Groton Industries

Exhibit

Groton History Center’s first spring Open House on Saturday, March 18, celebrates “Groton Industries,” an exhibition featuring some of the more prominent industries and businesses that flourished along the Squannacook River in West Groton and Groton Center from the 1780s through the 1950s.

Groton was a very different community back then! This colorful exhibition recalls and honors the Yankee ingenuity that spread far beyond our small town.

Through artifacts, photographs, and documents, “Groton Industries” tells the story of the Groton Leatherboard Company, the Hollingsworth and Vose Papermill, and the A. H. Thompson and Sons Sawmill. Through their use of innovative processes and materials each made a brilliant contribution to early American manufacturing.

“Groton Industries” includes colorful memorabilia from successful local businesses that made Groton self-sufficient including Boynton’s Baking Company in downtown Groton, the family enterprise that flourished between 1874 and 1910, Britt’s Airfield in West Groton, active between 1941 to 1952, and Calvin Child’s Blacksmith shop (from the 1820s) on Main Street. It offers glimpses of the widespread hops and ice industries, as well as the soapstone quarry on what is now the Shepley Hill Conservation Land.

Please join us on Saturday March 18, from 11 am to 2 pm for the first in a series of four spring Open Houses (free and open to all) at the Boutwell House, 172 Main Street. Come enjoy the show, tour the elegant Boutwell House, and take in the period furnishings, as well as the more contemporary pieces of artwork that light up this mid-nineteenth century Governor’s mansion!
- - K.L.
 
19th century newspaper ad Groton's soapstone quarry products


Check out our
Blog Archives
for more
stories!


posted 03/08/2023