Birdsey Booth Norton: A Steady Hand in Cheshire’s Town History

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.

A Life Rooted in Cheshire

Born on February 17, 1892, in Cheshire, Birdsey Booth Norton was a product of the town he would later help lead for nearly a quarter century. He was the son of Samuel L. Norton and Elizabeth Booth Norton, members of a long-established local family whose name was deeply associated with agriculture, land stewardship, and community life.

Birdsey married Ruby Munson French Norton, and together they were part of a social fabric shaped by family, faith, and civic responsibility. The Norton's were not newcomers or transient residents—they were embedded in Cheshire’s identity across generations.

First Selectman for a Generation

Norton’s most lasting legacy is his service as First Selectman, the town’s highest executive office. Holding the position for 24 years—spanning the 1930s, 1940s, and into the early 1950s—he presided over Cheshire during a time of enormous challenge and change.

His tenure encompassed:

• The Great Depression

• World War II

• The early postwar years of growth and modernization

During this period, Cheshire remained largely a rural farming community, even as nearby towns and cities industrialized and expanded. Norton’s leadership reflected the values of stability, continuity, and practical governance. His repeated reelection suggests a deep level of trust from residents and a governing style that resonated with everyday town life.

While his influence did not extend to state or national prominence, Norton’s role was essential at the local level—where decisions about roads, schools, land use, and municipal services shaped daily life.

Norton played a big role in securing the site of today's Cheshire High School and promoted Cheshire's educational systems through out his tenure.

The Norton Family and Agricultural Legacy

Birdsey Booth Norton’s story cannot be separated from the broader Norton family legacy in Cheshire, most visibly represented by the Norton Brothers Fruit Farm. Founded in 1757, the farm operated for an astonishing 268 years, passing through seven generations of the Norton and Perry families.

Located on Academy Road, the farm became a cornerstone of Cheshire’s agricultural heritage. For decades, it was known for:

• Pick-your-own fruits such as apples, peaches, blueberries, and raspberries

• A local produce market

• Seasonal traditions like hayrides and Christmas trees

The farm was more than a business—it was a community gathering place, a shared memory for generations of residents. Its permanent closure in May 2025 marked the end of one of the town’s oldest continuous institutions and prompted reflection on land use, development, and the future of open space in Cheshire.

Although Birdsey Norton’s own role was in governance rather than day-to-day farm operations, his family’s agricultural roots informed the values he brought to public service: stewardship, patience, and long-term thinking.

A Quiet but Enduring Impact

Birdsey Booth Norton died on July 24, 1954, in Waterbury, Connecticut, but his legacy remains firmly planted in Cheshire’s history. He represents a kind of leadership that is increasingly rare—deeply local, sustained over decades, and focused on the slow, steady work of community governance.

In remembering Birdsey Norton, we are reminded that history is not only shaped by famous national figures, but also by individuals who dedicate their lives to a single town, guiding it through hardship and change with consistency and care. Cheshire as it exists today owes much to leaders like Birdsey Booth Norton—men and women whose names may not appear in textbooks, but whose influence is felt in the very structure of the community.

The Norton Brothers Fruit Farm was a historic institution in Cheshire, Connecticut, run by seven generations of the Norton and Perry family for an impressive 268 years. It was a fundamental part of the community's fabric and agricultural heritage until its permanent closure in May 2025.

One of Birdsey Norton's favorite past times was duck pin bowling with his son Don. They were both highly ranked bowlers and won many tournament's in there day.