This week in New England history: Feb. 1-7

By NBP Staff | February 2, 2016, 10:54 EST

(AP photo)

(Graphic by the NewBostonPost)

A list of significant dates in New England history:

Feb. 2

Waterbury fire

1902: Nearly the entire downtown section of Waterbury, Conn., is destroyed by a fire that began at Reid & Hughes dry goods store.

Feb. 3

Norman Rockwell

1894: Norman Rockwell, the most visible and beloved painter of American culture, who created covers for the Saturday Evening Post for 47 years, is born in New York City. He would die at the age of 84 in Stockbridge, Mass.

1956: Newton native Tenley Albright wins gold in figure skating at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

2008: The New England Patriots’ hopes of a perfect season come to a shocking halt as the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLII 17-14.

Feb. 4

Larry Bird’s No. 33.

1993: The Boston Celtics retire all-time great Larry Bird’s No. 33.

Feb. 5

1631: Rhode Island founder Roger Williams arrives in Boston from England.

Feb. 6

1882: Father Michael J. McGivney, the 29-year-old assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., establishes the Society of the Knights of Columbus to unite men of Catholic faith and to provide for the families of deceased members.

John Deere logo

Feb. 7

1804: John Deere, pioneer, American blacksmith and manufacturer of agricultural equipment who founded Deere & Company, is born in Rutland, Vermont.