Lyman Hall High school - Singer Chronicle Yearbook (Wallingford, CT)

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Wallingford, on it's tercentenary Anniversary, is a thriving community. Founded in the seventeenth century by a group of planters from New Haven, it has since grown, developed excellent educational industrial, and business facilities. Many factors contributed to the three hundred years success of what was once called Coginchange. The location and topography of Wallingford lended itself to steady growth. In 1774, Wallingford had a population of 4,915. Since that first census, the town has grown to 32,500 persons in 1965. The town’s government reflected this steady increase of its citizenry. The town meeting form of government lasted until 1853, when the town adopted the town borough system which endured for 104 years. In 1958, after 286 years of voting at town meeting, the people relinquished that right to the representative town meeting, which lasted four years. The present mayor-council government began operating on January 1, 1962. A large part of Wallingford's three hundred year success story can be attributed to industry, business, and diversified agriculture. Some of the largest manufacturers are: International Silver Company, Wallace Silversmiths, American Cyanamid, Wallingford Steel, Stanley Judd, and Revere Corporation of America. In non-manufacturing, Wallingford employs about five thousand persons. The aforementioned manufacturers and business account in large part for Wallingford's per capita buying income which is about one thousand dollars above the U.S. average. Agriculturally, Wallingford is one of the largest fruit producing areas in the East, growing apples, pears, and peaches. Wallingford's orchards and dairy products are rated high in New England for quality and quantity. The educational system, consisting of fourteen elementary schools, three junior highs, and one senior High and one future Senior High, has played and will play a large role in Wallingford's success. The people of Wallingford can be proud of their town's 300th birthday. As we look forward to the year 2070, with the challenge, changes, and problems that will arise in all areas, the lessons of the past should play a large part in our solutions of the future. Special thanks to: Joseph M. Manfredt P.h.D., John Perez, and James O'Conner: A History of Wallingford Wallingford has two roads stretching before it. One of stagnation and decline, and one of progress. Throughout the next one hundred years, Wallingford will travel one of these roads. During 1970, the future will be decided. It is our job to lead our town on the right road: to inspire leadership and hope in our fellow men and make Wallingford an example for others to follow, as we head into the first year of the next one hundred.