Last week’s article by Tom Beardsley introduced us to General Lloyd E. Baldwin. Today we’ll take a second look at the man who, arguably, was one of the most active and influential factors behind early Willimantic’s growth. Anyone truly interested in the history of Willimantic should consider reading some of the many articles written by this gentleman. When Baldwin died in 1896, the Chronicle said, “A grand old man, the city’s ‘most interesting figure’ has passed away…The news of (his) death will fill with sadness many a heart and start a tear to many an eye.” General Baldwin was born in Norwich and moved to Willimantic when he was 21 and immediately started a business as a contractor and builder. For over forty years, Baldwin was “extensively engaged in building contracts, embracing large factories, churches and dwellings”. Many of them were in Willimantic, including Franklin Hall, the Linen Company’s Number 3 mill, the old First District schoolhouse. He also assisted in the building of the Smithville mill and the mill’s wooden and stone tenement houses which are highlighted in today’s photo. A member of the military for over 60 years, General Baldwin earned his title as commander of the Connecticut militia’s Fifth Brigade between 1844 and 1847. He held public office as a representative to the state legislature, postmaster at Willimantic, warden of the borough, a delegate to the national convention, and held various other local offices from time to time. For years. Baldwin was Warden of the City and under his care, new streets were built, existing streets were paved. In November, 1881, the “Chronicle” said, “Our new warden, General L.E. Baldwin, is showing himself to be the right man in the right place. The cross-walks have been cleared of the accumulated dirt which had long concealed their whereabouts, and the gutters cleaned out, so that our Main Street presents quite a pleasing change to pedestrians”. Baldwin was also instrumental in establishing the Willimantic Savings Institute. Baldwin’s writings provide a fascinating look at Willimantic as it was in the 1800s. The “Chronicle” said of Baldwin’s writings, “Only the oldest residents and those of excellent memory undimmed by the weight of their years, can personally review the development and history of Willimantic. This is a privilege enjoyed by Gen. L. E. Baldwin”. In all of his writings, Baldwin presents facts and history as well as his own observations and thoughts. Reading his articles is similar to sitting in a chair and listening to someone  reminisce about the past. Baldwin’s first published article appeared in June, 1885 and was entitled, “Reminiscences of Willimantic Post Office” and its style sets the stage for all his later writings. In the article he speaks of the Post Office’s history, its postmasters (he was one of them) and is not afraid to share his thoughts about those who served. He is straightforward about his feelings concerning the political appointments of postmasters or of his leaning toward the Democratic party. “ Let me assure my Republican friends that the Democrats are to control these matters in the future.” Baldwin brought his chatty style to his other articles - eleven on “Willimantic’s Businessmen”, two about churches, one about lawyers, three about military matters and his masterpiece, “Willimantic Before 1850 : Sketches of Early Residences and Occupants”. The Mill Museum’s Executive Director, Jamie Eves, has written more extensively about Baldwin and has added photos and explanations to Baldwin’s own twenty-two article series,  ”Willimantic Before 1850” .I highly recommend going to the Mill Museum website to see this expansion of the work by Baldwin with photos, explanations and  informative commentary by Jamie Eves. The link is : millmuseum.org/a-builders-tale/   Baldwins other writings may be viewed at this link: threadcity.us/baldwin.html . Years later, as part of Windham’s 1892 BiCentennial and crediting Baldwin for the information from his writings,  Allen B. Lincoln wrote another article called “Willimantic in 1850”. It is also available on our website. Visit “threadcity.us”

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