[This appears to be a continuation of a letter written on Oct 1. It contains more of the essay about Mansfield.]
Occupations:-
Most of the people of Mansfield work in shops and we call them manufacturers. Mansfield is a manufacturing town. There are a few farmers and merchants. Many work on the cars. Besides these there are professional people. The poultry business is carried on largely in the eastern part of the town.
Manufactures:-
In Mansfield are made stoves, ranges, and ironware; straw and felt hats; boots and shoes; gold and silver jewelry; taps and dies; knives and other cutlery; and baskets. These are sent to other towns, to cities and even to other countries.
History:-
Mansfield was once a part of Norton. It was made a separate town in 1770. The first church was where the Common now is and Rev. Mr. White was the first minister.
One of the first dwelling houses stands now on Willow Street. Families with the names of Leonard and [...] were among the first settlers.
Cotton goods were once made in Mansfield and tacks in Whiteville.
Population:-
Last census (1890) found 3,500 people in Mansfield but the numbers are steadily increasing.
Railroads:-
Three divisions of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford R.R., meet here, making it easy for goods to be sent, and people to travel in any direction.
Inhabitants:-
Most of the people are Americans. There are however a few from other countries, - England, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, South America, China, Canada, and Italy.
Animals:-
There are no large wild animals in our woods. Small game as squirrels and rabbits are found, and now and then a fox. Some partridges and woodchucks are found. Besides these are the domestic animals.
Minerals:-
There is much iron in the soil of Mansfield. It is said that many years ago iron was dug in the eastern part. Coal has been found but not in sufficient quantities to make it profitable to work the mines. Building stone is plenty.
Weather:-
Winds from the south-east often bring us rain. Storms are seldom so severe as in the surrounding towns.
Villages:-
The township is divided into three villages; West Mansfield, East Mansfield, and the Center. The Center is the largest village. Here we find most of the stores and six of the churches, also the Town House, which contains the Town Hall, Library and smaller rooms.
East Mansfield has one church, a saw-mill, and three stores.
West Mansfield has three churches, a grist-mill, saw-mill, basket shop, jewelry shop and two stores.
