Norwich Memories: The Norwich Tercentennial Grand Parade

June 09, 2021 9:00 am • Last Updated: June 09, 2021 9:00 am

The 1959 Norwich Tercentennial Grand Parade. When Norwich was planning the 300th celebration, one of the ideas put forth was that all men grow beards. The photograph is the Taftville Fire Department’s entry. The square sign on the side of the float is “Taftville’s Itchy Bunch,” pertaining to the itchiness of a new beard. The small fire engine, on the trailer bed, is the first piece of fire apparatus from Ponemah Mills. The sign on the left is Ziegler’s Package Store, located on Franklin Street. The sign on the right is Alexander’s Restaurant located on Franklin Square.Ken Keeley is the author of 12 pictorial books of Norwich history. To purchase any of his books, he can be reached via e-mail at kenekjr000@comcast.net.

This photo was taken in 1959 during the Norwich Tercentennial Grand Parade.

When Norwich was planning the 300th celebration, one of the ideas put forth was that all men grow beards. The photograph is the Taftville Fire Department’s entry. The square sign on the side of the float is “TAFTVILLE’S Itchy Bunch,” pertaining to the itchiness of a new beard.

The small fire engine, on the trailer bed, is the first piece of fire apparatus from Ponemah Mills. The sign on the left is Ziegler’s Package Store, located on Franklin Street. The sign on the right is ALEXANDER’S Restaurant located on Franklin Square.

Ken Keeley is the author of 12 pictorial books of Norwich history. To purchase any of his books, he can be reached via e-mail at: kenekjr000@comcast.net.

Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.

STORIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU