YOUR SILENT NEIGHBORS, Victor V. Viering, Musician
by David K. Leff
Town Poet Laureate and Deputy Town Historian   

Victor V. Viering’s (1891-1975) first love was music, and he played in bands from the time he was in high school until his death.  His principal instrument was the trombone.  Although he thought of being a professional performer, he knew that it was a difficult way to earn a living so he decided to pursue a career in business.  

Born in Burlington, Viering lived most of his life in Collinsville.  He attended Canton schools and Huntsinger Business College in Hartford.  He joined the Farmington Valley Band in 1905 and became conductor in 1912.  Viering continued to conduct the group until about a month before he died, serving over 60 years.  For the last 27 of those years the band gave an annual concert series on the Canton Green, sponsored by the Lion’s Club.  

Viering’s business career started with Aetna Life insurance Company.  In 1915 he joined the investment firm of Roy T. H. Barnes & Company.  Little more than a decade-and-a-half later he joined with four partners to form Whaples Viering & Company in Hartford.  He retired from business in 1971.  He served as an officer of the Collinsville Water Company for 27 years.  

Ever civic minded, Viering was town auditor from 1915 to 1920, and served on the school board from 1922 to 1930.  He was among the first members of the board of finance, continuing with that body from 1940 to 1959, including 10 years as chairman.  

Viering lived at 59 High Street.  He passed away in a convalescent home.  

Victor Viering is buried in Dyer Cemetery, Canton.  

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past.  Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.