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Journey back in time to Middletown, Connecticut, USA

Explore Middletown, Connecticut, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Omo Dress Shield The Omo Mfg. Co., Middletown, Ct.  The Ladies Home Journal October 1898

Middletown, Middlesex, Connecticut, USA

In the early 1900s, Middletown was home to the Noiseless Typewriter Co., which produced up to 12,000 typewriters per year.
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Middletown Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Omo Dress Shield
The Omo Mfg. Co., Middletown, Ct.

The Ladies' Home Journal
October 1898
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Omo Dress Shield
The Omo Mfg. Co., Middletown, Ct.

The Ladies' Home Journal
October 1898
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Washington Street, Middletown, Conn.
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Washington Street, Middletown, Conn.
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Washington Street, Middletown, Conn.
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Washington Street, Middletown, Conn.
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - One of Middletown's Conn. Hose Company
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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One of Middletown's Conn. Hose Company
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Birds-eye View of Middletown and Connecticut River from Asylum Hill
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Birds-eye View of Middletown and Connecticut River from Asylum Hill
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Episcopal Church
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Episcopal Church
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - South Congregational Church, 1905
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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South Congregational Church, 1905
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Broad Street, 1906
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Broad Street, 1906
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - College Campus Looking North, 1906
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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College Campus Looking North, 1906
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Holy Trinity Church, 1906
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Holy Trinity Church, 1906
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Middletown, Conn., South Park & Soldiers Monument, 1906
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Middletown, Conn., South Park & Soldiers Monument, 1906
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - High School
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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High School
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Middle Building. Connecticut Hospital for the Insane., 1907
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Middle Building. Connecticut Hospital for the Insane., 1907
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Russell Free Library, 1907
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Russell Free Library, 1907
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - View of Middletown, Conn.
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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View of Middletown, Conn.
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - South Main Street, 1909
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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South Main Street, 1909
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - John Bell Scott's Memorial College
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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John Bell Scott's Memorial College
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - South Main St. looking North
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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South Main St. looking North
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - S. Main Street & Pleasant Street Junction
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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S. Main Street & Pleasant Street Junction
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - South Park and Methodist Church
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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South Park and Methodist Church
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Middletown, Conn. Y.M.C.A. and Connecticut Business College, Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Middletown, Conn. Y.M.C.A. and Connecticut Business College, Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Noiseless Typewriter Company


One of the more innovative manufacturers was the Noiseless Typewri
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Noiseless Typewriter Company


One of the more innovative manufacturers was the Noiseless Typewriter Company of Middletown, Connecticut. Incorporated in January of 1909, the company sought to combat the discordant clattering found in office spaces with a quieter version of the typewriter. Taking over the factory previously operated by the Eisenhuth Horseless Vehicle Company, the Noiseless Typewriter Company was soon producing up to twelve thousand typewriters per year. In 1927 they merged with Rand Kardex to form the Remington Noiseless Typewriter Corporation—Middletown’s largest employer—but labor strife in 1936 ultimately changed the direction of the company away from typewriter production.

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Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Chapel, Industrial School for Girls, 1911
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Chapel, Industrial School for Girls, 1911
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Fire Department, 1912
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Fire Department, 1912
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - The Rockfall Woolen Co.

THE ROCKFALL WOOLLEN COMPANY.-In July 1882, a company known as the Rockfa
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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The Rockfall Woolen Co.

THE ROCKFALL WOOLLEN COMPANY.-In July 1882, a company known as the Rockfall Woolen Company, for the manufacture of woollen blankets etc., was organized. The old brick building at Staddle Hill, formerly owned and used by Colonel NORTH as a pistol factory, was purchased by the company. The building is 35 by 85 feet, three stories high, with a dye house 55 by 53 feet, two stories high. About 600 pounds of wool are used daily in the manufacture of these goods, giving employment to about 30 hands. The machinery is of the latest and most improved pattern, and requires about 40 horse power to run it. The incorporators of the company were Jonathan A. LANE, Fred. D. ALLEN, Joseph MERRIAM, William J. MITCHELL, John J. BOCKER, and Allen LANE & Company. The officers are Jonathan A. LANE, president; Joseph MERRIAM, secretary and treasurer.

