Willimantic has been fortunate to be home to several authors and/or historians who have chronicled its history over the years, some of them natives of the city, others who have moved here and contributed greatly. There is really no “best” historian or author because each writes about different aspects, time periods or subjects. From my research and reading, however, one stands out as the most prolific writer and one who contributed greatly to Willimantic culture – that would be Allen B. Lincoln. He is probably best known for his book, A Modern History of Windham County, Connecticut. But he wrote much more about the city’s history. He was born in Willimantic in 1858 and graduated from the “Old Natchaug School” in 1875 and from Yale College in 1881. In 1895, he established a branch of the Cooperative Savings Society and, according to an 1899 City Directory, a fire and life insurance agency. He later became a district manager for the Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company and in 1909 moved to New Haven. While in Willimantic, he wrote “A History of Natchaug School” (1883) and “History of all the Fire Companies ever formed in Windham” (1885). In 1892, he was chosen as the historian of Windham County’s Bi-centennial celebration and was the editor and compiler of Windham’s Bi-Centennial Celebration – A Memorial Volume. Although not read during the bicentennial celebration because of its length, Lincoln wrote an article entitled Willimantic in Eighteen Fifty for the memorial book. His stated purpose was, ”I wish to give you a picture of Willimantic as it was about the year 1850, at the height of its growth and prosperity as a 'Factory village’ at the beginnings of the days of the railroad, and showing the foundations on which the present growth to extensive manufacturing, and the beginnings of an educational center, has been reared.” Even after moving to New Haven, Lincoln showed an intense interest in his home town. In 1914, he proposed what would become “Old School Week” in June, 1915. Lincoln believed that the recent completion of the new Natchaug School, the building of the Normal School and the soon to be completed new high school would generate much enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration/gathering which was to be open to, “all who ever went to school in Willimantic or the town of Windham”. Lincoln sent letters of invitation to almost all former students whose addresses were available. Replies then came in from those in several states and, of course, those who were more local and they all expressed not only excitement about the event but also plans to attend. It was a wildly successful celebration with Former President William Howard Taft as guest of honor. Then, in 1920, the two-volume, 1,897 page A Modern History of Windham County, Connecticut , edited by Lincoln, was published. Lincoln prefaced the book with a tribute to Willimantic. “ A well-known educator has said, that an effective inspiration to patriotism is residence in an historic locality; but it is necessary that the environment shall be realized, and its significance be brought out in the schools and in the civic consciousness of the community. Willimantic is certainly rich in this regard. From the commanding eminence of our own Hosmer Mountain, one may see the city itself in vivid panorama, and then, in larger view, may comprehend a wonderful scene of historic inspiration.” Lincoln then went on to describe the views of the city, the town and the county that could be seen from various points on Hosmer Mountain. Then he wrote, “Such, then, is the rich heritage revealed to our beloved Willimantic, in this horizon

sweep from old Hosmer Mountain! How vividly it brings to our minds a realization of the

fact that right here, amid the hills and dales of our own associate communities of today, there dwelt, and tilled this selfsame soil, an influential and effective portion of those early American patriots, who gave so freely of their lives and substance, to secure the liberties which we still enjoy. It is worthwhile to live in a community so eloquently environed.” Allen B. Lincoln had a summer home Westford,CT and became the founder of the Windham County Historical Association, of which he was president from 1935-1940. It was said that, “At his country home, Mr.Lincoln entertained statesmen,business leaders and Yale University officials in frequent reunions.He was an intimate friend of

.

                                         

Click on photo for larger version