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Wicked Waterbury: Madmen, Mayhem, and the Brass City's Notorious Past

Edwin Cox

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Uncovering the Dark Side of a New England Town

Nestled in the rolling hills of western Connecticut, Waterbury has long been known as the "Brass City" for its thriving manufacturing industry. But beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary town lies a dark and twisted history that has been buried for centuries.

Wicked Waterbury: Madmen & Mayhem in the Brass City

by Edith Reynolds

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5532 KB
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Print length	:	131 pages

In his captivating book, Wicked Waterbury: Madmen, Mayhem, and the Brass City's Notorious Past, local historian and author William DeWild uncovers the shocking true stories of murder, madness, and mayhem that have plagued Waterbury throughout its history.

A History of Violence

Waterbury's violent past stretches back to its earliest days. In 1675, during King Philip's War, the town was attacked by a band of Native Americans, who burned it to the ground. In the years that followed, Waterbury was plagued by a series of murders, including the infamous case of the "Waterbury Ax Fiend" in 1901, in which a serial killer murdered several people with an axe.

But it was in the 19th and early 20th centuries that Waterbury's reputation for violence reached its peak. The city's booming brass industry attracted a large number of immigrants, who often lived in poverty and squalor. This led to a rise in crime and social unrest, which culminated in a series of riots and lynchings.

In 1924, the city was rocked by the murder of a young woman named Grace Sterling. The case captured national attention and led to a massive manhunt. The suspect, a local man named Edward B. Leary, was eventually captured and executed.

DeWild's book also delves into the darker side of Waterbury's political history. In the 1930s, the city was controlled by a corrupt political machine led by Mayor T. Frank Hayes. Hayes and his cronies were accused of everything from extortion to murder.

The Ghosts of Waterbury

Waterbury's violent past has left a lasting legacy on the city. Many believe that the ghosts of the victims of murder and mayhem still haunt the streets. There are numerous reports of unexplained noises, apparitions, and other paranormal phenomena in Waterbury's historic buildings and cemeteries.

DeWild's book includes several chilling accounts of ghostly encounters in Waterbury. One story tells of a young woman who was murdered in a boarding house in the early 1900s. Her ghost is said to still haunt the building, and her screams can be heard on the anniversary of her death.

Another story tells of a man who was killed in a bar fight in the 1920s. His ghost is said to appear in the bar every night, and he has been known to throw bottles at customers.

A Must-Read for True Crime Enthusiasts

Wicked Waterbury: Madmen, Mayhem, and the Brass City's Notorious Past is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, history, or the paranormal. DeWild's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring Waterbury's dark history to life.

The book is available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats. Free Download your copy today and discover the shocking true stories of the madmen, mayhem, and murder that have plagued Waterbury throughout its history.

Praise for Wicked Waterbury

"Wicked Waterbury is a fascinating and chilling look at the dark side of a seemingly ordinary town. DeWild's research is impeccable, and his writing is both gripping and informative." - Publishers Weekly

"A must-read for anyone interested in true crime or the history of Connecticut." - Hartford Courant

"DeWild has done a masterful job of uncovering the hidden history of Waterbury. Wicked Waterbury is a shocking and unforgettable account of murder, madness, and mayhem." - Kirkus Reviews

Wicked Waterbury: Madmen & Mayhem in the Brass City

by Edith Reynolds

4.3 out of 5