other neighborhoods. In 2004, artists' lofts were developed in the former Read's Department Store on Broad Street. Several other rental conversions have been completed, including the 117-unit Citytrust bank building on Main Street. The recession has halted, at least temporarily, two major mixed-use projects including a $1 billion waterfront development at Steel Point, but other redevelopment projects have proceeded, such as the condominium conversion project in Bijou Square.[25] In 2009, the City Council approved a new master plan for development, designed both to promote redevelopment in selected areas and to protect existing residential neighborhoods.[26] In 2010, the Bridgeport Housing Authority and a local health center announced plans to build a $20 million medical and housing complex at Albion Street, making use of federal stimulus funds and designed to replace some of the housing lost with the demolition of Father Panik Village.[27]

Emergency services

Fire Department

The city of Bridgeport is protected 24/7 by the 350 paid, professional firefighters of the city of Bridgeport Fire Department(BFD). The BFD operates out of eight fire stations, located throughout the city, in two battalions, under the command of two Assistant Chiefs and a Deputy Chief per shift. The BFD operates a fire apparatus fleet of 9 Engines(including 1 Quint), 4 Ladders, 1 Rescue, 1 Safety Officers Unit (operated by the Training Division), 1 Command/Air & Light/Fireground Rehabilitation Vehicle (operated by the Training Division), 1 Hazardous Materials/Decontamination Unit, 1 Foam Unit, 1 Maintenance Unit, 3 Fire Rescue Boats, and numerous special, support, and reserve units. In 2012, the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to over 15,800 emergency calls. The current Chief of Department is Brian Rooney. Below is a current listing of all Fire Station Locations and Apparatus in the city of Bridgeport according to Battalion.[28][29]

Battalion 1

Engine Company Ladder Company Special Unit Battalion Address Neighborhood
Engine 1 Ladder 5 Rescue 5, Marine Rescue 2 Battalion 1, Deputy Chief 30 Congress St. Downtown
Engine 3, Engine 4 Haz-Mat./Decon. Unit 233 Wood Ave. West Side
Engine 7 Ladder 11 Command/Air & Light/Rehab. Vehicle, Marine Rescue 1 245 Ocean Terr. Black Rock
Engine 16(Quint) Foam Unit, Maintenance Units, Engine's 104, 110, 112(Reserve), Ladder 105, 106(Reserve) 3115 Madison Ave. North End

Battalion 2

Engine Company Ladder Company Special Unit Battalion Address Neighborhood
Engine 6 Ladder 6 Marine Rescue 3 Battalion 2 1035 Central Ave. East End
Engine 10 Ladder 10 950 Boston Ave. East Side
Engine 12 265 Beechmont Ave. Brooklawn
Engine 15 104 Evers St. North Bridgeport

Response Guidelines

  • Structure Fire Response -
    • Activated Fire Alarm(AFA) Assignment: 1 Engine, 1 Ladder
    • Signal 29(Alarm of Fire)/Box Assignment: 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, Safety Officer
    • Signal 29(Alarm of Fire)/Box Assignment(Confirmed Fire/Gas Leak): 4 Engines(1 for R.I.T.), 2 Ladders, Rescue, 2 Battalion Chiefs(1 for Safety), 1 Safety Officer's Unit, EMS
    • 2nd Alarm Assignment(Upgrade): 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, Deputy Chief, Command/Air & Light/Rehab. Vehicle, Fire Marshal's Office
    • 3rd Alarm Assignment(Upgrade): 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, Chief of Department
  • Motor Vehicle Accident(MVA) Response -
    • Minor MVA Assignment: 1 Engine, EMS
    • MVA w/Entrapment Assignment: 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, Safety Officer, EMS
    • MVA on Interstate Highway: 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, Safety Officer, EMS
  • Special Incident Response -
    • Struck Elevator Assignment: 1 Ladder
    • Brush/Rubbish Fire Assignment: 1 Engine
    • Water Rescue Assignment: 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, 1 Safety Officer, 1 Marine Rescue Boat, EMS
  • Medical Emergency Response -
    • Medical Emergency Assignment: 1 Engine, EMS

Law enforcement

Five law enforcement agencies serve Bridgeport: two are at the city level, one at the county level, and two at the state level.

City level:

  • Bridgeport Police Department – The city's primary law enforcement agency, it deals with every-day things in the city from gang violence to petty theft.
  • Bridgeport Park Police Department – A separate department from the Bridgeport Police, this agency was formed to enforce law in Bridgeport's vast area of city parks.

County level:

State level:

Medical care

The community has two hospitals, Bridgeport Hospital and St. Vincent's Medical Center. The former Park City Hospital closed in 1993 and was reopened in 2010 as elderly and homeless housing units.[30]

Animal control

located for many years at 525 Asylum Street, in 2008 Bridgeport Animal Control moved to 236 Evergreen Street. This location was the previous housing quarters for the Shoreline Star Greyhounds. This location once housed over 800 dogs. The Animal Control facility is the largest in the state of Connecticut, handling more than 1500 to 2000 animals yearly. The new facilities consist of three buildings: one for administration and two for animal holding. One serves for quarantine for the 7-day holding period, and the second is the adoption building. The new shelter can house up to 80 dogs and 25 cats. The largest breed of dog the shelter deals with is the pit bull. The BAC does not pick up cats or wildlife unless they are sick or injured. [31]

Geography and climate

Bridgeport is located along Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Pequonnock River, named for the Native American tribe who historically lived along it.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.4 square miles (50 km2), of which 16.0 square miles (41 km2) is land and 3.4 square miles (8.8 km2), or 17.53%, is water.

