Sharma Howard, Norwich's 350th: Roses of all ages share pride in city, Norwich Bulletin, July 3, 2009: Lists several theories of the names origin: (1) "the hills seen from Norwich harbor resemble unfurling rose petals", (2) "the loveliness of Norwich when the magnificent mansions of prosperous mill owners graced the streets," (3) "a speech delivered by 19th-century evangelist Henry Ward Beecher."
City to celebrate 100th anniversary of arboretumArchived 2012-04-02 at the Wayback Machine, Middletown Press, April 21, 2009. Quotes the chairman of the Urban Forestry Commission as saying ""Middletown was known as the Forest City before this even happened. It's been that way for a long, long time."
Perrefort, Dirk. "Lawmakers honor Hat City, 4 veteran politicians"[permanent dead link], The News-Times, April 1, 2008. Accessed April 10, 2008. "Lawmakers tipped their hats to Danbury on Wednesday during the first Danbury Day at the Capitol. Legislators from throughout the state wore hats of every shape, size and color to honor the Hat City's history."
City to celebrate 100th anniversary of arboretumArchived 2012-04-02 at the Wayback Machine, Middletown Press, April 21, 2009. Quotes the chairman of the Urban Forestry Commission as saying ""Middletown was known as the Forest City before this even happened. It's been that way for a long, long time."