The History of Middlesex County 1635-1885
J. H. Beers & Co., 36 Vesey Street, New York
1884
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Nurses Home, State Hospital
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Nurses Home, State Hospital
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - The Chapel, Long Lane Farm
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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The Chapel, Long Lane Farm
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - World War Monument, Middletown, Conn.
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Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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World War Monument, Middletown, Conn.
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Middletown, Connecticut, USA - St. John's R.C. Church and School
Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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St. John's R.C. Church and School
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Greetings from Wesleyan University
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Greetings from Wesleyan University
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - City Hall, Post Office and Main Street
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City Hall, Post Office and Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - Dennison Memorial and Harriman Hall, Wesleyan University
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Dennison Memorial and Harriman Hall, Wesleyan University
Middletown, Connecticut, USA - United Restaurant and Cafeteria
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United Restaurant and Cafeteria

Discover Middletown: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add informationAdd History/News/Story
1784 -Earliest Connecticut cities incorporated - Hartford, Middletown, New Haven, New London and Norwich.

Timeline of Connecticut History (ctfamilyhistory.com)
William C. Redfield, a noted American meteorologist, was born in Middletown on March 26, 1789.

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Read more about William C REDFIELD photo of William C REDFIELD
1819 - Middletown
Middletown, the semi-seat of justice, and the most considerable township of the county, is pleasantly situated upon the west side of the Connecticut river, 31 miles from its mouth at Saybrook bar, according to the course of the river, 15 miles south of Hartford, 25 northeast of New-Haven, and 35 northwest of New-London, in north lat. 41 degrees 35', west lon. 72 degrees 54'.

The township is bounded on the north by Wethersfield and Berlin, in Hartford county, on the east by the Connecticut river, which separates it from Chatham, on the south by Haddam and Durham, and on the west by Wallingford and Meriden, in New-Haven county.

Its average length from north to south is about 9 miles, and its average breadth from east to west nearly 7 miles, comprising about 58 square miles, or 37,120 acres.

This township comprises the southern section of the agrillaceous district, upon the borders of Connecticut river; its geological character, surface and soil corresponding with the prevailing ... Read MORE...

1819 - MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.
Middletown, (Conn.) July 29.

On Tuesday last, as Mr. James Turner and his wife, of this town, were riding in a carriage, the horse took fright and run. Mr. Turner jumped out and held on by the reins, but the carriage, in going over a rock upset, threw Mrs. Turner out, and killed her instantly - her scull was broke, and otherwise much bruised - she was only 19 years of age.
genealogybank.com
Alexandria Gazette
Alexandria, Virginia
August 06, 1819
1831 - Wesleyan University founded in Middletown.
Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts university in Middletown, Connecticut. Founded in 1831 as a men's college under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church and with the support of prominent residents of Middletown, the college was the first institution of higher education to be named after John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. It is now a secular institution.

The college accepted female applicants from 1872 to 1909, but did not become fully co-educational until 1970... wikipedia
Timeline of Connecticut History (ctfamilyhistory.com)

Read more about John WESLEY photo of John WESLEY
1839 - Middletown
Middletown, Ct.

Chief town of Middlesex co. Middletown City, and port of entry, lies on the W. bank of Connecticut river, 30 miles from its mouth, 15 S. from Hartford, 24 N.E from New Haven, 35 N.W. from New London. Lat 41° 34' N., long. 72° 39' W. The city is very pleasantly situated on ground rising gradually from the river. The principal street, called Main street, runs parallel with the river. This and other streets, are intersected by cross streets, leading to the river.

The wharves are commodious for shipping, there being ten feet of water for all vessels that can cross the bar at the mouth of the river.

Two high wharves are appropriated for two lines of steam-boats, of a large class, which afford a daily communication with the cities of New York and Hartford.

The streets and side-walks are pleasantly shaded with trees, and the side-walks are remarkably well paved.

The population of the city, is about 3,500; of the town, above... Read MORE...

