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History of Manchester, Connecticut, USA
Journey back in time to Manchester, Connecticut, USA
(South Manchester)
Visit Manchester, Connecticut, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.
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Manchester, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
Manchester was a large industrial center in the 19th and 20th centuries, with glassworks, lumber and silk mills, including the Cheney Brothers Mill, which was the world’s largest silk operation.
courant.com
Hilliard Mills in Manchester, near the confluence of Bigelow Brook and the Hockanum River, was the first woolen mill in the United States. Not only that – and perhaps more interestingly – the site of Hilliard Mills may very well be the “oldest continually operated industrial site in the US.” ctmq.org
There is MUCH more to discover about Manchester, Connecticut, USA. Read on!
Manchester Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Municipal Building and Center Congregational Church, Manchester, Conn.)
Municipal Building and Center Congregational Church, Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - S. O. Manchester, Conn. Ruins of Old Glass Works Built in 1783)
S. O. Manchester, Conn. Ruins of Old Glass Works Built in 1783
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Bon Ami Factory
The former factory building at 71 Hilliard Street in Manchester was built in 1887-1888 and was first occupied by the Mather Electric Company. After starting as a producer of dynamos, the company began to manufacture light bulbs. The Edison General Electric Company sued the Mather Company for patent infringement and the latter was eventually put out of business. The factory was then rented by other industrial tenants. In 1903, it was purchased by the Bon Ami Company (earlier the Orford or Robertson Soap Company), which had been renting space in the building since their first factory on Oakland Street in Manchester burned down in 1899. The company produced the popular Bon Ami Soap in the factory until 1959... historicbuildingsct.com)
Bon Ami Factory
The former factory building at 71 Hilliard Street in Manchester was built in 1887-1888 and was first occupied by the Mather Electric Company. After starting as a producer of dynamos, the company began to manufacture light bulbs. The Edison General Electric Company sued the Mather Company for patent infringement and the latter was eventually put out of business. The factory was then rented by other industrial tenants. In 1903, it was purchased by the Bon Ami Company (earlier the Orford or Robertson Soap Company), which had been renting space in the building since their first factory on Oakland Street in Manchester burned down in 1899. The company produced the popular Bon Ami Soap in the factory until 1959... historicbuildingsct.com
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Eastern Biscuit Co., Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org)
Eastern Biscuit Co., Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - American Writing Paper Co. Mill
museumofcthistory.org)
American Writing Paper Co. Mill
museumofcthistory.org
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Main Street, 1908)
Main Street, 1908
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Power & Spinning Mill, Cheeney Silk Co., South Manchester Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Beginning in 1838, Cheney Brothers built the silk mills that made Manchester famous and drew workers from throughout the United States and Europe. During the second Industrial Revolution (1860-1890), the Cheney business prospered, and eventually became the largest silk manufacturer in the country, and the only one to manage all phases of silk production except raising silkworms. Attempts to grow mulberry trees to nurture silkworms had failed, and the Cheneys imported silk cocoons from the Orient... manchesterhistory.org
Frank Cheney and his older brother Rush were instrumental in the development of modifications to existing machines to allow for the spinning and weaving of silk from the worm. But more importantly, the brothers developed a method to reclaim broken silk thread. This process picked up the scrap silk strands and made them into profitable material. journalinquirer.com
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Power & Spinning Mill, Cheeney Silk Co., South Manchester Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Beginning in 1838, Cheney Brothers built the silk mills that made Manchester famous and drew workers from throughout the United States and Europe. During the second Industrial Revolution (1860-1890), the Cheney business prospered, and eventually became the largest silk manufacturer in the country, and the only one to manage all phases of silk production except raising silkworms. Attempts to grow mulberry trees to nurture silkworms had failed, and the Cheneys imported silk cocoons from the Orient... manchesterhistory.org
Frank Cheney and his older brother Rush were instrumental in the development of modifications to existing machines to allow for the spinning and weaving of silk from the worm. But more importantly, the brothers developed a method to reclaim broken silk thread. This process picked up the scrap silk strands and made them into profitable material. journalinquirer.com
Read more about Charles CHENEY
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - South Manchester, Conn., Hartford Road)
South Manchester, Conn., Hartford Road
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Main Street looking North, So. Manchester, Conn.)
