History of East Lyme, Connecticut, USA

1839 - The Town of East Lyme, consisting of the Villages of Flanders and Niantic, was incorporated in 1839, having been set off from Lyme to the west and Waterford to the east.
Flanders was then the population center for the town, with several mills, schools and churches, as well as Caulkins Tavern along the Post Road, providing a sense of community life...

www.eastlymehistoricalsociety.org/ index_files/ Page367.htm

1854 - East Lyme
East Lyme, a post-village in New London county, Connecticut, on Mamacock river, 6 miles W. by S. from New London.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1874 - Never Gets Out of Bed
There is a man in East Lyme who has kept his bed for six years because he was once disappointed in love. He isn't sick, but simply chronically sorry that he didn't get that girl. His mother waits upon him constantly. The man had a brother who once lay abed for five years.
The New York Times
New York, New York
November 8, 1874

1880 Fire
At East Lyme, Conn.
The woolen mill of the Atlantic Mills Co., at East Lyme, Ct., was burned Monday afternoon. Loss $50,000.
genealogybank.com
St. Albans Daily Messenger
St. Albans, Vermont
February 24, 1880

1891 - Tramp Law
What has become of our tramp law? Complaint comes from many parts of the state of the great number of tramps that infest the small towns. In Old Lyme and East Lyme, the people contemplate forming a league for mutual protection against the tramps. They steal, frighten women, and trouble the people in every way possible. It is time that the law that once rid the state of these nuisances was revived an reinforced in all its vigor.
The New Haven Evening Register
New Haven, Connecticut
September 11, 1891

1895 - East Lyme
East Lyme, a post-village of New London co., Conn., about 7 miles W.N.W. of New London. The township is bounded on the S. by Long Island Sound, and intersected by the railroad which connects New Haven with New Lon don. It has a church and manufactures of woollens, cot ton-batting, tweeds, and water-proofs, and contains another village, named Niantic. Pop., of the township, 2048.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1898 Christmas in East Lyme
ALL THE CHILDREN AND THEIR ELDERS CELEBRATE THE DAY.

Saturday night was a red letter time for East Lyme children and their friends. A fine Christmas tree was provided in the hall and loaded down with presents and decorations. At 5 o'clock the juveniles gathered in great force and were all supplied with as much cake and coffee, etc., as they could accommodate. After the hunger of the multitude was appeased a miscellaneous program of songs, etc., was rendered. Then that worthy old gentleman who travels under so many aliases appeared, namely Santa Claus. It is certain that the uproarious glee of the little folks on receiving their various gifts far more than repaid the kind and thoughtful ladies for their arduous labors in carrying out the affair.
The Day
New London, Connecticut
December 27, 1898

1906 - East Lyme
East Lyme, a post-village of New London co., Conn., about 7 miles WNW. of New London. The township (town) is bounded on the S. by Long Island Sound. It has manufactures of woollens, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1836.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1916
East Lyme, a post-village of New London co., Conn., about 7 miles WNW. of New London. The township (town) is bounded on the S. by Long Island Sound. It has manufactures of woollens, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1836.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1954 - Hurricane Carol - HURRICANE ROARS ACROSS LONG ISLAND. FIVE KILLED BY STORM IN NEW ENGLAND.
...Four thousand campers at Hammonassett State Park, on the shore at Madison, were ordered evacuated from their tents to recreation buildings there. Similar orders went out to 500 tenters at the Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme...

The Times Record Troy New York 1954-08-31

Carol formed near the central Bahama Islands on August 25, and moved slowly northward and north-northwestward. By August 30 it was a hurricane about 100-150 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina. It then accelerated north-northeastward, make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane over Long Island, New York and Connecticut on the 31st. The cyclone became extratropical later that day as it crossed the remainder of New England and southeastern Canada.

Sustained winds of 80 to 100 mph were reported over much of eastern Connecticut, all of Rhode Island, and eastern Massachusetts. A peak gust of 130 mph was reported at Block Island, Rhode Island, while gusts of 100 to 125 mph occurred over much of the rest of the ... Read MORE...

2023 - Whether you're a local looking for new adventures or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in East Lyme:
Hole-in-the-Wall Beach: Start your East Lyme adventure with a visit to this beautiful, secluded beach. It's a fantastic spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming. The beach's name originates from a small cave-like opening in the rocks, making it a unique and picturesque destination.

Rocky Neck State Park: This state park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. It offers hiking trails, a scenic picnic area, and a long stretch of sandy beach. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

Niantic Bay Boardwalk: Stroll along this picturesque boardwalk, which stretches for miles along Niantic Bay. You can enjoy views of the bay, watch boats go by, and even do some fishing from the pier. It's a great place for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

McCook Point Park: This park is perched on a bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. It's a tranquil spot with well-maintained gardens, walking trails, and picnic areas. The panoramic views of... Read MORE...