Overview of the Collection
The Windsor Historical Society Oral History Collection is an artificial collection of oral history interviews and other recorded memoirs, public presentations, and short historical essays which have been transcribed by Society staff and volunteers. The earliest recordings were made in 1952, but the collection spans to the present day. A few of the transcripts were prepared from videotaped recordings. Virtually all the recordings are now available in a digital format.
Oral history themes and topics include neighborhood and family history; childhood chores and fun; school days; learning to drive; hunting, fishing, and other sports; working tobacco; church activities; and fondly remembered local stores, shopkeepers, and home delivery services. Recorded lectures and programs provide insight into history of the Lithuanian community in Poquonock; the mills along the Farmington River; the history of the Hayden Station area; Christopher Miner Spencer’s many accomplishments; and Windsor’s brickmaking industry. Some narrators offer perspective on the changes in the town of Windsor, CT during the 20th century, considering aspects such as the postwar housing shortages, race relations, and the impact of the opening of Interstate 91.
There are currently thirty-six transcripts in the collection, most with a detailed index. This inventory lists the name of the narrator, the date of the recording, the collection number, and a brief abstract of the contents. The transcripts are filed in the Library.