Cranbury Park - Norwalk

I took a hike around the east side trails on Sunday. An easy spot to bike...

Trail Map

Gallagher Mansion

The park’s most distinguished tree is the gigantic weeping beech located near the pavilion on the Great Lawn. It is at least 100 years old.

Gigantic weeping beech

Wikipedia Photo - Source

About the Gallaher Mansion

Built in 1930 by industrialist/inventor Edward Beach Gallaher, this lovely limestone Tudor Revival mansion is styled with carvings, stained-glass windows and walnut paneled rooms

E.B. Gallaher (1873-1953) found dis nc on among the many aspiring young designers of the new “horseless carriage,” most notably with his Keystone and Searchmont cars. A prolic inventor, industrialist, and auto pioneer, he developed marine engines, transit systems, promoted automobile tourism in Europe and endurance auto racing in the U.S., was a founder of what became AAA, and served as an engineering consultant for Daimler of Germany, builders of the famous Mercedes engines and cars.

Gallaher became well known when he “re red” to Norwalk at 37 and founded a Main Avenue business that became one of Norwalk’s largest employers. The Clover Manufacturing Company made industrial abrasives and a compound that was a must-have in every driver’s toolbox.

Upon the death of Inez Gallaher in 1965, the City of Norwalk purchased the Gallaher Estate from Stevens Instute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ), Gallaher’s alma mater, to which the Gallaher’s had bequeathed their en re estate and business. 

Further Info

• Cranberry Park
• http://www.adventuresinconnecticut.com/2013/07/cranbury-park-in-norwalk.html