Main Street looking North, So. Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Congregational Church)
Congregational Church
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Hilliards Mill
museumofcthistory.org
The Hilliard Mills complex is located at 642 Hilliard Street in Manchester, Connecticut, west of Adams Street. This historic mill site currently consists of six buildings, roughly 104,000 square feet of space on over five acres of land at the confluence of the Bigelow Brook and Hockanum River. The site is listed on the State of Connecticut List of Historic Places.
In 1672, John Allen was granted land for a sawmill by the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut, making it one of the oldest (if not the oldest) continuously occupied industrial sites in the country. Records indicate that the early American industrialist Aaron Buckland already had a woolen mill in operation at the site ca 1780, making it the oldest woolen mill in the country. During the period when Mr. Buckland owned the mill it has been reported that it produced the wool for the suit that President George Washington wore to his inauguration. It is confirmed that blankets for soldiers in the War of 1812 came from this factory. In 1824 Aaron Buckland sold the mill to Tracy and Williams. In 1828, Tracy and Williams then conveyed the property to Sidney Pitkin, who took on Elisha Edgarton Hilliard as an apprentice there.
In 1832, Mr. Hilliard became one-quarter owner and by 1842 became sole-owner of the mill. In 1849, E. E. Hilliard sold one quarter of his interests to Ralph E. Spencer and the business was known as Hilliard and Spencer. By 1871, the factory was again solely owned by Mr. Hilliard and named the E. E. Hilliard Company. During Mr. Hilliard's tenure, the company made blankets and clothing for the Union Army in the American Civil War...
When it closed in 1940, the Hilliard Company was the oldest family-owned, continuously operated factory in the U.S... wikipedia)
Hilliards Mill
museumofcthistory.org
The Hilliard Mills complex is located at 642 Hilliard Street in Manchester, Connecticut, west of Adams Street. This historic mill site currently consists of six buildings, roughly 104,000 square feet of space on over five acres of land at the confluence of the Bigelow Brook and Hockanum River. The site is listed on the State of Connecticut List of Historic Places.
In 1672, John Allen was granted land for a sawmill by the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut, making it one of the oldest (if not the oldest) continuously occupied industrial sites in the country. Records indicate that the early American industrialist Aaron Buckland already had a woolen mill in operation at the site ca 1780, making it the oldest woolen mill in the country. During the period when Mr. Buckland owned the mill it has been reported that it produced the wool for the suit that President George Washington wore to his inauguration. It is confirmed that blankets for... Read MORE...
Read more about Elisha Edgerton HILLIARD
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Home Office Building, Cheney Brothers, Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
The Cheney Brothers Silk Mills operated from 1830 into the 1970s, producing all types of products, from raw silk to finished material. Cheney dominated the market for over a century. From scarfs to parachutes, the silky fabric was all Manchester made.
The founding Cheney Brothers started the company as a single Hop Brook mill in the 1830s and watched it grow into the largest silk mill in the nation. journalinquirer.com)
Home Office Building, Cheney Brothers, Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
The Cheney Brothers Silk Mills operated from 1830 into the 1970s, producing all types of products, from raw silk to finished material. Cheney dominated the market for over a century. From scarfs to parachutes, the silky fabric was all Manchester made.
