NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT

'New Britain' is a city in Hartford County, Connecticut, 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Hartford. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 71,254. Annual Estimates of the Population for All Incorporated Places in Connecticut
The city's official nickname is the "Hardware City" because of its history as a manufacturing center and as the headquarters of Stanley Works. Because of its large Polish population, the city is sometimes playfully referred to as "New Britski." It is also often referred to as "Hard Hittin' New Britain" - affectionately by its residents who consider it a tough town.

Contents

History

Geography

Demographics

Polish community

Sites of interest

Sports

Government

Education

Transportation

Notable New Britain residents

Sister Cities

References

External links

History

New Britain was settled in 1687 and was incorporated as a parish under the name New Britain Society in 1754. Chartered in 1850 as a township and in 1871 as a city, New Britain was separated from the nearby town of Berlin, Connecticut. A consolidation charter was adopted in 1905.
During the early part of the 20th century, New Britain was known as the "Hardware Capital of the World," as well as "Hardware City." Major manufacturers, such as The Stanley Works, Corbin Locks and North & Judd, were headquartered in the city.

In 1843 Frederick Trent Stanley established Stanley's Bolt Manufactory in New Britain to make door bolts and other wrought-iron hardware. In 1857 his cousin Henry Stanley and founded The Stanley Rule and Level Company in the city. Planes invented by Leonard Bailey and manufactured by the Stanley Rule and Level Company, known as "Stanley/Bailey" planes, were prized by woodworkers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and remain popular among wood craftsmen today. The two companies merged in 1920, and the Stanley Rule and Level Company became the Hand Tools Division of Stanley Works.
In the history of the clothes hanger, this city ranks prominently as the place where today's most used hanger, the wire hanger, was inspired by a coat hook that was invented in 1869 by O. A. North of New Britain, Connecticut. However, no monuments to either North or the wire hanger have been erected within the city limits (or the Stanley/Bailey plane, for that matter).
New Britain was also the home of some of the first racquetball play. Shortly after Greenwich, Connecticut tennis pro Joseph Sobek invented the game, Douglas Boyea, the New Britain YMCA's physical director, recognized the value of the new sport, and promoted the game at the Y on Court Street.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.7 km² (13.4 mi²). 34.6 km² (13.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (0.52%) is water.

Demographics

'Historical population of New Britain'[1]
1850	3,029
1860	5,212
1870	9,480
1880	13,979
1890	19,007
1900	28,202
1910	43,916
1920	59,316
1930	68,128
1940	68,685
1950	73,726
1960	82,201
1970	83,441
1980	73,840
1990	75,491
2000	71,538
2002	71,589 (est.)[2]

In 1900, 25,998 people lived in New Britain, Connecticut; in 1910, 43,916; in 1915, 52,203; in 1920, 59,316; and in 1940, 68,685.
As of the census² of 2000, there were 71,538 people, 28,558 households, and 16,934 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,070.5/km² (5,364.0/mi²). There were 31,164 housing units at an average density of 902.0/km² (2,336.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 69.38% White, 10.89% African American, 0.37% Native American, 2.36% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 13.12% from other races, and 3.81% from two or more races. 26.75% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 28,558 households out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.6% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.2% under the age of 18, 12.5% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,185, and the median income for a family was $41,056. Males had a median income of $34,848 versus $26,873 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,404. About 13.3% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.
Ancestries: Polish (19.9%), Italian (12.9%), Irish (7.8%), French (5.6%), German (4.3%), English (3.7%).

Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005[3]
Party		Active Voters	Inactive Voters	Total Voters	Percentage	Democratic	16,116	1,176	17,292	54.50%	Republican	3,862	324	4,186	13.19%	Unaffiliated	10,200	27	10,227	32.23%	Minor Parties	19	4	23	0.07%
Total		30,197	1,531	31,728	100%

