1942: Connecticut

Area and Population.

With a land area of 4,889 sq. mi., Connecticut ranks forty-sixth in size among the states in the Union, while its population of 1,709,242 (1940) ranks it thirty-first in that regard. The capital is Hartford, with a population of 166,267; other important cities in order of size are New Haven, 160,605; Bridgeport, 147,121; Waterbury, 99,314; New Britain, 68,685; and Stamford, 47,983. Since the 1940 census the population of the state has increased markedly, especially in the industrial centers. Of the population in 1940, 1,675,407 were whites; 32,992 Negroes; 1,347,466 native-born; 327,941 foreign-born. Italy, Poland, Canada, and Ireland (Eire), in that order, provided the greater number of the foreign-born.

Education.

In 1941—42 the school system of the state employed 11,740 teachers, receiving total salaries of $20,245,816. The average salary in the elementary schools is $1,640; in senior high schools, $2,122. Current expenses, including salaries, were $29,776,009. The enrolment in the kindergarten and elementary schools was 183,909; in junior high schools, 21,732; in senior high schools, 84,546, making a total of 290,187. The elementary schools number 866; junior high, 39; senior high, 84. There are also four state teachers colleges, and the University of Connecticut located at Storrs. In addition to various other vocational schools and classes there are eleven trade schools with a registration of 10,544 pupils, of whom 4,550 are full time. The Department of Education assisted in 1942 in establishing pre-induction courses and courses in pre-flight aeronautics in high schools, in addition to promoting other programs of defense activities of an educational sort. In view of the wartime labor shortage in the state, many older pupils are working at part-time jobs in addition to pursuing their school work.

Agriculture.

In Connecticut agriculture is limited and specialized. Dairying is the most important activity, followed by poultry raising, gardening, fruit growing, and tobacco. The total value of products marketed in 1941 was $67,299,000, of which dairy products accounted for $22,682,000 and tobacco for $8,154,000. These figures are distinctly in excess of those for the preceding three years. In 1942 the conditions of production were excellent and marketing conditions very favorable, except for garden products. Severe shortage of help and the high cost of feed threaten to limit production in the immediate future, though marketing conditions promise to remain favorable.

Industry.

In the last three years the industrial life of Connecticut has undergone a radical change and an enormous development because of demands made for national defense and the war. The census for 1939 showed 2,936 manufacturing establishments in the state with 233,525 wage earners who were paid $276,274,243, and turned out products valued at $1,229,585,773. By the autumn of 1942 the number of factories had increased to approximately 3,350, and the number of employees to nearly 500,000, producing an annual output valued at about $2,000,000,000. Practically all the larger manufacturing establishments and many of the smaller ones are given over entirely or nearly so to war production. The index of general business activity in the state stood at 10 per cent above normal in June 1940, 72 per cent above a year later, and had risen to 93 per cent above in June 1942.

This extraordinary development has brought into the state a large number of additional workers and their families. To provide for them, more than 11,000 defense dwelling units have already been erected and many more are under construction. Provision of additional factory space has also been necessary, so that the total of new construction in 1941 and in 1942 was above the combined totals for the years 1939 and 1940. For the period from June 1940 to April 1942, on a per capita basis Connecticut ranked first among the states of the Union in volume of supply and facilities contracts awarded by the army, navy, and maritime commission. The outlook is that Connecticut will need at least 75,000 additional factory workers in 1943. Among the leading articles produced are airplanes, airplane engines, airplane parts, submarines, ammunition, machine tools, and gauges. No less significant, however, is the vast range of other articles produced in lesser quantities.

Legislation.

As the Connecticut General Assembly meets biennially, it held no session in 1942, except a very brief special one to effect a necessary correction in the election laws. The state administration, the various local government units, and numerous unofficial organizations have been alert and active throughout the year in all matters associated with the war program. The wartime situation, with the resulting large influx of new residents, has alleviated many economic and social difficulties arising from the recent depression, but on the other hand it has produced some new problems, notably the serious depletion of the staffs of hospitals and other custodial institutions.

Finance.

