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History of Preston, Connecticut, USA
Journey back in time to Preston, Connecticut, USA
Also known as(Poquetanuck)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Preston, Connecticut, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Preston
Preston, New London, Connecticut
On August 4, 1954, an Air France Lockheed L-1049C Super Constellation flying from Orly Airport, Paris, to Idlewild Airport, New York City, crash-landed in a farm field in Preston. There were no deaths.
The town includes the villages of Long Society, Preston City, and Poquetanuck.
On August 4, 1954, an Air France Lockheed L-1049C Super Constellation flying from Orly Airport, Paris, to Idlewild Airport, New York City, crash-landed in a farm field in Preston. There were no deaths.
The town includes the villages of Long Society, Preston City, and Poquetanuck.
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VINTAGE PRESTON
Preston Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - William Grant House, Poquetanuck, Conn., built 1754){kind=small}
William Grant House, Poquetanuck, Conn., built 1754
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Preston, Connecticut, USA
Photo taken by us
 - Old Preston, Connecticut cemetery. Located near the intersection of Rte 164 and Rte 165. Many of the stones are so old that erosion has reduced them to ordinary rocks (without any visible signs of writing on them).){kind=small}
Old Preston, Connecticut cemetery. Located near the intersection of Rte 164 and Rte 165. Many of the stones are so old that erosion has reduced them to ordinary rocks (without any visible signs of writing on them).
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - St. James Church, Poquetanuck, Conn., built 1896){kind=small}
St. James Church, Poquetanuck, Conn., built 1896
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Preston City Bible Church){kind=small}
Preston City Bible Church
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Advertisement
 - A Conference of Six Churches in the Congregational Chruch, Preston City, October 16th, 1912){kind=small}
A Conference of Six Churches in the Congregational Chruch, Preston City, October 16th, 1912
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Toll Bridge){kind=small}
Toll Bridge
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Lincoln Park, Hallville, Ct.){kind=small}
Lincoln Park, Hallville, Ct.
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Advertisement
 - James M. Young,
Groceries & Provisions
Meats and Grain.
4 to 10 Main Street, Preston, Conn.){kind=small}
James M. Young,
Groceries & Provisions
Meats and Grain.
4 to 10 Main Street, Preston, Conn.
Groceries & Provisions
Meats and Grain.
4 to 10 Main Street, Preston, Conn.
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Photograph
 - Community Store, Preston, Conn., 1923){kind=small}
Community Store, Preston, Conn., 1923
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Preston City from Dumpling Hill){kind=small}
Preston City from Dumpling Hill
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Advertisement
 - Arthur M. Fuller
Raw Milk - Popcorn - Vegetables
Strawberries and Cut Flowers
Residence: Take Route 165 from Noriwch.
Turn Right at First Four Courners.
Preston, Conn.){kind=small}
Arthur M. Fuller
Raw Milk - Popcorn - Vegetables
Strawberries and Cut Flowers
Residence: Take Route 165 from Noriwch.
Turn Right at First Four Courners.
Preston, Conn.
Raw Milk - Popcorn - Vegetables
Strawberries and Cut Flowers
Residence: Take Route 165 from Noriwch.
Turn Right at First Four Courners.
Preston, Conn.
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Advertisement
 - Broad Brook Dairy, Preston City, Conn.){kind=small}
Broad Brook Dairy, Preston City, Conn.
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Photograph
 - Preston City Congregational Church){kind=small}
Preston City Congregational Church
Preston, Connecticut, USA
Photograph
 - House near church in Preston, Connecticut){kind=small}
House near church in Preston, Connecticut
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to PRESTON
CONNECTICUT Gift Idea - Apizza, Burger on Toast, White Clam Pizza - I Love Connecticut! - CT Mug for Genealogists Family History
Featuring iconic local delicacies, the design of this mug captures the essence of Connecticut's food culture. It pays homage to the Apizza, a unique and mouthwatering pizza style that originated in New Haven. The legendary Louis' Lunch Burger, said to be the birthplace of the hamburger, is also prominently featured. And of course, there's a nod to the classic White Clam Pizza, a coastal favorite that's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
SAVIN ROCK, CT Memories - Vintage Amusement Park Connecticut Postcards Ceramic Mug
Take a nostalgic trip to Connecticut’s beloved Savin Rock amusement park with this charming ceramic mug. Featuring vintage-inspired images and iconic landmarks, it’s perfect for reminiscing about summer days, family outings, and the golden age of amusement parks.
CONNECTICUT Roots Mug: Bed-and-Breakfast Enthusiast Edition
Start your day with a sip of history and charm from our Connecticut-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming: "My ancestors came from Connecticut, that explains a lot about my love for charming bed-and-breakfasts and discussing the nuances of colonial architecture." This delightful mug is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like cozy mornings at quaint inns and lively conversations about the elegance of colonial design.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Preston: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Preston through the years.
