Glastonbury, Connecticut
Encyclopedia
Glastonbury is a town in Hartford County
, Connecticut
, United States
, founded in 1693. The population was 31,876 at the 2000 census. The town was named after Glastonbury
in Somerset, England. Glastonbury is located on the banks of the Connecticut River
, 7 miles southeast of Hartford
. The town center is also defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place
(CDP).
, the town has a total area of 52.3 square miles (135.5 km²), of which, 51.4 square miles (133.1 km²) of it is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²) of it (1.76%) is water. The CDP has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) of it 1.45% is water.
The town begins on the banks of the Connecticut River
and extends up into foothills, many of which provide a view of Hartford's
skyline. Some major developments in the town are built entirely on relatively steep hills, such as "Minnechaug Mountain", the major residential area developed from the 70s until late 90s.
Part of Glastonbury resides in an area called "Kongscut Mountain", locally called "Rattlesnake Mountain", because it has a small population of Timber Rattlesnakes. Since that area is sparsely developed and mostly in a state forest, the snakes don't pose much of a threat. Incidents are rare and every known bite has been treated in time.
The town boasts a small private lake named Diamond Lake, which is surrounded by growing subdivisions of large homes. Access to Diamond Lake is limited to members of the Diamond Lake Property Owners Association.
Glastonbury has one of largest state forests, Meshomasic State Forest
, a popular area for hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Glastonbury borders the town and cities of East Hartford, Wethersfield, Portland, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Marlborough
, Hebron
, Manchester
, East Hampton
and Bolton.
of 2000, the racial makeup of the town was 93.10% White, 1.53% African American, 0.15% Native American, 3.40% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races
, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.51% of the population. There were 31,876 people, 12,257 households, and 8,984 families residing in the town. The population density
was 620.5 people per square mile (239.6/km²). There were 12,614 housing units at an average density of 245.5 per square mile (94.8/km²).
There were 12,257 households out of which 1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples
living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $80,660, and the median income for a family was $94,978 (these figures had risen to $103,360 and $124,614 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $68,083 versus $43,810 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $40,820. About 1.5% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.
There were 3,257 households out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.7% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.84.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 20.2% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 81.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.2 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $58,947, and the median income for a family was $88,881. Males had a median income of $61,780 versus $43,646 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $35,293. About 0.7% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.
on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River
bought from the Native American Chief, Sowheag, for 12 yards (11 m) of trading cloth. In 1672, Wethersfield
and Hartford
were granted permission by the General Court to extend the boundary line of Pyaug 5 miles (8 km) to the East. By 1690, residents of Pyaug had gained permission from Wethersfield
to become a separate town and, in 1693, Glastonbury came into existence. The ties have not been completely broken: the oldest continuously operating ferry
http://www.wethersfield.net/html/gov/ct/rhill/ferry/ferry-info.html in the United States still runs between South Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, also then part of Wethersfield
, as it did as far back as 1655. (One result of being split off from Wethersfield was that the town was built along a main road, rather than the large green that anchors most New England towns. After part of New London Turnpike was realigned to eliminate the rotary in the middle of town during the mid-20th century, a small green was established there.)
During the American Revolution
, Glastonbury was home to George Stocking’s gunpowder factory. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Glastonbury was a shipbuilding town, located between the Connecticut River, oak forests, and reliable waterpower. The shipyards’ needs were filled by sawmills, charcoal kilns, and foundries.
As shipbuilding was ending, the early industrial beginning continued. The J.B. Williams Soap Factory started in 1840 in James B. Williams’ drugstore in Manchester, where he experimented with chemical formulas for shaving soap. When he had produced a formula that satisfied him, he moved his business to Glastonbury. Two years later, he was joined by his brother, William Stuart Williams. They formed what is believed to be the first commercial soap manufacturing business in the world. Although shaving soap was their first product, they also made ink and shoe blacking. Products made by the J.B. Williams Company included Williams ‘Lectric Shave and Aqua Velva
. Over time, J.B. Williams expanded to Montreal (around 1922), England, and Argentina. When the business was sold in 1957, ten former employees organized Glastonbury Toiletries and continued operation into the 1970s. Remaining parts of the complex are currently the Soap Factory Condominiums and the Glastonbury Board of Education office. JB Williams Park
, on Neipsic Street, is named for JB Williams.
