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PICTURESQUE

AND INDUSTRIAL . ­ EASTERN CONNECTICUT JUL 25 1918 Picturesque eEl. Industrial Eastern Connecticut

ITS DESIRABILITY

A Place for Industries A Place for Agriculture A Place for Homes A Place for Vacations

PUBLISHED BY

THE EASTERN CONNECTICUT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE \ . '':... . t BrooklynO

Colchester 0 ~• ch auy ~Pond N 1 Prefatory Note

HE reason of this work is the desire of the five Business Men's Asso­ ciations in this part of the State, through their special Eastern Connecticut Development Committee, to join forces to secure and D make promptly available for inquiries compact information regarding industrial and residential opportunities in Eastern Connecticut. We expect that this information and publication will make our own business men better acquainted with each other, and with local resources, and hence will stimulate the development of local enterprises by local men as well as by men and by capital from outside the territory. The text is furnished by a considerable number of contributors, so that varied points of view are presented together with the bare statement of facts. The plan of this first edition limits the extent of its advertising pages, but as information accumulates and knowledge of the project extends, later editions may include many concrete propositions for development and the offering of farms and other properties for sale and for exchange. The "Good Roads" movement is reflected here. The State of Connecticut has spent and is spending thousands of dollars in building and maintaining good roads, with the result that the main or trunk roads in Windham and New London Counties are now, or will be in the very near future, in a condition to make driving with horse or automobile a pleasure, an attraction that should not be overlooked by anyone seeking a home. Since this work was compiled a complete report of a soil survey of New London and Windham Counties has been made public by Milton Whitney, Chief of the Bureau of Soils of the Department of Agriculture. Government experts declare that the best opportunities are offered in dairying and raising cattle, sheep, and hogs. A limited number of copies of this report, which contains a map printed in colors showing the different soils, have been allotted to the Senators and member of Congress representing the Second District ir. the House of Representatives.

THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. NORWICH The 1\.ose of New England

"I ask myself is this a dream ? Will it all vanish into air ? Is there a land of such supreme And perfect beauty anywhere ?"

Norwich is the largest city in East­ ern Connecticut. Its romantic scenery, its attractiveness as a Norwich residential city, the Populati o n charm of its rivers 3 0 ,000. falling over abrupt and craggy precipices, the Shetucket, the Quinebaug, the Yantic, all finally joining hands in the forma­ tion of the picturesque and placid Thames at Norwich, the head of tide­ water navigation, 14 miles from Long Island Sound, all assist in making this famous garden spot bear its honors with quiet dignity. Its many hills and lofty eminences suggest a noble place for a town. So must have thought our early ancestors, a hardy Puritan band that formed the first settlement in 1659. Rich in Indian history and tradition, furnishing as it does the last resting place for two great Indian chiefs, Uncas and Miantonomo, whose graves are marked by suitable monuments, prop­ 'IOR\V!Cfl FALLS. "And the pleasant water-courses, erly inscribed, erected to their memory You could trace them through the valley, by willing and generous hands, the By the rushing in the spring-time, By the alders in the summer, historical charm of Norwich is second By the white line in the autumn. only to its natural charm. By the black line in the winter.'· ~ Its abundant water power, its exceptional transportation facilities, its geograph­ ical location-midway between New York and Boston - its superior schools, churches and hospitals- few cities of its size can boast so many beautiful churches and PiCluresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 5 schools as Norwich-the high mental and moral development that obtains among its citizens, its banking facilities, abundant water supply in its modern reservoirs for domestic and commercial uses, new and commodious hotels, up-to-date fire department anci apparatus, beautiful parks, municipal gas and electric plant, furnish­ ing power at a cheaper rate than any other city in the State, are all important factors to be considered when an industry seeks a proper location for its plant and its stockholders a suitable town in which to live. The industries a town may already have many times induce new ones to locate there, and inasmuch as one of the purposes of this work is to invite new industries to locate within our borders, and to offer encouragement and moral support to those already here, we mention the fact that Norwich is rich in civic pride, having several organizations composed of

CJTY HALL, UNlON SQUARE large memberships of the active aud progressive citizens of the town. Among the more worthy of note as being leaders in advancing its industrial, commercial and agricultural development are the Norwich Business Men's Association, Incorporated, the Norwich Board of Trade, the City Beautiful Association, the Norwich Play­ ground Association and others of lesser note. Especially would we call attention to the Norwich Business Men's Association, because business men are the able, responsible men of the world. The Norwich Business Men's Association has an active membership of some zoo business ~ firms and is ever ready to furnish all 6 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut available information concerning Norwich along any of the lines mentioned and will co-operate with new industries seeking ideal factories or building sites. It was for this very purpose the Business Men's Association was organized.

V I E \\' OF T!IE H AR BOR

Norwich has a great diversity of industries, many plants employing thousands. Only those having obtained world-wide renown, because of the superiority and merit of their wares, will find mention here :

The Ponemah Mills Co., employing some 2,000 hands, is one of the largest in the United States, making very fine grades of lawns and Varied Manu!ac- cotton fabrics together with a great variety of fancy ging­ turing Interests. hams, etc, that are successfully competing with goods from foreign countries. Plant is locat~o:d on the Shetucket river at Taftville and has recently been materially enlarged. The J. B. Martin Company's Velvet Factory is one of the most noted acquire­ ments in the way of new industies that our Board of Trade has encouraged to locate in Norwich. Manufacturers of fine grades of velvets, their products are in great demand in the largest dry goods centers of the country. Plant is new, modern, and equipped with the latest improved machinery, employing some 400 hands. Totokett Mills, at Occum, furnish employment for 350 hands. Mills are operated for the manufacture of fine lawns, long staple Egyptian cotton being used. A new weave shed has lately been added, several new tenem~nt houses built and the village is steadily gaining in population. Shetucket river furnishes power for operation. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 7

The Falls Co. located at Norwich Falls, within the city limits, on the Yantic river, is one of the oldest cotton mills in Norwich and employs about sao hands. Denims, D. met flannels and coarse cheviots are made by this company. The Shetucket Co. is another cotton mill that dates back to ante-bellum days. Denims, awnings, etc., are manufactured, 300 to 400 hands being employed. Plant is located on the Shetucket river. The Hopkins & Allen Arms Co., makers of firearms of all kinds. Those that have become widely known are their police revolver, double, single and automatic guns. This industry ranks with the largest manufacturers of firearms in the country. Plant is thoroughly modern in every respect. Employs 6oo hands.

T HE HOPKll'\S & ALLE N A RMS COMP A 1 ¥

Richmond Radiator Co., formerly known as the Richmond Stove Works, em­ ploys some 200 hands. F actory on the Thames river. Output consists of heaters, stoves, rad 1ators, etc. United States Finishing Co., Norwich Branch, is one of the largest establish­ ments of its kind in America. Furnishes employment to about 6oo hands, bleaching dyeing and calendering 6o,ooo,ooo yards of cotton goods in a year. Norwich has two prosperous paper mills, The A H. Hubbard Co. and the American Straw Board Co., both ranking high in the production of staple goods at standard prices. Norwich Cutlery Works, Branch of the International Silver Co., makers of steel blanks in the shape of knives, forks, carvers, etc. Plant is located on the Thames river, employing about 100 hands. Norwich has long been the home of several thrifty woolen industries, including the Yan~ic Woolen Co., the Reliance Worsted Co., the Saxton Woolen Co. and the Glen Woolen Mills, employing from 100 to 300 each. 8 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

Norwich Nickel & Brass Company, makers of display fixtures for stores, offices, etc. Their market is the entire country. Occupy and own their factory, giving employment to upwards of 100 skilled mechanics. American Thermos Bottle Co. On-the-Thames. Our newest infant industry. Makers of the bottle that keeps fluids red hot or cold as ice. Will employ upwards of 500 hands when in full operation.

THE NORWICH NICKEL AND BRASS CO MPANY

A MERICAN T HERMOS BOTTLE COMP ANY

The Norwich Belt Mfg. Co. and the Ulmer Leather Co. are two industries that handle carloads of leather in the raw, trading in cotton and rubber belting and manufacturing a great variety of other products in leather, affording occupation for several hundred hands. The Crescent Fire Arms Co., an industry that never lags or is short of orders, makes a specialty of manufacturing a gun known to the trade q,s a trap hammerless gun. They employ about 100 skilled mechanics,

' Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 9

The Bard Union Co. is a new and aggressive industry that is pushing its way up among the staple fixtures of the town. Operating their own factory, which they have recently built and now occupy. The Norwich Compressed Air Power Co. is located on the Quinebaug river, town of Norwich. The plant is unique and is celebrated for being the only one of its kind in the United States. Power generated is transmitted by pipe lines three miles and used in the city of Norwich in place of steam. Among some of the smaller industries of Norwich, but none the less a part of its concrete whole, are the following thrifty and prosperous concerns : The H. B. Porter & Son Co., makers of doors, sash, and house finish ; M. A. Barber, machine shop; Vaughn Foundry Co., jobbing foundry supplies; Brainerd & Armstrong Co., silk mill; Chelsea File Works, hand.cut files; Hall Brothers' Woolen Mills, Trading Cove and Hallville ; Parker, Preston & Co., Inc., shingle stains; Lester & Wasley, makers of automatic envelope machines; John T. Young · Boiler Co., manufacturers of heaters; Norwich Automatic Feeder Co, makers of chicken feeders and fountains; Norwich Paper Box Co., and many more that lack of space forbids tabulating. The foregoing speaks in strongest terms for Norwich and Eastern Connecticut as a realization of a part of their developed resources. Hope of a greater development has taken root among the members of the Business Men's Associations of this part of the State, caused, perhaps, by the realization and knowledge, recently obtained through organization and association, of the undeveloped natural resources.

On each side of the beautiful Thames river are twelve miles of available terri­ tory, suitable for factory sites. On the West side lie the tracks of Available the Central Vermont railway, on the East those of the N. Y., N. H. Factory & H . railroad, and sufficient depth of water for wharfage purposes Sites. on any of its factory sites. There is not a sheet of inland water in the United States that gets the free advertising that comes to the Thames river every year when the great college regatta focuses the eyes of the whole civilized world and draws thousands of the youngest, fairest and best of humanity to this same fourteen miles of the Rose of New England. This of itself is an advertising asset of no small proportion. We quote right here the reason the president of one of our newest and largest industries gave for moving his plant from New York to Norwich-on the-Thames : "w~ consider the property on both sides of the Thames river between Norwich and New London superior to any other property within the zone desired, and for that matter within the United States, for the following reasons : First- You have more than thirty-eight million people within twelve hours' ride. Second- You have 144 cities of IQ,OOO people and over within the twelve hours' radius. Third- You have 10 Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut parts of sixteen States within twelve hours by rail and all of Eastern Canada and direct trunk line connections therewith. You have the cheapest hydro-electric power in all New England, which with your gas works and water plant (two large reservoirs) are owned and operated by your municipality. You have low cost of living, abundant labor, little, if any, labor troubles, favorable freight rates, both rail and water, splen­ did climate and are surrounded by lands, which, if properly cultivated, are rich in production. These are the advantages for manufacturing in Norwich that have convinced our board of directors that our removal from New York to your city is a move in the right direction and may be of interest to those who read these facts, as they are the reasons for inducing other manufacturing industries to locate here. Our company by its removal from Manhattan Island to your city has estimated that it will effect annual economies aggregating $44,000."