Polish community

New Britain has the largest Polish population of any city in Connecticut with many residents considering the city's Broad Street community as its heart. Affectionately referred to as "Little Poland". the neighborhood has become home to an exceedingly large number of Polish businesses and families. The Polish community has been credited with revitalizing the area both culturally and economically.
Within the span of a few blocks, the city's Polish District boasts its own contracted U.S. Post office, a police substation, national and regional banks, travel agencies, European day spas, hair salons, restaurants, delis, cafes, grocery stores, jewelers, three Polish language newspapers, a television station, a Poldom financial service center and one of only a few New England law firms that can offer legal consultations entirely in Polish. In 2006, the Hartford based law firm of Podorowsky & Thompson opened a unique regional office in the heart of "Little Poland" at the behest of local business leaders. With roots traced to 1940, notable staff members include attorney David L. Thompson, son of former Wisconsin Attorney General George Thompson(1963-1965) and attorney Adrian Mark Baron, a former aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Other notable visitors to the Polish district include the late Pope John Paul II. In 1969, as Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, the future Pope gave mass at Broad Street's Sacred Heart Church.
A statute was erected to honor him in 2007. Staunch and devout Catholics, the Polish community also produces its own Polish Catholic newspaper through its editor Andrej Szterbowski.
In 2006, Hollywood came calling when Broad Street's Nozewski's Meat Market and Staropolska Restaurant were profiled by the Discovery Channel's Taste of America program. "Little Poland" is also a mandatory whistle stop on the campaign trails of various politicos. During the 2006 election season, senate hopefuls Joseph Lieberman, Nancy Johnson and Christopher Murphy were seen seeking votes among the Polish cafes and restaurants of Broad Street.
Connecticut Poles can be seen discussing world politics, sports, or local gossip over coffee and pastries at local eateries including Fatherland Restaurant, Baltyk, Staropolska, Sezam, Kuchnia Helenki, or the European Cafe. At night, many dance the night away at Arkadia Nightclub, or catch a jazz band at the Stadion Cafe.
In the summertime, Poles and non-Poles alike flock to "Polanka" field (in back of Pulaski Middle School) to enjoy weekly Sunday picnics featuring live Polish music. At the annual Dożynki harvest festival, visitors can find buttermilk, yellow and brown amber jewelry from the Baltic Sea, traditional hand carved Polish boxes and traditional foods such as smoked kielbasa, pierogi and gołąbki. Polanka also serves as home for the Polish Falcon Club's venerable Polonia Soccer Team, which competes on the regulation-size soccer field. In 2007, the Club celebrated its centennial anniversary. Along with the Haller Post, (named after Polish General Jozef Haller) the Polish Falcons Club, serve as a second home to many of New Britain's settled families as a social venue.

The Polish community is known for fruitious gardens, immaculate flowers, and (most likely) a Catholic figure in the front yard (not unlike Mexican-Americans and Mary de Guadalupe). Many New Britain Poles cherish Our Lady of Częstochowa and preserve their Eastern European heritage with pride. The Polish Falcons of America offer an annual bus trip to Doylestown, Pa. each September, where the American Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine is located. Peering into backyards, visitors may observe wood burning stoves where residents smoke kielbasa.
Education and culture remain an important aspect to the lives of local New Britain Poles. Broad Street's Sacred Heart Church boasts an award winning K-8 private school and New Britain High School offers the Polish language as an elective. Local residents often attend free monthly legal seminars in Polish offered by Podorowsky & Thompson law offices. Affectionately referred to as Herbata u Adwokata (Tea with the Attorney) the seminars have proven to be a great learning resource for immigrants unsure of their legal rights. Residents can also take courses in the English language through a progam offered through the Polish American Foundation.
College bound students can find an extensive offering of Polish studies at Central Connecticut State University. It bares noting that Central's Science Hall is named after the Polish born Copernicus. For those with artistic wants, the Polish American Foundation sponsors orchestral works of Chopin and recurring art exhibits at the Sloper Wesoly House.
The Polish influence is credited with a unique feature of the New Britain accent, possibly the only variety of English in North America to feature the glottal stop to replace 't'.^[4]

Sites of interest

★ New Britain Museum of American Art – the oldest art museum in the United States devoted to American Art. It contains a famous and comprehensive art collection from the 18th century to the present.

★ Walnut Hill Park

★ Hole in the Wall Theatre

★ New Britain Youth Museum

★ Capitol Lunch – a hot dog institution in New England. The "Cappie Dog" is well known to New Britain visitors for its unique and secret chili sauce.

★ East Side Restaurant-A well known German restaurant serving traditional food and a wide variety of beers

★ Stag Arms, a firearms manufacturer is located in New Britain.

★ The Polish District or "Little Poland": Located primarily in the vicinty of Broad Street, visitors can find unique amber jewelry, handcrafted items, blown glass, Christmas ornaments carved chess sets, as well as eat their fill of Polish food.

★ Avery's Beverages

Sports

★ New Britain Rock Cats, minor league professional baseball team playing in New Britain Stadium.

Government

Official Web Site for City of New Britain, CT

Education

The city is home to Central Connecticut State University and Charter Oak State College. The city is served by The Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General (Formerly New Britain General Hospital).
New Britain is also home to H.A.L.S. Academy (House of Arts, Letters, and Sciences), a middle school for gifted students. Fifth graders with high scores on mastery tests are given the SAGES test. Those with good scores on both SAGES and CMTs will be accpted into H.A.L.S. H.A.L.S. Academy is currently in the old Mary Immaculate Academy, but will be moving as of the 2007-2008 school year.
New Britain is also home to the Mountain Laurel Sudbury School, which is entering its 6th year of operation (as of July, 2007).

