A quick look through City Directories for the years from 1890 through around 1915, there were at least 35 different civic and social organizations in Willimantic and it was not unusual for a person to be a member of five or more of these organizations. In 1892, George E. Hinman gathered together about twenty bicycle enthusiasts in photographer Charles Townsend’s rooms on Main Street and organized a bicycle club which was to be called “The Thread City Cycle Club”. The first officers to be elected were Charles Townsend, President; Dwight Abel, Vice-President; George Hinman, Secretary and William Jordan, Treasurer. Hinman was publisher of the Willimantic Journal and later became State  Attorney General, and then a judge of the State  Superior Court. The group formed during the  nationwide bicycling boom and soon became highly active in local and civic affairs during its almost 30-year history. Almost immediately, the club attracted many of the city’s upcoming and influential young men. The club members either hosted or participated in many different bicycle races and contests throughout the state and within a year had won six trophies. George Hinman was one of the first to win a prize when he won second place (and the prize of a bookcase) in the Eastern Connecticut Cycle Club team race. The Cycler’s William P. Jordan (who was to become a prominent Willimantic businessman), Dickerson.G. Baker also won prizes, having come in first in one of the events. When the train that the team was on came into the depot upon its return from Rockville, “the team was surprised to find the city illuminated with fire of all colors and the Thread City Band in waiting to do honor and be escort to the victors”. An impromptu parade was organized and everyone marched up Main Street. Later in the year, the members adopted a new constitution and reorganized as “The Thread City Cyclers”. The TCC set up their first major event in July, 1894. It included ten different events, each with first, second and third place prize. By the time the club held its annual meeting in April, 1895, the club had fifty active members and sixty associate members. The club’s meeting rooms were located in the Tilden Building and was said to have “elegantly furnished meeting rooms”. In 1895, the TCC held their fourth annual race meet at the Fairgrounds. The highly successful event drew around 4,000 spectators. Even though it was held on a Friday, all places of business were closed (except for the mills and the saloons). During the next few years, the club greatly expanded its activities. Soon, basketball, baseball and pool teams were formed within the club. The club would also soon begin sponsoring dances, lectures, concerts and many other types of social activities. We’ll take a look at some of them. In 1897, the club hosted a “Smoker” which was deemed “a most enjoyable affair”. About 75 members and invited guests, “were made to feel very welcome to the cozy and cheerful parlors of the club”. People played whist or billiards and there was a good deal of entertainment with quartets singing and a good deal of violin and piano playing.” The Cyclers served their guests with lemonade, hot coffee and sandwiches”.