Windham County

Public schools continued under the administration of the ecclesiastic society till 1797, when by a change of law it was recognized in the “capacity of a school society.” Liberty had been previously given to the several districts to tax themselves for the purpose of building and repairing a. school house, to choose a clerk and […]

Putnam as a town has been seriously incommoded by the uncertain tenure of its roads. It has been exceedingly difficult to trace the roads of three distinct towns to their original layout. In several cases it has been made evident that there was no layout, but that in confirmation of the modern development theory the

There were many families in the vicinity worthy of notice if space permitted. Noah Perrin, Sr., the Methodist class leader, had now succeeded to the ownership of the Perrin farm, and his numerous sons and daughters were much in demand for teaching school in the surrounding region, their united service amounting to some sixty-seven terms.

In the northwest corner of the town, on the Natchaug river and the New York and New England railroad, lies the post village of North Windham. It is situated on a comparatively level step on the northwest border of the hilly section of the town, and about four miles north of Willimantic. The village contains

While Putnam village, in a certain sense absorbs and dominates the town, the outlying portions have yet a distinct character and life. of their own. Two miles east of the busy village old Killingly hill reposes in serene tranquility. Transformed in name to Putnam Heights, with new elements and new inhabitants, this ancient village still

The first newspaper published in this village was the Public Medium, started by John Evans, about January,. 1847. After a few years its name was changed to the Willimantic journal, under which name it is still published. From Evans it passed into the hands of a Mr. Simpson, then to William L. Weaver, whose literary

The manufacture of cotton goods, the prime element in Putnam’s early growth and prosperity, is still its dominant interest, engrossing the largest amount of capital, giving employment to by far the largest number of residents. Rhodesville leads in this manufacture with its mammoth mills and myriad looms. As in former days Mr. Smith Wilkinson stood

Mechanicsville dates back to 1827, when a privilege upon the French river, just above its junction with the Quinebaug, was secured by a number of enterprising men, viz., Erastus Buck, Augusus Howe, Thomas and James Dike, Jude Sabin, John Chollar, Jacob Leavens and James Cunningham, who associated together as “The Mechanics’ Company” for the manufacture

In the revival of business following the close of the French war, Windham actively participated. Some enterprising local merchants opened commercial exchange with the West Indies, and by this means a market was provided for the products of the town. Under this stimulus much attention was given to wool growing, the culture of hemp, flax

Killingly hill was now an important center, with its reconstructed meeting house and military gatherings, its common being one of the amplest and finest in the county. Doctor Robert Grosvenor, now established there in medical practice, was the leading physician and surgeon. Justice Sampson Howe had opened its first store. Its tavern was kept by