Bridgeport, like the rest of coastal Connecticut, lies in the broad transition zone between the cold humid continental climate to the north (Köppen climate classification: Dfa) and the more mild temperate/subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), to the south. Coastal Connecticut, Long Island/NYC, and northern New Jersey are the general dividing line between theses two climate zones.

The warm season in Bridgeport is from late May through mid October. Warm and often humid weather, with highs in the 80s F and lows in the 60s F are common. Late day thundershowers are common in the hottest months (June, July, August), despite the mostly sunny skies. The cool/cold season is from late November though mid March, with highs near 40 F and and lows in the upper 20s F. Winter weather is far more variable than summer weather along the Connecticut coast, ranging from sunny days with high temperatures in the low 50s F to cold and blustery conditions with occasional snow. Like much of the Connecticut coast and nearby Long Island, NY, some of the winter precipitation is rain or a mix of rain and wet snow in Bridgeport. Bridgeport averages about 30 inches of snowfall annually - about half as much as inland areas of CT and southern New York (Hartford averages 45 inches and Albany averages 61 inches, for example).

Although infrequent, tropical cyclones (hurricanes/tropical storms) have struck Connecticut and the New London metropolitan area. Hurricane landfalls have occurred along the Connecticut coast in 1903, 1938, 1944, 1954 (Carol), 1960 (Donna), 1985 (Gloria). Tropical Storm Irene (2011) caused moderate damage along the Connecticut coast, as did Hurricane Sandy (which made landfall in New Jersey) in 2012.

Coastal Connecticut is the broad transition zone where so-called "subtropical indicator" plants and other broadleaf evergreens can successfully be cultivated. Bridgeport averages about 90 days annually with freeze - about the same as Baltimore, Maryland. As such, Southern Magnolias, Needle Palms, Windmill palm, Loblolly Pines, and Crape Myrtles are grown in private and public gardens.

With a period of official records dating back to 1948, Bridgeport's highest temperature is 103 °F (39 °C) on July 22 in 1957 and 2011, while the lowest temperature is −7 °F (−22 °C) on January 22, 1984.

Climate data for Bridgeport, Connecticut (Sikorsky Airport), 1981–2010 normals
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 37.1
(2.8) 		39.7
(4.3) 		47.2
(8.4) 		57.6
(14.2) 		67.6
(19.8) 		77.0
(25.0) 		82.1
(27.8) 		80.8
(27.1) 		74.0
(23.3) 		63.2
(17.3) 		53.1
(11.7) 		42.3
(5.7) 		60.1
(15.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 23.1
(−4.9) 		25.2
(−3.8) 		31.4
(−0.3) 		41.0
(5.0) 		50.5
(10.3) 		60.2
(15.7) 		66.3
(19.1) 		65.6
(18.7) 		58.0
(14.4) 		46.4
(8.0) 		37.9
(3.3) 		28.4
(−2.0) 		44.5
(6.9)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.10
(79) 		2.79
(71) 		4.04
(103) 		4.13
(105) 		3.80
(97) 		3.64
(92) 		3.46
(88) 		3.96
(101) 		3.48
(88) 		3.64
(92) 		3.39
(86) 		3.33
(85) 		42.75
(1,086)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 9.2
(23) 		8.2
(21) 		5.4
(14) 		.9
(2.3) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		.7
(1.8) 		5.5
(14) 		30.0
(76)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 inch) 10.9 9.7 11.3 11.0 11.8 11.1 8.9 8.9 8.2 8.8 10.0 11.1 121.7
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 inch) 5.0 3.6 2.4 .3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .5 3.1 15.0
Source: NOAA[32]
1912 postcard showing Main Street in Bridgeport

Cityscape

The Bridgeport Harbor is bordered by Long Island Sound and is formed by the estuary of the Pequonnock River and Yellow Mill Pond, an inlet. Between the estuary and the pond is a peninsula, East Bridgeport, also known as the East Side, which was once the site of some of the largest manufacturing establishments in Connecticut, most of which no longer exist. On the other side of the Yellow Mill Pond inlet is the East End of Bridgeport, which is the far Eastern point of the city, next to Pleasure Beach Island. Above the East End are the Mill Hill and Boston Avenue neighborhoods and the border with Stratford, Connecticut. West of the Harbor and the Pequonnock River is the main portion of the city, with Downtown Bridgeport lining the river, the South End lining the harbor and Long Island Sound, the West Side between Fairfield, Connecticut and Downtown, and North Bridgeport extending from Downtown and the West Side to the border with Trumbull, Connecticut. Numerous factories, some of which are no longer in operation, line western sections the Metro North/New Haven Railroad line from the Bridgeport Station in Downtown, under Interstate 95 in the South End, and through the West Side and into Fairfield. The city is surrounding by hills in North Bridgeport/North End, the Upper East Side, and Mill Hill.

