Page 30 - Ocean Avenue Long Brochure

THE STORY OF LORDSHIP

Founded in 1639, Stratford is a community rich in history and
abundant natural beauty. Situated on Long Island Sound, and bounded
to the east by the Housatonic River, Stratford has long viewed its waterfront
as an important natural resource. The Town's location on Long Island
Sound affords residents and visitors alike with two public bathing beaches,
five marinas, several fishing piers and two public boat-launching facilities.
Within an hour's drive of New York City, Stratford is the easternmost town in
Fairfield County-Connecticut's Gold Coast. Major highways such as I-95, Route
8/25 and the Merritt Parkway bisect Stratford, and provide convenient access to
the entire Northeast corridor. The deep water harbor of neighboring Bridgeport
provide excellent docking and terminal facilities for either domestic or overseas
shipping, in addition to ferry passenger service to Long Island. Rail service provided
by Metro North with connections to Amtrak further round out an excellent array of
transportation choices.

Stratford has a long association with the aviation industry. Stratford became the
birthplace of the American helicopter industry, when in 1939, a Russian immigrant,
Igor Sikorsky, successfully flew the first helicopter at his Stratford-based aircraft
plant. More than a half-century later, Sikorsky Aircraft, the world's leading
helicopter manufacturer, still designs and produces state-of the art helicopters
for both military and commercial applications at its sprawling manufacturing
facility on Stratford's north side. Drawn by a highly skilled and productive
work force, excellent access to transportation, and a large inventory of
affordable housing, it's no surprise that many businesses have chosen
to call Stratford home.

The diversity of Stratford's natural resources is as rich as its
cultural heritage, ranging from the 250 acre, town owned
Roosevelt Forest to the Great Meadows Salt Marsh, one
of the largest salt marshes remaining in New England
and now a portion of the Stewart B. McKinney
National Wildlife Refuge. Stratford is host to a
variety of cultural attractions as well, including
the Boothe Memorial Park, a Municipally
owned park and museum showcasing an
assortment of architecturally unique
structures and vast collection of
Americana.