In the years between 1880 and 1930, there was a big change in Lyme, CT’s population profile. Overall, the population declined by almost one-half. Even more remarkably, the number of households headed by farmers, dropped by almost 70%. Connecticut as a whole at the end of the 19^th century was experiencing strong growth in the cities, manufacturing, the railroads, and improved communication. On the other hand, while there was commercial activity in the Hamburg and Hadlyme areas, the rocky land was difficult to work, the soil was depleted and agriculture was stagnant. The timber resources were disappearing. The family farm could not offer opportunity for many of the young men and women any more. The Lyme Grange, chartered in 1896, together with its national parent organization worked hard to bring the most current and practical information on animal husbandry and agricultural know-how to its members with some positive results. Nevertheless, many still found their local situation unpromising and unsustainable so they moved on, away from Lyme.

Lyme experienced yet another remarkable change in population profile, in the diversity of the national origins of its residents. Between 1880 and 1930 there was an 187% increase in the number of foreign born residents. They brought  their  energy,  farming and other skills and strong motivation to  contribute to our community. Property values in Lyme and other rural areas had fallen precipitously by the start of the 20^th century. Farm property  was available for almost nothing and, in fact, abandoned farms were not uncommon. In an attempt  to sustain agricultural  production of food for the cities and to offset the loss of population and labor, the State even publicized the buyers’ market in farm land in out of state newspapers. Many new families did come to Lyme and neighboring rural towns,  seeking  new opportunity that the  affordable land offered.

The data in the table below strongly suggest that there are many stories to be pieced together from letters, news clippings, interviews and photographs in the Archives about families who chose to leave or come to Lyme.