The History of Merien
The history of Meriden begins in 1661 with a farmer named Jonathan Gilbert. In 1661 he would come to receive a parcel of land to cultivate near Cold Springs, NY. This piece of land would later become known as Meriden. For thousands of years before, the Quinnipiac and Mattabasset tribes inhabited the area. Although they didn’t have a permanent settlement within the boundaries of the town, there were plenty of arrowheads and artifacts left behind as proof of their existence.
History of Meriden: The Early Years
Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, the city was a suburban and rural section of Wallingford.
In 1724 there were 35 families living in this future area of Meriden. But it was difficult for them to get to church from their rural homes so they petitioned to have a separate church built closer to them.
This new parish would officially become the town of Meriden in 1806. Meriden’s population would continue to grow, and, in 1867, became incorporated as a city.
The 1800’s saw a manufacturing boom from the city. Meriden would soon earn the nickname “Silver City”, due to the large number of silver companies. Meriden was home to all sorts of manufacturing; belts, pewter, guns, cutlery, nails, buttons, lamps, ivory combs, tin ware, organs, and coffee grinders. The company, Wilcox and White, even produced the first mechanical piano here. As manufacturing became more prosperous, so did the number of mansions in the city.
Hotels, banks and businesses came to town and continued to grow. As a result, schools were built, parks were added, and more churches were built. The city thrived, with a population of over 24,000 by 1900.
In 1897, the German author Gerhart Hauptmann fell in love with the city. He was so impressed with the scenery around the reservoir that it was used as the background for his romantic drama “The Sunken Bell”.
The Hollywood Connection
From 1937-1947, the International Silver Company sponsored the Silver Theater, a national radio program broadcast via CBS in Hollywood. The radio program featured many Hollywood actors and actresses of the time like Jimmy Stewart and Rosalind Russell. Overall, the Silver Theater produced over 200 programs.
In 1939, Edwin Howard Armstrong, the radio pioneer who invented FM radio, used West Peak in 1939 for the location of one of the first FM radio broadcasts.
In 1989, Meriden was the location for the film Jacknife starring Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker.
History of Meriden: The 1900s
During the mid 1900s, some of the older businesses moved or closed. But, newly arriving immigrants invigorated the town. Civic groups grew in numbers and service. And, fun fact, Meriden became home to the first steamed cheeseburger.
During World War II, the factories in Meriden worked 24 hours a day. On March 8, 1944, the War Manpower Commission gave Meriden the designation as “National Ideal War Community” for its industrial and patriotic contributions to the nation.
Over the past the past few decades, the city has under gone a revitalization. A new hospital erected, and many corporate headquarters now call Meriden home.
The City is proud of its past and looks eagerly towards its future.
Unique Fact About Meriden:
Winston Churchill’s great-great-great maternal grandfather, Timothy Jerome, is buried in town. You can still visit his grave today. The grave sitewas previously known as “Buckwheat Hill”. Today, it is known as “Burying Ground 1720” (Google Maps: 41.522877°N 72.787707°W). It is located at the juncture of Dexter Avenue and Lydale Place.
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