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The South End of Hebron: Turnerville and Amston

The south end of Hebron was originally called "Turnerville" due to P. W. Turner's silk mills and his vast land holdings, including the lake. By 1910, Turnerville had become a bustling economic hub, primarily because of the Turnerville Train Depot.

Passenger and cargo transport going east to Boston or west to New Haven and New York usually saw Turnerville as a stopover. Ira Turshen’s General Store, now associated with the Antiques Factory, processed much of the grain that came in by rail. Milk from the many Hebron dairy farms was brought south to the Depot for transport. The area was also home to numerous cottage industries and inns.

Charles Ams and the Sterling Manufacturing Company

The location was ideal for a major manufacturing venture. Charles Ams, a Bridgeport resident, decided to relocate his Sterling Manufacturing Company to Turnerville. Labor was cheaper, and transportation was readily available. Ams bought much of P. W. Turner’s lands, and thus "Turnerville" became "Amston." He built an impressive mansion, which still stands today on the north side of Lake Road.

"Charles M. Ams, president of the Sterling Auto Manufacturing Company, Paterson, N.J., has announced that the concern’s business will be removed to Amston, Conn., formerly Turnerville, which was purchased by Mr. Ams several years ago. A new plant is being erected at Amston, where automobiles will be manufactured. It is understood the company will put a roadster, five-passenger car and a light delivery wagon on the market this fall."

Challenges and Bankruptcy

Despite the ambitious plans, problems arose quickly. Moving furniture from the offices in New York City resulted in claims of damage and loss. The Adelson Brothers, who remained at the Broad Street offices and were the sole distributors of the Roadsters, had difficulty selling "dealerships."

The retail price of the Roadster was set at $550; dealers would pay $467.50 and pocket the difference. However, many hesitated to invest, possibly due to growing fears of America entering World War I. Parts became an increasing problem, and by November 10, 1916, Charles Ams was personally guaranteeing payment for motors.

Stock Sales and Investor Issues

In early 1917, 100,000 shares of stock in Sterling Manufacturing were sold. The list of shareholders, filed with the "Security Transfer and Registrar Company" in New York on April 18, 1917, showed:

• Most shareholders purchased less than 100 shares.
• Charles Ams purchased only 3,102 shares.
• No Hebron resident purchased stock.
• New York investors bought the vast majority, including "Rose Einbund," who purchased 46,199 shares – almost half of the company.
• George Bartlett, listing his official address as "The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.," purchased 75 shares.

Production and Closure

Despite a business plan aiming for production of up to 300 cars per month, only about 20 to 30 total cars were actually produced. By September 1917, one dealer was already pulling out. By early 1919, the operation was officially over.

In February 1919, Ams wrote to Lewis Phelps, Bankruptcy Referee, requesting the return of his property and the removal of remaining goods from his premises. Formal bankruptcy hearings were held at U.S. District Court in Hartford on November 26, 1919.

Phelps noted that he had in his possession all the goods left at Amston, appraised for $1,717.50, but it was not enough to pay the claims or the stockholders.