Test your knowledge of West Hartford history with this ‘Monday Memory,’ courtesy of the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society.
By Ronni Newton
It’s 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!
We’re once again bringing you a bit of history as a Monday Memory, rather than a Throwback Thursday, due to the holiday schedule.
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford HIstorical Society
Last week we brought you a seasonally-appropriate image (at right and in larger size below), and we were hoping some of you would remember this tree being decorated with Christmas lights.
You did not disappoint!
“This week’s photo of the town green was taken – my guess – in December at night! I seem to remember singing carols for a tree ceremony in front of the Congregational Church somewhere in the distant past – maybe with someone playing the carillon?” commented Dianne Rechel.
“I remember something about carol sings, too. Does anyone else remember the Hartford Times sings? I still have an old, small, songbook that was handed out. Wow, how many of us are left that remember that ‘Oh Little Town of Bethlehem’ has about ten thousand verses? There used to be a crèche scene in the Veterans’ park across the street, corner of Farmington and N. Main. Forty years ago my sister decided it was time to start Sunday School for her then three year old when she called out (in seasonal wonder? lol) ‘Hey Mom! Lookit the kids in the box!'” added Liz Gillette.
John Hogan also immediately recognized this location, commenting on Facebook: “Christmas tree on Goodman Green, with The First Congregation Church spire in the background.”
John Maloney commented: “Blue Spruce on Goodman Green in the center,” and Nancy Santos and Jen Dougherty also remember the tree being decorated.
The tree is no longer there (I double-checked!), but does anyone remember when/why/how it was taken down?
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
If we had posted this week’s image (shown at right and in larger size below) a year or so ago, most people would have commented on the shockingly-low price of gas at the Texaco station. After a few large shopping trips to Stop & Shop, you might be able to get enough of a discount to purchase gas for about that price! Even without a discount, it’s possible to find gas under $2 per gallon in a few places.
Who knows where this photo was taken?
When was this photo taken?
What is/was the building in the foreground?
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
Decorated tree on Goodman Green with First Church in the background. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford HIstorical Society
That’s the Quaker Diner on Park Road near the corner of Quaker Lane. It’s still there but looks a little different now.
I think it is Tom Robinson’s gas station on Park Road. Tom was a wonderful and generous man. In those days we had a family tab, as we also did at Pfau’s and Herb’s. Somehow, Tom would get the windshield sparkling clean with a rather oily rag as he pumped our gas. He would always hand me a piece of candy in the back seat. At Christmas Tom would bring a big cake from Krohner’s Bakery in the Center to my Grandmother and we would all feast on the delicious white cake with raspberry filling.
Lainey what a fantastic story. I grew up in West Hartford but I only remember that building being the Quaker Diner. And ooh how I miss Krohner’s Bakery. Customers today would never expect the type of customer service we were used to as kids. Thanks for sharing for such a wonderful memory!