1841 - October 3 - 18 inches of snow fell near Middletown, CT

WeatherForYou.com
1854 - Middletown
Middletown, a city, port of entry, and semi-capital of Middlesex county .Connecticut, on the right bank of the Connecticut river, at the head of ship navigation, and on the route of the air line railroad now in process of construction between New York and Boston, 34 miles from Long Island sound, and 24 miles N. E. from New Haven. A branch railroad communicates with the New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield railroad, 10 miles distant. It is pleasantly situated, partly on an acclivity commanding a fine prospect. Main street, on which are the principal stores, hotels, and many of the churches, is broad, level, and with others parallel to it, is intersected at right angles by those passing westward from the river. The elevated portion of the city contains many elegant mansions, surrounded with spacious and highly ornamented grounds. The principal public buildings are the custom house and court house, both constructed of the Chatham free-stone. The latter is adorned with a fine Grecian... Read MORE...

1888 - March 12 - A blizzard paralyzed southeastern New York State and western New England. The storm produced 50 inches of snow at Middletown CT.

The Weather Channel
1895 - Middletown
Middletown, a city and port of entry of Connecticut, and one of the capitals of Middlesex co., is pleasantly situated on the right or W. bank of the Connecticut River, and on the Connecticut Valley Railroad, the New Haven, Middletown & Willimantic Railroad ("Air Line"), and other branches of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, 15 miles S. of Hartford, and 24 miles N.E. of New Haven. The principal mercantile houses and hotels are on Main street, which is broad and level, The more elevated parts of the city are occupied by elegant residences (on High street), with fine gardens and highly ornamented grounds. This city contains a stone court house, a custom-house, 4 national banks, an industrial school for girls, state asylum for the insane, the Berkeley Divinity School (Protestant Episcopal), and the Wesleyan University (Methodist), which was organized in 1831 and has 25 professors and instructors, about 300 students, and a library of 25,000 volumes. One daily and 1 weekly... Read MORE...

1903 - YACHT WAIONTHA BURNED - Catches Fire on Connecticut River and Is Run Aground
MIDDLETOWN, Conn., Aug. 14 - The steam yacht Waiontha of Hartford caught fire to-day while going down the Connecticut River, and now lies a blackened wreck on Sears Shoal, six or seven miles below this city. Her crew escaped in a small boat after running the burning yacht aground. It is understood here that the fire caught in the engine room and spread so quickly that it was impossible to save the boat.

The Waiontha was bound from Hartford for Greenport,L. I. She was 103 feet long and 15 feet wide, and was built in 1880 for the late E. S. Stokes of New York. She was then called the Fra Diavolo. Of late she has been owned by Hartford people. Two weeks ago, while returning from a Sound resort with a party of excursionists to Hartford the Waiontha burst a boiler flue, and was aground for several hours. It is supposed that she was on her way to Greenport for repairs when she took fire.
The New York Times
New York, New York
August 15, 1903
1906
Middletown, a city of Connecticut, and one of the capitals of Middlesex co., in Middletown township (town), is pleasantly situated on the right or W. bank of the Connecticut River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 14 miles S. of Hartford... The more elevated parts of the city are occupied by elegant residences, with fine gardens and highly ornamental grounds. The city contains a court-house, an industrial school for girls, the Berkeley Divinity School (Protestant Episcopal), and the Wesleyan University (Methodist), which was organized in 1831 and had an attendance in 1900-01 of 350 students. Its library contains 60,000 volumes. On a high hill 1 mile SE. of this city are the large and imposing buildings of the State General Hospital for the Insane. Middletown has manufactures of pumps and other hydraulic machinery, woollens, cottons, silk, rubber, plated-ware, hardware, bicycles, automobiles, etc. On the opposite side of the river is Portland, connected by a drawbridge,... Read MORE...

1906 - UNIVERSITY IS DESTROYED. FIRE CONSUMES BUILDING ERECTED IN 1827 - RECORDS SAVED.
Middletown, Conn., March 1. -- Wesleyan University sustained a severe loss by fire early today when old North College, containing 150 rooms was practically destroyed. The fire which started in the attic burned so rapidly that little was saved. The loss is placed at $80,000, covered by insurance. The burned building was erected in 1827 and formed the nucleus of the present college group and was of great historic interest at Wesleyan. About all that was saved from the fire were the valuable college records of President Raymond and Professor Nicholson, the secretary of the faculty. All of the 150 students in the building made their escape and many left the dormitory in their night clothes.
Racine Daily Journal
Racine, Wisconsin
March 1, 1906
1913 - FLOOD FIRE BURNS DEPOT. Connecticut River Wets Lime, Setting Building Ablaze.
Special to The New York Times.

