Experience 300 Years of Norwich History
The primary goal of this website is to educate the public about Norwich, Connecticut’s rich heritage and history spanning the 300-year period from 1659 to 1959. The site offers quick and easy access to an extensive collection of media, focusing on Norwich’s historical events, places, and other interesting tidbits.
This site is entirely free of charge
IconicNorwich.org features over 3,000 concise articles and numerous historical maps of Norwich. The articles are organized into more than 30 categories. The Bibliography connects you to thousands of historical web-based links from Norwich. Several quizzes, prepared presentations, and crossword puzzles are provided to enhance the learning environment.
You are invited to add or contribute to new or existing placemarks by filling out the form in the “Contribute Article” section.
Recent Updates to IconicNorwich.org
Added: Howard L. Stanton Biography: Click Here
Updated: Howard L. Stanton Article: Click Here
Added: Dr. Leonard B. Almy: Click Here
Added: Civil War Vets Buried in Norwich: Click Here
Updated: Major update to the Bibliography: Click Here
1854-1935: Howard L. Stanton
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
Howard L. Stanton was born in Norwich on July 17, 1854. He was a member of the Norwich Fire Department for more than 58 years (1871-1929) and was the Chief of the department for 28 years (1901-1929).
He began his affiliation with the Norwich Fire Department as a runner with the Neptune Steam Fire Engine Company Number 2 in 1871. Over the years, as respect from his fellow firefighters grew, he rose through the ranks from 2nd Assistant Foreman to Engine Stoker to Captain to Second Assistant to, finally, Chief Engineer of the Department.
Chief Stanton was deeply concerned about community safety. In 1897, he patented the “Steering Mechanism for Bicycles” shown below, and, later, in 1913, he wrote an article titled “How to Interest School Children.” The article stressed the importance of teaching fire safety.
Under his masterful administration and enthusiasm for improving the Norwich Fire Department, Chief Stanton introduced many changes. Beginning with the creation of a volunteer department, he also introduced horses to the force, hired 6 permanent firemen, added 14 additional fire alarm boxes, added a complete fire alarm telegraph, and, mainly through his efforts, convinced Norwich to build a new central fire station, which opened on December 3, 1904.
Howard L. Stanton led by example and fostered and promoted community solidarity. He was most certainly admired and respected by the citizens of Norwich for his dedication to service, bravery, and focus on safety and fire protection.
Click HERE and HERE to learn more about Chief Howard L. Stanton
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
“Norwich HIstory … It Never Gets Old,” articles are published here on Fridays
Chief Howard L. Stanton
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An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Co.
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The IconicNorwich.org website was designed, developed, and is maintained by Bob Dees