History of Bristol, Connecticut, USA

Three Men Killed, Two Wounded, and a Building Set on Fire.

E. C. WILSDON left his japan oven, at SESSIONS & SONS foundry, Bristol, Conn., in the room where a dozen men and boys were at work, to go to his dinner. He had but just gone out when the oven exploded with fearful violence, instantly killing one man and two boys, lacerating two others and setting the building on fire. It was some time before the flames were subdued, and then there were dragged forth the charred remains of the three victims. They are:

JOHN SHANE, aged thirty-one;
BURT CLEVELAND, aged eighteen; and
WILLIE YOUNG, aged fifteen.

The wounded are DANIEL GRIFFIN and WILLIAM PONNIER. No reason can be assigned for the accident. The explosion drew hundreds to the scene and the excitement was great, particularly before it was learned how many victims there were in the flames.

Bristol, a post-village of Hartford co., Conn., in Bristol township, on the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill Railroad, 18 miles W.S.W. of Hartford, and 15 miles N.N.E, of Waterbury. It has 2 banks, several foundries and machine-shops, and manufactures of clocks and water wheels. Two weekly newspapers are published here. Copper is found in the township. Pop, about, 3500; of the township in 1880, 5347; in 1890, 7382.

Eleven Out of Twenty Reported to Be Drowned.
Carried Down Pequabuck River and Lost In the Darkness.

Bristol, Conn., Feb. 7 - A most appalling disaster occurred here shortly after 9 o'clock last night, in which 20 workmen were precipitated into Pequabuck river from the East Bristol bridge, and 11 of them are probably drowned.

Yesterday afternoon the structure was found to be shaky, and the 4:42 train on the New England road had a narrow escape from wreck as it crossed on the way to Hartford.

For some time the bridge had been looked upon with suspicion, and at the present time a new bridge was in process of erection, and was almost completed. It was close alongside the bridge which was carried away.

The fierce storm which swept over the state played havoc with New England bridges, and the swollen waters of the Pequabuck river threatened to carry the bridge away. At 5 o'clock a special wrecking train with 40 men left East Hartford and were put to work on the new bridge which ...

An automobile containing a party of five persons from Bristol, Conn., collided with the New York-Pittsfield express at Ashley Falls crossing, and three of the party were killed and the other two probably fatally injured.

Bristol, a banking post-borough of Hartford co., Conn., in Bristol township (town), on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 17 miles WSW. of Hartford. It has foundries and machine-shops and manufactures of clocks, table-ware, water-wheels, brass goods, engines, etc. Pop. in 1900, 6268 ; of the town, 9643.

1. ESPN Headquarters:

What: Take a tour of the ESPN campus, the world-renowned sports network. While public access is limited, you can still explore the exterior and take photos.

Why: Perfect for sports fans, it's a chance to be close to the heart of the sports media world.

2. Lake Compounce:

What: Experience one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in the United States.

Why: From thrilling rides to water attractions, Lake Compounce is a family-friendly destination with something for all ages.

3. Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center:

What: A hands-on children's museum fostering creativity and exploration.

Why: Ideal for families with young kids, it's an interactive space that makes learning fun.

4. Bristol Historical Society:

What: Discover the rich history of Bristol through exhibits and artifacts.

Why: If you're interested in local history, this is the place to explore Bristol's past.

5. Page Park:

What: A beautiful...