THE OR\VICH FREE ACADEMY

The public schools of Norwich are not excelled in the State. Among the greatest assets of any city are its schools. The citizens of Norwich Public have recognized this fact in its broadest sense. Evidence of this is Schools. found in the buildings that have been erected, the equipment which has been provided and the class of teachers employed. Within the past year some twenty independent school districts of the town have, through con­ Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut II solidation, been placed under a commission form of government and a superintend­ ent and assistants have full charge of ·all the schools in the town. Teachers are advanced solely on merit and the system is in every way calculated to further the interest of the pupils by providing the proper conditions for instruction as well as conserving the interests of the taxpayer.

The Norwich Free Academy has soo scholars. The foundation of the Academy was due chiefly to the zeal of Dr. John P. Gulliver, who persuaded Norwich public-spirited citizens of Norwich to contribute a fund sufficient to Free found an academy of high school grade. This school was incor­ Academy.· porated in 1854 as the Norwich Free Academy. Taking the place of a high school, the Academy is noted among the first of the high schools of the State as a preparatory school, fitting young men and women for the entrance examinations of Yale, Harvard, or any of the great universities and · colleges.

Hotel accommodations are ample. One of the attractive features of a modern city is its hotel accommodations and in this respect the visitor Hotel Accom- to Norwich will not be disappointed. The largest and principal modations. hotel, the Wauregan House, occupies an ideal location on Main street but a short distance from either of the railroad stations or the steamboat landing. It has recently been remodeled and brought up to a high standard of hotel perfection. It has every modern convenience and is able to satisfy the public desire ; European plan. Across from the Wauregan is the Del-Hoff, small but neat, quiet and homelike, on the American and European plan, and at very reasonable rates. The rooms are clean and well furnished, and a stranger to the city is assured of receiving courteous treatment. About a block away, guarding the entrance to Water Steeet, stands the new and palatial Auditorium Hotel, opened a year ago, an experiment in Norwich in view of the fact that the hotel solicits the patronage of men only, save in its cafe. It is fast gaining in popular favor and bids fair to rival the older houses by gaining the patronage of traveling men, who certainly know a good hotel. The house is richly furnished, many of the rooms being en suite with private baths. In fact, it has every convenience.

Nothing builds up a city and adds revenue to the merchants more than good trolley car service in the city and suburban lines and today Nor­ Trolley Car wich has one of the finest dectric car systems, in road-bed, service Service. and equipment, to be found in the country. Pages could be printed about the beautiful trolley trips to be indulged in and Norwich proper can be reached and seen with little expense. The street ramifica tions reach well over the city and into the most picturesque suburbs. 12 PiCturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

Norwich, agiculturally, is not. unlike the towns that bound it on the North, East, South and West, hence a general description will satisfy the Agricultural reader who may take a deep interest in 1 ural life. Opportunity Norwich. awaits the man who engages in agricultural pursuits in any of the towns surrounding Norwich. Close proximity to a ready market, easy access to trolley lines, best of State and macadam highways, rural telephone service, rural free delivery and parcels post, all go to make farm life hereabouts that of a country gentleman. Dairying and market gardening constitute today the real business being developed and nurtured on most of the farms in Eastern Connecticut. Stock raising and the fattening of beef for market, we believe, is one of the natural outcomes of the high cost of living, and he who early gets the habit will reap the greatest benefit. Salem, Bozrah, Lebanon and Franklin, towns to the west and north of Norwich, are devoted wholly to agricultural pursuits, the town of Lebanon perhaps being the more noted of the four for its fertile farms and their prospreous owners and well-kept buildings. Lebanon Green, a street three miles long, is one of the historic points of interest of the town, and was the home of Jonathan Trumbull.

Preston, east and south of Norwich, has~ small factory village known as Hall­ ville. A good sized woolen mill is engaged in manufacturing high grade Preston. woolen cloth for men's suitings, etc. The property is known as the Hall Brothers' Woolen Mill. The land is fertile and many good farms are to be found in Preston. Sprague, eight miles north of Norwich, because of its being intersected by the Shetucket and Little rivers, has three thriving mill villages within its Sprague. borders. Baltic, the largest, is a busy village of some 3,500 inhabitants and is the seat of town government. Located here is the model plant of the Baltic Mills Co., employing about rsoo hands, engaged in the manufacture of a fine grade of cotton goods. There are also mills manufacturing woolen goods. Abundant power is furnished by the damming of the Shetucket river. Hanover, in the town of Sprague, has as its chief industry the Airlie Mills, employing roo hands engaged in making ladies' woolen dress goods. Factory is located on the L_ittle river, a tributary of the Shetucket, joining the latter at Versailles, where the third village has a factory engaged in making hospital supplies, employing roo hands. Located on the eastern border of the town is the paper mill known as The Eastern Straw Board Co., making a coarse roofing and building paper. Power is taken from the Little river. Lisbon is a small town adjacent to Sprague and lies northeast of Norwich. It has the distinction of not having a store, post office or factory within Lisbon. its limits. Agriculture is the principal occupation, and like many other towns in Eastern Connecticut, a large revenue is derived from summer boarders, who come here every year in goodly numbers. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut IS

Bozrah possesses many good farms, a charming recreation resort and some industries. Gardner Lake, a pure body of crystal water three and one­ Bozrah. half miles in length, one and one-quarter miles in width and sixty feet in depth, affords excellent fishing and boating, while its thickly wooded and grassy slopes offer many opportunities for summer homes. The largest industry in the town is the quilt mill of Palmer Bros. at Fitchville, a quaint and picturesque village, five miles from Norwich, on the Yantic river.

Griswold lies east of Lisbon and eight miles from Norwich. Jewett City, the only village of any size in the town, has a Borough form of govern Griswold. ment. Located here are the original Slater Cotton Mills, in opera­ tion continuously since late in the 18th century. The Aspinook Bleachery, employing many hundred people; the Jewett City Textile Novelty Co., engaged in finishing cotton goods, furnish employment to a large number of opera­ tives. The Ashland Cotton Co., manufacturers of plain cotton cloths. The Ameri­ can Thread Co., making all kinds of thread, have a modern _factory located at Glasgo, on the western border of the town. It is the only factory in the village and employs 150 hands.

Voluntown is one of the most easterly towns of Connecticut, on the Rhode Island line. The only village in the town bears the same name. Voluntown. Located here are the cotton mills 0f the Briggs Mfg. Co., some three in number, furnishing the principal means of support to residents. Voluntown is twelve miles from Norwich and seven miles from the nearest railroad, all freight being delivered at Jewett City, on the Norwich and Worcester Division of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Agriculturally, the town is not very progressive; large farms can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.

The great dairy prospects of this section of New England are most notable. Milk is being shipped to the ready markets of Boston and Providence Dairying. in large quantities from nearly every farm, as all are within easy access to the railroad. The advent of the suburban trolley system has already doubled the amount of shipments. Milk cars are attached to all early trains and it is a most interesting sight to see from 25 to 100 farmers, representing as many farms, with their teams in the early morning delivering their cans of milk to the many receiving stations along the lines, leaving full cans and taking back empty ones for the next day. And don't think for a moment that the farmer is not posted on the news of the day. That theory has long since been exploded. With the four bright newspapers published in Norwich, two daily and two weekly, the farmer knows every day all that has happened throughout the world during the past twenty-four hours. 14 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

Every town has its Grange, giving ample opportunity for social intercourse for the whole family, and a rare chance to gather knowledge. Norwich Grange. Grange is one of the most progressive of the State, having a member­ ship of 125, active men and women, and during the winter lectures are given by professors from the State Agricultural College that prove not only enter­ taining but highly instructive as well. We cannot paint the picture of the future farm life and its prospects, both in the town of Norwich and its environment in too vivid colors. No better market garden outlet in any rural section of the United States than right here in any of the towns briefly referred to, while orchards con­ sisting of apple, peach and pear trees are beginning to interest the thrifty husband­ man of the soil. The greater the industrial development of a State, correspondingly greater and more valuable must become its agricultural outputs and land values, inseparable and useless each without the other. Come to Norwich, Connecticut, the Rose of New England, an Eastern city with Western progressiveness. The Coming City of the East. Write THE NoRWICH BusiNESS MEN' AssociATION, NOR\VICIT, CONNECTIC UT.

List of Properties Filed with the Publicity Bureau of the Norwich Business Men's Association.

Farms For Sale by Palmer & Rogers, Norwich, Conn. New London County is especially sought now by capitalists and investors in various Jines of industry for its liberal supply of industrial and commercial possibilities. Norwich is a com­ mercial center that affords every requisite for easy success in legitimate lines of business. Farmers are among the heaviest savtngs bank depositors with accumulations of only a few years of service ; and still there are a few farm propositions open to purchasers that would easily rate with the best. FARM No. ISO is less than one mile outside of city line, and is admirably adapted to truck gardening. The soil is fertile and easy to cultivate. Contains 70 acres equally divided to farm uses, with plenty of wood, running water, and buildings well worth the sale price of $4soo. FARM No. IS 1 is located in a nearby town, with steam and trolley traffic, with passenger and freight station less than so rods from buildings. State road passes the door. Contains 175 acres of well diversified land suited to various lines of profitable farming ; soG to 1,ooo cords of thrifty growing wood within two miles of a demanding market for everything the farm can produce. Large and commodious buildings in good order. Location superb, running spring water, an ideal farm homestead, and $4soo will secure it on easy terms. FARM No. IS2 is less expensive, but nearer to the city market. Contains 70 acres, with fair buildings. Plenty of wood and variety of fruit, to which the place is well adapted. Price $2soo. FARM No. 153 is also of a cheaper order, but in our home town. Contains 27 acres, with abundant wood and water. High elevation with good buildings and near market. Well adapted to poultry and early gardening. Price $z2oo. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 15

Famous Sturtevant Homestea

sized fami ly. The property is for sale at a reasonable price and would commend itself to anyone wishing a modern and convenient home_ Address Frank H. Smith, Owner, IIJ \Vashington Street, Norwich, Connecticut. Factory Site For Sale.-Owner, Eastern Straw Boar(} Co., Yersailles, Conn. This is a mill privilege that can be utilized for most any kind of business. Located on the Providence and Willimantic Branch of theN. Y., N.H. & H. R. R., one quarter mile from Versailles station. On stream known as Little river. There is now on the property one good stone dam, and one single tenement house, surrounded by seven acres of land. Complete description and price furnished by owners. Factory Site For Sale. - Owners, Yantic River Paper Mills, lnc., Bozrahville, Conn. This property c-onsists of two mill privileges. One has ordinary log dam, the other a first-Class cut stone dam in best condition. Three single tenement houses, one double and one six-tenement house, surrounded by twenty acres of good tillable land, reservoir of 150 acres with all flowage rights. Situated two and one-half miles from railroad station, and on line of proposed Hartford, Colchester and Norwich Trolley, in the midst of one of one of the best farming sections of Con· necticut. All can be bought for $1 2,5oo. Description furnished by owners. Factory Site For Sale.-Lu cas Woolen Mill P roperty at PO(JUetanucl{, Conn. This property has a good dam with twenty-seven feet fall on a good stream and under proper conditions can be made to develop three hundred horse power. Boiler and rso horse power engine housed in and in good condition; flowage rights and privilege of using water from two reservoirs. Poquetanuck is a beautiful village situated one and one-half miles from Norwich on the line of the Norwich and Westerly Trolley. All freight can be delivered at factory. Price $7,ooo. Description furnished by owners, B. Lucas & Co., Poquetanuck, Conn. LoNG

.St:Hurol.ln1.1 ~/t-•"''"fo•l ,,_, N,.,., ~.,.,. ""'•"-~ • ADAPT~D FHIIM V.JCtuur,IIAJ'I'

Conn ,

NEW LONDON HARBOR NEW LONDON

EW LONDON'S greatest asset is her harbor. Its extent and depth are shown N on the accompanying map. Here is the natural entrance to the great coming of the North and West, but not only this: the increasing congestion of shipping trade at New York and the correspondingly increasing difficulty and expense of securing dockage at that port for new lines of steamers are as constantly attracting attention to the opportunities afforded at New London; when the docks are completed, a vessel destined for New York can discharge her passengers and freight at New London and deliver them in New York at greater economy of time and money than by proceeding along the slower channel to New York. The development of this million dollar enterprise will inevitably greatly stimu­ late local business and opportunity, not alone for a day but for years to come. History and observation abundantly illustrate the natural industrial and commercial development of great cities with their development as great ports.