The main portion of the city is divided into three major North/South roads that somewhat parallel each other. Main Street, the city's main artery, extending from the Trumbull town line, down through North Bridgeport, under Route 25 and into Downtown, ending at the Harbor Yard Arena in the South End. Park Avenue is the far western main road that is on the borderline with the town of Fairfield and extends from the Easton, Connecticut border in the North End to the South End at Seaside Park. Madison Avenue is situated parallel between Main Street and Park Avenue that extends from the Trumbull town line in the North End and continues through the West Side. East Main Street is the major North/South road through East Bridgeport, extending from the Trumbull/Stratford line though the East Side, ending near Steel Point. The major East/West roads in the city are Barnum Avenue, Boston Avenue, Fairfield Avenue/Stratford Avenue, North Avenue, Capitol Avenue, State Street, and Railroad Avenue. Barnum Avenue extends from the Stratford line, below Mill Hill, and ends at the Pequonnock River. Boston Avenue breaks off of Barnum Avenue at the Stratford line and goes Northwest through the Upper East Side into the North End. Stratford Avenue starts in the South End of the town of Stratford and travels Southwest into Bridgeport, where it briefly becomes Connecticut Avenue in the city's East End. It then travels East through Steel Point directly into the center of Downtown Bridgeport, where it turns into Fairfield Avenue at Main Street. Fairfield Avenue then travels South and then Southwest through the West Side and down into Black Rock, where it turns into the Boston Post Road, or simply, the Post Road, in Fairfield, Connecticut. North Avenue begins at Boston Avenue in the Upper East Side above the Pequonnock River and extends Southwest diagonally through the city as Route 1. It then turns into Kings Highway in Fairfield. Capitol Avenue begins by breaking off of North Avenue at Island Brook Avenue Ext. and travels West across the Madison and Brooklawn neighborhoods near North Bridgeport and ends at the Fairfield line. State Street begins in Downtown and cuts across the West Side, where it terminates in Fairfield. Railroad Avenue extends from just below Downtown Bridgeport and runs parallel with the Metro North/New Haven Railroad lines. The Westbound side above the tracks, and the Eastbound side below the tracks. It terminates at Fairfield Avenue in the West Side.

There are two large parks in Bridgeport, the Park City. Beardsley is in the extreme northeastern part of the city and also contains Connecticut's only zoo, the Beardsley Zoo. It also borders a large reservoir. Seaside is west of the harbor entrance and along the Sound in the South End. It has statues in honor of Elias Howe, who built a large sewing-machine factory in 1863; and of P.T. Barnum, the showman, who lived in Bridgeport after 1846. He contributed much to the city, especially East Bridgeport. Seaside Park also has a soldiers' and sailors' monument. In the vicinity are many upscale residences.

Aside from the Pequonnock River and the Yellow Mill Pond, there is Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek is a lake-like tidal creek that lies between Black Rock and Seaside Park. Black Rock Harbor lies at the mouth of the creek.[33]

The principal municipal buildings in Bridgeport are the city's two hospitals (St. Vincent's Medical Center and Bridgeport Hospital), the Protestant orphan asylum, the Barnum Institute (occupied by the Bridgeport Scientific and Historical Society), the Bridgeport Medical Society, City Hall, the Fairfield County Courthouse, the Barnum Museum, and the United States Customs House, which also contains a post office.

Historical postcard showing Bridgeport Harbor
1941 postcard showing Fairfield County Courthouse in Bridgeport

Neighborhoods

Bridgeport is made up of approximately 70 distinct neighborhoods and districts.

  • Downtown Bridgeport
    • Central Business District
    • Historic Downtown North
    • The Hollow
      • Bull's Head
      • Enterprise Zone
      • Golden Hill
      • Hollow Proper (Golden Valley)
      • Sterling Hill
    • The Greene Homes (Housing Project)
    • Housatonic Community College Campus
  • East Bridgeport/East Side/East End
    • Beardsley Park
    • Boston Avenue
    • Briarwood/Treeland
    • Bridgeport Hospital
    • Remington Woods
    • Success Lake/Success Village
    • Harborview Towers
    • Lower East Side
    • Mill Hill
    • Newfield
    • Newpasture Point
    • Steel Point
    • Upper East Side
    • Washington Park
  • West Side/West End
    • Black Rock
      • Black Rock Gardens
      • Captains Cove
      • Grover's Hill/St. Mary's by-the-Sea
      • P.T. Barnum (Housing Project)
    • Brooklawn
    • Mountain Grove
    • Meetinghouse Hill
  • South End
  • North Bridgeport/North End
    • Beardsley Terrace/Trumbull Gardens (Housing Project)
    • Beechmont Gardens
    • Brookside
    • Charcoal Pond
    • Chestnut Hill
    • Cow Hill
    • Island Brook (Berkshire)
    • Lake Forest (www.lakeforestassociation.com)
    • Little Italy
    • Ox Hill
    • Rocky Hill/Sylvan Crest
    • St. Vincent's
    • Toilsome Hill
    • Whiskey Hill

