J.F. Shanley Dry Goods
785 Grand Avenue (former)
785 Grand Avenue in 2021, John F. Shanley c. 1905. Photos courtesy of Aaron Goode (building), and Taylor, William.
The adjoining Romanesque Revival-style buildings at 779-785 Grand Avenue were built around 1900 by John F. Shanley. Born in New Haven in 1861, Shanley was the son of Irish immigrants. His father worked as a manual laborer. John grew up on Franklin Street and started his own business on Grand Avenue as a dry goods merchant and “gents furnisher.” He was also an agent for European steamship lines, which allowed relatives here to arrange passage for relatives “back home” in Europe. These brick buildings were the location of his store for many years.
Shanley was a member of several fraternal benefit societies, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He became active in New Haven politics as a director of the Free Public Library, a member of the Board of Finance, and a two-term alderman. He also served three terms from 1905 to 1911 as a Democratic State Senator from the 11th District.
Text Sources; Taylor’s Legislative History and Souvenir of Connecticut Vol VI 1907-1908, p, 22. Text sources: Caplan, Colin. A Guide to Historic New Haven, Connecticut. Arcadia Publishing, 2006; Taylor, William, ibid.; U.S. Census Data; New Haven City Directories.
On the grand avenue (STATE TO EAST STREET) Tour
1 | Congregation Mishkan Israel
4 | DelMonico Hatter
6 | Unger's Flooring
7 | Kruger's Furniture and Appliance
8 | Perelmutter's Department Store
9 | The Terese Furniture Company
10 | San Carlino Theater
12 | Lenzi Park
13 | The Boys Club
15 | Miller's Clothes
17 | Lender's Bagels
18 | St. Patrick's Church
19 | Farnam Courts
21 | Ferraro's Market
22 | Sisk Brothers Funeral Home
24 | Lillian's Paradise