Thomas Reed Lewis, Jr. (March 4, 1940-January 26, 2017), was the author of Silk Along Steel: the Story of the South Manchester Railroad (Pequot Press, 1976). He was a Professor of Geography at the University of Connecticut and Manchester Community College. The collection consists of maps, newclippings, timetables, correspondence, writings, photographs and postcards Dr. Lewis gathered for the writing of his book.