Tolland — Industries
Extracted from "History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, Volume II," by Louis H. Everts, 1879.
The industries of Tolland are limited. The soil is generally poor, and, beyond the article of hay, does not yield sufficient to supply the wants of the farmers, who are annually forced to purchase grain in Westfield. Tobacco was, some years ago, raised to a considerable extent, but of that commodity very little is produced now. Generally the farmers devote their energies to the raising of stock and the manufacture of butter and cheese in a small way, the region affording good grazing facilities. There is a small tannery on the Farmington River, owned by Albert Hull, and a small bedstead-factory in the north, operated by Charles N. Marshall, both establishments being run by water-power. The distance from the nearest market is about fourteen miles. The town has a post-office, but not a single store within its limits.
The total assessed valuation of the town in 1875 was $267,330, on which the tax was $4410, or at the rate of 16½ mills on the dollar. This onerous tax is due largely to the fact that some years ago the town issued $25,000 in bonds in aid of the projected Lee and New Haven Railroad, which, after being graded as far as Tolland, was abandoned for lack of funds, and still remains in that unfinished condition, the company having forfeited its charter. Some day it is likely to be pushed to completion, and on that hope the Tolland people base their expectations of future increased prosperity. The dwelling-houses in the town number about 110, and the farms 105.
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