October 2, 2020
From the Podunk Path to the Moon

We come to the final exhibit in our series celebrating the 175th Anniversary of South Windsor, our online exhibit From the Podunk Path to the Moon.  This exhibit explores different modes of transportation, their history and impact on the development of the South Windsor area.

In an attempt to create an even more interactive exhibit, we will be bringing it to the real world.  Join us on Saturday, October 10th for a Mini Marathon of sights and scenes for our patrons to enjoy.  Visit thirteen highlights of From the Podunk Path to the Moon up and down Main Street.  An interactive Google map is availabe on our website and signs will also mark the locations on the 10th, from 10am to 2pm.  

Highlights of

From the Podunk Path to the Moon

Transportation Advancements in South Windsor

UCONN Library Map and Geographic Information Center
Map of the state of Connecticut showing Indian trails, villages and sachemdoms c.1625

An Ancient Path

Long before the contact era with European settlers, Native American trails connected tribal nations throughout the region, traversing all of Connecticut and beyond, as depicted in this c. 1930 map with information compiled by Mathias Spiess. 

The Podunk Path is highlighted in orange, named for the tribal nation that lived in several villages along the Connecticut River in the South Windsor region.  It meandered along the Connecticut River to its east, above the river’s floodplain, and its connections ran from the Atlantic coast to Canada.  Find out more ››

"Bus Services"- What would later be called "Collins Bus Service" was started in 1912 as a horse-drawn sleigh to transport children to school.

This image is courtesy of Priscilla Collins Snow and features Mabel Collins standing in the front of the sleigh.  On the back of the original image is the note "winter school bus 1915-1919."

The Age of Automobiles- In 1915, "mechanical genius" Harry Walker built his very own car, pictured here.  Walker, who lived on Ellington Road, co-owned the first auto repair shop in the area, located at 370 Long Hill Road. 

Commuter Town- "I grew up as a child in the 1950s when that bridge was being constructed. ... There was huge, huge construction involved in moving that earth, and for a kid growing up ... nothing could be more fascinating."  - Oral History interview #2 of Richard Nicholson, 2012

Image of the Bissell Bridge Construction c.1956 from the Barney Daley Collection 

Bost Collection of UTC Fuel Cell Papers

To the Moon

The Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Fuel Cell Operation in South Windsor played a crucial role in the nation's space program.  Engineers in South Windsor designed the fuel cells that powered Apollo missions from 1966 on, as well as all space shuttle missions. Find out more ››

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