Mianus, Connecticut facts for kids
Mianus (pronounced my-AN-us), once known as Mayamus and Upper Landing, is a friendly neighborhood located in the town of Greenwich, in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Unlike some other areas in Greenwich like Cos Cob or Old Greenwich, Mianus doesn't have its own special ZIP code or post office. Instead, it shares parts of the Cos Cob, Riverside, and Old Greenwich ZIP code areas. Mianus sits about 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level and is home to an elementary school. It was also once home to the Mianus Motor Works, a company that made engines for boats.
Discovering Mianus: A Unique Neighborhood
Mianus is a special part of Greenwich, Connecticut. It's known for its quiet charm and history. Even though it's a distinct neighborhood, it shares its postal services with nearby areas. This means that if you live in Mianus, your mail might come through a post office in Cos Cob, Riverside, or Old Greenwich!
A Home for Families After the War
After World War II, the Veterans Administration and the town of Greenwich worked together to build a small village in Mianus. This village had 40 starter houses, each about 800 square feet (74.3 square meters). These homes were rented to soldiers returning from the war and their families. In the 1950s, as many as 90 children lived in these houses with their parents! The nearby Mianus River, Cos Cob harbor, and a large wooded area gave these children a wonderful chance to play and grow up surrounded by nature. This was quite unique for housing projects at the time. Jack T. Scully, who grew up in Mianus Village, even wrote a collection of poems about his childhood there.
Where Did the Name Mianus Come From?
The name Mianus has an interesting history. It is believed to have come from the name of a Native American chieftain called Mayanno. This shows the long history of the area and its connection to the native people who lived there first.