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The Old Leatherman, by Dan W. DeLuca.
Now available at the Bristol Historical Society for $35.00.
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Muzzy Field, Tales From A Forgotten Ballpark , by Douglas S. Malan
This book is now available!
Now available from the Bristol Historical Society for $23.95.
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Lake Compounce, by 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 apark 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."
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Bristol Historic Homes, by Lynda J. Russell
Bristol is fortunate to have a rich architectural history in its neighborhoods. This new title in the Arcadia series about Bristol entitled "Historic Homes" gives a wonderful overview of homes and the people who lived in them. And, for the gems that are no longer standing, the book offers a valuable glimpse back in time.
Bristol Historic Homes is currently available for $20
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Bristol Firefighting, by Dana Jandreau and Gail Leach
In 1845, a series of disastrous fires nearly crippled the economy of Bristol, a community that had gained a reputation as the center of the clock-making industry. As the factories multiplied, so did the need for fire protection. In 1853, three prominent businessmen took the first steps toward organizing a fire company; and, in September 1853, a firehouse was built on School Street. Equipped with a used hand pump and five hundred feet of leather hose, it became known as Bristol Engine & Hose Company No. 1.
And so began the Bristol Fire Department’s proud 150 year history as chronicled by Dana Jandreau, captain and a 25 year veteran of the Bristol Fire Department and Gail Leach, past president of the Bristol Historical Society, in the new book Bristol Firefighting. Over 200 photos and accompanying text document the growth of the department through the evolving technology and apparatus used by the Bristol Fire Department. This is the second in a series published under the Arcadia Publishing “Images of America” series. The first book, Bristol, featuring scenes from Bristol’s past, was published in 2001.
"This book has been created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Bristol Fire Department and preserve the rich heritage of the department and its close relationship to the community and its residents," stated Gail Leach, who also co-authored Bristol.
"This book re-creates what it might have been like to be a Bristol firefighter from 1853 to the present," stated Dana Jandreau. "In 1853, heavy hand pumps, hose carts and ladder wagons had to be drawn to fires by hand. Today, the department’s aerial truck is a hydraulically powered, 100-foot platform that can be put in operation very quickly, with the capacity flow of 2,000 gallons of water per minute."
Bristol Firefighting is currently available for $20 at the Bristol Historical Society, and by ordering from our on-line form.
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Bristol, by Gail Leach and Steven Vastola
Bristol was originally a tightly held and uninhabited portion of Farmington and was known in its early days as the West Woods. Settlers did not arrive until the 1720s and, after building their small community, they sought and received staus as the New Cambridge Parish in 1742. Their numbers continued to grow and, by 1785, the community joined neighboring West Britain Parish in separating from Farmington and becoming the town of Bristol.
Bristol tells the story of the people, places, and events that transformed this small agricultural hamlet into a tru industrial city. The waters of the Pequabuck River brought industry, which soon surpassed farming as the residents' primary livelihood. Bristol became the source of many important products—clocks, springs, sliverware, coaster brakes, doorbells, automobiles, roller bearings, and fishing rods, to name a few. In following this evolution, Bristol highlights the residents and workersk thier homes and places of business, their entertainment and modes of transportation.
Author Gail Leach and coauthor Steven Vastola together have selected a superb collection of photographs, the majority of which are from the society's collection, with some generously donated by private individuals. The images and the stories that accompany them create a fascinating history that is sure to delight residents and visitors alike.
Order form.
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