A Photographic History of Killingworth

by Thomas L. Lentz

The Killingworth Historical Society is pleased to announce the publication of a book entitled A Photographic History of Killingworth. This book presents a pictorial history of the Town of Killingworth, Connecticut. Most of the over 200 photographs in this book were taken around 1900 and depict the houses, farms, roads, businesses, schools, and people of the town. Many of the pictures are from a remarkable album of photographs apparently taken by a professional photographer who traveled around the town in August 1895. Much of the history is based on the Colonial Connecticut Records 1636-1776, the records of the Town of Killingworth 1663-present, and the records of the Second Ecclesiastical Society (Congregational Church) 1735-1893. The book is printed at high quality by Essex Printing and provides an archive of the early photographs of Killingworth.

The first chapter is a history of Colonial Killingworth from its first settlement in 1663, through the formation of the Second Society, now present day Killingworth, in 1735, to the split in 1838 to form present Killingworth and Clinton. Chapters follow with photographs and histories of early houses, churches and their pastors, and schools. There are photographs of the one-room schoolhouses and many school class pictures beginning in 1884 and ending with the last eighth grade class to graduate from Killingworth Elementary School in 1973. There is a chapter on town halls and cemeteries. Another chapter describes people, some famous such as Asahel Nettleton, Abner Lane, and Titus Coan, and includes pictures of groups and organizations. Farming, mills that no longer stand, and other occupations in early times in Killingworth are shown. Another chapter illustrates and describes roads some long abandoned, turnpikes, bridges, and means of transportation from carriages and wagons to the appearance of automobiles in the early twentieth century. Finally, the Agricultural Fairs which were held from 1878 to 1897 and were major events in the region, the Killingworth Images which were a fine example of early twentieth century folk art, and the “Wild West” attraction Cowboy Valley are described and illustrated.

The book is authored by Thomas L. Lentz who has lived in Killingworth since 1966. He is a founding member of the Killingworth Historical Society, Historian of the Congregational Church, and Municipal Historian. All proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Killingworth Historical Society to support its preservation activities on behalf of Killingworth.

The book can be obtained by sending $35.00 to:

Killingworth Historical Society
PO Box 707
Killingworth, CT 06419

The price includes postage.  We are a volunteer organization, so please allow us a little time to send you the book.