The Green & Golden Street Neighborhood of downtown New London are two side streets laid out in the last part of the 18th century. Golden Street runs from Bank Street (The Bank) up and through Eugene O'Neill Drive (then Main Street) and up to Union Street intersecting Green Street about half way. Green Street is a small side street off of State Street and runs to Pearl Street in the south parallel to Bank & Eugene O'Neill Drive (Main Street) both are located on the south side of State Street in the center of New London's Downtown Historic District.

Golden Street was first laid out in about 1785 like Green Street from the property, partial, of Timothy Green whose printing business and estate were then located on State Street (Print shop building still remains on State Street). Named after the "house of the Golden Ball" some say due to the Golden Ball on a church at the head of the Golden Hill (Union Street) while others claim it is named after a house of ill repute (modern day Golden Street Gallery Building). The first house built on Golden Street is said to have been that of Timothy Green, either for his own use or rumored to be of that of his lover. This house built in 1786 is that of modern day Muse Shoes & Gallery at 102 Golden Street at the corner of Green & Golden Street. Later lots were sold off Cross Street (now Green's Alley) as well as Green Street in 1787. 79 Green Street was built by Richard Douglass in about 1801 although some signs suggest an earlier date was likely. 

Along Green Street one would have found homes and businesses of those involved in the trades of the late 18th century such as barrel making (coopering), confectionary, insurance & book keeping as well as related respected fields. Several important persons lived in this area at that time including the Rev. Samuel West on modern day Greens Alley around the corner.

Several of the homes on Green Street supposed pre-date the official "opening of the road" and may have either been here at the time of the 1781 burning or were moved here thereafter. Some buildings are thought to date to as early as 1760 (Dutch's Tavern).

Golden Street was more of a business street with ships chandleries and related having their homes nearer to Bank Street. Closer to Green stood a hotel, school (for girls) and a church as well as a Bakery.  

A BRIEF WALKING HISTORY

1. The Richard Douglass House ca. 1801
2. Rumored Home of the Timothy Green Mistress - ca. 1760 (likely moved from another location further up Green's Alley then called "Cross Street".
3. 19th Century Chinese Laundry- No Longer Standing in Present State
4. 1860 Chateux Hotel
5. Rev. Samuel West ca. 1792 at 7 Greene's Alley
6. Richard Douglass House ca. 1786 (102 Golden Street - Next Door)
7. Dutch's Tavern- ca. 1760 (likely moved from another location)

Neighboring 79 Green Street and mentioned in #2 in the above 1800s map is the rumored "home of the mistress" of Timothy Green New London's printer. A recent photo shows a great job in restoration there as well.

(Neighboring house to the Richard Douglass House)