The Pringle Plan: Norwich City Hall

Clock tower - Norwich City Hall, CT

If you've ever wondered about this magnificent building, a Walktober Event featuring a tour of the Norwich City Hall and clock tower is a great way to learn some of its history. Although earlier versions existed in other parts of town, the current City Hall was built between 1870-1873. Just imagine you are a mason, working on a five story structure, during an era when there were no cranes or other power equipment. Bricklayers pulled themselves, and their Philadelphia pressed brick, up on a rope and pulley system. The windows are trimmed in granite and the mansard roof is shingled in slate. An extensive renovation was done in 2000 to bring the building up to code.

Front entrance and Memorial plaza - Norwich City Hall, CT

In front of city hall is a round plaza dedicated in memory of Angelo Sanquedolce who was the city's comptroller from 1968-1998. In the heart of downtown Norwich, CT, the building stands at the intersection of Broadway and Union streets.

Broadway St entrance

City Hall was originally much more than administrative offices. It was also the location of the county courthouse, police department and jail. Our tour began in the basement where prisoners were once held in a manner reminiscent of Otis sleeping off a night's drunk in Mayberry's jail, then released in the morning.

Double cells are now missing the bars that separated prisoners. The cells are now used for storage.

This basement storage area was once the sheriff's office.

One of many vaults at city hall

One of the many original staircases in city hall. Today there is also an elevator.

Norwich tour guides enjoy talking about Lincoln as he once visited the city while campaigning for president. While in town he stayed at the historic Wauregan Hotel - now converted into apartments.