The finances of the state in 1942 were in excellent condition. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1942, the state income was $96,672,228 while the net expenditures for all purposes amounted to only $71,277,045. As of June 30, 1942, the state's bonded debt amounted to $30,213,000, partly offset by $10,681,026 in the retirement fund. This represents a considerable reduction in the last fiscal year, and stated provisions require the payment annually of considerable amounts on the debt. Expenditures in the last fiscal year were distributed as follows: general fund $28,683,356; highways and bridges $27,076,440; old-age assistance $6,632,804; unemployment compensation $4,083,160. The budget for the year 1942-43 indicates less expenditure from the highway fund and somewhat larger expenditure from the other funds. The decline in expenditure for relief is indicated by the figures for June 1942, when the following payments were made: $190,734 for WPA, $208,036 for town charges, $94,201 for state charges, $516,501 for old-age assistance, $95,972 for aid to dependent children, and $5,267 for relief of the blind.

The 72 mutual savings banks in the state as of Sept. 30, 1942, had increased their total deposits to $787,742,241 on 1,017,581 accounts. The assets of 64 state banks and trust companies had risen to $503,124,727, and of the 52 national banks to $480,374,000. One of the leading lines of business in Connecticut is insurance. Several large companies dealing in life, fire, and casualty insurance have their headquarters in the state, notably in Hartford, and they write a large proportion of such types of insurance for the country.

State Officers.

Governor, Raymond E. Baldwin; Lieutenant Governor, William L. Hadden; Secretary of State, Frances B. Redick; Treasurer, Carl Sharpe; Comptroller, Fred R. Zeller; Attorney General, Francis A. Pallotti; Commissioner of Education, Alonzo G. Grace.

United States Senators:

John A. Danaher, Francis T. Maloney.

1941: Connecticut

Area and Population.

One of the thirteen original states, Connecticut ranks 46th in size among the states, with an area of 5,009 sq. mi., including 110 sq. mi. of inland water surface, according to remeasurements of the United States undertaken for the 16th census in 1940. In population it ranks 31st, numbering 1,709,242 according to the 1940 census. The largest cities are, Hartford, the capital, 166,267; New Haven. 160,605; Bridgeport, 147,121; Waterbury, 99,314, and New Britain 68,685. The notable increases were in the areas suburban to Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport, and in the southwest section of the state which is suburban to New York City. Of the state's population in 1940, 1,158,162 were urban, or 67.8 per cent. In 1940, 1,675,407 were whites; 32,942 Negroes; 1,347,466 native-born; 327,941 foreign-born. Italy, Poland, Canada, and Eire, in that order, provided the larger numbers of the foreign-born.

Education.

In 1940-41, in addition to the State University located at Storrs, 4 State teachers' colleges and 11 trade schools (to be increased to 14), the public-school system of the state included 94 senior high schools, 36 junior high schools, and 853 elementary schools and kindergartens. The enrollment in the public elementary schools and kindergartens in 1939-40 was 187,482; junior high schools, 23,344; high schools, 79,654; trade schools, 5,039; teachers' colleges, 1,136; State University, 1,388. In 1938 the total current expenditure for public schools was $28,432,523. The average salary for male teachers in elementary schools was $1,484; in high schools $2,213; for female teachers in elementary schools, $1,536; in high schools, $1,993. The number of teachers employed in elementary and secondary schools in 1939-40 was 8,733. The Department of Education does not exercise state-wide control of the schools, but leaves each locality full autonomy and responsibility. The Department's work consists entirely of advice and correlation.

Agriculture.

Agriculture in Connecticut is limited and specialized. Dairying accounts for about half the production value, while poultry-raising and gardening have been expanding rapidly in the past few years. The growing of apples and other fruits is also important. Tobacco, once the star crop of the state, is recovering. The 1941 crop will sell for over $23,000,000, more than 20 per cent better than that of 1940. As compared with 1930, the census of 1940 showed increases in the production of apples, hay, potatoes, and oats, but decreases in the production of tobacco, corn, and peaches; a marked increase in the number of chickens raised, a slight increase in the number of cattle, and some decline in the case of all other farm animals. For 1941, however, the value of production is in the following order; dairying, poultry-raising, potatoes and garden vegetables, tobacco, fruits. While an influx into the state, of defense workers, has been paralleled by an increasing scarcity of farm workers, and much higher wages for those available, the Connecticut farmer is at present enjoying an unusually favorable market.

