Norwich Memories: Between Cliff and Main
Circa 1900: In the center, between Cliff Street and Main Street, is the former Universalist Church.
Around 1910, after the 1909 Shannon Building fire severely damaged the building next door that contained the Chelsea Bank, the Chelsea Board of Directors voted to purchase the vacant church. They demolished the deteriorating structure, and built the magnificent granite structure which still stands today, the Chelsea Groton Bank.
Originally it had a stained-glass ceiling that was removed during World War II due to mandatory blackouts.
Ken Keeley is the author of 13 pictorial books of Norwich history. His newest book, "The History of the Norwich Little League and Farm System, 1950-1975" is due out in September. His books can be purchased at La Stella's Italian Bakery and Market in Taftville and the Backus Hospital Gift Shop.
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