The first bomb-lance harpoon used for whaling was invented in 1846 by Oliver Allen of Norwich. How was the lance propelled?
The harpoon was shot from a hand-held whaling rifle.
In 1902 the first hydraulic air compressor plant in the U.S. opened in Norwich. Which river did the dam use to create the compressed air?
The air compressor plant used a dam on the Quinebaug River.
Which Norwich newspaper was the first ever print the word ‘Hollo’ in 1826?
The Norwich Courier printed the article. The article described a prank that one young man played on another.
Which former Norwich Mayor authored the United States National Apprenticeship Act in 1937?
William Fitzgerald of Norwich authered the National Apprenticeship Act in 1937.
Which Norwich resident was the President of the 2nd Continental Congress on March 1, 1781 and is considered by many as the First President of the United States?
When the Second Continental Congress convened, it was the first time that representives from all thirteen colonies united together as a single group of united states. Since Samuel Huntington was the President of this Congress he has been called the first legitimate President of the United States.
The ‘Patent Printer’ was invented by Norwich resident Charles Thurber in 1843. The Patent Printer was a forerunner of which machine?
The Patent Printer was the forerunner of the typewriter. It was developed based on one of Thurber's four 'writing machine' patents.
Smith & Wesson designed and patented the first cartridge bullet while in Norwich. What size of bullet did the cartridge use?
It was a .22 caliber cartridge.
The first mechanical chirographer was invented by Charles Thurber in 1845. What was this machine intended to do?
The Mechanical Chirographer was a machine that allowed a user to create a document that appeared to be hand written. It was marketed as a tool to aid blind people.
Who, while living in Norwich, designed and patented the first lever action gun?
While in Norwich, the Smith & Wesson 'Vocanic' pistol was developed in 1854 using Smith & Wesson's Patent # 10,535.
How much was did it cost for a man and his horse to travel from Norwich to New London on the New London Turnpike in 1792?
In 1792 to toll was 1¢. In today's currency it would be 27¢.