Transportation

Connecticut Route 9 is the city's main expressway connecting traffic between Hartford (via I-84 and I-91) and Old Saybrook and Middletown. Public transportation is provided by Connecticut Transit.
New Britain may also serve as the terminus of the proposed Hartford-New Britain busway. A 9 mile long dedicated BRT system with 11 stations starting from downtown New Britain, and terminating at Union Station in Hartford. This will be constructed along an existing/abandoned Right of Way which links the 2 cities.

Notable New Britain residents

★ Jack Arute, American broadcaster most notably with ABC Sports.

★ Charles T. Avedisian, former NB Athletic Director, played for NY Giants 1942-44, in Providence College and NB Halls of Fame, developed the unbalanced T formation

★ Ricky Bottalico, major league pitcher in the 1990s and 2000s, most notably with the Philadelphia Phillies.

★ Elihu Burritt (1810–1879), was a philanthropist, linguist, and social activist born in the city.

★ Walter Camp, 1859-1935, Inventor of American Football. Was born in New Britain.

★ Steve Dalkowski, legendary minor league fastball pitcher.

★ Anna Eshoo, U.S. Congresswoman representing California's 14th District, was born in the city.

★ Rod Foster, St. Thomas Aquinas High School graduate who went on to become an All-American guard at UCLA, and later played for the NBA's Phoenix Suns.

★ Willie Hall - Pulaski High School, USC, Oakland Raiders Linebacker for the Super Bowl XI Champion Raiders^[5]

★ Tebucky Jones, FS for the New England Patriots, member of Super Bowl XXXVI Champion Patriots and former New Britain High School standout; Class of 1993, New Britain High School

★ Thomas Meskill (born 1928), a senior member of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, a former Republican Governor of the state (1971-1974), Congressman (1967-1970), and Mayor of New Britain (1965-1966), was born in the city.

★ Tommy Myers, Pro Bowl defensive back with the New Orleans Saints. Also a member of the Syracuse Hall of Fame.

★ Lamar Odom, basketball forward for the LA Clippers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, a 1998 graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

★ Abraham Ribicoff (1910–1998), Connecticut Democratic Governor, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in the Kennedy administration, was born in the city.

★ Luanne Rice (born 1955), novelist. Born and raised in New Britain.

★ Earl Snyder. Baseball player, Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox, was born in 1976 in the city.

★ Douglas Swan (born 1930), painter. Born in New Britain.

★ Teddy Wilson, jazz pianist (1912-1986), died in the city.

★ Gene Pitney (1940-2006), born in Hartford

Sister Cities

New Britain has five sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI):

★ Atsugi, Japan

★ Pułtusk, Poland

★ Rastatt, Germany

★ Giannitsa, Greece

★ Solarino, Italy

References

1. Section VII: Local Government
2. Table 4. Connecticut Incorporated Places with Population over 10,000, Ranked by July 1, 2002 Population: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2002
3. Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 25, 2005
4. GARY SANTANIELLO, 'Accent? What Accent?', ''The New York Times''
September 5, 2004 Sunday
5. Raiders Capture First Super Bowl with 32-14 Drubbing of Vikings


★ ''History of New Britain'' by Camp, (New Britain, 1889) is a valuable source of information.

★ ''A Walk Around Walnut Hill,'' 1975, written by the late Kenneth Larson, an artist and historian and vocal opponent of the city's redevelopment program. This illustrated book was part of an effort to make the city aware of its rich architectural history.

★ ''New Britain,'' by Alfred Andrews, 1867. The Andrews history predates Camp's work and has an especially strong focus on the city's early religious and family histories.

★ ''A History of New Britain,'' by Herbert E. Fowler, 1960. This work was commissioned by the New Britain Historical Society. It's a comprehensive study. Dr. Fowler, a professor at Central Connecticut State University, died in 1963 at the age of 80.

★ ''The Story of New Britain,'' by Lillian Hart Tryon, 1925, and published by the Esther Stanley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It includes richly detailed sketches by Mortimer Warren of old New Britain scenes.

★ ''Images of America, New Britain,'' by Arlene Palmer, 1995. A former curator of the New Britain Public Library's Local History Room, Ms. Palmer prepared a series of books that document, in photographs, the city.

★ ''New Britain, The City of Invention,'' by Patrick Thibodeau and Arlene Palmer. Thibodeau is a former reporter and editor at The Herald.

External links

★ City of New Britain

★ New Britain Police Department

★ New Britain Downtown District

★ East Side Community Action/ Neighborhood Revitalization Zone

★ CT Transit Rapid Transit Planning Commsion