Industry.

Connecticut is chiefly a manufacturing state. The census for 1939 showed 2,936 manufacturing establishments, with 233,525 wage earners paid $276,274,243, and turning out products valued at $1,229,585,773. Due to the national defense program, factory employees in August 1941 were estimated to number 315,000. Of this increase it is estimated that 20 per cent have come from outside the state, 20 per cent are women, and 40 per cent young persons between the ages of 16 and 20 years. Business activities in the state are estimated at 172 per cent of normal. This activity not only greatly exceeds the census data for 1929, but also the local estimates for the World War year 1918. Since 1918 there has been a marked change in the nature and distribution of Connecticut industries engaged in defense work, though the same cities remain the chief centers. The production of seaplanes and amphibian planes at Bridgeport, of airplane engines and parts at Hartford, and of submarines at New London are conspicuous illustrations of this change. While it is probable that the state is not now producing as much in arms and ammunition as in 1918, its production of machine tools, gauges, and related articles is at a greatly higher level. This vast industrial expansion is reflected in the enormous increase in housing facilities achieved in all the leading manufacturing centers of the state.

Legislation.

With divided party control, the biennial session of the General Assembly in 1941 was confronted with an extraordinary number of Bills, many of them of distinct importance. In comparison, the amount of legislation enacted was small but commendable. The session was severely condemned for the Bills which it did not pass, such as a labor-relations measure, a revision of the taxation system to include a personal income tax, and numerous measures advocated by pressure groups. The most controversial measure enacted was a new milk-control act. Important amendments were made in laws concerning old-age assistance, workmen's compensation, and unemployment compensation. In the latter case the permanency of the scheme was guaranteed by a provision that higher benefits and lower taxes are conditioned on maintaining a reserve of $40,000,000. Savings banks were authorized, under certain restrictions, to write insurance policies. A state council of defense was established, a state system of juvenile courts created, and the common pleas courts adjusted to a state, instead of a local, basis. Constitutional amendments were initiated to provide for annual legislative sessions, and to extend the terms of elective state officers to four years, with elections arranged in odd-numbered years.

Finance.

In the fiscal year ended June 30, 1941, the state income was $88,037,793 and the net expenditures $68,857,263. Expenditures from the general fund covering the general costs of the state government were $27,561,733; from the highway fund, $25,276,002; from unemployment compensation benefits fund, $4,666,543; and from the old-age assistance fund, $6,045,636. Legislative appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1941, amounted to $58,778,841, in addition to routine expenditures from special funds. The bonded debt of the state on June 30, 1941, was $33,350,000. There are established provisions for its steady liquidation. In 1940 the total taxation, Federal, state, and local, was $226,482,439, representing a per capita tax of $132.50, the highest in the state's history.

Banking.

In the year ending Sept. 30, 1941, the number of accounts in the 72 mutual savings banks of the state had increased to 1,014,934, and the deposits to $765,432,113, making the total assets of these institutions $858,322,611. Fifteen of these banks paid dividends at the rate of 2 per cent, the remainder at 2 per cent. On June 29, 1940, the 52 national banks in the state had total deposits of $322,314,000, and total assets of $366,578,000.

Highway Transportation.

In 1941 rapid progress was made in the construction of the Wilbur Cross Highway, which will continue the Merritt Parkway through Hartford to the Massachusetts line, and on the new bridges across the Connecticut at Hartford and across the Thames at New London. Unfortunately, on Dec. 4, a span of the Hartford bridge in process of erection fell, resulting in 16 deaths, and injuries to a somewhat larger number of persons. With 2,863 miles of trunk line and state-aid roads, 1,600 miles of town-aid roads, and the streets in cities and boroughs. Connecticut now has a system of improved highways nearly adequate to general needs. For the first ten months of 1941 motor vehicle registrations were 556,608, and the number of operators' licenses issued was 628,498. These figures represent an increase of more than ten per cent, over the record numbers of the preceding year.

