Connecticut 169 Club
CT Guidebook to Adventure Marty Podskoch East Hampton, CT Author and Historian Marty Podskoch scripted a brilliant solution for fragmented families and town-tied locals. With his latest Book, The Connecticut 169 Club: Your Passport and Guide to Exploring Connecticut. Podskoch navigates readers from out behind the blue screen, off the interstate and onto Connecticut backroads to meet and merge with fascinating neighbors and uncover cool curiosities tucked into the 169 towns and cities in the Nutmeg State. $25.00 Copies available at the Barnes Museum |
Images of America
Lake Compounce Lynda J. Russell Founded in October 1846 by two local families, Lake Compounce began its transformation from a rustic summer resort into a bustling amusement park. Gad Norton and Isaac Pierce teamed together to build a park that utilized the lake's natural appeal for swimming, boating, and picnicking. Through vintage photographs, Lake Compounce highlights the park's long history of big bands, the Crocodile Club, the Wildcat roller coaster, and the William Gillette train. For generations, the park has been able to maintain its status as a local treasure while expanding and growing into what is today recognized as "America's pioneer playground." Copies available at the Barnes Museum |
Images of Modern America
Lake Compounce Lynda J. Russell On October 6, 1846, Gad Norton invited the public to witness a scientific experiment to be conducted at his family-owned lake. The experiment failed, but the crowds of people inspired him to open a recreation area. In 1851, the firm of Pierce and Norton began land improvements. Not only were new attractions added, but corporate outings and outdoor concerts with big bands were also held, providing for a full day of fun and memories. As the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, Lake Compounce now offers 44 rides, including Thunder Rapids, Wildcat and Boulder Dash Roller Coasters, Crocodile Cove, Splash Harbor Water Park, and Bear Creek Campground. During the off-season, the infamous Crocodile Club is held every September, a haunted graveyard runs throughout October, and in December, the park showcases its holiday lights. Copies available at the Barnes Museum |
Images of America
Southington The War Years Liz Campbell Kopec With the outbreak of World War I, industry in Southington—previously an agrarian community—grew in both size and profit. The citizens of Southington banded together to help in the war effort by joining the American Red Cross and Home Guard and selling Liberty Bonds. Industrial growth continued until the stock market crash of 1929. Though few factories closed, most were forced to reduce their workforce and hours of production. By the end of the 1930s, the nation was preparing for a war most people hoped would never happen. Factories rehired former employees and created new job opportunities, and four months after Pearl Harbor, Southington's 17 factories were working around the clock to produce wartime goods. Two World Wars and the Great Depression left their mark on citizens, creating changes that remain today. Copies available at the Barnes Museum |