New London County Trolleys


Book Description

Railroads were instrumental to the growth of industry in America. Streetcar systems branched off from railroad lines, extending transportation to urban and rural areas not otherwise accessible. The expansion of the trolley system in New London County also revitalized industry in the area. By the 1860s, the number of farms in Connecticut had begun to decline, and the need for reliable, reasonable transportation to towns and cities increased. The Norwich Horse Railroad, incorporated in 1864, was followed by various other trolley companies, including the Norwich Street Railway Company, the New London Horse Railroad, the New London Street Railway, and the Montville Horse Railway. Trolley transportation was finally electrified in 1889, fueling the expansion of trolley networks in Norwich and New London. The increase in trolley service allowed the textile industry to grow by expanding access to a sufficient workforce. The system also worked in reverse, enabling city dwellers to escape to the country for outings.




New London


Book Description

Home to whaling ships, privateers, and submarines, New London has been at the heart of some of America's most exciting seafaring history. This volume spans 65 years of life in New London: from the 1850s, when the Whaling City earned its reputation, to the days before World War I, when the last whaler had departed and the first submarine was about to arrive. Through these pages, you will walk the city's unpaved streets to forgotten places like Bacon's Hotel and the Old Yellow Building, ride the trolley up State Street, and see Ocean Beach as it was before the 1938 hurricane swept it away. New London also gives special attention to the fashionable Pequot Colony, the trains and steamboats that traveled to and from the city, and familiar landmarks such as Union Station, the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, and the Olde Town Mill. Home to whaling ships, privateers, and submarines, New London has been at the heart of some of America's most exciting seafaring history. This volume spans 65 years of life in New London: from the 1850s, when the Whaling City earned its reputation, to the days before World War I, when the last whaler had departed and the first submarine was about to arrive. Through these pages, you will walk the city's unpaved streets to forgotten places like Bacon's Hotel and the Old Yellow Building, ride the trolley up State Street, and see Ocean Beach as it was before the 1938 hurricane swept it away. New London also gives special attention to the fashionable Pequot Colony, the trains and steamboats that traveled to and from the city, and familiar landmarks such as Union Station, the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, and the Olde Town Mill.







Morton F. Plant and the Connecticut Shoreline


Book Description

Gilded Age financier Morton F. Plant inherited his father's transportation empire determined to improve his community. A dreamer eager to invest in innovative technology and grass-roots community causes alike, Plant's influence ran deep on the Connecticut shoreline prior to World War I, and his legacy remains prominent. Plant's summer mansion, Branford House, is one of southeastern Connecticut's iconic landmarks. He was instrumental in founding the prestigious Connecticut College. And the Shennecossett Golf Club he developed as part of his summer resort is a popular public course. Gail Braccidiferro MacDonald brings to life this important figure in Connecticut history and demonstrates his long-reaching impact.










The Great Lakes Region in Children's Books


Book Description

An annotated guide to works about the Great Lakes region including hard and soft cover books, pamphlets, and magazines.




Waterbury Trolleys


Book Description

Waterbury Trolleys traces the growth and expansion of the streetcar system throughout the Naugatuck Valley. This system became part of the Connecticut Company's extensive streetcar network, spanning 1,138 miles statewide at its peak in 1918. As automobiles became a primary mode of transportation, the streetcar lines in Waterbury transitioned to bus routes. By 1937, streetcars were officially replaced by buses. This wonderful collection of vintage photographs documents the network of streetcars that once thrived in Waterbury.







Parliamentary Papers


Book Description