MIDDLETOWN, Conn., March 30--The rising waters of the Connecticut River reached the freight depot of the New York, New Haven, & Hartford Railroad Company in Water Street to-day and, slaking lime, which was in storage there, set the building on fire. The building was destroyed, firemen being powerless to check the flames, as the only means of getting in reach of the building was by rowboats. The damage was $15,000.

The flood reached its height here to-day, cutting off communication with the southern part of city, except by boat. The property loss will be small, as most of the houses are on high ground.
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 31, 1913
1919 - 8 INSANE MISSING IN CONNECTICUT FIRE
Patients Are Thought Burned When Blaze Destroys Building of Middletown Institution.

OTHERS HELP WITH BUCKETS.

"Trusties" Remain Free from Panic and Help in Saving Goods - Loss is $25,000.

MIDDLETOWN, Conn., Dec. 23 - Eight patients of the Connecticut Hospital for the Insane in this place are believed to have been burned to death tonight in a fire which completely destroyed one of the frame buildings of the hospital groups, a mile east of the main building.

There were fifty-three patients in the building, and at midnight only forty-five had been accounted for.

The building in which the fire occurred was known as "the farm" and those housed therein were so-called "trusties," or the milder type of insane patients. They were all men, and instead of joining in a panic when the flames were discovered turned to and assisted the bucket brigade in rescuing their own clothing and some furniture. The missing paients[sic] are believed to have been burned to death when the interior... Read MORE...

1938 - The Great New England Hurricane of 1938
CAT 3 - September 21, 1938
The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 was one of the most destructive and powerful storms ever to strike Southern New England. This system developed in the far eastern Atlantic, near the Cape Verde Islands on September 4. It made a twelve day journey across the Atlantic and up the Eastern Seaboard before crashing ashore on September 21 at Suffolk County, Long Island, then into Milford, Connecticut. The eye of the hurricane was observed in New Haven, Connecticut, 10 miles east of Milford. The center made landfall at the time of astronomical high tide, moving north at 60 mph. Unlike most storms, this hurricane did not weaken on its way toward Southern New England, due to its rapid forward speed and its track. This kept the center of the storm over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

...Extensive damage occurred to roofs, trees and crops. Widespread power outages occurred, which in some areas lasted several weeks. In Connecticut, downed power lines... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to visit and things to do in Middletown:
Wadsworth Mansion: This historic mansion is set on a beautiful estate with well-maintained gardens. You can stroll around the grounds and enjoy the stunning architecture. The mansion often hosts events and weddings, so it's worth checking their schedule for any upcoming public events.

Wesleyan University: Explore the campus of Wesleyan University, which has a lovely mix of modern and historic buildings. There are often art exhibitions, lectures, and performances open to the public. The Wesleyan Potters craft shop is also worth a visit for unique handmade items.

Downtown Middletown: Take a walk through the downtown area and explore the shops, restaurants, and cafes. Main Street is particularly lively, with a wide range of dining options, from casual to fine dining. You'll find boutiques, bookstores, and art galleries here as well.

Kidcity Children's Museum: If you're traveling with kids, this is a must-visit. Kidcity offers hands-on, interactive exhibits that are both fun and... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Middletown Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Middletown, Connecticut, USA

We currently have information about 312 ancestors who were born or died in Middletown.

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Ancestors Who Were Married in Middletown, Connecticut, USA

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Ancestors buried in Middletown - Cemeteries in Middletown, Connecticut, USA

Pine Grove Cemetery

Genealogy Resources for Middletown

Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Middletown

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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, Connecticut Memories Vintage Postcard Ceramic Mug

Introducing the Memories of Savin Rock ceramic postcard mug, a charming tribute to the iconic amusement park in Connecticut! This 11-ounce ceramic coffee mug is a delightful blend of nostalgia and functionality. Featuring a vintage-inspired design, the mug showcases iconic images and landmarks from Savin Rock amusement park, evoking fond memories of days gone by.

My 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.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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Updated: 9/21/2023 1:31:38 PM