Second to her harbor as an asset is New London's sea-shore. By this is meant, not only her Ocean Beach and the Pequot estates and proper­ New L o n don·s ties bordering the harbor, including the unsurpassed hotel site Sea-shore. formerly occupied by the old Pequot House which was burned some years ago, but the entire territory between the Connecti­ cut river and the Rhode Island State line and extending up the Thames river toward Norwich. Thousands are added to the summer population of this section during "the season," which, unfortunately, for visitors often must end when the schools for their children reopen at home. The proximity of River, Harbor and Sound makes it a favorite resort for yachtsmen and the owners of motor crafts without lessening in any degree the usual attractions of the open country. Detailed notices of Crescent Beach, Niantic, Groton, Mystic and Stonington are included later in this sketch. 18 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

OCEAN BEACH

First-To the large manufacturer: In these days of keen competition every avoidable expense possible must be eliminated by the manu­ New London's facturer; among these expenses are avoidable charges for Manufacturing transporting both raw material and finished product. Hence, Advantages. accessibility to supplies and to markets are of vital importance in selecting a location. Being a junction point of the New Haven railway system, and also that of the Grand Trunk of Canada, it is evident that New London's railway facilities cannot be surpassed, and in addition it has opportunities for securing the waterway competition of the whole world; not only this, but in some cases raw material may be unloaded directly from the vessel to the factory on one side and the finished product reshipped by water, or it may be loaded onto cars on the other side of the factory. Second- To the employee and the smaller manufacturer: It should be remem­ bered that the natural attractions of this region appeal with as much force to the intelligent desirable employee as to the more exclusive, so called, residential classes; as freely as thez'r children, may !tis little ones enjoy the delights of the sea and the sands at Ocean Beach. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 19

Another thing to remember is that self-respecting, contented co-operating employees are essential to the manufacturer and the city's welfare. Satisf y ing surro zmd£ngs secure satisfied citizms. New London's policy is to provide adequately for them; not how great alone, but how well shall New London grow, is the principle of many citizens; to make it a good city for all of us to live in. At the present time it is doubtful if any ci ty in New England has a greater percentage of good streets and sidewalks or of thrifty public shade trees. Until recendy the above considerations had little weight in determining the policy or location of manufacturing plants; today, however, in many progressive communities they have much weight in influencing city planning for the future­ It is believed that with the smaller manufacturer, particularly one who desired to assimilate with the best life of his new city, they should receive very favorable con­ si deration. Such men with healthy enterprises will be most heartily welcomed to New London. Moderate rates for power and as favorable conditions as possible will be provided. Bear in mind the fact that goods shipped in the afternoon or evening, even heavy freight by boat, from New London, can be delivered in New York the following morning ; equally prompt shipments are received from New York. An opportunity to personally discuss local conditions and possibilities is solic­ ited. A number of small water power privileges, one of considerable size and well equipped, are available in this vicinity.

RIVER VIEW FROM SITE OF CO NNECTICUT COLLEGE PiCturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

The Connecticut College for Women has acquired 340 acres of land overlooking the city and harbor; energetic work on grounds and buildings New London's is in progress; students will be admitted in the fall of 1915. Educational For detailed information, address CoNNECTiCUT CoLLEGE FOR Equipment. WOMEN, New London, Conn. Another special institution is the Manual Training High School of New London, a general vocational High School. In the draughting rooms and shops, boys are trained for productive work, manufacturing and the trades. In sewing rooms and Domestic Science laboratories, girls are taught dressmaking, ladies' tailoring and millinery, together with food preparation, dietetics, home sanitation and home econ­ omics. Supporting and supplementing the trades, vocations and useful occupations taught, is a requz'red academz'c course, embracing Mathematics, Science, History, English and Modern Languages, by which students of high scholarship standing prepare for college. The school is free to citizens of New London and non-residents are accepted upon payment of tuition. Entrance requirements are the completion of eight grades of the State elementary schools or an equivalent in education and ability. The buildings are open for inspection during all school sessions. For further information, address F. S. HITCHCOCK, Principal. In addition, the city is provided with an up-to-date Business College, a Young Ladies' High School, a Boys' High School, a Parochial School, and the usual gram­ mar and common schools, all installed in new and attractive buildings.

PLANT HO USE, A TVPICAL DORMlTORY AT CONNECTICUT COLLEGE Not less important than her schools is the city's health. Fortunately the public water supply is adequate and of exceptional quality. The New London's purity of the city's milk supplies is also most vigorously super­ llealth. vised by its Board of Health. Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 21

MANUAL TRAINING SCHOOL ROOM

Good hotels are everywhere recognized as absolutely essential to progressive cities; in many cities, public spirited citizens deem it necessary and well Hotels. worth their while to subscribe liberally to stock for the construction and maintenance of a hotel which shall worthily represent their ideal city. New London is doubly fortunate in possessing two hotels of high grade, particularly at this time when, in addition to the normally large volume of transient business, will be the demands directly and indirectly occasioned by the development of ocean steamship lines, the new bridge and other railroad changes, the college and our expanding industries.

But this section's attractions are by no means limited to the city or the shore. Because of the varied scenery which it shares with more inland Outside regions, and its ready accessibility to the great cities, the opportunity the City. for securing desirable farms and estates as homes for the families of business men are unmeasured. In this connection it may be said that the exhibits at the Fall shows of the New London Horticultural Society for the past two years have revealed the hitherto un­ MOHLCAN HOTEL, NEW LONDON Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 2S realized capabilities of this section for successful fruit culture; within the city limits and nearby, quantities of apples are grown which rival the best products of the Western States.

CROCKER HOUSE, NEW LONDON

Among the industries represented in New London are silks, bed comfortables, collapsible tubes for medicinal preparations, proprietory medicines, New London printing presses, cotton gins, ·paper boxes, electrical specialties, Products. gas and oil engines, broaching machines, carpet linings, brass and copper tubing and clothing. For information or assistance, call on or address BusiNESS MEN's AssociATION, New London, Conn.

FOR SALE.-Four miles above New London, an undeveloped level tract of land twelve acres (or more if desired) in extent, bounded on one side by the Thames river, on the other by the railroad; across the track on rising ground are sites for dwelling houses. This property is excep­ tionally well located for a large manufacturing plant demanding heavy shipments and abundant space. For particulars apply to The New London Business Men's Association, New London, Conn. WANTED.-An association of capitalists to erect and equip a hotel of the highest grade in the Pequot section to provide for the throngs of visitors now compelled to pass by New London. because of inadequate accommodations. Provision should be made for all-the-year-round as well as summer guests. It is believed that a well-conducted hotel of this character would prove a profitable investment as well as a most valuable asset to New London. 24 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

GROTON. Groton, just opposite the city of New London, is one of the very few localities where valuable water transportation rights remain unabsorbed by railroad or other powerful corporations. Definite information regarding specific properties on Groton Bank or properties bordering the railroad will be supplied to interested parties on application to the GROTON BoARD OF TRADE. The New Haven Railroad Company also controls valuable properties both below and above the bridge. Manufacturers or others desiring to avail themselves of these

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, THE NEW LONDON SHIP & ENGINE COMPANY privileges will receive very favorable consideration from the Company. Address W. H. SEELEY, Manager Industrial Lines Bureau, South Station, Boston, or E. L. DolL, Local Agent, New Haven Road, New London. The great summer hotel, "The Griswold" at Eastern Point, the southern portion of Groton, has a national reputation; it has been an uninterrupted success from its start; each year its capacity has been increased; it now has accommodations for 700 guests. The New London Ship & Engine Company was incorporated in October, I9TO, primarily for the purpose of promoting the manufacture "Why We Located of Diesel engines in the United States, and is today the in New London." only concern in this country building marine engines of this type. Pid.uresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 25

In addition to the construction of Diesel engines, the Company manufactures all of the machinery instailed in submarine torpedo boats of the Electric Boat Company's type which are being constructed for the various navies of the world, and it may interest prospective employees to know that the men to operate these boats are chosen from the ranks of this organization and in this connection are sent to various parts of the world, not only for operating the boats but to superintend construction. The shops are comparatively new, having been built only a short time, and are of the latest approved type with countless windows and skylights which afford an abundance of light, sunshine and ventilation. The plant is equipped with the most modern machinery and tools and only high class work is turned out. The eight hour day has been established, the hours being from 7.30 A. M. to 4.30 P. llf. with one hour for lunch. The Company has at its own expense fitted up an amusement park, consisting of baseball, tennis, etc., for the free use of its employees. After inspecting a large number of cities and towns in which to locate its plant, the New London Ship & Engine Company decided that New London would meet all requirements for the success of its business and would be best suited for the health and living conditions of its employees.

MYSTI C . Mystic, a village in both the townships of Groton and Stonington, naturally blends the one with the other, thus completing the most splendid bit of shore line east of Thames river. Whether one seeks location for a factory, a recreation spot for summer, or a home site, Mystic offers peculiar advantages. Industries of world­ wide reputation are already here; there is room for more. Artists of repute find in Mystic and environment permanent charm and inspiration for their talent; their recommendation brings others who become enthusiasts. City-jaded folk find in Mystic's beauty, quiet and simplicity, a panacea for tired bodies, weary minds. The sea, the count ry, the hills, the lowlands-all nature at her best is Mystic's glorious asset to offer the vacationist. Would you build yourself a home "far from the mad­ ding crowd," but within easy access, overlooking the sun-kissed waters of the Sound, or up the Mystic Valley? Would you buy some dear old farmhouse dating back to Colonial days, with possibilities it would be a joy to develop, acres surround­ ing it for the farm you have always planned to own; the farm where you and the wife, the children and their children may get in tune with life? Has that time come yet? Then buy a ticket for Mystic on the Shore Line, about half way between Boston and New York. Hunt up the secretary or president of the Men's Club; tell him your errand, and he will try to show you that Mystic, Connecticut, has all the characteristics of the ordinary New England village extraordinarily developed. Address The Men's Club of Mystic, Conn. A. W. GEORGE, Secretary. 26 Pic!l:uresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

STONINGTON. Stonington offers unnsual inducements as a place of summer residence. It is situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean; indeed, it is the only town on the main line of the New Haven Railroad between New York and Boston with an ocean frontage. It also lies between Stonington Harbor, a safe anchorage for yachts, protected by three Government breakwaters, and Little Narragansett Bay, a picturesque sheet of water on the farther side of which, three miles distant, is situated Watch Hill, one of the most famous summer resorts of New England. Between Stonington and Watch Hill a passenger steamer makes frequent trips during the summer season. This situation, on ocean, harbor and bay, gives Stonington remarkable advan­ tages for sailing and other aquatic sports. The town is the headquarters for an extensive fishing industry, bluefish, cod and mackerel being among the varieties of edible fish that abound in the nearby waters. The ocean breezes reduce the tem­ perature in the heated months, so that the mercury customarily registers from five to ten degrees below the temperature in neighboring communities, while in winter the nearness of the salt water tends to prevent the extreme coltl experienced farther inland. In the last few years Stonington has taken on new life as a summer resort. Many city residents have purchased or built homes in the borough and vicinity, and a first-class summer hotel, to which the name of the Stonington Manor Inn has been given, has been established on the outskirts of the borough, in the midst of a beauti­ ful estate of field and forest, ninety acres in extent. There are also a number of inns and boarding house·s within the settled portion of the town. The township of Stonington contains 10,000 inhabitants. Stonington Borough has a population of 2500, and is situated half way between the eastern and western boundaries of the township. The town was settled in 1649 ; the fi.rst house in what is now the borough was erected in 1752. In 1814 the place was the scene of a three days' bombardment by a British squadron, which was marvelously repulsed by a handful of defenders with three small cannons. This event is to be elaborately cele­ brated, with the aid of State and town appropriations, on August 8-10, 1914. Stonington has the quality of quaintness to an unusual degree. No nearby community possesses quite the same element of old-world charm. It has a free library with nearly 7000 volumes and liberally endowed, an excellent union high school with over 200 students, five churches, express service to New York, Provi­ dence and Boston, trolley service to New London, Mystic and Westerly, improved automobile roads, and a delightful variety of back-country scenery within easy reach. Its Board of Trade would appreciate the opportunity of acquainting any interested persons still further with its advantages as a place of residence, either for the summer season or all the year round. Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 2 7

MONTVILLE.. The town of Montville is situated on the west side of the Thames river, midway between Norwich and New London. It is especially fortunate in its location, having a deep water front. Best of steam and trolley service, as well as being intersected by the broad macadam boulevard that connects Norwich on the north and New London on the south.