During the World Wars, Glastonbury factories supplied leather and woolen goods to the military of Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States. In addition, Glastonbury has been home to feldspar
mills, cotton mills, paper mills, a maker of silver plate, and a builder of airplanes, to name a few.
Also an agricultural town, J.H. Hale Orchards began in Glastonbury. John Howard Hale was known as the Peach King. He developed a peach that could withstand New England winters and was disease resistant. He also had land in Georgia and was the first Glastonbury industry to establish a branch outside the state. He was a marketing pioneer, shipping peaches all over the country. The orchard that started with 1 acres (4,046.9 m²) in 1866 grew to more than 1200 acres (5 km²) by 1900.
John Hale never went beyond grade school, but he was responsible for Storrs Agricultural College, now UConn
. He helped to organize the Glastonbury Grange and the State Grange. His home, at the intersection of Main Street and Route 17
, was once used as a restaurant and is currently offices.
In 1948, the Saglio Brothers formed Arbor Acres and produced a chicken that A&P Food Stores awarded the title “Chicken of Tomorrow”. Glastonbury was also a major grower of broad leaf tobacco. Her agricultural tradition is carried on by the orchards and berry farms in her hills.
Glastonbury has been progressive, freeing her slaves in the 1780s, sixty years before slavery became illegal in the State of Connecticut. Her first library was founded in 1803. Her first hospital was formed shortly after the Revolution to combat and treat small pox. By the end of the Revolution, there were ten schools, formed one by one during the 18th century.
During the American Revolutionary War
, several homes embraced classes from Yale University
. Noah Webster
was both a student in these classes, and taught classes in one of Glastonbury’s one-room schoolhouses.
(With the exception of a minor addition, this history is derived from text provided by the [Historical Society of Glastonbury]http://town.glasct.org/hissoc/index.html )
School has about 550 students for the 6th grade, and Smith Middle School has about 1,000 7th and 8th grade students. The town's high school, Glastonbury High School
, has 2,061 students, as of January 2008.
Other events include the Under a Strawberry Moon Festival in June and various events held by the local town historical society. The Glastonbury Youth and Family Services' Creative Experiences put on annual drama productions and family events.
Popular sporting events include three 5K races organized by the Glastonbury River Runners, a local running club with 160+ members.
The annual Glastonbury Art Walk, a joint project of the Town Center Initiative and Glastonbury Art Guild, showcases the works of local artists in businesses all over the town center.
In 1993, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the town, an exchange of bands was made between Glastonbury, England, and Glastonbury, Connecticut, resulting in Glastonbury's hosting the Glastonbury Brass Band for several enjoyable performances.
Hartford County, Connecticut
Hartford County is a county located in the north central part of the US state of Connecticut. The 2010 Census records show that the county population is at 894,014 making it the second most populated county in Connecticut....
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, founded in 1693. The population was 31,876 at the 2000 census. The town was named after Glastonbury
Glastonbury
Glastonbury is a small town in Somerset, England, situated at a dry point on the low lying Somerset Levels, south of Bristol. The town, which is in the Mendip district, had a population of 8,784 in the 2001 census...
in Somerset, England. Glastonbury is located on the banks of the Connecticut River
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
, 7 miles southeast of Hartford
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
. The town center is also defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP).
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 52.3 square miles (135.5 km²), of which, 51.4 square miles (133.1 km²) of it is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²) of it (1.76%) is water. The CDP has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12.4 km²) of it 1.45% is water.
The town begins on the banks of the Connecticut River
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
and extends up into foothills, many of which provide a view of Hartford's
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
skyline. Some major developments in the town are built entirely on relatively steep hills, such as "Minnechaug Mountain", the major residential area developed from the 70s until late 90s.