State Officers:

Governor, Robert A. Hurley; Lieutenant-Governor, Odell Shepard: Secretary of State, Mrs. Chase Going Woodhouse: Treasurer, Frank M. Anastasio; Comptroller, John M. Dowe; Attorney-General, Francis A. Pallotti; Commissioner of Education, Alonzo G. Grace.

United States Senators:

John A. Danaher, Francis T. Maloney.

1940: Connecticut

Area and Population.

With a land area of 4,820 sq. mi., Connecticut ranks forty-sixth in size among the states. In population, with 1,709,242, according to the 1940 census, it now ranks thirty-first instead of twenty-ninth, in spite of an increase of 6.4 per cent since 1930. The capital, Hartford, is the largest city, with 166,267; other important cities in order of size are: New Haven, 160,605; Bridgeport, 147,121; Waterbury, 99,314; New Britain, 68,685; Stamford, 47,938; Norwalk, 39,842; and Meriden, 39,494.

Education.

The enrollment in the public schools of the state in 1938 was 302,970; for the year 1939-40 the average daily attendance was: kindergartens, 11,747; elementary schools, 153,127; junior high schools, 21,298; high schools, 79,662. In 1938 the total current expenditures for public schools amounted to $28,432,523. The average salary for men teachers in elementary schools was $1,484; in high schools $2,213; for women teachers in elementary schools $1,536; in high schools $1,993. The number of teachers employed was 9,643. While the total school attendance is declining somewhat, the high school attendance is increasing.

The State Department of Education is engaged in a thorough-going effort to redirect the educational program with a view to making the work of the schools integrate more satisfactorily with the social and economic life of the community. The Department does not exercise state-wide control of the schools but leaves each locality full autonomy and responsibility. The Department's work consists entirely of advice and correlation.

Agriculture.

In general, crops in 1940 were satisfactory. The principal products in order of value are hay, tobacco, potatoes, apples, corn, peaches. The cultivation of vegetables and small fruits has been steadily increasing and now utilizes more acreage than any other crops except hay and corn. Dairy products are valued at over $20,000,000 annually, the tobacco crop over $10,000,000, and poultry products over $9,000,000.

Industry.

Connecticut is primarily a manufacturing state and is now a notable beneficiary of the national defense program, particularly in relation to aviation, small arms and ammunition, and machine tools. At the close of 1940 Connecticut industries had exceeded the employment level of 1929, and also the production record for that year in spite of the shorter working day. Daily and weekly earnings are also at a higher level than in 1929. The number of wholesale establishments in 1939 was 1,607, a considerable increase over both 1935 and 1929. Their sales were $413,134,000, an increase of 38 per cent over 1935, but 15 per cent less than 1929. There were 15,795 employees.

The services of the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration in 1940 reduced the number of strikes, as compared with 1939, even though the number of labor disputes was somewhat greater. In 1937 goods valued at $1,261,788,693 were produced by a total of 262,620 workers.

Finance.

The state income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1940, was $74,596,669, and the net expenditures $72,195,799, leaving a surplus of $1,748,808 in the General Fund. Expenditures from the General Fund covering the general costs of the state government were $26,025,851; from the Highway Fund $20,964,984; from the Building Fund, for new construction and equipment, $12,078,901; from the Unemployment Compensation Benefits Fund $5,459,786; and from the Old-Age Assistance Fund $5,418,611.

Banking and Insurance.

In the year ending Sept. 30, 1940, the number of accounts in the 72 mutual savings banks of the state had increased to 984,506, and the deposits to $742,861,831, making the total assets of these institutions $830,623,664.

There are 49 legal reserve life-insurance companies licensed to do business in Connecticut. Five have their headquarters in Hartford and operate under Connecticut charters. In 1939 these five companies wrote 11.12 per cent of the new ordinary life insurance in the whole country. The number of policies written in Connecticut by all companies increased notably, but the total value of policies showed only slight increase, revealing a decline in the average value of such policies to the low figure of $1,606 in recent years. Over 20 per cent of the casualty business of the entire country is written by Connecticut companies. Both the casualty and fire companies of the state reported improved business for the year.