THE THAMES RI VER SPECIALTIES COMPANY, MONTVILLE, CONN. Showing water transportation fa cilities in front and rail facilities in rear.

The Oxoboxo river furnishes power to many industries. Among those of note are the Thames River Specialties Company, Montville Mfg. Company, Palmer Bros.' Quilt Mill, Johnson & Company Witch Hazel Factory, C. M. Robertson Company's Paper Mills, and the Keyes Product Company. Agriculture is engaged in to some extent, and summer boarders swell the population very materially during the heated period.

SALE.M. Salem, a naturally very productive farming township, northwest of New London, has been comparatively isolated, and its prosperity retarded because of inferior roads, but now with the reconstruction of the Hartford Turnpike, largely by State aid, through Waterford, Montville, Salem, Colchester. Marlborough, Glastonbury and Hartford, a new era for the town of Salem is assured. 28 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

CRESCENT BEACH. CRESCENT BEACH STATION, 16 minutes west of New London by rail, is just at the rear of the colony of the same name, which overlooks Long Island Sound. Cottagers, therefore, have the very great advantage of being within a short walking distance "of home" on leaving or taking trains. There is a fine bathing beach, the drinking water is of the purest quality, sanitary arrangements are excellent. Electric lights are provided, and other modern home comforts not always present at more primitive resorts. Crescent Beach is large enough to be socially interesting without preventing a reasonable degree of retirement, and yet it is not prohibitively expensive. Looking across the waters of Long Island Sound, in plain view, are Fishers, Little Gull, Great Gull, Gardiner's and Plum Islands, with Long Island in the back­ ground ; a half dozen lighthouses with changing and variously colored lights add interest to quiet evenings, and through the day steamers, sailing vessels, yachts and other crafts are always in view. By transfers from the little steamers landing at the wharf, all the islands in the vicinity can be readily visited; the great government fortifications across the Sound are especially interesting; direct communication with inland points is readily provided by steam and trolley roads. These features with exceptionally good air, good fishing and the good nature everywhere prevailing, make life at Crescent Beach most attractive. For information regarding any point of interest, including Hotel, Boarding Houses and Cottages, address JosEPH T. CRUTTENDEN, Crescent Beach, Conn.

FOR SALE.- A modern Cottage, located on the waterfront and overlooking Long Island Sound. FOR SA.I,E.-A moderate priced Bungalow, near to a fine bathing beach. FOR SALE. -Several hundred feet of Waterfront. Excellent location for Bungalows. For description, write THE CRE SC ENT BEACH LA ND Co., Crescent Beach, Conn.

N IANTIC, CONNECTICUT. Beautiful Niantic by the Sea! This village is situated on the Connecticut shore of Long Island Sound, seven miles west of New London, on the main line of the N.Y., N. H. & H. R. R., midway between Boston and New York, and on the Lin­ coln highway running from California to Maine. It also connects with New London by trolley. The village derives its name from the Niantic Indians, who once occupied this stretch of the north shore, fishing upon the waters of sound, lake and rivers, and hunting in its woodlands.

30 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

NIANTIC, CONNECTICU T

The village has a population of about Soo, with 1900 inhabitants in the entire town of East Lyme, of which the village is a part. This village offers exceptional opportunities to manufacturers and home makers. For the most part the land is comparatively level, and many acres finely located could be secured at reasonable prices. Lake Niantic, a beautiful sheet of crystal water, is encircled by the village. This lake is principally fed by springs, covers about 25 acres, and is a never-failing reservoir. This body of water is available for manufacturing purposes. The one­ quarter mile spur track of the railroad reaches to the lake, passing directly by Luce's factory, a three-story building formerly occupied by the Knickerbocker Typewriter Company, now for rent. The Technical Equipment Company, engaged in the manufacture of brass valves and gauges, occupy the factory on the east side of the village. The streets are well kept and lighted by electricity. There are four churches : the Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Congregational and Episcopal. The Roman Catholic Church at Crescent Beach, one-half mile away, is open during the summer season. PiCturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 51

Splendid farms adjoin the village. The soil, for the most part, is loam with gravel subsoil and especially adapted for the cultivation of fruit, vegetables and grain. As means of enjoyment, the fishing, bathing, boating and hunting cannot be surpassed anywhere on the Atlantic seaboard. Crescent Beach, a summer resort, one-half mile away and connected with the village by steam and trolley, has a summer population of rsoo people, while Pine Grove, the same distance from the center of the village, has roo cottages and is the summer home of about 500 people. There are two good hotels, and an efficient livery stable. The train and trolley service meet every need both for travel and transportation. Everyone visiting the village for the first time is charmed with its location and general appearance, and expresses the wish to visit it again. During the summer season many visitors from all parts of the world visit the village and nearby beaches. Niantic is also the summer headquarters for the National Guard of the State, who, by their presence, each year attract many friends and visitors. Recently a Village Improvement Society has been formed for the purpose of rendering the town more attractive, and to promote its business interests. Any further information or description of the village, its conditions and the advantages which it offers, will be cheerfully given. CHARLES F. ELDREDGE, Vice-Pres. Village Improvement Society.

LEDYARD. The town of Ledyard, a quiet, farming community, is situated on the east shore of the Thames river, directly across from Montville. Peach growing and straw­ berries furnish the big output from the farms. The only village in the town is Gales Ferry, on the N. Y., . H. & H . R. R., noted for being the headquarters of the Yale and Harvard crews while training for the college regatta. The village is composed, in a large measure, of summer cottages. Boating and fishing attract thousands to shores of the Thames, and shore property is steadily rising in value in all the towns that border on this beautiful stream. WILLIMANTIC

VEN in the early days, more than a hundred years ago, when "Windham E Green" was the center of life and activity and culture in this vicinity, it was recorded that " Uncle Amos Dodge," a venerable resident of the Green, prophesied that "some day a g reat settlement would grow up at Willimantic Falls," because of natural advantages here for a large and important town. No city was ever more advantageously located than Willimantic is. Situate just above the broad headwaters of the Shetucket, at the junction of the Willimantic and Natchaug rivers, it has immediately available for industrial purposes all the mighty water power which these streams gather from the rugged hills of Windham and Tolland Counties and concentrate at Willimantic. Willimantic is the exact geographical center of Eastern Connecticut, being 32 miles east of Hartford, the State Capital; 30 miles north from New London, on Long Island Sound ; and about 30 miles from Rhode Island State line on the east, and from the Massachusetts State line on the north. It is only 15 miles to tide­ water at Norwich.

Three important through lines of steam railways now meet and cross at Willi­ mantic. These are" The Air Line" between New York and Boston, A Notable which is in fact just what its name implies, being shorter by twenty Center for miles than any other line between the "Hub" and the "Metropolis;" Railroa d The Central Connecticut line from the Hudson river to the seaboard Travel. at Providence ; and the Grand Trunk's (Central Vermont) line from Brattleboro to tidewater at New London. A large volume of freight and passenger traffic is interchanged at Willimantic, making it the most important junction on these lines.

Supplementary to the steam roads are the trolley lines. The Consolidated Railway Company has a well-equipped line in operation from Supplementary 'Willimantic to Norwich, via Baltic, and from Wlllimantic to Trolley Lines. South Coventry. The Willimantic and Stafford Trolley Com­ pany has projected a line from Willimantic, via Mansfield Centre, to the Connecticut Agricultural College at Storrs, thence to South Willing­ ton and Stafford Springs. The Willimantic and Southbridge Trolley Company has projected a line from Willimantic, via North Windham, Chaplin, Eastford and the Woodstocks to Southbridge. These lines will be of large benefit to Willimantic, and make the city an important trolley center, as it is already an important center for steam road travel. Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

There are sixty-two arrivals and departures of passenger trains at Willimantic daily, on the steam roads centering here. Some of the finest express Frequent trains between New York and Boston pass this way, all stopping at Passenger Willimantic, and the number of these is steadily increasing as the Service. "Air Line" (shortest route) is developed. Distances to leading cities are : To New York, 128 miles; to Boston, 86 miles; to Provi­ dence, 59 miles; to Springfield, 40 miles; to Worcester, 52 miles. With its facilities for power and transportation, and the central location, it is not surprising that so many large industries have already Industries now located at Willimantic, and that the city is attracting wide Established at attention as a desirable place for other industries to locate. Willimantic: The Willimantic Thread Company had for many years a American world-wide reputation, and in recent years, when it was pro­ Thread Co. posed to consolidate many large thread plants into one great corporation, the officials of the American Thread Company, after mature consideration, decided that the splendidly equipped plant of the Willi­ mantic Company, coupled with the unsurpassed and permanent advantages here for power and transportation, made Willimantic the best location for the headquarters of the consolidated thread industry. The central office and principal plant of the American Thread Company were therefore established at Willimantic; two large new mills were built, and others are in contemplation. About 2500 persons are ·now employed here by this corporation.

