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The Cheshire Jaycees in the 1960's
Across the 1960s, the Cheshire Jaycees established themselves as a cornerstone of civic life in the town. Through educational programs, youth athletics, pageants, public safety initiatives, leadership training, and large-scale community events, the organization helped guide Cheshire through a decade of rapid growth and change. The traditions they built and the leaders they developed continued to influence local governance and community life long after the decade ended, leavin
Richard Smith
Jan 266 min read


The First Decade of the Cheshire Jaycees: Building Civic Leadership in a Growing Town
By the end of the 1950s, the Cheshire Jaycees had firmly established themselves as a cornerstone of civic life in a rapidly changing town. Through leadership training, youth programs, recreation initiatives, fundraising events, and community celebrations, the organization helped shape modern Cheshire while preparing a generation of young men for future roles in business, government, and public service.
Though many specific projects have faded into the background of local m
Richard Smith
Jan 256 min read


Sheldon Dill’s legacy in Cheshire is defined by consistency, accessibility, and long-term commitment.
A graduate of Cheshire High School, Class of 1966, he was actively involved as a student, including participation with the baseball team and service on the Yearbook Committee. His lifelong connection to the town has shaped both his personal identity and his public career.
Following high school, Dill pursued higher education in business and marketing. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University and went on to complete advanced graduate studies at the Universit
Richard Smith
Jan 245 min read


Donald R. Gode: A Life of Service, Family, and Community.
The Gode Family and the Cheshire Fire Department
Donald’s father, John Gode, was a charter member of the Cheshire Fire Department. Donald himself became a life member, continuing the family’s legacy of service. His son, Peter Gode, was also a member until his death, and Peter’s son, Andrew, later served as a firefighter near his home in Leesburg, Virginia.
Richard Smith
Jan 235 min read


Classic Literature: The Timeless Group Chat on Human Experience and Emotional Resilience
Classic quotes act as a shared cultural shorthand. When words fail us, these quotes step in and connect generations with a single line that says, “Yes, people have felt this before, and yes, they survived it.” These quotes provide emotional support and resilience by reminding us that our struggles are part of a larger human story. Classic literature isn’t outdated; it has been waiting patiently for us to catch up. It offers a mirror to human nature and a guide through univer

Free Lance Writer
Jan 153 min read


Cheshire's Path to Speed Camera Implementation: Key Steps and Requirements
Speeding remains a critical concern for many communities, especially in areas near schools and pedestrian zones. If Cheshire is considering installing speed cameras to improve traffic safety, then there are clear rules and steps the town must follow before cameras can be activated. This post explains what Cheshire needs to do, how speed camera programs operate in Connecticut, and how the revenue from these cameras is used.
Richard Smith
Jan 83 min read


Understanding the Distribution of Unclaimed Bottle Deposits in Connecticut
For the fiscal year 2025, which ends on June 30, 2025, Connecticut splits unclaimed deposits evenly:
50% goes to beverage distributors
50% goes to the state’s General Fund
This 50-50 split marks a shift from the previous law where the state received 100% of unclaimed deposits. The change aims to balance the interests of distributors, who handle the logistics and costs of the deposit system, with the state’s interest in funding public programs.
Richard Smith
Jan 83 min read


The Ferris Family of Cheshire: Culture, Conflict, and Service Across a Century
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.
Richard Smith
Jan 34 min read


Remembering Those Who Were the Cheshire Jaycees
The Roots of the Cheshire Jaycees
The Cheshire Junior Chamber of Commerce received its official charter in May 1954 at Cheshire Academy. Early leaders included President William Sandwick, Treasurer F. Alden O’Neal, Projects Chairman Warren H. Dougherty, and Publicity Chairman Richard Haury. Leadership training was central to the organization’s mission, and Cheshire Jaycees played a significant role at the state level.
A notable moment reflecting the strength and continuity of
Richard Smith
Jan 26 min read


Celebrating 250 Years of Independence Our Nation’s Semiquincentennial
Cheshire Today
Cheshire’s semiquincentennial celebration will feature a variety of events designed to bring the community together and honor our nation’s founding principles. Some highlights include:
Historical Exhibits: Showcasing artifacts, documents, and stories from Cheshire’s colonial era to illustrate the town’s role in the independence movement.
Educational Workshops: Offering opportunities for students and adults to learn about the Declaration of Independe
Richard Smith
Dec 30, 20251 min read


Dr. Wilbur J. Moore (1896–1993) was far more than Cheshire’s longtime physician—he was a trusted presence in the daily life of the town for more than six decades
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
Richard Smith
Dec 28, 20253 min read


Marion Moore Coleman: Scholar, Translator, and Historian of Cultures and Community
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
Richard Smith
Dec 28, 20254 min read


Major General Richard Formica (Retired): A Cheshire Home-Grown Life of Service.
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.
Richard Smith
Dec 26, 20254 min read


Scott’s Rock: Legend, Landscape, and Local Memory in Cheshire, Connecticut
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.
Richard Smith
Dec 25, 20254 min read


Birdsey Booth Norton: A Steady Hand in Cheshire’s Town History
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.
Richard Smith
Dec 25, 20253 min read


Cheshire Chamber of Commerce
Cheshire Today
The first public step toward forming a Cheshire Chamber of Commerce took place in the fall of 1953. According to The Journal on October 9, 1953, a group of local businessmen planned to meet at the Town Hall to discuss organizing a formal chamber. This meeting signaled a shared recognition that Cheshire’s growing business community needed a unified voice.
Located at 195 South Main Street in Cheshire, the Chamber continues to serve as a vital link.
Richard Smith
Dec 25, 20253 min read


Exploring Cheshire's Cold War Bunker: A Deep Dive into Its History and Design
One of the most innovative features of the Cheshire bunker is how it protects its electronic systems from shock waves caused by nearby explosions. Both the building itself and the equipment racks inside are mounted on massive springs. These springs absorb the ground shock, preventing damage to delicate telecommunications gear.
Richard Smith
Dec 22, 20253 min read


Discover Why C.J. Sparrow Pub & Eatery in Cheshire CT Redefines the Local Pub Experience
Cheshire Today Review
C.J. Sparrow also excels in its drink offerings. The pub features a well-curated selection of craft beers, both local and regional, that appeal to beer enthusiasts. If cocktails are more your style, the bartenders mix up creative and classic drinks with fresh ingredients.
Richard Smith
Dec 1, 20253 min read


From Thanksgiving Rivalries to a 36-Game Win Streak The Legacy of Cheshire High School Football
Richard Reggie Smith Research/Editor Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 Cheshire High School football has a rich history marked by intense rivalries and remarkable achievements. From early struggles to a dominant era in the 1990s, the Rams have built a legacy that continues to inspire players and fans alike. This story highlights the evolution of Cheshire’s football program, focusing on its traditional Thanksgiving rivalries and the unforgettable 36-game winning streak
Richard Smith
Nov 26, 20253 min read


The Forgotten Pioneers of Youth Soccer in Cheshire Connecticut
The earliest records show that youth soccer in Cheshire began to organize in the early 1970s. On April 9, 1974, the Record Journal announced a soccer clinic for boys aged 7 to 13 at the Cheshire High School baseball field. This clinic was one of the first formal efforts to introduce young players to the sport in a structured way.
By March 2, 1976, the Hartford Courant reported that registration was open for a soccer club aimed at boys and men aged 7 to 23. This program was
Richard Smith
Nov 14, 20254 min read
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