Part of Glastonbury resides in an area called "Kongscut Mountain", locally called "Rattlesnake Mountain", because it has a small population of Timber Rattlesnakes. Since that area is sparsely developed and mostly in a state forest, the snakes don't pose much of a threat. Incidents are rare and every known bite has been treated in time.
The town boasts a small private lake named Diamond Lake, which is surrounded by growing subdivisions of large homes. Access to Diamond Lake is limited to members of the Diamond Lake Property Owners Association.
Glastonbury has one of largest state forests, Meshomasic State Forest
Meshomasic State Forest
The Meshomasic State Forest is located in East Hampton, Portland, and Marlborough with smaller sections located in Glastonbury and Hebron. It is popular for mountain biking, hiking, and hunting. The Rangers Headquarters are located on Gadpouch Road in East Hampton.-History:Meshomasic State Forest...
, a popular area for hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Glastonbury borders the town and cities of East Hartford, Wethersfield, Portland, Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Marlborough
Marlborough, Connecticut
Marlborough is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. It contains the census-designated place of Terramuggus. The population was 5,709 at the 2000 census. Marlborough is a suburban/rural upper middle class bedroom community of Hartford...
, Hebron
Hebron, Connecticut
Hebron is a town in Tolland County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 8,610 at the 2000 census. Hebron was incorporated May 26, 1708....
, Manchester
Manchester, Connecticut
Manchester is a township and city in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 58,241.- History :...
, East Hampton
East Hampton, Connecticut
East Hampton is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 13,352 at the 2000 census. The town center village is listed as a census-designated place...
and Bolton.
Principal communities
- Addison
- Buckingham
- East Glastonbury
- Glastonbury center
- Hopewell
- South Glastonbury
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, the racial makeup of the town was 93.10% White, 1.53% African American, 0.15% Native American, 3.40% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.51% of the population. There were 31,876 people, 12,257 households, and 8,984 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 620.5 people per square mile (239.6/km²). There were 12,614 housing units at an average density of 245.5 per square mile (94.8/km²).
There were 12,257 households out of which 1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.8% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $80,660, and the median income for a family was $94,978 (these figures had risen to $103,360 and $124,614 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $68,083 versus $43,810 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $40,820. About 1.5% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.
CDP
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,157 people, 3,257 households, and 1,866 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,500.0 inhabitants per square mile (579.3/km²). There were 3,405 housing units at an average density of 713.6 per square mile (275.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.49% White, 0.88% African American, 0.21% Native American, 1.80% Asian, 0.94% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.57% of the population.There were 3,257 households out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.7% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.84.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 20.2% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 81.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.2 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $58,947, and the median income for a family was $88,881. Males had a median income of $61,780 versus $43,646 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $35,293. About 0.7% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.
| Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Active Voters | Inactive Voters | Total Voters | Percentage |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
6,204 | 193 | 6,397 | 28.46% |
Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
6,182 | 243 | 6,425 | 28.58% |
Unaffiliated | 9,255 | 399 | 9,654 | 42.95% |
Minor Parties | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0.01% | |
| Total | 21,644 | 835 | 22,479 | 100% | |||||||||||||||||||||
History
In 1636, thirty families were settled in Pyaug, a tract of land belonging to WethersfieldWethersfield, Connecticut
Wethersfield is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. Many records from colonial times spell the name Weathersfield, while Native Americans called it Pyquag...
on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
bought from the Native American Chief, Sowheag, for 12 yards (11 m) of trading cloth. In 1672, Wethersfield
Wethersfield, Connecticut
Wethersfield is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. Many records from colonial times spell the name Weathersfield, while Native Americans called it Pyquag...
and Hartford
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...
were granted permission by the General Court to extend the boundary line of Pyaug 5 miles (8 km) to the East. By 1690, residents of Pyaug had gained permission from Wethersfield
Wethersfield, Connecticut
Wethersfield is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. Many records from colonial times spell the name Weathersfield, while Native Americans called it Pyquag...
to become a separate town and, in 1693, Glastonbury came into existence. The ties have not been completely broken: the oldest continuously operating ferry
Rocky Hill - Glastonbury Ferry
The Rocky Hill – Glastonbury Ferry is a seasonal ferry crossing the Connecticut River between the towns of Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, Connecticut and is part of Route 160. It is believed to be the oldest continuously operated ferry service in the United States...
http://www.wethersfield.net/html/gov/ct/rhill/ferry/ferry-info.html in the United States still runs between South Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, also then part of Wethersfield
Wethersfield, Connecticut
Wethersfield is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. Many records from colonial times spell the name Weathersfield, while Native Americans called it Pyquag...
