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
Updated: Sarah Kemble Knight: Click Here
Added: Caleb B. Rogers Biography: Click Here
Added: Winslow Tracy Williams Biography: Click Here
Added: Sarah Osgood Biography: Click Here
Added: John C. Perkins Biography: Click Here
Added: George W. Kies Biography: Click Here
1828-1914 George W. Kies
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
George Whipple Kies was born in Killingly, Connecticut, on November 7, 1828, into a large family of eight children, and was raised by his mother, Freelove. His father, Marvin, passed away when George was only thirteen. After attending local schools and the Killingly Academy, he gained valuable business experience working as a clerk for the Danielson Manufacturing Company and later operating a drug business in West Killingly. Seeking new opportunities, Kies moved to Norwich in August 1853, first finding employment at a confectionery store on Franklin Square while supplementing his income by keeping books for other local business owners.
In the spring of 1854, Kies transitioned into the footwear industry, working as a clerk at the wholesale and retail boot and shoe store of Gurdon A. Jones on Main Street. He spent twelve years learning every facet of the boot and shoe business before striking out on his own in the summer of 1866 with a storefront in the Rockwell Building. His venture proved highly successful, prompting him to move his business to the Austin Building at 80 Main Street in 1871, conveniently located directly across from the local post office.
Click HERE to learn more about George W. Kies
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
“Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” is normally published here every Friday.
The next issue will appear here on Friday, November 13
George W. Kies
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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