Islands

Demographics

See also: List of Connecticut locations by per capita income
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18403,294—
18506,08084.6%
186012,10699.1%
187018,96956.7%
188027,64345.7%
189048,86676.8%
190070,99645.3%
1910102,05443.7%
1920143,55540.7%
1930146,7162.2%
1940147,1210.3%
1950158,7097.9%
1960156,748−1.2%
1970156,542−0.1%
1980142,546−8.9%
1990141,686−0.6%
2000139,529−1.5%
2010144,2293.4%
2011 (est.)145,6381.0%
Population 1840–1970[1][34][35]

As of the census of 2000, there were 139,529 people, 50,307 households, and 32,749 families residing in the city. The population density was 8,720.9 people per square mile (3,367.0/km²). There were 54,367 housing units at an average density of 3,398.1 per square mile (1,312.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 45.02% White, 30.76% African American, 0.48% Native American, 3.25% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 14.81% from other races, and 5.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 31.88% of the population. Other ancestry groups include: Italian (8.6%), Irish (5.1%), Portuguese (2.9%), Polish (2.8%), and German (2.4%). [1]

As of the 2010 census, there were 144,229 people residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city residents was 39.6% White; 34.6% Black or African American; 3.4% Asian; and 4.3% from two or more races. A total of 38.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[36] Non-Hispanic Whites were 22.7% of the population in 2010,[36] compared to 74.6% in 1970.[37]

A typical street scene in Bridgeport

There were 50,307 households out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.0% were married couples living together, 24.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.34.

In the city the population was spread out with 28.4% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,658, and the median income for a family was $39,571. Males had a median income of $32,430 versus $26,966 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,306. About 16.2% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.8% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those age 65 or over.

According to 2010 census data, the Bridgeport MSA, containing all of Fairfield County, is the most unequal region in America.[38][39]

Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005[40]
Party Active Voters Inactive Voters Total Voters Percentage

Template:American politics/party colors/Democratic/row

Democratic 33,374 2,855 36,229 58.23%

Template:American politics/party colors/Republican/row

Republican 5,069 468 5,537 8.90%

Template:American politics/party colors/Independent/row

Unaffiliated 18,538 1,887 20,425 32.83%

Template:American politics/party colors/Libertarian/row

Minor Parties 27 3 30 0.05%
Total 57,008 5,213 62,221 100%

Economy

Top employers

According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[41] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
St. Vincent's Medical Center 3,000
Bridgeport Hospital 2,622
People's United Bank 1,179
University of Bridgeport 875
Bridgeport Health Care Center 500
Housatonic Community College 482
Prime Line 310
Derecktor Shipyards 300
Lacey Manufacturing 275
Watermark Retirement Communities 165

Education

Main article: Education in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Higher education

Bridgeport is home to Housatonic Community College, St. Vincent's College, University of Bridgeport and the Yeshiva Gedola of Bridgeport.

Public education

The city's public school system has 30 elementary schools, three comprehensive high schools, two alternative programs and an interdistrict vocational aquaculture school. The system has about 20,800 students, making the Bridgeport Public Schools the second largest school system in Connecticut after Hartford. It is ranked #158 out of the 164 Connecticut school districts.[42] The school system employs a professional staff of more than 1,700.

The city has started a large school renovation and construction program, with plans for new schools and modernization of existing buildings.

High schools

Private education

Bridgeport is also home to several Religious schools and Private learning institutes, some including the Jewish High School of Connecticut, Bridgeport Hope School (K-8), Bridgeport International Academy (9–12), Kolbe Cathedral High School, Zion Lutheran School (PK-8), St. Ambrose, St. Raphael's, St. Augustine, St. Andrew's, St. Peter's, and St. Ann.

Government and politics

The city is governed by the mayor council system. There are twenty members of the city council elected from districts. Each district elects two members. The mayor is elected by the entire city.

Bridgeport is notable for having had a Socialist mayor for 24 years; Jasper McLevy served as mayor from 1933 to 1957. A more recent mayor, Joseph Ganim, was involved in a corruption scandal, as has been the case with some other mayors in Connecticut.[43] In June 2006, Mayor John M. Fabrizi admitted that he had used cocaine while in office.[44]

Culture

Barnum Museum.

Performing arts

Theater and music

Bridgeport has a number of venues for live theater and music events, ranging from intimate performing spaces to a stadium hosting rock concerts.[45]

Music festivals and concert series

Bridgeport has been the annual home to Gathering of the Vibes, a weekend long arts, music and camping festival featuring some of the best names in festival talent. In 1999, 2000, and 2007 through 2010, thousands of people have come from all over the world to camp in Seaside Park and enjoy such talent as Buddy Guy, Bob Weir and Ratdog, Deep Banana Blackout, Les Claypool, Assembly of Dust, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Los Lobos and Bridgeport's own The Alternate Routes.

Since 1945, the Greater Bridgeport Symphony has been a cultural and musical gem for the City of Bridgeport and its surrounding towns, performing at the 1,400 seat Klein Memorial Auditorium. The orchestra has a rich and vibrant history. Under the direction of Gustav Meier for the past 41 years, the prestigious orchestra has welcomed international soloists Beverly Sills, Midori, Benny Goodman, Itzhak Perlman with other links to legends like Leonard Bernstein, Jose Iturbi. Through its annual Carlson-Horn Competition for Young Instrumentalist created many new bright professional soloists including Andrew Armstrong, Alexander Markov, Anita Chen, to name just a few.