PLANT OF THE QUIDZ\ICK-Wli\DIIAM MANUFACTURING COMP,\i'\Y Here also are the large and growing plants of the Quidnick-Windham Mfg. Company, makers of prints and twills, also of high-grade Other branches weavings in Ienos and lappetts. This corporation has re­ of Cotton modeled its plant for the manufacture of a high grade of silk­ Manufacture. filled goods, about 200 silk looms having been installed and a new weave-shed built. 34 PiCturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

At South Willington is the large independent cotton thread plant of Gardner Hall, Jr., Company; at Eagleville are the Eagle Mills of John L. Ross & Son, for the manufacture of cotton and sheetings; at Conantville the plant of M. Pollock, for the winding of mercerized spool thread and cotton. In the adjacent town of Mansfield was the first manufacture of silk in this country, and now in Willimantic that industry is in large Willimantic development. The Holland Mills make silk thread; the Wind­ as a Growing ham Silk Company, dress goods; the Chaffee Company, silk Sill\. Center. braids and fish lines; each of these producing a special high- grade quality which secures and holds customers who prefer the Willimantic brand to all others. One of the best built mills in the city is the A. G. Turner silk throwing mill, which operates a large nurn ber of hands. The Rossie Velvet Company is one of the latest additions to tht! city industries, occupying a large, new mill, and employing a high class of help. The Willimantic Machine Company builds silk machinery, and also finishing machines for cotton thread, and ships its product all over the continent, also to England, Germany and other countries. Harry C. Smith makes silk manufacturers' supplies. In the outlying villages, at South Coventry are the silk throwing mills of J. A. Dady and H. K. Washburn; and T. H. Wood makes silk braids and fish lines; at Gurleyville and Atwoodville, respectively, are the throwing plants of E. L. Smith and James Macfarlane; at Chaffeeville, a fine water power just now not in use, affords a fine opportunity for someone, and there is a similar unused water power at Chaplin. At North Windham, the Hartson Brothers make silk manufacturers' supplies and a line of popular novelties in wire goods. Willimantic has a notable group of contractors in the erection of stone, brick and wood buildings, and in the interior finish of such build­ Contractors in ings. The services of these firms are. sought far and wide Buildings and because of their superior skill in their respective lines of Builders' Finish. work. To one of these firms was awarded the contract for the interior finish of the home of Theodore Roosevelt at Oyster Bay. In this connection may be remarked the superior quality of the granite found in great abundance in Willimantic for building purposes. It Abundant is a remarkable fact that our largest mills were built from and Handsome granite taken directly from or near the lots upon which they Granite stand. Every contractor remarks upon the exceptionally fine for Building. quality of Willimantic granite, and there is yet a great abun­ dance of it. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 85

The Vanderman Plumbing and Heating Company are inventors and mar.ufac­ turers of steam and gas fittings and plumbers' tools, con­ Iron Trade and tractors in plumbing and heating apparatus, and have a Foundry Plants. foundry of their own, where general foundry work is done. At South Windham is the Smith & Winchester Manufac­ turing Company, makers of machinery for laundries, paper mills and paper bag manufacturers, also an iron fou ndry ; and this company holds valuable patents and employs about 75 skilled mechanics. Leather board mills are in operation in the near-by villages of Andover and Hop River.

The Hall & Bill Company maintain one of the largest establishments in New England for the printing of manufacturers' specialties in Printing and labels, cards, etc.; also a general job printing plant. Publishing The Chronicle Printing Company carry on a general print- Establishments, ing and publishing business, and issue the Willimantic Daily and W eel\ly Daily Chronicle, the only daily paper in Windham County, Newspapers. and which has a large circulation all over Eastern Con­ necticut; a Weekly Chronicle is also published.

There is a large line of solid and substantial business houses along the principal streets of the city, wholesale and retail concerns, depart­ Solid and ment stores and houses of special supply. The merchants Substantial of Willimantic are notably alert to supply the local and Business Houses. vicinity trade with the best that the market affords and it has been found by experience that there is absolutely no advantage in goin g outside to make purchases. The solid character of Willimantic business houses may be confirmed by reference to the records of the commercial agencies, which show that business failures in Willimantic are remarkably rare.

There are still some excellent sites available for manufacturing purposes in Willimantic, right alongside the railway tracks, with unequaled Available Sites shipping facilities, and with plenty of room for expansion. for New It is well worth the while of corporations seeking new or Industries. better locations to examine the facilities that are available at Willimantic. Conveniences for both power and shipping are available in a way that is seldom to be found. More than that, the owners of these available sites are public-spirited citizens who are anxious to see Willimantic grow and will do all in their power to advance the city's interests, and they will sell sites at low prices, with abur:Jdant room for growth. Several large industries may yet find splendid locations in Willimantic, and these sites are practically in control of the officers of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association, who will promptly Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

respond to all inquiries and accord every facility to inspect, and, if desired, to secure land for manufacturing purposes. The local public spirit is also liberal toward new enterprises of genuine promise. Freight rates are as low here as at similar points; the local tax rate is very low (IO mills) when the basis of assessment is considered. Coal and fuel are secured at advantageous rates. The local electric light plant is strong and will quote attractive rates for power. The utilization of the city's own water storage plant on the Natchaug river for industrial purposes bas been seriously considered, and may be done when demand requires.

Willimantic is surrounded by a fine farming country, and the farmers find market for their produce in the growing city. The abundant railway Important facilities make it easy to ship milk and fancy vegetables and Agricultural flowers to the largest cities, and several enterprising specialists Center. in these lines make Willimantic their trading and shipping point. Within a few miles, and finding much of their market here, are the creameries at Andover, Lebanon, Scotland and Merrow, whose choice products are also known and sought for in the larger cities.

A few miles north of the city, in the town of Mansfield is situated the Con­ necticut Agricultural College, which has a large student Connecticut body, and a large contingent of expert agricultural special­ Agricultural ists, whose constant investigations and practical experi­ College at Storrs. ments are of great service to the farmers of the State, and in fact many investigations and experiments of world-wide interest and value are carried on at Storrs. The Connecticut Agricultural College, located at Storrs, Conn., was established in 1881 by an Act of the Legislature. The object of the institution as stated in the Act establishing it was the "education of boys whose parents are citizens of this State in such branches of scientific knowledge as shall tend to increase their pro­ ficiency in the business of agriculture." The annual income of the College at present is $71,750 annually from the Federal government, and $34,500 annually from the State. Inventories of the College lands, buildings and equipment show values approximating $65o,ooo. The school has a capacity for about 250 students. There is no charge for tuition to residents of Connecticut. Courses are offered in Agriculture and Home Economics to graduates of high schools. Other courses in Agriculture and Home Economics are offered, open to those who have completed the work of the common school. Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut S7

NEW DORMITORY, CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

The close proximity of the Willimantic community to this institution is of peculiar advantage to us, because its work may be so readily observed and profited by. There is also a large commercial advantage to Willimantic because the institu­ tion with its instructors and students and specialists and visitors and friends, brings thousands of people to Willimantic. during the year, as this city is the natural and convenient avenue of approach.

Willimantic is practically a trade and travel center for not less than 25,000 or 30,000 of population, the 12,000 of the immediate city being The Outlying supplemented by the thousands who reside in the adjacent Villages of villages and who are as regular and valued patrons of our busi­ Greater ness houses and our schools, and as appreciative of our facilities Willimantic. for travel and transportation, as are the people who reside within the city limits. Among the industries of the outlying communities which have not already been mentioned, there are notable industries of still other lines of manufacture, including at North Windham, the jewelry factory of C. R. Harris; another jewelry factory, that of G. ]. Kirby Company, at Mansfield Hollow; at South Windham, the power plant, repair shop and car barn of the Con­ solidated Railway Company; at South Coventry, the extensive wool extract plant of .E. A. Tracy, and the factory of the Kingsbury Paper Box anJ Printing Company. These active and successful industries combine with those before mentioned to S8 Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

make a busy manufacturing region, whose common center of trade and travel and educational and commercial facilities is the strong and growing city of Willimantic. The distance between the central city and her outlying neighbors grows less and less each year, and the not distant future will see some of these villages a direct part of "Greater Willimantic."

Willimantic is not excelled in Connecticut as an educational center, nor in the particular advantages of its several schools. The State Willilnantic as Normal Training School, where teachers are given special and an Educational expert training for service in the public schools, has won an Center: enviable reputation, and the demand for these is always far The State ahead of the supply. Educators from New York, New Jersey, Normal School. Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as from all parts of Connecticut, often come to the Normal Training School at Willimantic to observe its methods, and to engage its graduates, for whom good positions are waiting long before they have finished their course here. The young men and young women who come to this school as students find homes with some of the best families of the city, and thus are under the best of influences in every way.

The Windham High School, a town institution, is attended by about 350 pupils who come not only from Willimantic but from all the sur­ The Windham rounding communities, and are well fitted here for practical High School. business life and for higher institutions of learning. Many business men testify to the excellent training for business life which boys and girls get at the high school, while the quality of its preparation for colleges and technical schools is indicated by a letter which the principal recently received from one of the professors at Yale, who wrote : "Your boys are among the best fitted of those that come here." The record of our high school graduates is one of which the town is justly proud. A High School building to cost $I50,ooo is in process of construction.

The public graded schools are under efficient supervision, and a well known educator in Hartford, when asked by a \Villimantic resident as to The Public where in Connecticut the best educational ad vantages were to be Schools. had for a family of children, replied, "You do not need to go out of Willimantic, for its public schools are among the very best in the State." The town is liberal in the support of its schools. Two large and modern grammar schools have been erected to meet the imperative needs of the city's growth, one in the model school district, and another in the Natchaug district. All the public schools are consolidated under town management. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 59

There are two large parochial schools in the city, maintained respectively by the French and English speaking Catholic parishes, and each with The Parochial extensive buildings and appliances, and counted as among the Schools. foremost of similar institutions in New England. Many bright young men and women have gone out from these schools to positions of honor and responsibility.

ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL

There is also a Young Ladies' Academy at Baltic, under Catholic auspices, where pupils from various parts of the country attend.

Willimantic IS well supplied with churches, including (in the order of their establishment) the First Baptist, the First Congre~ational­ Churches ist, the Methodist Episcopal, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic, and Religious St. Paul's Episcopal, the Spiritualist Society, the Swedish Societies: Lutheran, and the St. Mary's Roman Catholic (French). TheY. M. C. A. The Southern New England M. E. Conference maintains an extensive Camp Ground just south of the city limits on the Norwich trolley line, where meetings are held in August of each year, and where also hundreds of cottagers come for a summer outing. The local branch of the Young Men's Christian Association with more than four hundred members is a strong factor for good in the community, maintaining practical work along lines of literary and physical culture, as well as exerting a wholesome moral and religious influence on young men, and taking a special interest 40 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut in those who are new comers and strangers. A new $4o,ooo building, equipped with a gymnasium and all modern facilities, has been erected within the year. The Catholic societies maintain similar associations.

There are excellent banking facilities, both commercial and depositary. The Windham National Bank is one of the staunchest institutions in Banhing the country, affording a large line of business accommodation. and Deposit The Willimantic Trust Company with its commercial and savings Facilities. bank departments is a rapidly growing institution, and has the confidence of the community. The Willimantic Savings Institute, a solid, substantial savings bank, is a depository for a wide circle of patrons. The Willimantic Building and Loan Association is very successful and satisfactory along the lines indicated by its name, and has effectually encouraged the building of many homes. Willimantic is a county seat for the Superior Court of Connecticut for Windham The Courts. County, and there is a local Police Court. In accordance with Connecticut system, both town and city governments are maintained, in entire harmony and each with its proper Town and City functions. The town (Windham) is the State unit, choosing Government. biennially the representatives to the General Assembly; and by a Board of Selectmen and other officials (chosen annually with minority representation) attends to the management of schools, highways, paupers, and the taxation therefor. The city government is maintained for the particular care of Willimantic as to fire and police protection, streets, water supply and sewerage system. The city charter has recently been amended with a view to better business efficiency and more definite responsibility in municipal administration. The police department of Willimantic, by a special provision of the charter, is maintained on the merit basis, with tenure during good behavior, The Police and the plan has worked very satisfactorily. The present force Department. is a fine body of men, and they protect the city's interest effectively.

Willimantic has a very loyal body of firemen, who never hesitate to do valiant service when duty calls, although it is a volunteer service and a Fire work of patriotism. The fire department deserves and receives a Department. high meed of public appreciation. Fire houses are maintained in different parts of the city, with hose and ladder apparatus. The chief of the department is paid for his service, and devotes a large share of his time to maintaining the efficiency of the department. He is also superintendent of the fire alarm, which is a thorough electric service throughout the entire city limits. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 41

Willimantic does not need to maintain a steamer service in connection with its fire protection, as the city water works afford ample Municipal protection by a gravity system of constant and tremendous Water System. pressure, widely extended by numerous hydrants, and capable of throwing effective streams over any buildings on the highest elevations where buildings are found. The splendid efficiency of Willi­ mantic's fire protection is a source of gratification to the city and to the insurance companies.

