MAPPING OUR GROWTH
(Please note: a rod = 5 1/2 yds. or 16 1/2 ft
IN THE LOCAL HISTORY ROOM
(Second floor Main Library, on High Street)
1. From the 1869 map (before city incorporation), in the Southern and Western part of town how many mills do you see? Of what kind? Why don’t the Eastern streams seem to have mills using them for power? Think of the
look
of the area.
-
2. Tracing the Hartford, Providence & Fishkill R.R., what major road in New Britain today did it parallel going West? (Check on the 1902 map.) Why was the New Britain Branch R.R. necessary in relation to another railroad?
-
3. Which of the 6 districts would your present home have been in? Mark it on your classroom map.
-
4. In 1869 (the Baker-& Tilden Map) which land holdings were the largest owned by individuals?
-
5. The factories were generally found concentrated in what streets? Which factories seem to be the largest? Name 8 or 9.
-
6. Check the single family residential pattern. Especially on Elm, High, Orchard, East Main, notice the residences of the factory owners. What generalization can you make for 1869 as to their location?
-
7. Where do the majority of Irish names occur? Name streets.
-
8. On the
1875 View
the pattern of factories and estates becomes clear. Locate 3 or 4 of the larger mansions as to street. What was the advantage of the location?
-
9. Find several areas of workers housing. Name the streets. How do you conclude that this is cheaper housing? (Copy of this map to be made for schools -)
-
10. From 1869 map, what was the function of the Walnut Hill Park water supply? How do you know?
-
11. How far would you have to travel to be out in the country? Answer in direction, miles, streets.
12. The 1902 map shows considerable change. There are many new public services shown, such as schools, cemeteries, hospital, the Town Farm. Mark at least 5 such on your map.