, as it did as far back as 1655. (One result of being split off from Wethersfield was that the town was built along a main road, rather than the large green that anchors most New England towns. After part of New London Turnpike was realigned to eliminate the rotary in the middle of town during the mid-20th century, a small green was established there.)
During the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
, Glastonbury was home to George Stocking’s gunpowder factory. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Glastonbury was a shipbuilding town, located between the Connecticut River, oak forests, and reliable waterpower. The shipyards’ needs were filled by sawmills, charcoal kilns, and foundries.
As shipbuilding was ending, the early industrial beginning continued. The J.B. Williams Soap Factory started in 1840 in James B. Williams’ drugstore in Manchester, where he experimented with chemical formulas for shaving soap. When he had produced a formula that satisfied him, he moved his business to Glastonbury. Two years later, he was joined by his brother, William Stuart Williams. They formed what is believed to be the first commercial soap manufacturing business in the world. Although shaving soap was their first product, they also made ink and shoe blacking. Products made by the J.B. Williams Company included Williams ‘Lectric Shave and Aqua Velva
Aqua Velva
Aqua Velva is a line of men's grooming products, including a widely advertised aftershave originally introduced as an alcohol-based mouthwash for men in 1929 by the JB Williams Company . As of 2009, it is marketed worldwide by Combe Incorporated...
. Over time, J.B. Williams expanded to Montreal (around 1922), England, and Argentina. When the business was sold in 1957, ten former employees organized Glastonbury Toiletries and continued operation into the 1970s. Remaining parts of the complex are currently the Soap Factory Condominiums and the Glastonbury Board of Education office. JB Williams Park
Jb williams park
Named for James Baker Williams, founder of JB Williams Soap Company, J. B. Williams Park is located on Neipsic Road in Glastonbury, Connecticut, just off Route 2...
, on Neipsic Street, is named for JB Williams.
During the World Wars, Glastonbury factories supplied leather and woolen goods to the military of Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States. In addition, Glastonbury has been home to feldspar
Feldspar
Feldspars are a group of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals which make up as much as 60% of the Earth's crust....
mills, cotton mills, paper mills, a maker of silver plate, and a builder of airplanes, to name a few.
Also an agricultural town, J.H. Hale Orchards began in Glastonbury. John Howard Hale was known as the Peach King. He developed a peach that could withstand New England winters and was disease resistant. He also had land in Georgia and was the first Glastonbury industry to establish a branch outside the state. He was a marketing pioneer, shipping peaches all over the country. The orchard that started with 1 acres (4,046.9 m²) in 1866 grew to more than 1200 acres (5 km²) by 1900.
John Hale never went beyond grade school, but he was responsible for Storrs Agricultural College, now UConn
University of Connecticut
The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
. He helped to organize the Glastonbury Grange and the State Grange. His home, at the intersection of Main Street and Route 17
Route 17 (Connecticut)
Route 17 is a primary north–south state route beginning in New Haven, through Middletown, and ending in Glastonbury, with a length of .-Route description:...
, was once used as a restaurant and is currently offices.
In 1948, the Saglio Brothers formed Arbor Acres and produced a chicken that A&P Food Stores awarded the title “Chicken of Tomorrow”. Glastonbury was also a major grower of broad leaf tobacco. Her agricultural tradition is carried on by the orchards and berry farms in her hills.
Glastonbury has been progressive, freeing her slaves in the 1780s, sixty years before slavery became illegal in the State of Connecticut. Her first library was founded in 1803. Her first hospital was formed shortly after the Revolution to combat and treat small pox. By the end of the Revolution, there were ten schools, formed one by one during the 18th century.