Events of the Year.

The Legislature did not meet in 1940, but will assemble for the biennial session in January 1941, with the Senate composed of 22 Democrats and 13 Republicans, and the House of 88 Democrats and 184 Republicans. The appeal of those convicted in the Waterbury scandal trial in 1939 was heard by the Supreme Court of Errors in November 1940.

As a result of an extensive building program various additional improvements have been completed at Connecticut State Hospital and Fairfield State Hospital, while the Southbury Training School for Feebleminded Children and the Veterans' Home at Rocky Hill are entirely new developments. The costs of the building program have been defrayed partly from Federal funds and partly by a bond issue authorized by the General Assembly of 1937. The University of Connecticut at Storrs has also benefited extensively from this program.

In 1940 the final section of the Merritt Parkway was opened to traffic and work was carried forward on the Wilbur Cross Highway which will continue it through Hartford to the Massachusetts line.

State Officers.

Governor, Robert A. Hurley; Lieutenant Governor, Odell Shepard; Secretary of State, Mrs. Chase Going Woodhouse; Treasurer, Frank M. Anastasio; Comptroller, John M. Dowe; Attorney General, Francis A. Pollotti; Commissioner of Education, Alonzo G. Grace.

United States Senators.

Francis T. Maloney, John A. Danaher.

1939: Connecticut

Area and Population.

With a land area of 4,820 sq. mi. Connecticut ranks forty-sixth in size among the states. Its population of 1,606,903 (U. S. census, 1930) ranks it twenty-ninth. The Bureau of Vital Statistics estimated the population on July 1, 1939 as 1,811,007.

The census of 1930 showed 1,131,770 urban residents; 1,576,673 whites, 29,354 Negroes; 1,222,267 native born, 384,636 foreign born. Of the last the larger numbers are from Italy, Poland, Canada, and Ireland, in that order. Hartford, the capital, had in 1930 a population of 164,072. The next cities in order of size are New Haven, 162,055; Bridgeport, 146,716; Waterbury, 99,902; and New Britain, 68,128.

Education.

The General Assembly changed the name of the Connecticut State College, located at Storrs, to the University of Connecticut. About $3,000,000 is being expended at this institution for new construction which will greatly improve its equipment and extend its facilities. In the school year 1938-39 enrollment in the public schools of the state declined by about three per cent, there being 211,503 pupils in the elementary grades and 84,026 in the high schools. The State Department of Education completed a general reorganization of its personnel and activities; inaugurated improved standards for the certification of teachers; and began a comprehensive study of the history of education in the state.

Agriculture.

Agricultural production, in spite of prolonged dry weather in the summer, held up well and some crops were above normal. The leading products in the state were, in order of value in 1938, hay, tobacco, potatoes, apples, corn, peaches. The cultivation of vegetables and small fruits has been steadily increasing and now utilizes more acreage than other crops except hay and corn. The year showed an increase in both poultry and cattle (especially milch cows) over previous records.

Industry.

Connecticut's natural resources, aside from quarry products, are very limited. The most important occupation in the state is manufacturing. The output in 1937 produced by 262,620 workers, was valued at $1,261,788,693. Metal products, machines and machined parts, textiles, clothing and hats employ three-fourths of the state's industrial workers. The most important new industry is the manufacture of airplanes and their parts, the state ranking third in their production. Strikes have been much less serious in 1938 and 1939 than in 1937 when about one per cent of the workers were involved.

Finance, Banking and Insurance.

The state closed the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939, with a balanced budget, expenses having totaled $65,250,000. As of September 30, 1939, the number of accounts in the 72 mutual savings banks of the state had increased to 977,993, with deposits of $720,499,318. In addition there were 261,342 savings accounts in state banks and trust companies, with deposits of $98,296,403.