Bridgeport is also the home of the Black Rock Art Center, a multi-cultural center that presents performing artists from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas both at the Art Center and also in a Summer Sounds of the World concert series. The series has featured such artists as blues musician James Cotton, Grammy-award winner Eddie Palmieri, the Cambodian Angkor Dance Company, salsa master Larry Harlow, and folk artists Richie Havens and Odetta. The Art Center features a world music series, a cabaret series, the Black Rock Blues Festival, in addition to cinema, gallery, and educational programs.

Museums, zoos and parks

Theater and music

Bridgeport has a number of museums, ranging from the science-oriented to fine arts and historical, as well as the state's largest zoo.[45]

Parks

Further information: History of Bridgeport, Connecticut

Bridgeport's first public park was the 4-acre (16,000 m2) Washington Park in East Bridgeport, first set aside as a park in 1851.[46] As the city rapidly grew in population, residents recognized the need for more public parks and by 1864, Barnum and other residents had donated approximately 35 acres (140,000 m2) to create Seaside Park, now increased to 375 acres (1.52 km2).[47] In 1878, over 100 acres (400,000 m2) of land bordering the Pequonnock River was added as Beardsley Park.[48] Frederick Law Olmsted, famous for creating New York City's Central Park, designed both Seaside and Beardsley Parks.[49] Over time, more parks were added including 35-acre (140,000 m2) Beechwood Park and Pleasure Beach, home to a popular amusement park for many years.

The "Park City" now has these parks:

  • Alice Street Lot, located on Alice Street
  • Baldwin Plaza, on Broad Street
  • Beardsley Park, located on Noble Avenue where Harding High School plays Baseball and Softball games; picnic areas are also visible, located adjacent to Beardsley Zoo
  • Beechwood Park, Madison Avenue, incorporating Kennedy Stadium
  • Ellsworth Park, on Ellsworth Street
  • Fairchild Memorial Park, located on Trumbull Road
  • Glenwood Park, where tennis courts are abundant
  • James Brown Park (Waterview Park), located on Waterview Avenue
  • Johnson Oak Park on Logan Street (now part of the Tisdale Elementary School)
  • Lafayette Park, located on Oak Street
  • Longfellow Park, on St. Stephens Road
  • Newfield/Jessup Park located on Newfield Avenue has a playground,
  • Pleasure Beach is closed
  • Puglio Park on Madison Avenue consecutive to the North End Library
  • Rogers Elton Park on Frenchtown Road
  • Seaside Park, the largest park in Bridgeport with baseball/softball/soccer fields, fishing areas, picnic areas, playgrounds, Groomed beach and swimming, and boat launch stretching from Bridgeport Harbor to Black Rock Harbor
  • Saint Mary's-By-the-Sea located on Grovers Avenue
  • Success Park on Granfield Street
  • Svihra Park on Ezra Street
  • Upchurch Park on Hallett Street
  • Wood Park on Wood Avenue
  • Veteran's Memorial Park, formerly, 90 Acres Park, runs between Park and Madison Avenues in the North End (undeveloped/reclaimed)
  • Washington Park located on East Washington Avenue
  • Waterfront Park located on Water Street primarily for baseball usage
  • Went Field Park on Wordin Avenue (play area, Baseball/softball was Barnum's Circus winter grounds
  • West Side 2 Park located on Bostwick Avenue

In popular culture

  • The city was mentioned at the beginning of Mark Twain's novel, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.[50]
  • In Stephen King's short story "I Know What You Need," the protagonist Elizabeth and her suitor Ed first meet in elementary school in Bridgeport, where Ed's family had moved fleeing the gambling debt accumulated by his father.[51]
  • The city is mentioned in a scene from the 1938 Katharine Hepburn/Cary Grant film, Bringing Up Baby.
  • The character Joseph Wykowski in Neil Simon's play Biloxi Blues was from Bridgeport.[52]
  • The character Robert E. Hogan in Bernard Fein's television show Hogan's Heroes was from Bridgeport.
  • The song "157 Riverside Avenue" by REO Speedwagon mentions Bridgeport. It gets its title from the address in the nearby town of Westport where the band was staying while they recorded their first album in Bridgeport in a studio run by Paul Leka.[53]
  • The city and P.T. Barnum formed the portmanteau name of the ursine character, P.T. Bridgeport, from Walt Kelly's comic strip Pogo.
  • Comedian Fred Allen once said, "Everywhere outside New York City is Bridgeport, Connecticut."[54]
  • The TV series Family Guy took a shot at Bridgeport in its episode Road to the North Pole. After mistaking a tall gloomy factory for Santa's workshop, Stewie said, "This can't be the North Pole. This looks like Bridgeport, Connecticut!" To which Brian replied, "Oh boy, here come the letters." The screen then portrays an enraged fan from the city with a thick New England Accent, writing a hate letter out loud as follows. "Dear 'Family Guy' Bastards, Who the hell do you think you are? I'll have you know that Bridgeport is among the world leaders in abandoned buildings, shattered glass, boarded up windows, wild dogs and gas stations without pumps..."[55][56] The series' creator Seth MacFarlane is a Connecticut native from Kent.
  • Bridgeport is an address listed on a piece of evidence in the 2011 detective video game, L.A. Noire.
  • Bridgeport Harbor is referenced in Die Hard 3, and is where John McClane is rescued.