The founding Cheney Brothers started the company as a single Hop Brook mill in the 1830s and watched it grow into the largest silk mill in the nation. journalinquirer.com
Read more about Ralph CHENEY
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Ruins of Adams Mill, Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org)
Ruins of Adams Mill, Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Glimpse of Cheney Bros. Mills from Railroad Bridge, South Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
The original brothers who founded the mills were the children of Electra Woodbridge Cheney, who had given President Washington a cup of water. Her fame would be overshadowed by her children, and then tenfold by their children... journalinquirer.com)
Glimpse of Cheney Bros. Mills from Railroad Bridge, South Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
The original brothers who founded the mills were the children of Electra Woodbridge Cheney, who had given President Washington a cup of water. Her fame would be overshadowed by her children, and then tenfold by their children... journalinquirer.com
Read more about Electa WOODBRIDGE
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - State Armory)
State Armory
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Main and Charter Oak Sts., So. Manchester)
Main and Charter Oak Sts., So. Manchester
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Residence of Col. F. W. Cheney, South Manchester, Conn.)
Residence of Col. F. W. Cheney, South Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Gould Pond, So. Manchester, Conn.)
Gould Pond, So. Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Hartford Road, South Manchester)
Hartford Road, South Manchester
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - St. James Street, South Manchester, Conn.)
St. James Street, South Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Railroad Station and Depot Square)
Railroad Station and Depot Square
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Oddfellow's Block, South Manchester, Conn.)
Oddfellow's Block, South Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - North Main Street, looking East)
North Main Street, looking East
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Residence of J. D. Cheney, South Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org)
Residence of J. D. Cheney, South Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Read more about John Davenport CHENEY
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Miss Hays Residence)
Miss Hays Residence
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Highland Park)
Highland Park
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Oakland Dam)
Oakland Dam
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - New 8th District School)
New 8th District School
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - The Mills of Cheney Brothers, South Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org)
The Mills of Cheney Brothers, South Manchester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Read more about Ward CHENEY
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - New 8th District School)
New 8th District School
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Franklin School, South Manchester)
Franklin School, South Manchester
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Manchester Green and Glastonbury Knitting Co., So. Manchester, Conn.)
Manchester Green and Glastonbury Knitting Co., So. Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - High School, South Manchester, Conn.)
High School, South Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Town Hall, South Manchester, Conn.)
Town Hall, South Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - The White Way, Main Street, Looking North, So. Manchester, Conn.)
The White Way, Main Street, Looking North, So. Manchester, Conn.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Y.M.C.A.)
Y.M.C.A.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Main Street, Looking North, 1923
Manchester Centennial)
Main Street, Looking North, 1923
Manchester Centennial
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Lincoln School and Center, South Manchester)
Lincoln School and Center, South Manchester
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Velvet Mill (Cheney Bros)
museumofcthistory.org)
Velvet Mill (Cheney Bros)
museumofcthistory.org
Read more about Rush CHENEY
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Ruins of the Old Pitkin Glass Works
museumofcthistory.org)
Ruins of the Old Pitkin Glass Works
museumofcthistory.org
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Mary Cheney Library)
Mary Cheney Library
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Glastonbury Knitting Co.
Manchester Green, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org)
Glastonbury Knitting Co.
Manchester Green, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - East Center St.)
East Center St.
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Post Office)
Post Office
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Hotel Sheridan)
Hotel Sheridan
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - New Business Center)
New Business Center
Manchester, Connecticut, USA
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 - Manchester Memorial Hospital)
Manchester Memorial Hospital
Discover Manchester: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Add History/News/Story-
In 1838, six brothers of the Cheney family founded a silk manufacturing company in Manchester, Connecticut.
Utilizing innovative silk production methods and new spinning technology, the company became the largest and wealthiest silk mill in the country by the late 1880s.
blogs.lib.uconn.edu
Read more about Frank Woodbridge CHENEY -
1839 - Manchester
Manchester, Connecticut
Hartford county. An important manufacturing town on the Hockanum, a valuable mill stream, 10 miles E. from Hartford. The first cotton mill in this state was built here in 1794. There are three pleasant villages, six or seven paper mills, two powder mills, woolen and other manufactures. The face of the town is uneven, but the soil, a sandy and gravelly loam, is quite productive. It was called Orford, a parish in East Hartford, until its incorporation in 1823. Population, 1830, 1,576.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
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1854 - Manchester
Manchester, a post-township of Hartford county, Connecticut, intersected by the Providence, Hartford, and Fishkill railroad, 8 miles E. from the city of Hartford. Pop., 2546.
