New Britain in Hartford County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Cornelius B. Erwin
Photographed By Michael Herrick, March 29, 2011
1. Cornelius B. Erwin Marker
Inscription.
Cornelius B. Erwin. .
Cornelius B. Erwin 1811 – 1885. Cornelius Erwin was one of New Britain's greatest benefactors and an original shareholder in the Walnut Hill Park Company. He built several successful businesses including Russell and Erwin Manufacturing Company, and was heavily involved in the development of New Britain. Erwin, the son of a shoemaker, arrived in New Britain at the age of 21 with five dollars in his pocket. He left an estate of 1.1 million dollars. Erwin bequeathed his estate to four midwestern colleges and numerous local institutions including the New Britain Institute, Fairview Cemetery Chapel, The Erwin Home, the construction of the Civil War Memorial in Central Park and the South Congregational Church. He also donated fifty thousand dollars as a permanent trust fund to Walnut Hill Park. The income was to be used for maintaining and beautifying the park. The income became available in 1893 and for some time it was the only funding the park commission received for maintenance and improvements. There was some discussion after Erwin's death of naming the park after him, however, it was felt that the town had become accustomed to the name Walnut Hill Park and Erwin himself would have preferred leaving it as such.
Cornelius B. Erwin 1811 – 1885
Cornelius Erwin was one of New Britain's greatest benefactors and an original shareholder in the Walnut Hill Park Company. He built several successful businesses including Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company, and was heavily involved in the development of New Britain. Erwin, the son of a shoemaker, arrived in New Britain at the age of 21 with five dollars in his pocket. He left an estate of 1.1 million dollars. Erwin bequeathed his estate to four midwestern colleges and numerous local institutions including the New Britain Institute, Fairview Cemetery Chapel, The Erwin Home, the construction of the Civil War Memorial in Central Park and the South Congregational Church. He also donated fifty thousand dollars as a permanent trust fund to Walnut Hill Park. The income was to be used for maintaining and beautifying the park. The income became available in 1893 and for some time it was the only funding the park commission received for maintenance and improvements. There was some discussion after Erwin's death of naming the park after him, however, it was felt that the town had become accustomed to the name Walnut Hill Park and Erwin himself would have preferred leaving it as such.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work
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• Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1811.
Location. 41° 39.979′ N, 72° 47.207′ W. Marker is in New Britain, Connecticut, in Hartford County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West Main Street and Cedar Street, on the left when traveling west. Located in Walnut Hill Park, on the wall of the rotunda with the "Original Design of Walnut Hill Park" marker at its center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Britain CT 06052, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,486 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
