Spools on a bridge, viewed from Route 6 in October 2000, make sense in Willimantic. Emil Pocock of Eastern Connecticut State University tells us that the Willimantic Linen Company (1854-1898) and its successor, the American Thread Company (1898-1985) dominated the economy of this town for over a century. “During its peak years American Thread employed more than 3,000 men and women in Willimantic and was the nations leading manufacturer of cotton sewing thread.” Old Route 6 passes by several of the old mills along Willimantic’s Main Street.

Windham County, Connecticut
	Spools on a bridge, viewed from Route 6 in October 2000, make sense in Willimantic. Emil Pocock of Eastern Connecticut State University tells us that the Willimantic Linen Company (1854-1898) and its successor, the American Thread Company (1898-1985) dominated the economy of this town for over a century. “During its peak years American Thread employed more than 3,000 men and women in Willimantic and was the nations leading manufacturer of cotton sewing thread.” Old Route 6 passes by several of the old mills along Willimantic’s Main Street.
This October 2000 scene west of Brooklyn illustrates a long-standing controversy in Connecticut. Route 6 is the main highway connecting Hartford with Providence. Through much of that reach it is a two-lane highway. The pressure has been on for decades to widen it or parallel it with a wider, perhaps limited access, road. Opponents argue that communities, residences, and natural environments will be severely affected.
	Connecticut is one of those states that use their state outlines to frame highway signs. This one welcomes travelers entering Brooklyn from the west. (October 2000 photo)