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.
1878 - Guided by a Spirit
In a paper mill in Manchester, Connecticut, is in use an improved machine, in building which the maker says that he followed the directions given by the spirit of his dead brother.
Lebanon Daily News
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
October 3, 1878
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1883 - Eels Stop Paper
The machinery in a paper mill at Manchester, Connecticut, was stopped by four large eels blocking the wheels. One was taken out whole. Its length was three feet three inches, and its weight four and three fourths pounds. The other eels were so mutilated that they could not be measured, but they were all of enormous size. It took all day to get the eel fragments out of the wheel.
The Record-Argus
Greenville, Pennsylvania
November 1, 1883
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1888 - A BAD RAILROAD ACCIDENT. BOTH THE ENGINEER AND FIREMAN KILLED BY AN EXPLOSION.
Hartford, Conn., March 28. - There was a bad accident on the New York and New England Railroad near Manchester at 8 o'clock this morning by which the engineer and fireman of a passenger train were killed. The train was an accommodation between Willimantic and Hartford. The crew was composed of CHARLES A. GRANT, conductor; JAMES E. KELSO, engineer, and THOMAS BOYLE, fireman. It left Manchester with three cars loaded with commuters bound for Hartford. Half a mile west of the station is a high railroad bridge over the Hockanum River. As the train approached the bridge the engineer shut off steam to slow up, when, without warning, the boiler burst. The force of the shock was terrific. The locomotive was shattered and the tender thrown from the track. The momentum of the train was sufficient to push the wrecked engine 200 feet. The front platform of the baggage car was demolished, but beyond that no serious damage was done to the train. With the explosion came a cloud of steam, which... Read MORE...
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1894 - Intelligent Puss
A young woman bookkeeper employed in an office at South Manchester, Connecticut, has been in the habit for some time past of giving the office cat a piece of meat for its lunch every day. Precaution is taken to lay a piece of paper under the meat to avoid greasing the floor. The other day, at lunch hour, when there was no meat, pussy begged for some in her most intelligent fashion, and at last going to the waste basket dragged forth her regular paper table cloth and laid it properly for the meat.
The Indiana Democrat
Indiana, Pennsylvania
January 11, 1894
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1895 - Manchester
Manchester, a post-village and township of Hartford co., Conn., on the Hockanum River, 9 miles by rail B.N.B. of Hartford. Two weekly newspapers are published. The township contains 7 churches, paper-mills, cotton-mills, and woollen-, silk-, gingham-, and stockinet factories. Pop. of the township in 1890, 8222.
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
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Manchester, CT History in Old Postcards
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1906
Manchester, a post-village and township (town) of Hartford co., Conn., on the Hockanum River, 9 miles ENE. of Hartford on the New York, New Haven and Hartford and the South Manchester Rs. The town contains paper and cotton-mills, woollen, silk, gingham and stockinet-factories, electric-light and power-machines, soap-works, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 10,601.
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
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1910 - Pullet In Manchester, Conn., Has Record of Laying on 37 Consecutive Days.
Hartford, Conn., Dec. 1 - With all previous Connecticut records smashed beyond recognition, the famous industrious pullet of Wesley Hollister, of Manchester, is still on the track. The indications point to many another lap before the game little hen quits its custom of depositing in the nest one egg a day, witch it has left for its proud owner for the last thirty-seven days.
With eggs selling at a minimum for the strictly fresh variety of sixty cents a dozen, this hen is earning about $1.50 each month for her owner. However, Hollister has put the thirty seven eggs in cold storage to substantiate his statements with reference to the pride of his hennery.
genealogybank.com
Columbus Daily Enquirer
Columbus, Georgia
December 03, 1910
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1913 - 1,600 PUPILS ESCAPE FIRE.
