Test your knowledge of West Hartford history with this ‘Thursday Throwback,’ courtesy of the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society.
By Ronni Newton
It’s Throwback Thursday (#tbt), and time to take a look back into West Hartford’s past to either stir up some memories, reflect on how much things have changed, or both. And if you have no idea, we love the photo captions, too!
Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle
Last week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) was of a building that many residents recalled.
“The beautiful Masonic Hall building that is no more,” wrote Dianne Rechel.
“It’s the Masonic Temple on South Main in the Center. Of course, it was recently torn down and an apartment building put in its place. I find it interesting that it is standing alone without the two bracketing buildings. I’ll guess twenties or thirties for the picture. Is this the location of Burnham’s Store?” commented Liz Gillette.
Burnham’s, which opened in 1898, was located at 19 South Main St., and the Masonic Temple building, where the brand new Landmark Building now stands, is at 11 South Main St. The Masonic Temple was demolished in 2014, and the Landmark officially opened in May 2016.
Masonic Temple with the former Farm Shop (which became Friendly’s and then Sweet Frog) next door. Photo courtesy of Charlie Eisenberg
Many of our readers commented on Facebook, and shared some firsthand memories of the Masonic Temple as well as some of the businesses that rented space there. Some also posted historical photos.
“This is the Masonic Temple formerly located on South Main St. in the Center. My dad was a Mason in Wyllys Lodge and as a child in the 1960s. I remember going to the Christmas parties with the Ahlstrin family. Ray Ahlstrin, also a WH policeman, was one of dad’s good friends and was also a member. There were many fun games as I remember. In later years the space was rented to others and my daughter took dance there one summer in the 1990s. Sadly it was torn down last year and is now the new condos finished just this year,” Lisa Petersen wrote.
Masonic Temple before it was demolished in 2014. Photo courtesy of Giovanni Seccareccia
“Many other Masonic bodies used the Temple-Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, Demolay, and Mrs. O’Connell’s ballroom dance classes were held every week,” added Nancy McClelland Ball. Ginger Balise remembered Rainbow Girls and ballroom dancing there, too.
“My sister and I were in Rainbow Girls and I was in Eastern Star. We had dinners and other events downstairs,” recalled Susan Sleath Burgdorf.
Mitchell Chester said he remembered Ailling Sports in the building next door. Debbie Vibberts Nutty said she recalled going to Rainbow Girls in the building in the 1960s. Cindy Fowler Goslee said she went to preschool there back in the 1950s.
“Masonic Hall across the green on South Main. Walked by or every day on the way to Whitman and Hall,” commented Robert Beaulieu. Rick Williams agreed, and said he always thought the place was mysterious and he wondered what went on inside. “Ironically, I never really saw the top ‘columns’ always that eerie first floor (cellar) as you walked by …” added Beaulieu.
“The Masonic Temple at 11 South Main Street. Sold in 2013. It was a beautiful example of Federal Style architecture. It served as home to the great Masonic lodges: Wyllys 99, St. John’s 4, Level 132, and finally Wyllys St. John’s Lodge no. 4. It was a center for arts and culture in its heyday,” wrote Justin Duffy.
Our history buffs may be challenged by this week’s photo (at right and in larger size below).
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
Who knows where this is?
When was this photo taken?
What business is in this location now?
Please share your memories below.
Thank you to Town Manger Ron Van Winkle, and the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society for providing us with the images. They are always looking for new images to add to the collection. Visit their website at www.noahwebsterhouse.org for more information about membership and programs.
Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
The Masonic Temple was located at 11 South Main St. Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle
That picture is of the old Oakwood Drug Store at the corner Oakwood Ave. and Flatbush.. THat pic goes back to the 1950’s .. IT is now part of Connecticut Veterinary.. THat portion of Oakwood used to go thru to New Park Ave..
My guess is that this is the corner of Oakwood and Park. It is now, and has been for a very long time, the Clothes Horse, part of the Jr. League, if I’m right. It appears that the hardware store is empty and for rent. Chendu occupies the buildings to the right. When I was very little (early 60s) my mother took me there and she bought me a couple of big, poofy, be-flowered 1950’s dresses. I had the BEST dress-up box in the whole neighborhood after that!
Looks like the Clothes Horse, the Junior League of Hartford thrift shop which has been at this location for at least 35 years. It is still owned by the Liljedahl family, whose business is in the neighboring building (not in the photograph). It’s at the corner of Oakwood and Park.
This one’s an easy guess. From the street sign, I’d say Oakwood and Park,