Peter J. Wright

Avon Then & Now tells Avon's story by contrasting vintage with contemporary photographs. What an opportunity this challenge presented. The contrasting images provide context to Avon's growth and development, allowing readers a far deeper appreciation of Avon's historical evolution over several generations.

Avon's Town Historian, Nora O. Howard, was kind enough to compose a beautifully written, unifying introduction for this photographic history of Avon.

The hardest part was selecting which images to include to the exclusion of others. Avon is not a large town per say, but it is rich in history.

Among the many surprise research discoveries was locating an aerial photo of the center of Avon in the 1920's, when locals set their clock to the Ensign Bickford whistle, and an image of former President Ronald Reagan visiting Heublein Tower for a public event when he was President of the Screen Actors Guild.

Thanks to so many who were willing to share their images and stories, all of whom are gratefully acknowledged. Without their help, a work of this magnitude would not have been possible.