Manchester, Conn. - Sixteen hundred school children were endangered when fire broke out in the Pine district grammer school here. The pupils were marshalled in fire drill and got out of the building within a few moments. None was injured.
The Syracuse Herald
Syracuse, New York
October 24, 1913
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By 1937, Cheney Mills declared bankruptcy. The company’s prospects improved slightly during World War II when it converted to wartime manufacturing to make silk parachutes for the military.
However, the company could not keep up with the high labor costs and competition in the post-war years, and the Cheney family was forced to sell the company to J.P. Stevens & Company in 1955. The mills closed permanently in 1984.
blogs.lib.uconn.edu
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2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Manchester, CT:
Wickham Park: This beautiful park covers over 250 acres and features gardens, walking trails, picnic areas, and even a scenic pond. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.
Lutz Children's Museum: If you have kids, this museum is a must-visit. It offers interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to engage and entertain children. It's a great place for a fun and educational family outing.
Shady Glen Restaurant: This iconic diner-style restaurant is famous for its unique and delicious ice cream, especially the "Bernice Original" cheeseburger with crispy cheese. It's a local institution that's been serving up tasty treats for decades.
Manchester Historical Society: Explore the history of Manchester through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. It's a great place to learn about the town's rich history and heritage.
Case Mountain: If you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, Case Mountain... Read MORE...
Discover Your Roots: Manchester Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Manchester, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Manchester.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Jabez DARTE (1709, - 19 November 1776, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))Ebenezer BRYANT (1712, - 18 June 1790, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))Josiah BROWN (1719, - 17 May 1788, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))Elijah PECK (1724, - 22 February 1797, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))Simon GAINES (1735, , Connecticut, USA - 22 March 1781, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))Jonathan BRYANT (1753, - 2 November 1772, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))Electa WOODBRIDGE (2 January 1781, East Hartford, Connecticut, USA - 12 October 1853, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))George Wells CHENEY (22 October 1799, East Hartford, Connecticut, USA - 20 December 1841, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))
John CHENEY (20 October 1801, East Hartford, Connecticut, USA - 20 August 1885, Manchester, Connecticut, USA (South Manchester))Ancestors Who Were Married in Manchester, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Manchester.View Them Now
George Wells CHENEY (22 October 1799 - 20 December 1841) and 
Mary Wilson CHENEY (11 February 1801 - 27 December 1886) married 2 November 1824Charles Erastus COWLES (12 September 1874 - 16 May 1940) and Mary CURRAN (1873 - 1914) married 23 December 1893William John BOYLE (3 July 1877 - 1936) and Jane FLEMING (1883 - 18 November 1966) married 3 April 1903Thomas Oscar COLE (30 November 1917 - 12 April 1961) and Marjorie Ruth NICHOLS (24 January 1926 - 24 September 2013) married 8 June 1946Gerald Edward DONNELLY (24 February 1918 - 3 January 2003) and 
Ruth Arlene BEEBE (9 March 1924 - 21 May 1998) married 4 November 1950
George Harold BEEBE (31 August 1929 - 28 April 2014) and 
Jane Ann MOONEY (9 November 1935 - 13 August 2004) married 28 January 1958Ancestors buried in Manchester - Cemeteries in Manchester, Connecticut, USA
East CemeteryBuckland Cemetery
Genealogy Resources for Manchester
Manchester City Directory, 1930Manchester City Directory, 1934
Manchester City Directory, 1937
Manchester City Directory, 1939
Manchester City Directory, 1944
Manchester City Directory, 1945
Manchester City Directory, 1947
Manchester City Directory, 1948
Manchester City Directory, 1950
Manchester City Directory, 1952
Manchester Connecticut Directory, 1953-54
Manchester Directory 1958-59
Manchester Directory 1960
Manchester Directory 1961
Manchester Directory 1962
Manchester Directory 1965
Manchester Directory 1977. New Haven CT: Price & Lee Co., 1977
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