Embezzlement and Other Crimes in Thompsonville

Join Enfield Historical Society member Peter Sorenson for a PowerPoint presentation on Embezzlement and Other Crimes in Thompsonville. The presentation will include a look at the rise and fall of the Spencer Bank; the local Poles Wladyslaw Szetela and Alexander Niemiec embezzling funds from store owners and the Polish National Home; and Thomas P. Clifford “borrowing” funds from Anthony Gannuscio’s First National Bank of Thompsonville. Hear about the Brink’s Robbery at the Bigelow-Sanford Carpet company that took years to solve with the help of the FBI. How about the shootout in the middle of the village between Bromage and the Italian tough Pelligrino De Vito. Consider the odd case of Dominico Dei Delori, known as ‘The Domino’, who was taken “for a ride” and left for dead, only to survive to spin a yarn that led police on a goose chase. Hear about the kidnapping of Frances Haythorn, the 15-year-old intellectually compromised daughter of Joseph Haythorn, who was found wandering the streets of Bristol, CT. Lastly, we will look into the demise of Thompsonville and who made money and who lost money.

This presentation is open to the public.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Enfield Historical Society is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that has preserved and shared Enfield’s history for more than 60 years.  New members are always needed and greatly appreciated.  Everyone is welcome.  You don’t need to be a historian or Enfield native to join.  Become a member today!