On December 31, 1938, exclusive of group insurance, there were 1,760,003 life insurance policies in force in the state. On the same date the five Connecticut life insurance companies, whose main offices are in Hartford, had 2,045,157 policies in force, with admitted assets of $2,253,594,633. Twenty large and several small companies engaged in fire, casualty, and other insurance, operate under Connecticut charters.

Legislative Matters.

In the 1939 General Assembly the Republicans had a large majority in the House but in the Senate two Socialists held the balance of power. The session was notable for the leadership of young and comparatively inexperienced members and for freedom from bosses and lobbyists. After the lapse of a century and a half the Legislature ratified the first ten amendments to the Federal Constitution, but refused to ratify the child labor amendment. The largest biennial budget, $106,206,491, was balanced by rigid economies and without new taxation. Among the achievements of the session were uniform audit of town and municipal budgets; reform of the minor court system, with a proposed Constitutional amendment to change the method of selection of the judges of such courts; provision for alternate jurors in criminal and civil cases; authorization of hospital insurance; creation of a state development commission; revision of statutes regulating drugs, foods, and cosmetics to conform with Federal law, and various improvements in welfare, labor and liquor legislation.

Several important measures were rejected because they involved new financial commitments. See also MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

Events of the Year.

Only town and municipal elections took place in 1939 and they revealed no significant political changes. The trials of the cases growing out of the Merritt Parkway and Waterbury scandals resulted in conviction of most of the persons under indictment. In the Waterbury trial, which was one of the longest in the state's annals, the presiding judge, Ernest A. Inglis, won encomiums for his able discharge of a difficult task.

Highways and Traffic.

In 1939 the Merritt Parkway was substantially completed, only four miles remaining to be opened. Work has also been begun on the Wilbur Cross Highway which will continue from the Merritt Parkway through Hartford to the Massachusetts line. New bridges across the Connecticut at Hartford and across the Thames at New London have been authorized. With 2,781 miles of trunk line and state aid roads, and over 1,500 miles of town aid roads, besides the streets in cities and boroughs, Connecticut now has improved highways nearly adequate to general needs. The principal problem now is not the construction of new routes but the further improvement of those already established.

By October 1, 1939, the number of car registrations had reached 468,312 and of licensed operators, 549,259, figures well in excess of the highest 1938 records for the full year. Gasoline sales indicate a remarkable increase in miles travelled. Vigorous efforts to secure greater safety on the highways reduced the accident ratio for 1938 to the lowest point recorded, and apparently the figure will be about the same for 1939.

Welfare and Correction.

State institutions include the following: for the care of mental cases, the Connecticut State Hospital at Middletown, Norwich State Hospital at Norwich, and Fairfield State Hospital at Newtown; for feeble-minded children, the Mansfield State Training School and Hospital at Mansfield, and a new institution under construction at South Britain; for veterans, Fitch's Home for the Soldiers at Noroton Heights, and a new institution under construction at Rocky Hill; for the deaf, Mystic Oral School for the Deaf, at Mystic; and for tubercular patients, five state sanitoria: Cedarcrest at Hartford, Undercliff at Meriden, Uncas-on-Thames at Norwich, Seaside at Waterford, and Laurel Heights at Shelton.

Penal institutions include Connecticut State Prison at Wethersfield, Connecticut Reformatory at Cheshire, Connecticut School for Boys at Meriden, Connecticut State Farm for Women and State Prison for Women at Niantic, and Long Lane Farm (for girls) at Middletown. A large amount of new construction is in process at Connecticut State Hospital, Fairfield State Hospital, and several other institutions, most of which will be completed in 1940. The costs are being defrayed partly from Federal funds and partly from the proceeds of a bond issue authorized by the General Assembly of 1937.

State Officers.

The elected state officers for the term 1939-41 are; Governor, Raymond E. Baldwin; Lieutenant-Governor, James L. McConaughy; Secretary of State, Mrs. Sara B. Crawford; Treasurer, Joseph E. Talbot; Comptroller, Fred R. Zeller; Attorney-General, Francis A. Pallotti; Commissioner of Education, Alonzo G. Grace.

United States Senators.

Francis T. Maloney, John A. Danaher.