Workmen's Circle

Jewish immigrants faced many serious labor problems after their arrival in the country. They faced these challenges by developing fraternal labor organizations reminiscent of the Bunds in Europe. One of these many groups was the Workmen's Circle, or Der Arbeiter Ring, founded in New York City in 1900. In its early years, the Workmen's Circle provided extensive services for its members, including extensive medical care, burials, adult education, and children's schools and camps. As Jews became more financially secure, the Circle shifted its outlook from strident Socialism to a more moderate focus on creating a "better and more beautiful world."

The first Workmen's Circle branch in Hartford, Branch #15, was founded in 1901. At least a half dozen others branches were formed during the next two decades. In 1918, the branches joined together in the purchase of 297 Windsor Avenue (formerly the Aaron Club), calling themselves the Workmen's Circle Educational Alliance. (Windsor Avenue was subsequently renamed and renumbered; the property seems to have become 2003 North Main Street.) In 1927, the Workmen's Circle Ladies' Club formed, and in 1931, the Workmen's Circle Educational Center was inaugurated at the North Main Street property.

In 1953, the Circle sold the building on Windsor Avenue/North Main Street and relocated to 687 Albany Avenue, known as the Workmen's Circle Educational Center or the Labor Lyceum. This building was sold in 1965.

The date of the disbanding of the local circles is unclear at this writing. In 1971, branches 22 and 936 were dissolved and the members were transferred to Branch 15.