People

CHESHIRE Today, CT — The history of Cheshire is often told through its institutions—Cheshire Academy, its churches, and its civic traditions—but few family stories encapsulate the town’s connection to national culture and global conflict as fully as that of the Ferris family. Spanning early 20th-century academia, Hollywood’s Golden Age, and the battlefields of World War II, the Ferris legacy reflects both privilege and profound sacrifice.

Cheshire, Connecticut, may seem like a quiet New England town, but its literary and creative influence runs deep. This community has nurtured some of the most compelling voices in thriller fiction, legal drama, graphic novels, and historical writing. From bestselling authors to pioneering artists, Cheshire’s creative residents have shaped genres and brought national attention to the town’s rich cultural fabric.

Cheshire Today Dr. Wilbur J. Moore Born on July 15, 1896, in Watertown, Connecticut, Moore’s path to medicine began close to home. He attended Cheshire Academy before continuing his studies at Columbia University and the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1921, newly trained and full of ambition, he returned to Cheshire to open a medical practice—setting up his first office in the Fred Porter House. From the outset, he embraced the role of the classic country do

Marion Moore Coleman’s legacy is one of intellectual dedication, cultural bridge-building, and community stewardship. Through her translations and bibliographies, she helped shape the field of Polish-American literary studies. Through her local histories and publishing work in Cheshire, she preserved the memory of a town and its institutions for future generations. Remembered both as a rigorous scholar and a devoted community historian. Cheshire Today

Cheshire Today Lieutenant General Richard P. Formica (U.S. Army, Ret.) is a distinguished three-star Army officer whose 36-year military career took him to the highest levels of command in space, missile defense, and joint operations. A native of Cheshire, Connecticut, General Formica’s path from a local public school student to senior national defense leader reflects a life shaped by service, resilience, and community values.

Cheshire Today Scott’s Rock—also known locally as “Big Rock”—is one of Cheshire, Connecticut’s most evocative natural landmarks. Situated in the South area, this massive geological formation is more than an impressive remnant of the last Ice Age. It is a place where geology, colonial history, folklore, and community memory intersect, making it one of the town’s most enduring points of interest.

Cheshire Today Birdsey Booth Norton (1892–1954) stands as one of the most influential local public figures in the history of Cheshire, Connecticut. Though not widely known beyond town borders, his impact on the community was profound and enduring. Serving as Cheshire’s First Selectman for an extraordinary 24 years, Norton helped guide the town through some of the most transformative decades of the twentieth century.