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: Emily Huntington Biography: Click Here
Added: Dr. Ralph Farnsworth Biography: Click Here
Added: Alfred A. Adam Biography: Click Here
Added: Henry B. Norton Biography: Click Here
Added: Gardiner Greene Jr. Biography: Click Here
Added: William H. Page Biography: Click Here
September 1901: Old Home Week
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
Norwich has celebrated hundreds of festive events over its distinguished history. One of the most notable celebrations took place during the first week of September in 1901. The good people of Norwich welcomed all past and present residents, friends, and family for a glorious celebration.
As shown in the image, the week was filled with a wide range of community activities: a Grand Parade, a boat race, a horse race, the Mayor’s address at the theater, steamboat rides, a Labor Parade, a baseball game, and more. The colorized image below provides an illuminating glimpse into Norwich’s glorious past.
Mayor Charles F. Thayer first proposed hosting an Old Home Week celebration in Norwich. After the Court of Common Council in Norwich approved the idea, Superior Court Judge John M. Thayer (Charles’ brother) and James B. Shannon (real estate developer) personally traveled to Massachusetts and invited former President Cleveland to be the guest of honor.
Many events took place over the week. There was a baseball game between Taftville and Jewett City, a tug-of-war contest, a horse race, the barrel bonfire, fireworks in the harbor, an evening dance, and more. There was a “Norwich Town Loan Exhibit” in the old-school house on the Norwichtown Green. The exhibit featured many fine antiques, including a clock made by Joseph Carpenter and another by Deacon William Cleveland (President Cleveland’s grandfather).
Click HERE to learn about Norwich’s 1901 Old Home Week
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
“Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” is published here bi-monthly on Fridays.
Next issue will appear here on Friday, September 4
Norwich Bulletin front page August 31, 1901 (Colorized by Bruce Noland)
*Place your cursor over the image to magnify
An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Company. Click image to see.
The IconicNorwich.org website was designed, developed, and is maintained by Bob Dees