Historical Sites in Jewett City
Historical Marker
Thanks to its unique access to various types of water power, Jewett City became a major milling center in Southeastern Connecticut in the 19th century. At one time Griswold had seven Textile Mills! While most were destroyed by fire, portions of
Aspinook and Slater Mill still stand today.
Eliezer Jewett's House
In April of 1771, Eliezer Jewett began the settlement of the Village of Jewett City! He built the a saw mill, a grist mill, a fulling mill, and a clothier shop! The site of his 1771 mill is now the location of the Slater Mill Complex. Eliezer’s house was originally a one-story house and was located on South Main Street where the railroad tracks are now. Eliezer eventually turned his house into a two-story house, in which he ran a tavern. Eliezer Jewett died 12/7/1867 at the age of 87 and is buried in the Jewett City Cemetery on Anthony Street
Note: In the picture, Eliezer Jewett’s home is the wood structure on the left, which no longer exists
Jewett City Cemetery
The the earliest headstones date between 1780 to 1790. There has been an ongoing rumor over the years that Vampires are buried in this Cemetery. This rumor involved 4 members of the Ray Family who are buried there and who died between 1840 and 1850 from Tuberculosis, whose symptoms mimic vampiric symptoms.
Also buried there is William Henry Tift (1841 -1916) who was the first Jewett City resident to volunteer to fight in the Civil War and became a minuteman. Later, he served as borough clerk and treasurer. His residence is located on Tift Street.
Slater Mill Complex
The Slater Mill dates from 1820 to 1840, and is located off of Slater Avenue! Slater Mill was built on the site of the original Eliezer Jewett Mill. The Slater Mill contained 700 looms and employed 550 workers! The mill was owned by John and Samuel Slater and built entirely of brick around 1846!
Finn's Block
Located across the street from the entrance to Soule Street off of Main Street, the basic 3 story brick structure is still standing and presently houses a Chinese Restaurant and apartments! In 1895 Finn bought swampland where the CVS Pharmacy is now located. After draining it, he built the large brick structure which housed retail stores. On the very top floor was a large theater, which seated 700 people. The theater portion of the building was destroyed in the 1938 Hurricane!
James Finn was also appointed Postmaster of Jewett City by President Cleveland in 1885 and was a First Selectman of Griswold! He also served in the CT. State Legislature!
The Jewett City Baptist Church
The Jewett City Baptist Church was built in 1840! The original building was smaller than the present building which was enlarged and raised several feet. The belfry was destroyed in the 1938 Hurricane!
The large cemetery located behind the Church was opened in the early 1800s and has always been privately owned!
Riverside Grammar School
The Riverside Grammar School was built in 1896 and was built on land donated by William A. Slater.
In 1965, the School was converted into the Griswold Town Hall and was later torn down in 1993! As a side note, Griswold’s school had 340 students and 15 teachers in the 1860s.
Leffler Funeral Home
This stone building was originally the Granite Hotel, built in 1830 from native materials. The third floor had a “spring” dance floor!
Samuel Button's Tavern
Constructed in 1831, Button’s Tavern now houses Dean’s Corner Restaurant. The building is essentially as it was when it was built.
Enoch Baker's House
Stationed at Fort Ticonderoga, Enoch Baker was fought in the American Revolution. In 1777, his regiment went to Philadelphia to announce the surrender of British General Burgoyne's Army to Congress. While his final resting place (picture on the left) is in Jewett City Cemetery, Baker's home (built in 1791) was located on East Main Street. What is now Fanning Park was part of his farm!
A.A. Young, Jr. Hose & Ladder Co.
This fire company was established in 1895. It’s original location was on East Main Street (where Mondovi Dental's parking lot is currently), but the company moved to its present location on Hill Street in the 1950s.
The Slater Library
The Slater Library was a gift to Jewett City by John F. Slater, descendant of William A Slater (founder of Slater Mill). The Library Building itself was completed in 1885!
John Johnson's Tavern
John Johnson’s Tavern was built in 1797 and later became the Jewett City Hotel.
In 1824, the Tavern was visited by the Marquis de Lafayette, the American Revolutionary War Hero, during his Grand Tour of America!
The Tavern/Hotel was torn down in the 1990s to make room for a condominium complex!