During the American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
, several homes embraced classes from Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
. Noah Webster
Noah Webster
Noah Webster was an American educator, lexicographer, textbook pioneer, English spelling reformer, political writer, editor, and prolific author...
was both a student in these classes, and taught classes in one of Glastonbury’s one-room schoolhouses.
(With the exception of a minor addition, this history is derived from text provided by the [Historical Society of Glastonbury]http://town.glasct.org/hissoc/index.html )
Notable people
- Bob BacklundBob BacklundRobert Lee "Bob" Backlund is an American professional wrestler with an in ring career that spanned over 30 years. Over that time, he went on to become a two-time WWWF/WWF Champion...
, professional wrestler, resides in Glastonbury - Amy BrennemanAmy BrennemanAmy Frederica Brenneman is an American actress, perhaps best known for her roles in the television series NYPD Blue, Judging Amy and Private Practice...
, Emmy-nominated actress - Candace BushnellCandace BushnellCandace Bushnell is an American author and columnist based in New York City. She is best known for writing a column that was anthologized in a book, Sex and the City, which in turn became the basis for a popular television series and its subsequent film adaptations.-Personal life:Bushnell was born...
, author of Sex and the City - Samuel ColtSamuel ColtSamuel Colt was an American inventor and industrialist. He was the founder of Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company , and is widely credited with popularizing the revolver. Colt's innovative contributions to the weapons industry have been described by arms historian James E...
, inventor and industrialist - Gordie HoweGordie HoweGordon "Gordie" Howe, OC is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers of the National Hockey League , and the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association . Howe is often referred to as Mr...
, professional hockey player - Laura IngrahamLaura IngrahamLaura Anne Ingraham is an American radio host, author, and conservative political commentator. Her nationally syndicated talk show, The Laura Ingraham Show, airs throughout the United States on Talk Radio Network...
, (b. 1964) born in town; conservativeAmerican conservatismConservatism in the United States has played an important role in American politics since the 1950s. Historian Gregory Schneider identifies several constants in American conservatism: respect for tradition, support of republicanism, preservation of "the rule of law and the Christian religion", and...
talk radioTalk radioTalk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
host and author - Chris LemmonChris Lemmon-History:Lemmon was born in Los Angeles, California, the son of actress Cynthia Stone and actor Jack Lemmon. With a natural talent for music, he was encouraged by his father to study piano. Lemmon considered playing piano professionally after having graduated from the California Institute of the...
, film and television actor and writer, Glastonbury resident - John LevitowJohn LevitowJohn L. Levitow , was an AC-47 gunship loadmaster for the 3d Special Operations Squadron who received the Medal of Honor for exceptional heroism during wartime.-Biography:...
, lowest ranking airman to receive Medal Of Honor, attended Glastonbury High School. - Michelle LombardoMichelle LombardoMichelle Helen Lombardo is an American model and actress.-Biography:Lombardo, who is of Italian and Irish descent, is originally from Glastonbury, Connecticut...
, model - Kevin OllieKevin OllieKevin Jermaine Ollie is an American former professional basketball player. He played for eleven National Basketball Association franchises in thirteen seasons...
, professional basketball player, resides in Glastonbury - Randy EdsallRandy EdsallRandy Douglas Edsall is an American college football coach. He is currently the head coach at the University of Maryland. Edsall was the head coach at the University of Connecticut from 1999 until the 2011 Fiesta Bowl, and oversaw the program's promotion from the NCAA Division I–AA level to...
, football coach - Mike O'MearaMike O'MearaMichael Sean Patrick "Mike" O'Meara is the host of The Mike O'Meara Show, previously a nationally syndicated radio show which returned as a podcast. Previously he was the co-host of the nationally syndicated The Don and Mike Show...
, host of The Mike O'Meara Show - Gideon WellesGideon WellesGideon Welles was the United States Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869. His buildup of the Navy to successfully execute blockades of Southern ports was a key component of Northern victory of the Civil War...
