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: Horace A. Briggs Biography: Click Here
Added: Lucretia Bradley Biography: Click Here
Added: Alfred H. Vaughn Biography: Click Here
Added: Henry H. Starkweather Biography: Click Here
Added: Chief John A. Bowen Biography: Click Here
1821-1897 Charles Young
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
Charles Young was born in Bavaria, Germany, in September 1821. He assisted his father with the work on their farm and attended school until the age of fourteen. From his elder brother, he learned the cutlery trade and followed this profession until the age of twenty-two, when he entered the German army, in which he served for the next six years. When war broke out between Bavaria and Prussia, Bavaria was defeated, and Charles Young, a Bavarian officer, was forced to flee his native country to avoid capture.
He came to America in 1849, bringing with him his bride of only four weeks, Phillipena Young. They sailed from France to New York, a voyage which took thirty-one days.
Two days after landing in New York, the young couple came to Norwich, CT, where Charles learned the trade of molder at Vaughn’s foundry, while his enterprising wife, Phillipina, obtained work as a seamstress. Her skills were immediately recognized. As a popular dressmaker, she often worked from early morning until late at night, contributing to the family’s savings and eventually leading to financial success.
In April 1864, during the Civil War, the Youngs purchased the corner building at the intersection of Main and Franklin Streets in downtown Norwich. Over time, they acquired the surrounding buildings, and the block became a landmark known as Young’s Block. The building later became Norwich’s F.W. Woolworth Store.
Click HERE to learn more about Charles Young
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
Young Family Tomb ~ Yantic Cemetery
“Norwich History … It Never Gets Old,” is published here on Fridays. Next issue will appear here on Friday July 31
The IconicNorwich.org website was designed, developed, and is maintained by Bob Dees