Movies filmed in Bridgeport

A list of films shot or partially filmed in the city:[57]

Television filmed in Bridgeport

Sports

Club League Venue Established Championships
Bridgeport Bluefish ALPB, Baseball The Ballpark at Harbor Yard 1998 1
Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL, Ice hockey Arena at Harbor Yard 2001 0

The recently-built Arena at Harbor Yard serves as the city's sports and hospitality center. Seating 10,000, the Arena serves as the home rink of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL hockey team, as well as the home court of the Fairfield University's basketball team.

The Ballpark at Harbor Yard serves as a minor-league baseball stadium, and was built in 1998 to serve as the homefield of the Bridgeport Bluefish. It is located downtown on a former brownfield site. It is visually prominent to commuters on I-95 or on passing trains.

Kennedy Stadium serves as a community sports facility. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, it was the home of an Atlantic Coast Football League minor league football team, the Bridgeport Jets, a New York Jets farm team also known locally as the Hi-Ho Jets due to their sponsorship by the (Hi-Ho) D'Addario construction company.

Fairfield University is located in the neighboring town of Fairfield, and many of the athletic teams play on campus. Only the men's and women's basketball teams play in Bridgeport.

Broadcast stations in the city

Radio

  • WCUM AM 1450; 1,000 watts (formerly WJBX-AM, and before that, WNAB-AM) Spanish Format station better known as Radio Cumbre.
  • WDJZ AM 1530; 5,000 watts (daytime only) Gospel Radio that serves the African American and Caribbean communities in the Bridgeport Metro area.
  • WICC-AM 600; 1,000 watts (daytime), 500 watts (nighttime) – WICC began broadcasting on November 21, 1926, when a previous radio station, WCWS, was given a new name, WICC. The last three letters standing for Industrial Capitol of Connecticut. The Bridgeport Broadcasting Company Inc. was the new station's owner. Back then, the station was powered at 500 watts. From 1951 to 1956 one of the station's radio hosts was Bob Crane, who later went on to play Col. Robert Hogan on the Hogan's Heroes television comedy series.[58] WICC's transmitter is located on Pleasure Beach, an island located between downtown Bridgeport and Long Island Sound.
  • WEBE-FM 107.9; 50,000 watts. WEBE 108 is "Connecticut's Best Music Variety!" owned and operated by Cumulus Media. Licensed to Westport, CT, with studios and transmitter in Bridgeport.
  • WEZN-FM 99.9; 27,500 watts (formerly WJZZ-FM). STAR 99.9 is "Connecticut's Best Mix!" The station is owned by Cox Radio, Inc. Lincensed to Bridgeport, CT, with studios in Milford and transmitter in Trumbull.
  • WPKN-FM 89.5; 10,000 watts; From the station's web site: "WPKN is somewhat inscrutable. We break all of the rules, and we observe few, if any, of the conventions. We have no format whatsoever, we permit our programmers to do whatever they will, and we don't accept funding from the sources which might restrict our freedoms. We are totally accountable to our listeners in that we publish our budget to everyone on our mailing list, and we also invite you to our monthly staff meetings and, in particular, the June meeting at which we discuss the budget. (...) WPKN's programming can be heard on two frequencies: 89.5 FM from our transmitter at Trumbull, CT and 88.7 FM (formally known as WPKM) at Montauk on Long Island. If you're driving eastward and you start to lose the 89.5 signal, you can tune over to 88.7 and continue to hear us until about Exit 6 on I-95 in Rhode Island."[59]

Due to Bridgeport's close proximity to Long Island Sound, many radio stations from New York are received clearly day and night in the market. These include WMCA, WFAN, WOR, WABC, WNYC, WCBS, WEPN, and WQEW.[60]

Media

  • Elsolnews.com, a community Spanish Language Weekly Newspaper covering news and events.
  • Connecticut Post - Formerly the Bridgeport Post and Bridgeport Telegram. The areas main newspaper covering Bridgeport and the surrounding area. (http://www.ctpost.com)The newspaper is printed daily by The Post Publishing Company 2 blocks west of the Main Office at 410 State Street Bridgeport.

Television

In 2011, WTNH-TV opened a satellite studio in the offices of the Connecticut Post downtown on State Street.

  • WSAH channel 43. Formerly Shop at Home Network now mostly broadcasts older classic TV shows. Liscensed to Bridgeport with transmitter in Trumbull.

Transportation

Airports

Nearby Sikorsky Memorial Airport once provided regional flights to major hub cities such as Logan International Airport in Boston and Baltimore-Washington International Airport; however, service to the airport declined in the 1990s, and US Airways Express became the last airline to suspend operations at the airport in November 1999. Tweed New Haven Regional Airport is another nearby facility that provides scheduled air service. The closest international airports are Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy in New York City and Newark in Newark, New Jersey.

Major highways

Bridgeport has several major roadways. Interstate 95 and the Route 8/Route 25 Connector meet in downtown Bridgeport. I-95 runs east-west near the coast heading towards New York City to the southwest and Providence to the northeast. Routes 8 and 25 run north-south across the city, with the two routes splitting just north of the city. Route 8 continues towards Waterbury and Torrington and Route 25 continues towards the Danbury area. Both Routes 8 and 25 connect to the Merritt Parkway in the adjacent town of Trumbull.