, Secretary of the Navy under Abraham Lincoln - Thomas WellesThomas WellesThomas Welles is the only man in Connecticut's history to hold all four top offices: governor, deputy governor, treasurer, and secretary. In 1639, he was elected as the first treasurer of the Colony of Connecticut, and from 1640–1649 served as the colony's secretary...
, Governor of Connecticut in 1658 and 1659
Transportation
- The major highway in Glastonbury is Route 2, serving the town with six exits.
- Route 3 only has the Main Street exit in Glastonbury. The expressway then follows its westward route across the Putnam BridgeWilliam H. Putnam Memorial BridgeThe Putnam Bridge is a bridge in the state of Connecticut carrying the Route 3 Expressway over the Connecticut River, connecting Interstate 91 in Wethersfield and Route 2 in Glastonbury...
into Wethersfield before connecting with Interstate 91Interstate 91Interstate 91 is an Interstate Highway in the New England region of the United States. It provides the primary north–south thoroughfare in the western part of New England...
. - Route 17 has two exits in Glastonbury: the New London Turnpike and Hubbard Street. It then reduces to a surface street, merging with Main Street in South Glastonbury.
- The 95 (formerly O) route of Connecticut TransitConnecticut TransitConnecticut Transit is a bus system serving much of the U.S. state of Connecticut and is a division of that state's Department of Transportation. CT Transit provides bus service via contract providers for seven different metropolitan areas in the state, mostly concentrated in Hartford and New...
(CT Transit) buses run between Downtown Hartford and Glastonbury, usually terminating at the corner of Main Street and Hebron Avenue. The 91 route travels to/from Wethersfield via the Somerset Square Shopping Center. The 4-Glastonbury Express route conveniently operates into Putnam Bridge, St. Paul's, and St. Augustine's Park & Ride lots. - The Glastonbury - Rocky Hill FerryRocky Hill - Glastonbury FerryThe Rocky Hill – Glastonbury Ferry is a seasonal ferry crossing the Connecticut River between the towns of Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, Connecticut and is part of Route 160. It is believed to be the oldest continuously operated ferry service in the United States...
operates between May 1 and October 31. It is the oldest continually operating ferry in the United States, dating back to 1655. Fees are $3 for a vehicle and $1 for pedestrians and bicyclists. The trip across the Connecticut RiverConnecticut RiverThe Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
takes approximately 4 minutes.
Schools
There are 6 elementary schools in Glastonbury: Buttonball Lane School, Eastbury School, Hebron Avenue School, Hopewell School, Naubuc School, and Nayaug School. Each school has between 350 and 700 students. There are 2 middle schools in Glastonbury. Gideon WellesGideon Welles
Gideon Welles was the United States Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869. His buildup of the Navy to successfully execute blockades of Southern ports was a key component of Northern victory of the Civil War...
School has about 550 students for the 6th grade, and Smith Middle School has about 1,000 7th and 8th grade students. The town's high school, Glastonbury High School
Glastonbury High School
Glastonbury High School is a public, co-educational high school located in Glastonbury, Connecticut.Glastonbury High School is the only high school in the town of Glastonbury, Connecticut...
, has 2,061 students, as of January 2008.
Town events
The most notable of town events is the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce Apple Harvest Festival. The festival occurs annually every October during the apple harvest season. The festival is a town-wide event lasting three days that includes various rides and attractions, including booths from many of the local town businesses and politicians.Other events include the Under a Strawberry Moon Festival in June and various events held by the local town historical society. The Glastonbury Youth and Family Services' Creative Experiences put on annual drama productions and family events.
Popular sporting events include three 5K races organized by the Glastonbury River Runners, a local running club with 160+ members.
The annual Glastonbury Art Walk, a joint project of the Town Center Initiative and Glastonbury Art Guild, showcases the works of local artists in businesses all over the town center.
In 1993, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the town, an exchange of bands was made between Glastonbury, England, and Glastonbury, Connecticut, resulting in Glastonbury's hosting the Glastonbury Brass Band for several enjoyable performances.