In 1686, Thomas Parke, Thomas Tracy, and several others petitioned for and were granted by the Connecticut General Court authority to establish a plantation seven miles square to the east of Norwich and north of New London and Stonington.
Owaneco, son of the Mohegan sachem Uncas, gave a confirmatory deed for the land in 1687. In October of that same year, the town was formally incorporated as Preston, named for the English city of Preston, Lancashire.
1819 - Preston
Preston, a considerable post township, 44 miles from Hartford; bounded on the north by Griswold, on the east by Griswold and North-Stonington, on the south by Groton, on the west by the Thames and Quinibaug rivers, which separate it from Norwich, Montville and Lisbon. Its average length is about 7 miles, and its breadth about 4 and a half miles, comprising an area of about 30 square miles...
1839 - Preston
Preston, Connecticut
New London county. This is an irregular, uneven, rocky town, of a pretty good soil for corn and grazing. It is bounded W. and N. by the Thames and Quinnebaug rivers; 44 miles E.S.E. from Hartford. First settled, 1686. Population, 1830, 1,935. Poquetannuck, an ancient village, lies partly in Preston and partly in Ledyard. It has a water power, and small vessels pass within a short distance of it. Many of the inhabitants are employed in navigation, and considerable ship timber is taken from there down the river. Preston City lies in the eastern part of the town, 5 miles E. from Poquetannuck, and 6 E. from Norwich. Near this village is "Amos lake," a handsome sheet of water, and a place of resort for parties of pleasure.
New London county. This is an irregular, uneven, rocky town, of a pretty good soil for corn and grazing. It is bounded W. and N. by the Thames and Quinnebaug rivers; 44 miles E.S.E. from Hartford. First settled, 1686. Population, 1830, 1,935. Poquetannuck, an ancient village, lies partly in Preston and partly in Ledyard. It has a water power, and small vessels pass within a short distance of it. Many of the inhabitants are employed in navigation, and considerable ship timber is taken from there down the river. Preston City lies in the eastern part of the town, 5 miles E. from Poquetannuck, and 6 E. from Norwich. Near this village is "Amos lake," a handsome sheet of water, and a place of resort for parties of pleasure.
1854 - Preston
Preston, a post-township in New London co., Connecticut, 44 miles E. S. E. from Hartford. Population, 1842.
Preston, a post-village in the above township, contains several churches.
Preston, a post-village in the above township, contains several churches.
1880 - Rats
A farmer in Preston, Conn., who was troubled with rats, purchased a cat with a reputation as a mouser, and rats were soon among the things that were. But on going into the cellar, one day, he saw rats sharing the noonday meal of the cat. The cat appeared to be charmed by them. The farmer allowed the strange friendship to exist for several days.
1893 - WILLIAM E. CHAPMAN KILLED.; Crushed by a Tree Weakened by Last Week's Cyclone -- Escape of His Son.
One of the victims of the cyclone of last week was William E. Chapman, the well-known President of the Chapman Wrecking Company. Early on Thursday, the morning after the storm, Mr. Chapman left his Summer home at Preston, Conn., with his son, Isaac E. Chapman, for the railway station. As they drove along the road a tree, which had been weakened by the fury of the storm, toppled over and fell upon their wagon, crushing them and their vehicle to the ground.
The horses broke loose, and as they ran wildly along the road and to the railroad station, they were recognized and it was at once surmised that some member of the Chapman family had met with an accident. Searchers were immediately sent out in a wagon, and it was not long before they found the wrecked wagon and its passengers.
Mr. Chapman was found pinioned to the ground by the fallen tree. He was covered with blood, his skull having been pierced by a splinter from the tree. His son was also held fast to the earth by the...
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The horses broke loose, and as they ran wildly along the road and to the railroad station, they were recognized and it was at once surmised that some member of the Chapman family had met with an accident. Searchers were immediately sent out in a wagon, and it was not long before they found the wrecked wagon and its passengers.
Mr. Chapman was found pinioned to the ground by the fallen tree. He was covered with blood, his skull having been pierced by a splinter from the tree. His son was also held fast to the earth by the...
1895 - Preston
Preston, a post-hamlet in Preston township, New London co., Conn., about 5 miles E. of Norwich. It has 2 churches. The township is bounded on the N.W. by the Quinnebaug River, and contains Poquetanuck. Pop. of the township in 1890, 2555.
1906
Preston, a post-village in Preston township (town), New London co., Conn., about 5 miles E. of Norwich. The town is bounded on the NW. by the Quinebaug River. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2807.
Show more local history, news & stories
1918 - PRESTON TO DECIDE ON FREE TEXT BOOKS
The town of Preston is in the throes of the free school books question and will settle it by a vote of the towns people at the annual town meeting next Monday night.
