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 Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
We got lots of comments about last week’s photo (at right and in larger size below), and while most people immediately and correctly recognized the location, there were a few other guesses!
Our first comment posted on the story, in fact, was from Cynthia Daigle who had a really good guess, but did not get it right: “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 tis now part of Connecticut Veterinary … That portion of Oakwood used to go thru to New Park Ave.”
Liz Gillette had a different guess, and she was correct: “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. Chengdu 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 1950s 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,” added Sally Richter.
Ellan Kone noticed something that not everyone could see: “This one’s an easy guess. From the street sign, I’d say Oakwood and Park.”
Facebook post by Tom Mahon
Most of those who commented on Facebook also knew this was the Clothes Horse, but there were a few other thoughts including the corner of LaSalle and Farmington Avenue (current bluemercury space), and the location of the Oakwood – which was actually next door. Someone else also thought it was the pharmacy on the corner near Charter Oak School.
The street sign (which some also admired) was a giveaway for those who could blow up the photo large enough, and Tom Mahon even supplied this current-day photo, which clearly shows the space now occupied by the Junior League’s thrift shop, the Clothes Horse.
Christine Patallinghug knew where this was, because she said it’s on the corner of her street, and others also shared some firsthand memories.
“My uncle used to own Oakwood Hardware the original store! Now the Clotheshorse!” commented Susan Killoran.
“This had to be about 70 years ago as I grew up around the corner and the only 5 & 10 cent store was on Park Road right where Plan B Burgers is now,” wrote Patricia Sinon Branciforte. Several others also reminisced about growing up in the area, and some also shared memories of Viking Bakery which was located nearby. Other readers mentioned a tailor shop in this building, as well as Rex O’Meara florist.
The Clothes Horse, which has been in existence for 65 years, has been in this location at 175 Park Rd. for 40 years according to its website. According to the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society, this photo was taken in the 1960s.
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
This week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) is another interesting one, and will probably also stir up some memories.
Where was this photo taken?
When was this photo taken?
What is in this location now?
What do you remember about Anderson-Little?
Please share your memories below.
Thank you to 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.
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Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
175 Park Rd., West Hartford, CT. Now home to the Clothes Horse. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
It’s the pet store in Bishop’s Corner next to the post office. We used to call it “Anderson-Litell”, like we say “Tarjay” for Target now. A big point was that it was open until 9 and didn’t close at 5 like everywhere else. I think they were a national chain, pretty big stuff for little West Hartford! Looks like the later ’60s to me.
I don’t remember the building but I DO remember the endless radio ads on WTIC and WDRC! Also the source of a classic radio blooper:
“Shop now at Anderson-Little, where prices are high and quality is low!”
Anderson Little is now Pet Supplies Plus in Bishop’s Corner. Before the Oakwood 5&10 became The Junior League Thrift Shop it was The Clothes Horse, a second hand closing store.
I still have my Anderson Little raincoat that my father bought me when I was in high school. Great coat. Still looks good with any suit.
Corner of Albany Avenue and North Main Street. I think it was in the 60’s. Anderson Little was a regional chain. It originally sold only men’s clothing.There is a Pet Store there now.
Next to the public library. I lived on West Ridge Drive while attending U of H 69-73
Does anyone remember a bakery named Lorraine’s? I believe it was in West Hartford. In the late 1940s and early 1950s my mother got the BEST cakes from that bakery. We lived in New Britain.
Anderson-Little came to be owned by Richman Brothers, a Cleveland-based men’s clothing chain that was known for low priced, full-line men’s stores—they weren’t quite national but had a much larger footprint than Anderson-Little was was mostly in New England. Richman’s was bought by Woolworth’s which didn’t know what to do with them as men’s wear became more informal.