Other major surface arteries are U.S. 1 (the Boston Post Road), which runs east-west north of downtown, and Main Street, which runs north-south towards Trumbull center. The city also has several secondary state highways, namely, Route 127 (East Main Street), Route 130 (Connecticut Ave, Stratford Ave, Fairfield Ave and Water Street), and the Huntington Turnpike.

Railroad and ferries

The Bridgeport Station is part of an intermodal transit hub

The Bridgeport Traction Company provided streetcar service in the region until 1937.

The city is connected to nearby New York City by both Amtrak and Metro-North commuter trains. Many residents commute to New York jobs on these trains, and the city to some extent is developing as an outpost of New York–based workers seeking cheaper rents and larger living spaces. Connecting service is also available to Waterbury via Metro-North, and New Haven via Amtrak and Metro-North. Shoreline East service links Old Saybrook and New London with New Haven, which extends to Bridgeport and Stamford during weekday rush hours only.

The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry service runs from Bridgeport across Long Island Sound to Port Jefferson, New York; the three vessels "Grand Republic", "P.T. Barnum" and "Park City" transport both automobiles and passengers.

Buses

The Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) provides bus service to Bridgeport and its immediate suburbs. Route 2 the Coastal Link goes west to Norwalk and east to Westfield's Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, from where Connecticut Transit can bring passengers to the New Haven Green. Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines both offer intercity bus service to points throughout the Northeast and points beyond.

Historic sites

Main article: National Register of Historic Places listings in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Bridgeport has a number of sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

For places on the register elsewhere in Fairfield County, see List of Registered Historic Places in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Notable people

Obverse of the Bridgeport Half Dollar
Main article: List of people from Bridgeport, Connecticut

Perhaps Bridgeport's most famous resident from the past is P. T. Barnum, the circus promoter who also served as mayor of the city. His portrait was used on the obverse of the coin commemorating the city's centennial in 1936. Other Bridgeporters who achieved fame far outside the city include:

Fanny Crosby was a famous blind Christian hymn writer who died in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c "Race, Hispanic or Latino, Age, and Housing Occupancy: 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File (QT-PL), Bridgeport city, Connecticut". U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder 2. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
  2. ^ http://pe.usps.com/search/jsp/search/vv_docread.jsp?k2dockey=http%3A%2F%2Fpe.usps.com%2Ftext%2Fdmm300%2FL007.htm%40PE_DMM300_HTML_5&serverSpec=56.0.145.56:9920&QueryParser=Simple&querytext=%28bridgeport%3Cand%3Ect%29&dtype=2#hit0
  3. ^ Emily Ross, Angus Holland (2005). One hundred great businesses and the minds behind them. Sourcebooks, Inc. p. 388. ISBN 978-1-4022-0631-3. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ "History Of Frisbies". Retrieved November 28, 2007.
  5. ^ Waldo, v1 1917, pp. 14–16.
  6. ^ a b "Bridgeport, Conn.". The Encyclopedia Americana: a library of universal knowledge. Vol. 4. New York: Encyclopedia Americana Corp. 1918. p. 527. Retrieved July 29, 2010. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |coauthors= and |month= (help)
  7. ^ Orcutt, v1 1886, p. 609.
  8. ^ Orcutt, v1 1886, pp. 470–474.
  9. ^ Waldo, v1 1917, pp. 37–38.
  10. ^ Orcutt, v1 1886, pp. 608–609.
  11. ^ Waldo, v1 1917, pp. 222–225.
  12. ^ Strother, French (1916). "America, A New World Arsenal". The World's Work: A History of Our Time. XXXI: 321–333. Retrieved August 4, 2009. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  13. ^ "National Historic Places Nomination" (pdf). Black Rock. 1978. p. 11. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
  14. ^ Burr, Raymond F., Abraham Lincoln: Western Star Over Connecticut, Lithographics Inc., Canton, Connecticut (no year given), pages 1 and 15; book contents reprinted by permission of the Lincoln Herald, (Harrogate, Tennessee) Summer, Fall and Winter, 1983 and Spring and Summer, 1984
  15. ^ Holzer, Harold, Lincoln at Cooper Union, (Simon & Schuster: New York), 2004 Chapter 8: "Unable to Escape This Toil," p. 201 ISBN 0-7432-2466-3
  16. ^ Fred Lucas (April 6, 2006). "Bush visits Bridgeport". News Times. Danbury. Retrieved July 30, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. ^ "Martin Luther King in Bridgeport?". Bridgeport Public Library. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  18. ^ Kimes, Beverly Rae (editor) and Clark, Henry Austin, jr., The Standard Catalogue of American Cars 1805–1942, 2nd edition, Krause Publications (1989), ISBN 0-87341-111-0
  19. ^ Philip Sheldon Foner (1982). History of the Labor Movement in the United States: 1915–1916, on the Eve of America's Entrance into World War I, Vol. 6. International Publishers Company, Incorporated. p. 196. ISBN 978-0-7178-0595-2. [A] ten-hour center like Bridgeport was converted overnight into an eight-hour community, a result that ten years of agitation under normal conditions might not have accomplished. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ "Bridgeport Working: Voices from the 20th Century". Bridgeport Public Library. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
  21. ^ Matthew L. Wald (September 5, 1982). "THE Workplace in Transition". New York Times. US. Retrieved July 28, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  22. ^ Andi Rierden (February 25, 1990). "Bridgeport is Fighting Its 'Dump City' Image". New York Times. Retrieved August 1, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  23. ^ Musante, Fred (February 1, 1998). "Teachers' Strike Stirs Bitter Memories". The New York Times. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
  24. ^ George Judson (August 2, 1991). "U.S. Judge Blocks Bridgeport From Bankruptcy Court". New York Times. Retrieved July 17, 2010. The case attracted national attention as Bridgeport portrayed itself as a city abandoned by industry, left to bear alone the poverty and social problems of Fairfield County that its suburbs turned their backs on. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  25. ^ Lisa Prevost (April 10, 2009). "Revival in Progress; Stay Tuned". New York Times. Retrieved August 5, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  26. ^ Bill Cummings (August 31, 2009). "Bridgeport council approves development plan". News Times. Danbury. Retrieved August 5, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  27. ^ Keila Torres (February 14, 2010). "Agencies partner for housing/medical complex in Bridgeport". News Times. Danbury. Retrieved August 5, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  28. ^ http://www.bridgeportct.gov/fire/Pages/MissionStatement.aspx. Accessed March 10, 2011
  29. ^ http://www.firenews.org/runs.html. Accessed March 10, 2011
  30. ^ http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Former-Bridgeport-hospital-converted-to-elderly-656719.php
  31. ^ Source: Bridgeport Animal Control
  32. ^ "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
  33. ^ Cedar Creek on by Google Maps
  34. ^ U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed January 23, 2008.
  35. ^ "Table 3. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Connecticut: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011" (CSV). Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  36. ^ a b "Bridgeport (city), Connecticut". State & County QuickFacts. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  37. ^ "Connecticut - Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  38. ^ http://www.businessinsider.com/most-unequal-cities-in-america-2010-9#1-bridgeport-conn-metro-area-26
  39. ^ Zumbrun, Joshua (November 30, 2009). "America's Most Unequal Cities". Forbes.
  40. ^ "Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 25, 2005" (PDF). Connecticut Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 23, 2006. Retrieved October 2, 2006.
  41. ^ City of Bridgeport CAFR
  42. ^ http://www.schooldigger.com/go/CT/districtrank.aspx
  43. ^ Everton Bailey Jr. (June 18, 2010). "Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez convicted of corruption". Associated Press. Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved August 15, 2010. Corruption investigations have brought down several prominent Connecticut politicians within the past decade.... Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim was convicted of corruption in 2003, sentenced to nine years in prison and released to a halfway house in Hartford in January. Former Waterbury Mayor Philip Giordano is serving a 37-year prison sentence for sexually abusing two girls, crimes that came to light during a federal corruption investigation. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  44. ^ Michael J. Daly (June 15, 2008). "Fabrizi's story still intrigues". Connecticut Post. Retrieved August 15, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  45. ^ a b Patricia Harris and David Lyon (February 6, 2008). "On a comeback: After some down times, city find itself on the verge of a renaissance". Boston Globe. Retrieved August 5, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  46. ^ Waldo, v1 1917, p. 277.
  47. ^ Jeff Holtz (August 18, 2002). "The View From/Bridgeport; Historic Seaside Park Recaptures Its Appeal". New York Times. Retrieved August 1, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  48. ^ Waldo, v1 1917, p. 280.
  49. ^ F.L. & J.C. Olmsted (1884). Beardsley Park: Landscape Architects' Preliminary Report. Privately Printed (Boston). pp. 4–7. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  50. ^ . JSTOR 2711156. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  51. ^ Stephen King (1978). Night shift. Doubleday. pp. 255–256. ISBN 978-0-385-12991-6. 'P.S. 119, Bridgeport, Connecticut' .... 'Ed Hamner, Sr., was a compulsive gambler. He worked for a top-line advertising agency in New York and then moved to Bridgeport sort of on the run.' {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  52. ^ A. J. Sobczak, Janet Alice Long, and Frank Northen Magill (1998). Cyclopedia of Literary Characters, Volume 1. Salem Press. p. 190. ISBN 978-0-89356-438-4. Joseph Wykowski. a recruit of Polish background from Bridgeport, Connecticut... {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  53. ^ http://www.songlyrics.com/reo-speedwagon/157-riverside-avenue-lyrics/
  54. ^ http://thinkexist.com/quotation/everywhere_outside_new_york_city_is_bridgeport/206038.html
  55. ^ http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Family-Guy-takes-a-shot-at-Bridgeport-877936.php
  56. ^ http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/2010/12/family-guy-vs-bridgeport.html
  57. ^ http://www.imdb.com/List?endings=on&&locations=Bridgeport,%20Connecticut,%20USA&&heading=18;with+locations+including;Bridgeport,%20Connecticut,%20USA
  58. ^ "History" section of the WICC web site accessed June 29, 2006
  59. ^ WPKN web site "About" page accessed June 29, 2006
  60. ^ Radio Stations in Bridgeport, Connecticut. : Radio-Locator

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article "Bridgeport".

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