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: Gustave Geduldig Biography: Click Here
Added: Rev. Hiram P. Arms Biography: Click Here
Added: W. Tyler Olcott Biography: Click Here
Added: Howard L. Stanton Biography: Click Here
Updated: Howard L. Stanton Article: Click Here
1835-1892 J.F. Gustave Geduldig
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
Gustave Geduldig knew that in a city known as the Rose of New England, horticulture had a special importance. Since the late 1800s, the annual Rose Festival in Norwich has featured a rose parade complete with flower-bedecked floats. It was an event directly associated with the Jail Hill Historic District and the Geduldig family.
In the late 1800s, he established a thriving florist business on 77 Cedar Street with eight steam-heated greenhouses on his two-acre property. The basement of his fine brick house was outfitted with coolers and arranging tables. Until his death in 1895, Geduldig’s float was the highlight of Norwich’s annual parade every year. The business, which employed many local people, was run by his family until the 1860s.
He was married to Friederike Oesterreich Geduldig, also a German immigrant. They had four children: Jennie, Flora, Louis, and Fritz.
Unfortunately, private lives aren’t always as they appear. His family was held in high regard, and he bore an unblemished record until days before his untimely death. After making a terrible mistake, he committed suicide to avoid shame and remorse …
Click HERE to learn more about Gustave Geduldig
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
“Norwich History … It Never Gets Old,” articles are published here on Fridays
Mr. Geduldig in front of his Greenhouses
With Members of his Florist Business
An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Co.
Click On Image To Learn More
The IconicNorwich.org website was designed, developed, and is maintained by Bob Dees