THE JO R DAN A UTO COMPANY GARAGE On ' uf the l'in3st Equipp3d Buildi ngs in :'

The city water works are also practically self-sustaining on a commercial and domestic basis. The water is taken from the Natchaug Water Supply river, and is found by repeated analysis to be remarkably remarhably free free from impurities or contamination of any sort, and the from "Scale •• freedom of the city from disease commonly incident to and Domestic impure water supply is marked. A meter system is main­ Impurities. tained, and the water supply is very generally distributed to the residences for drinking and culinary and domestic uses. T he water supply for manufactures comes from the Willimantic river, and t his is almost entirely free from the impurities which form the "scale" so in­ jurious to boilers, so that Willimantic manufacturers are practically free from this annoyance. 42 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

The city is provided with a scientific sewer system which is adequate to the immediate removal of wastes and impurities, and it is equipped A Scientific with an automatic flushing device. There is also a supple- Sewer System. mentary system of storm sewers. The peculiar advantage of Willimantic's natural location is most effectively shown in its residential sections. The riverside valley, with its Superior great power from the streams is the seat of manufactures; along Residential the broad plateau adjacent is the mercantile section ; and then on Advantages. the hillsides on either side river, are exceptionally beautiful sites for the homes of the people. The picturesque character of the residential portions of the city is always admired by visitors, and fully appreciated by the residents themselves. A vital advantage from the sanitary standpoint is the perfect drainage of the residential sections. In fact, the records show Willimantic to be relatively one of the most healthful of New England cities, a condition due in large and permanent measure to the clean soil and the conformation of the hills and dales, the pnrc water surply and the thorough sewer system. There are many beautiful residences in Willimantic, some of them notable types of fine architecture.

COURT HOUSE AND POST OFFICE, WILLIMANTIC, CONN.

Willimantic has a n urn ber of fine public buildings. Among these are : The Windham Court House, containing the Superior Court bench and Fine Public apartments, the Probate, Town and City offices, a Public Assembly Buildings. hall, the Police Court, Police headquarters, the Public Library, and the G. A. R. hall; the State Normal Training School, with model or practice schools connected; the Windham High School; the State Armory, for the local companies of the Connecticut National Guard; the Government Post Office, Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 4S

Gem Theatre and Loomer Opera House. There are several assembly halls. Some of the church edifices are of beautiful architecture and interior decoration, and there are many fine business blocks. Two excellent libraries are maintained in the city, the public library already referred to as in the Court House building, and the "Dunham Public Library" of the American Thread Company, especially for its em- Libraries. ployees, but generously free to the public use. There are two express companies and two telegraph companies doing business here, thus afford:ng abundant facilities for express and wire Express, service. The local Telephone Exchange covers a wide circuit, Telegraph, allowing Wtllimantic business men and the people generally and Telephone to converse daily with more than thirty villages at the local Companies. exchange rates. The Southern N. E. Telephone Company have just finished a splendid building, all of which they will use as a home for the vV!llimantic division. The Willinnntic Board of Trade and Business l\Ien's Association, Inc., is a strong and representative organization of the manufac­ Board of Trade and turers and business men, which takes an active and Business Men's effective interest in promoting industries and in public Association, Inc. policies affecting local business conditions. The Clerks' Association is a social and fraternal organization. The practical influence of these three associations is that all the business interests of the city work together with a high degree of mutual regard and confidence.

In fact, Willimantic is notably a community of harmony and good spirit among its people. The relations between employers and employed A Community have always been very friendly, with no serious disagree­ of Harmony ment. There are comparatively few of what are called and Good Spirit. "the poorer classes" in the community, as the employees are of high grade and well paid, and the average of popular intelligence is above that of most communities. There is a large and varied group of fraternal societies, which flourish and make life interesting for their thousands of respective members, and in Fraternal their several ways do good along the lines of brotherhood, benevo­ Societies. lence and goodfellowship. The hotel accommodations of Willimantic are so satisfactory that hundreds of traveling men plan their trips so as to pass the night in Superior Hotel Willimantic as often as possible. There are also a number Accommodations. of excellent restaurants for transient visitors. THE FAMOUS CARGlLL FALLS, A PART OF PUTNAM'S \VATER P O \'v'ER

Besides numerous mills that have been here for a generation there are five large PUTNAM silk mills which have sprung up within a few years and are rapidly and constant ly increasing their output. This illustrates but the growth of one inClustry.

UTNAM, in t he center of Windham County, is about half way between Boston While Putnam has many and prosperous tnanufacturing concerns engaged in P and Hartford, W orcester, Norwich or New London and Providence. It is thus production of woolen, cotton, silk, shoes, builders' finish, ducking, one of the eight general transfer stations of the whole Consolidated System. Its Manufa ctur­ heaters, and many notions, yet there are many desirable sites for express, passenger and freight service is not surpassed in New England and freight ing Sites. new industries, a few of which we shall mention and any of which deliveries are twenty-four to forty-eight hours quicker than in other places not so may be had at a very reasonable price by any responsible industry situated on through Jines. To manufacturers, to whom quick freight service is that would like to locate here. of the first importance, this busy railroad center at once appeals, for freight is here (a) Tract of land sufficient for several large plants, directly beside the railroad daily shipped to twenty-three different freight junctions where direct connections and near the center of the city. are made with foreign roads. (b) Tract in the. center of the city, also beside the railroad, about one hundred Putnam, the center of some twenty thousand population, has six churches, up­ by two hundred fifty feet in size. to-date graded and high schools, a State textile school, and owns its own water and (c) Tract of about five acres, finely located, dry soil, entered by a siding. sewage plants. Its electric plant supplies the above district and has surplus power (d) Site of a former mill which was burned; owned by public-spirited men to that may be had at rates as low as in. any city. whom the price is little of an object. Putnam has seven developed water works and two still open for development. (e) At Woodstock: a mill already erected and connected with water power;

Two undeveloped water powers in the outskirts1 and free tracts for established owner has died. Very desirab1e for a small industry not caring to be close to the industries. railroad. 46 Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

PASSENGER STATlON AT PUTNAM

r--·· I i

A CORNER IN THE PUTNAM FREIGHT YARD Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 47

The scenery of Putnam and vicinity, including Pomfret, Woodstock and Thompson, rivals the famous Berkshires, and the The Scenery and beautiful hills and valleys of this fertile country are Location for Homes. dotted with prosperous farms whose fruit and produce are well known in the large cities. Within four miles of Putnam are numerous palatial residences where ~illions of dollars have been wisely expended, and travel over the excellent roads of this vicinity amid so much natural and artificial beauty brings a charm that must be experienced in order to be appreciated. The first visit of a stranger to this part of Windham County involuntarily brings an exclamation of delight at the ever-continuous panorama of rolling hills, valleys and streams that meets the eye in all directions. Fine sites for house£- sites that command a view of such scenery for miles are to be found right in the midst of

DAY KIMI.lALL HOSPITAL AT PUTNAM Putnam. And other sightly locations for homes, where a little more of the freedom of the real country is to be had, are to be found in greater abundance a short distance in all directions from the center. Admiral C. F. Goodrich of Pomfret was recently asked how he compared the scenery in Windham County with that of other parts of the country. He gave the best possible reply when he said, "I chose it for my home when I might have gone anywhere else. What more c;an I say?" Necessary and desirable as are the beauties of nature in a locality where one must make one's home, it is to the more material characteristics that those who are looking for a business home must turn. With this in mind there appears under appropriate heads some of the inducements that should appeal to the business man who wants to get the most for his money. 48 Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

PUTNAM HIGH SCHOOL

ISRAEL PUTNAM SCHOOL PiCturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 49

The first silk mill was established by Hammond, Knowlton & Co. in Putnam in 1878 in the small mill at lower right hand corner of illustration, with only two experienced hands. Their machinery was moved into the three-story Harris building in 1885. In

THE HAMMOND, KNOWLTON & CO. SILK WORKS

THE EUREKA SILK MILLS

1892 they built a three-story addition to that mill. The Eureka mill erected in 1906. The Hampton Silk Corporation incorporated in 1905. The Box Co. in 1900. Total number of hands of four corporations 325. They have always sold their production through their New York and their other offices. 50 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

PUTNAM FOUNDRY AND MACHINE CORPORATION Home of "The Putnam Boilers.''

This finely equipped plant, known for the excellence of its products, ships to many of the best steam fitters of the land. Its large variety of sizes adapts itself to heating the humblest cottage or the most palatial residence. For heating private residences their heaters have few equals.

MANUFACTURING SITE WITH SIDING Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 51

THE MANHASSET MANUFACTURING COMPANY Makers of the World's best Automobile Tire Fabric.

This fabric has to its credit both first and second place in some of the hottest contested races in the country. "Mulford in his Mercedes," the heaviest car in the Indianapolis race, driving the entire 500 miles on one set of tires, was an endurance test never equaled on any track in the world.

A MANUFACTURING SITE IN MILL DISTRICT 52 Pid:uresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

TilE ]OIJN M. DEA:-1 FACTORY

The John M. Dean Corporation are manufacturers of textile pins of every description for combing cotton, wool, silk and flax. They also manufacture talking machine needles, having the largest and best equipped plant of its kind in the United States. Their daily output is one million needles, and these are sold all over the world.

There are several items that are of great importance in successful and profitable agriculture. One item is the soil, another is the markets, another Agriculture. is the technical knowledge necessary to produce a good article. We have the soil. Connecticut's crop average in the leading farm products is very high ; far above the average of the nation. The corn crop is one striking illustration. Also in the line of gardening and fruit growing we hold an excellent record. Connecticut is now producing more peaches annually than Delaware or New Jersey and the eastern end of Connecticut grows as good peaches as are grown anywhere. No better apples can be grown than right here in Windham County. We have the soil that gives flavor and superb quality, and we have the elevation of the hills that gives us drainage. At the First New England Fruit Show in Boston, Windham County apples won a double sweepstakes for best barrel of Northern Spy in all New England, also sweepstakes for best plates of Northern Spy, besides a number of other first prizes. Windham County apples also won gold medal at Jamestown (Va.) World's Fair. At State Shows, Windham County apples have won blue ribbons innumerable. We have some of the best markets of the world right at our doors. Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 56

The manufacturing villages of the Quinebaug River Valley give a chance to dispose of good products direct to the consumer without the tax of two to six middle­ men that many Western farmers have to divide with. This is an important item both to the fanner and the manufactzwer as well. No better testimonial, nor one from a more competent critic, could be found than that of Dean Henry of Wisconsin Agricultural College. He recently paid a high tribute to the State of Connecticut when he said that he and his sons had been

WINDHAM COUNTY TEMPORARY HOME AT PUTNAM in every State and Territory in the Union seeking a permanent location for farming and fruit raising and that as a result of their investigation they had chosen the Nutmeg State. It only remains to be noted that Dean Henry says that he and his sons are perfectly satisfied with their choice, for their expectations are being fully realized. Immediately surrounding Putnam are the prosperous towns of Pomfret, Wood­ stock and Thompson. Pomfret is widely known among Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia people as a healthful summer home. "The Pomfret School," a fitting school of note, attracts the best blood of the land. Woodstoch, one of the oldest New England communities, with its historic common and Pulp1t rock, its lakes, hills and dales, and its well-fruited farms, has a charm peculiarly its own. Thompson, a charming hilltop town, with its well ·shaded common and streets, its memorial public library, has within its borders several country estates of millionaires, while on its rivers are some of the finest textile plants in the Union. 54 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

There are numerous farms, large and small, each different from the other in its attractiveness and all within the limit of Putnam or within two or three miles of the center. A brief description of a few typical ones follow :

(a, A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY PLACE FOR SALE.-Country home, consists of an estate of four acres, ten-room furnished house, large barn, and automobile shed ; most attrac­ tively located on a rising level, with view of small lake and picturesque surrounding country. Beautiful el1r. and maple trees of unusual size in the yards. Large apple orchard back of the house in good bearing condition. A row of pine trees extend across the front entrance. The house is a modified Colonial type, very simple and substantial. It was built when good workmanship was the fashion and it has always been well kept up. It is in excellent repair. Three verandas, all looking out on lovely views. All the rooms are well lighted, and airy, and all give a most attractive view of the surrounding country. The house has a good range in the kitchen, and a small wood stove in one bedroom, besides the fireplace, so it is very comfortable early in the Spring and late into October. It is simply fitted out but has every conv~nience , including dining room crockery and kitchen ware. Screens at all th e windows, screen doors for all the doors and comfortable porch furniture for the front veranda. An ample ice chest in the kitchen and a pastry table with convenient bins for flour, form part of the kitchen equipment. The house is supplied with water from a spring, piped to the house, also from an artesian well. This property is fortunate in having the very best neighbors on all sides. Less than a mile to a beautiful lake, where boats may be hired and bath-houses secured for the season. A golf links is maintained by a private club and is a great attraction to those skilled in golf. Charming drives on every hand. Very convenient to this city. This is an unusual opportunity to secure a beautiful country place for a very low sum.

