It Happened To Jane

In order to fully appreciate Chester and all it has to offer, it's important to get a little taste of it's history. Chester's biggest claim to fame to date is the filming of the major motion picture "It Happened To Jane", staring Doris Day and Jack Lemmon in 1959. With the majority of this romantic comedy filmed in Chester, it was the biggest thing to ever step foot in the minuscule town, and probably will never be topped. There are clear landmarks visible in the film, including downtown (which hasn't changed a bit), the town meeting house, the train station, and Jennings Pond, where locals skate in the winter but with a few wave machines was turned into an ocean. The filming of this movie completely took the town by storm. Everyone participated, with locals lending out props like wheelbarrows and household objects. Every one could say they took part in it, whether it was being an extra in the background, or that they were able to watch Day acting from their bedroom window.

Downtown Chester in 1959

Downtown Chester in 2012

While some locals were ecstatic, others weren't so enthused. With the big-time names imposing on the town, the movie came first. Traffic became an issue, usual town events had to be postponed, and the serenity and pureness of Chester was disrupted. Chester and it's residents pride themselves on being untouched, traditional, and peaceful. When "It Happened To Jane" came to town though Chester became the center of attention and a new point of interest for tourists. With Chester being so small to begin with, the landmarks featured in the movie were populated at all times before they were transformed into sets. This created an inconvenience for locals who could not go about their business like normal.

With all that being said, Doris Day coming to Chester and having all of the hotspots featured on the big screen for America to see is something Chester will always be proud of. Even people who weren't even born yet, like myself, has heard a story or two describing the summer Chester was turned into Hollywood.  Every small town of America has their own claim to fame, and something that will put a stamp on it forever. They're all filled with their own unique treasures, and things they'll hold onto no matter how many decades (in this case 5...) have gone by.