A prominent citizen of the town who has interested himself in the pros and cons of the question outlined some fo these on Friday as follows:
First. One hundred and thrity-five towns out of the 168 in Connecticut have already adopted this system. Fifteen states in the United States have made the furnishing of text books mandatory. Connecticut is the only state in New England that has not made it mandatory to furnish free text books to elementary school students. Connecticut has made ti optional to the towns. Under this law 85 per cent of the children attending public school in Connecticut receive free text books. Seventeen states in the United States have passed optional laws along this line and in the 16 states where no law has been passed in relation to this subject a considerable number of the cities and towns...
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A prominent citizen of the town who has interested himself in the pros and cons of the question outlined some fo these on Friday as follows:
First. One hundred and thrity-five towns out of the 168 in Connecticut have already adopted this system. Fifteen states in the United States have made the furnishing of text books mandatory. Connecticut is the only state in New England that has not made it mandatory to furnish free text books to elementary school students. Connecticut has made ti optional to the towns. Under this law 85 per cent of the children attending public school in Connecticut receive free text books. Seventeen states in the United States have passed optional laws along this line and in the 16 states where no law has been passed in relation to this subject a considerable number of the cities and towns...
1954 - Plane Crash-lands, Burns in Conn.
PRESTON, Conn., Aug. 3 - (INS) - A skillful, heroic Air France pilot brought 37 persons, 29 of them passengers, to safety Tuesday when he crash-landed a transatlantic Super-Constellation in a potato field after running out of fuel when blocked by rain and fog from landing in New York.
Pilot Jean Caboche, ironically, was the most seriously injured among the score hurt when the four-engine plane from Paris crashed and burst into flames. He suffered a leg fractur.
2 BABIES HURT
Among the other slightly injured were members of the crew of eight and the passengers, which included two babies.
One of the babies was 4-week-old Cherill Eighanian, of Munich, German, being taken by her mother, Mouhir, to Boston Children's Hospital for a brain operation.
CIRCLES FIELD
Caboche had reached New York on schedule from Shannon, Ireland. Unable to come in because of fog, he circled Idelwild Airport for nearly an hour. Then, with fuel running low, he started on a desperate dash for Hartford ...
Read more
Pilot Jean Caboche, ironically, was the most seriously injured among the score hurt when the four-engine plane from Paris crashed and burst into flames. He suffered a leg fractur.
2 BABIES HURT
Among the other slightly injured were members of the crew of eight and the passengers, which included two babies.
One of the babies was 4-week-old Cherill Eighanian, of Munich, German, being taken by her mother, Mouhir, to Boston Children's Hospital for a brain operation.
CIRCLES FIELD
Caboche had reached New York on schedule from Shannon, Ireland. Unable to come in because of fog, he circled Idelwild Airport for nearly an hour. Then, with fuel running low, he started on a desperate dash for Hartford ...
If you're looking for places to go and things to do in and around Preston, here's a list:
Maugle Sierra Vineyards: Start your journey with a visit to Maugle Sierra Vineyards. This family-owned winery offers tastings of their delicious wines in a picturesque setting. You can relax on the outdoor patio, enjoy live music on the weekends, and even bring a picnic to pair with your favorite wine.
Preston Ridge Vineyard: Another fantastic option for wine enthusiasts, Preston Ridge Vineyard is known for its stunning views and award-winning wines. They often host events and live music, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the ambiance.
The Rose Barn: If you're a fan of historic places, make sure to stop by The Rose Barn. This 18th-century barn has been beautifully restored and is now home to an art gallery featuring local artists' work. It's a wonderful place to appreciate local art and history.
Preston Community Park: For outdoor enthusiasts, Preston Community Park is a must-visit. This spacious park offers a range of activities, including hiking trails, picnic...
Read more
Preston Ridge Vineyard: Another fantastic option for wine enthusiasts, Preston Ridge Vineyard is known for its stunning views and award-winning wines. They often host events and live music, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the ambiance.
The Rose Barn: If you're a fan of historic places, make sure to stop by The Rose Barn. This 18th-century barn has been beautifully restored and is now home to an art gallery featuring local artists' work. It's a wonderful place to appreciate local art and history.
Preston Community Park: For outdoor enthusiasts, Preston Community Park is a must-visit. This spacious park offers a range of activities, including hiking trails, picnic...
GENEALOGY IN PRESTON
Discover YOUR Roots: Preston Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Preston through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Preston, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about 352 ancestors who were born or died in Preston.
View ancestors by year of birthMARRIAGES
Ancestors Who Were Married in Preston, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Preston.
View married ancestorsRESEARCH RESOURCES
Genealogy Resources and General Items of Interest for Preston
First Congregational Church of Preston, CT - 1698 - 1898, Baptisms
First Congregational Church of Preston, Connecticut 1698-1898 Together With Statistics Of The Church Taken From The Church Records
First Congregational Church of Preston, Connecticut 1698-1898 Together With Statistics Of The Church Taken From The Church Records
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Updated: 9/15/2023 2:19:53 PM
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