Cb) FARM OF FORTY ACRES. -The owner has business in another State and so wishes to sell his property here. It is very pleasantly situated only three-fourths mile to village. Neighbors all around. Eighteen acres of machine-worked fields, cuts from twelve to fifteen tons of hay besides all other crops raised, and twenty-two acres in pasture and wood. Brook runs through the land, the soil is rich and very productive. A number of apple, pear, peach trees, grape vines, currants, etc. Cottage of thirteen rooms with veranda, running water at sink in the house; barn thirty five by forty, with tie ups for twelve head of cattle; running water in the barn ; horse barn and wagon shed, hen houses. All the buildings in good condition.

(c) FARM OF THlRTY-SEVEN ACRES.-Owner has made money and wants to retire; chance of a lifetime for a hustler; splendid schools, etc. ; twenty-two acres smooth, machine­ worked fields, balance pasture and woods ; extra good house of nine rooms and reception hall, wide veranda and fine view of the surrounding country; good barn with basement, wagon shed, hen house ; excellent water supply to all the buildings; buildings are only twelve years old and are all in the best repair. Good neighbors all around. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 55

PUTNAM INN A Homelike House for Tourists.

Owing partly to Putnam's central location as a railroad junction, and on several trunk lines of State roads, popular with automobile parties, but more largely to its excellent and !tomelike accommodations, the above house, it is said, books more names than any other house in Eastern Connecticut. There are also three other houses that help accommodate the thousands of tour­ ists traveling through this beautiful locality.

The Putnam Business Men's Association

OFFICERS: PRESIDENT E. M. wHEATON VICE -PRESIDENTS F irst, G. L. BALDW IN Second, D I<. 0 . L AR uE Third, R icHARD GoRMAN SECRETARY L. 0. W ILLIAMS TREASURER c. H . BROWN EXECUTIVE COMM ITTEE G. E. SHAW G. A. H AMMOND E. L. K ELLEY I. CHAMPEAU E. C. MoRSE DANIELSON

A FIE.LD OF OPPORTUNITY

The Gem of Eastern Connecticut-A Growing, Thriving, Hustling Town-Its Development Advanced-The Public Utilities the Very Best-Its Industries, Its Schools, Pos!ibilities for Manufacturers, Transporta­ tion Facilities-Its Strides and Growth an Indication of its Abundant Energy.

ANIELSON is one of the brightest jewels studded in the particularly beauti­ D ful eastern section of Connecticut. It has every natural asset necessary to its further development into a modern and thriving city, toward which desirable estate it is constantly striding forward. No hindrance stands be­ Possibilities for tween it and an opportunity to grow into one of the important Expansion. centers of the State. Geographically, industrially, commer­ cially and educationally it is so situated as to cause those who know it best and who realize its opportunities to glow with enthusiasm over its possibilities for expansion and, like truly progressive Americans, to search for the means of proclaiming its attractiveness and advantages far and wide. Danielson's particularly fortunate geographical location is not a matter of chance, but of the far-seeing shrewdness and good judgment of the pioneers who, more than 200 years ago, while traveling along the sinuous but gracefully winding course of the swift-flowing Quinebaug river in search of the choicest place for the establishment of a settlement, selected it in preference to all other locations of the many that were then open to them-selected it because, even in those long past clays, it so apparently opened to them that something for which all men are and always have been seeking-OPPORTUNITY. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 57

That their judgment was excellent is attested by the growth and expansion of Danielson and Killingly, the township of which it is a part, into one of the most important centers in the northeastern part of Connecticut. While the pages of its history form a highly honorable record of achievements by worthy generations of its people, it is not so much with this as with what may be accomplished with the exceedingly valuable heritage that they have, through their labors and earnestness, heired to Danielson's people of today that these pages are to deal.

The Danielson of today is an active, growing and hustling town. It is ambitious. It is a hive of workers. It is pleased with what it has, but not satisfied. It wants more-industrially and commercially and in many other ways. It not only wants, but, as well, will have. The men who are making Danielson are actuated by that unconquerable enthusiasm that is born of success. The movement for the upbuilding of this town did not begin today. It had its inception when the pioneers referred to selected the site of what is now Danielson. They commenced the expansion movement, which has gone on, slowly but surely, until within a few years the real developing spirit commenced to make itself felt. Within the past half dozen years this spirit has constantly become more and more manifest and at the present time it is a cardinal part of the business gospel of the town. 58 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

Danielson's manufacturers and her business and professional men are of what has come to be known as the "live" type. In addition to this, a great asset, they have the exceptionally happy faculty of working together, working as a unit that they may profit as individuals and that the town that claims them may be benefited. Like Crusaders they have gone forth, though with a constructive rather than a destructive mission, and have made their contests count. They have had their experiences, as all men do in the strife of attaining things worth while, but the net result is a bigger and a better and a constantly growing Danielson. Where cows grazed in quiet pastures no more than five years ago, modern factory buildings now house thriving textile industries that give employment to several hundred workers day and night. This reference to achievement is merely made to show the spirit that animates the builders of Danielson. It is indicative of the spirit that brings success, hard fought for though it may be. It is the spirit of men who work not selfishly and alone, but for each other and with each other and with all who will work with thern, for the constantly growing fold is open for him who will join in a movement for the expansion of as delightful a place of its size as can be found in the New England States. What can be achieved by unity of effort has been made perfectly clear to those who are striving for a greater Danielson. It has made them eager and even anxious to do even more than has been done. Increase in industries, increase in population, increase in business and increase in savings are some of the rewards that have come to the town through the efforts of the local Board of Trade and Business Men's Association and these organizations are now spurred on to renewed efforts in the making of a hustling little city. Danielson has done surprisingly well in the line of development in the past half decade, but has only scratched the surface of its field of Magnificent opportunities. It has a large remaining store of tempting Water Power. inducements to offer to the manufacturer who is seeking a desirable location for his business. It has magnificent water powers, now becoming extremely rare in good locations in New England. It has them for disposal at reasonable prices, notwithstanding the constant increase in their value. It has mill sites, village sites, home sites. It has good railroad facilities, quick freight service with all principal Eastern cities. It has every modern con­ venience for doing business. Danielson invites industries into a town where labor troubles are unknown. Not a strike worthy of the name has ever occurred here. Its working people are of the highest type. They are, as a very general rule, almost invariably industriam:, saving, temperate people, seeking to better the position of themselves and their children in the world. They have absorbed the progressive spirit of the town and are working for it and talking for it at every opportunity. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 59

For these and many other reasons the manufacturer looking for a town in which to locate his business cannot afford to pass Danielson without investigating what it has to offer in the way of filling his particular requirements. If he can be suited in a town the size of Danielson, this town is as apt to present to him as many induce­ ments as any in an Eastern State. Big industries or little ones can be located in Danielson at low cost compared to the expense of establishing in many other places, for land is to be had at very reasonable figures. The principal industry in Danielson and the town of Killingly is the manufacturing of cotton and woolen goods and these industries give employment to many hundreds of its people. There are, however, numerous other lines of manu­ facturing and it is to increase this diversification that is a principal object in the striving for the expansion of the town.

Almost any line of manufacturing suited for location in a Southern New England town can be profitably conducted here and in no place in the The Stranger East will a manufacturer find a greater degree of co-operation Made Welcome. and assistance from the people of a town than in Danielson, for this place can lay claim to much of the characteristics of the people of the Western States as to generosity and liberality. They are on the alert for every legitimate chance to aid in developing the town and this feeling goes a long way toward making the stranger who would come here feel at home, causes him to realize that he is appreciated and wins for him the support that he may need in getting well established. By that time the probabilities are, as has been the case many times in the past, he also becomes one of the most staunch admirers of Danielson and its people. The appeal of Danielson for new industries is backed by something more than the mere hue and cry of men who want something and have nothing to offer in return. Danielson wants no industry to which it cannot offer a home that will be satisfactory to it. It does not profess and never has laid claim to be suited as a home for some of the great industries that find their best locations in the cities. It does lay claim and is ready to demonstrate that for the great majority of manufac­ turing businesses it has inducements that are unsurpassed by any town of its size and equalled by only a few such towns. . Its great source of water power is the Quinebaug river, a stream that flows southward from near the Massachusetts border and is dotted its Splendid entire length with great manufacturing plants that develop many Factory Sites. thousands of horse power for these mills. Hardly less valuable to Danielson and to Killingly is the Assawaga river, which flows into the Quinebaug within the limits of Danielson, this stream also contribut­ ing great quantities of power to the mills along its course, a big plant in Danielson depending almost entirely upon it for the operation of its nearly 2,000 looms and 60 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut other machinery. Then again, in the eastern part of the town, at East Killingly, is a wonderful chain of lakes and reservoirs, already developing a great amount of power, capable of developing far more than at present and in great measure undeveloped, with available sites for the manufacturer who could use such a great natural asset to advantage. Danielson offers more than this, sites abutting the right of way of the N. Y., N. H. & H. Railroad and at nominal cost. It also offers sites along the electric line of the Rhode Island Company, running from Danielson to Providence, a line that conducts a fast electric freight and express service daily. These sites are of the most desirable kind, having every advantage that reasonably could be asked. Some of them are perfectly suited as locations for industries. Some of these sites may be had free as an extra inducement to secure valuable industries. Freight service out of Danielson is excellent, the train arrangement by the New IIaven road being such as to place a manufacturer located Fine Shipping here under no handicap as to shipping facilities. Quick service Facilities. to New York, Boston and Providence is the rule, and the same is to be said for shipments by water from New Lonuon, 38 miles away, for New York and all other points from that center. The trolley freight and express service is also a great advantage to local ship­ pers, for goods may be received from Providence and sent to that city and then else­ where as desired within the period of a few hours, the running time of cars between Danielson and Providence being only two hours and twenty minutes. Another trol­ ley line extends from Danielson southward to Norwich and New London and north­ ward to Worcester. Danielson is also the center of a network of fine state roads, high grade, modern avenues of traffic leading to Norwich, New London, Worcester, Boston, Providence and Hartford, only one of these cities, Boston, being more than two hours away and Boston can be reached by motor in three hours. It must be apparent from this that Danielson has every natural advantage that would tend to contribute toward its development. As life in America has developed today, the day of high speed transportation lines, of good roads and of the motor car, this town is only the suburb of most of tlie important centers in southern New Eng­ land. It is within quick and easy range of every vantage ground for the busy man who must be at his place of business one hour and miles away in some great indus­ trial center an hour or two later. This fact is greatly appreciated by the many now doing business in Danielson, but find that they are frequently called to journey to one big center or another. Industries that locate in Danielson have almost without exception remained. They have found the town to be all that it is represented and more. They have found the members of the Board of Trade and the Business Men's Association willing helpers. They have found them ready to seek desired favors where favors PiCluresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 61

have been needed. They have found them ready to go to a transportation company or to a land-owner or to whoever could do the favor and seek it in the interest of the manufacturer and the town into which he was coming. It is to this spirit of helpfulness that Danielson owes much of the additional prosperity that has come to it within the past few years and which will be as much in evidence in the future as it has been in the past. Out of the entire list of Daniel­ son's business men and manufacturers there is barely a one that is not identified with either the Board of Trade or Business Men's Association and all are actuated by the desire to build up their town. As a place of residence Danielson is one Daniels on's of the pretti­ Natural est and clean­ Beauty. est towns in Connecticut. Its natural beauty is so marked as to be the incentive for constant effort by its citizens to make the most of t his asset by enhancing it in every possible way. Visitors invariably express admi ration of the unusual attractiveness of the town and this admiration is inspired not by a desire to be complimentary alone but to pay a tribute where tribute is clue. Danielson has no squalid sec­ tion. It is neat as a new pin in every quarter. The homes of the wealthy, of the working people and of all classes are well kept. Civic pride finds no better out­ ward expression in Danielson than that manifested to the stranger by t he scrupulous care in maintaining property that he sees on every hand. Danielson is a Spotless TOWN HALL BUILDING Town the whole year around. It has often been accurately described as the Gem of Eastern Connecticut. Its beauti­ ful center piece is Davis Park, the gift of a public-spirited citizen, but the whole area of the town combines in such an array of natural beauty as to be a just cause for pride. 62 P iduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

Magnificent elms, many of them more than a century old, beautiful maples and various other varieties of shade trees are to be found in nearly all sections outside of the business center. Street after street is shaded by their interlacing branches and some of the principal residential streets are arched over by the great trees set along the sidewalks. Tourists who have seen much of the United States have not hesitated to rate Danielson as one of the prettiest towns of its size they have visited. Too much cannot be said of the town's natural beauty, for it is always a feature that appeals even more to those who come here as strangers than to those who have lon g been residents and always appreciative and ready to laud this feature. Its pretty homes, its well-groomed lawns and its well-kept streets are sources of comfort and reasons for pride.

Danielson is a modern town. It keeps abreast of the times. It is rated a pro­ gressive community. Its government is of the borough form A Progr essive within the township of Killingly and its principal directing Community. officials are a warden and court of burgesses. They are elected annually. They have supervision of public affairs and as a board always command the highest respect of the community. The elections are non-partisan, so the best citizenship is always available and invariably selected for filling the offices. Given the best of its citizenship in executive position, Danielson naturally gets best results and most satisfactory returns from the expenditure of the public money. As a consequence, it is rated today with the finest equipped boroughs in the way of public utilities of any town of its class in New England. It has fine, broad, clean streets. It has an e:xcellent electric lighting system; and a modern sewer system, already extending through the principal streets, is being extended year by year. Its fire department is housed in a modern two-story station that contains up-to date apparatus, with auxiliary stations located in other parts of the borough. The water supply comes from a chain of reservoirs in the vicinity of East Killingly, where a sufficient quantity is always on hand to meet the demands of a city of so,ooo people. This supply is chemically pure and has been pronounced, after expert tests, to be unrivaled in the State. The water comes to the faucets in Danielson by a gravity system and at high pressure and such a thing as a shortage of water is a thing unheard of in Danielson. In the general plan of developing a modern borough, the protection of property against destruction by fire has received the most careful consideration. This matter has received the careful attention of the townspeople and their liberal support. Iligh pressure hydrants are located at regular and commanding intervals through all streets. They hold back a supply of water that has never failed to meet every demand made upon it. The wires of the most approved fire alarm telegraph system made in the United States reach out to all sections of Danielson and run into boxes Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut from which a quick alarm may be sent for a fire, wherever it may occur within the limits of the borough. The fire fighting apparatus is of the best. A powerful engine, hook and ladder truck, and several hose wagons are included in the equipment, with a liberal supply of hose and all essentials for making an effective fight against destructive fires. The men of the fire department are real fire fighters. There are five companies of them, and with the regular and honorary members, the latter as active in doing service as the regulars, form a force of more than roo men. The regulars receive

CENTRAL FIRE STATION yearly compensation from the borough, but the department IS in great degree a volunteer one. Unusual interest in the department by its members and highly efficient work in the line of active duty done by them has made the citizens so appreciative, however, that a new central fire station of brick has been built for them. Here the principal pieces of fire-fighting apparatus are housed. The building also contains recreation rooms for the members, and some of them are nearly always to be found there, ready as a paid department to respond to an alarm of fire. No better indication of the efficiency of the fire department can be pointed out than the fact that the total fire losses in Danielson have not averaged much over $1,000 a year for several years past, and this can be better appreciated when consid­ eration is given to the fact that Danielson's property is valued at close to $3,00o,ooo. 64 Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

In the manner in which it provides for the education of its children Danielson ranks with the best in Connecticut and its schools get an Modern School exceptionally fine rating from the State Board of Education. S ystem. The liberality of the town, so marked in other matters, reaches its high water mark in treating the matter of learning. The appropriation for schools is $27,000 a year and is increased as required. Danielson has one of the finest high schools of the State and is very proud of the institution. This is located in a building of the most modern type, constructed and equipped by the town at a cost of more than $6o,ooo. Its course of studies includes everything pronounced as desirable by the State Board of Education excepting manual training. The equipment of the school is

HIGH SCIIOOL BUILD! G complete, not an essential piece of apparatus being lacking. The town furnishes free text-books, is particularly exacting as to the efficiency of the teaching staff and demands satisfactory results, which are always forthcoming. The result is that graduates of the high school are received in New England colleges on the strength of the certification system and enter the higher institutions of learning in numbers every fall. In addition to its high school the town has a fine system of graded schools, under the general supervision of a superintendent, who is employed jointly by the town and state and is an expert in his line. The teachers are in most instances Normal school graduates, specially prepared to do the work in which they are engaged. Picturesque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 65

The schools are carefully graded and the work of each standardized. In a word. Danielson has a school system that is representative of the most advanced and practical educational ideas of the day and the standard of efficiency is exceptional. Danielson has its parochial school with nearly 350 pupils. This school is an unusually strong one and during the more than a score of years it has been established has been the means of developing many promising young men and women. It is under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a successful teach­ ing sisterhood attached to St. James' parish. FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Many religious denominations are represented in Danielson and there are seven churches in the borough. Able men fill the pastorates and there Society and is a unity in their efforts and between the members of their con­ Religion. gregations that bespeaks the practice of the cardinal principles of Christianity. They perform in a highly commendable way their essential functions toward making Danielson such a clean and upright town. Working together for a common end, they are above the petty strifes and bickerings that sometimes mar the efforts of members and believers in different creeds. The churches contribute much to the social life of the town through their various organizations and societies and each year unite in the arranging of the most important series of musical and artistic entertainments that Danielson enjoys. Life never need be irksome for a resident of Danielson. The social and recrea­ tion features so essential for those who labor or for any person who needs diversion have not been overlooked. A new theatre is the nightly gathering place for all who enjoy the drama, music or other form of clean theatrical entertainment. Danielson is not handicapped, as are some towns that wish to attract and hold people, by lack of means to provide diversion for them. It has more amusement enterprises than the average man requires to keep him happy and is within quick and easy reach of larger cities that offer even a wider range of amusement and entertainment. Danielson has three strong financial institutions, the Windham County National Bank, the Windham County Savings Bank and the Brooklyn Savings Bank. All of these banks are well equipped, are under the direction of men of importance in this and surrounding towns, are doing a flourishing business and have the con fi dence 66 Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut

of the publk These banks are in line with the general policy for the development of Danielson and lib~ral accommodations can .be had at all times by local manufac­ turers or other concerns needing money, at the market rate of interest. Danielson's busines·s houses are truly r.epresentative of the men that stand back of them. Its stores are nearly all large and roomy, have fine fixtures and attractive arrangement. It is frequently a matter of comment by visitors here that the stocks carried are surprisingly large, well selected and of excellent value, the close margin on which much of the goods are sold making Danielson known for miles around as a highly satisfactory place in which to buy and it is the trading center for 25,000 people of its own and surrounding towns. High grade trolley lines running north, south and east make the town easy of access for the many buyers that come here. The merchants are hustlers. They keep in constant touch with their markets and offer the best things to be had in their respective lines at as reasonable prices, and frequently at lower figures than do the dealers in New England cities.

Never in its history has Danielson been so prosperous, this great feature being due to the success of its manufacturing concerns, old and new, Success and some of the mills running nights to keep abreast of their orders. Prosperity. There are important reasons for this pleasing condition. Daniel- son is as. near the raw material markets in all lines as any other small manufacturing center in New England, and since the freight rates are particu­ larly low, this is an inducement to the manufacturer who desires to operate in a low price but highly efficient labor market. This prosperity is reflected by the manner in which real estate values are increasing in Danielson, where every available home is occupied and an era of building has set in to provide accommodations for the increasing population. The town now has a population of about 7,000. Outside of Danielson, but within the limits of the town, is a fine agricultural property. Beautiful farms are to be had at favorable prices, but the values are now higher than was the case five years ago. Danielson lacks not a single essential necessary to its further development. It has demonstrated and at the present time is demonstrating its ability to grow. It is as choice a town in which to locate as any center of its size in New England. Its people are alive and exceedingly progressive. To the manufacturer or business man or individual who is interested in what Danielson stands ready to do for them in the way of aiding in their material welfare the latch-string is always out. Come to Danielson and see for yourself, is the invitation extended through the Business Men's Association and the Board of Trade. Depend not alone on printed facts for information about the Gem of Eastern Connecticut- the invitation is to come and see with your own eyes. Danielson is willing to be judged on the showing it is making as to all its claims on what can be seen right among its people and within its borders. Piduresque and Industrial Eastern Connecticut 67

PLAINFIELD

This sturdy and rugged New England town has long been noted as one of the best dairying towns of Eastern Connecticut. Settled to a large extent by English people, many of the farms are today owned and worked by the direct descendants of the early settlers. Because of its noble hills and considerable stretches of rolling country Plainfield has long been noted as a healthy summer resort. Here is to be seen the historical and Colonial Lafayette Inn, still well-preserved and noted as being the headquarters of General Lafayette while stopping here when marching his soldiers from Boston to New York during the Revolutionary War. The village of Plainfield lies r8 miles north of Norwich, 36 miles west of Providence, 22 miles east of Willimantic and 18 miles south of Putnam, at the junction of what was formerly the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill and the Norwich & Worcester Rail­ roads, now the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Because of its excellent transportation facilities and its pure streams of water many industries have found the town an ideal place in which to live and a most economical location to manufacture their products. Among the more noted are The Lawton Mills Corp., engaged in the manufacture of a fine grade of cotton goods. The plant employs about 1500 hands and is thoroughly modern in every detail, having been built but two years it has increased the population of the village from 500 to 4,000. The largest village in the town is Moosup, where one of the American Woolen Mills is located. There are several other factories of some importance in the village that can boast of being the seat of the telephone exchange in Plainfield, and having hotels, trolley and steam road as well as being located on the river that bears its name. Central Village, as its name implies, is the most central place of the town. Here is to be found the Town Clerk's office and all Court business for Plainfield is transacted in Central Village. There are several factories in the village and it is a pleasant, healthful place in which to live. RECORD JOB PRINT NORWICH, CONN .