Test your knowledge of West Hartford history with this ‘Thursday Throwback,’ courtesy of Town Manager Ron Van Winkle and 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

Last week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) was a real stumper! There were lots of guesses but I think this may be the first time ever that no on – not even our most dedicated history buffs – came up with the right answer!

“I think that was on New Park Avenue near or on the spot where Dunkin’ Donuts is,” was the first guess, courtesy of Lucien Grillo.

“Truly stumped! Could it be the corner of New Park and Kane?” guessed Liz Gillette, but she then realized that’s actually Hartford.

Robert Kulakowski added his comment on Facebook, and sounded pretty confident about his guess: “I remember this. It was at Flatbush and New Park just before the railroad crossing. I think there was a 3 Son’s behind it.”

There was also a vote for New Britain Avenue,

Quite a few others who commented on Facebook thought this was at the intersection of New Park and Flatbush, so there must have been a similar building there. “I am going to guess that this is on New Park Ave based on the presence of the Howdy (burgers I think) sign in the background. I don’t remember this car wash though as we used the one on Park Road back then,” recalled Lisa Petersen.

According to the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, this car wash was on South Street. We don’t have the address, but there is still a car wash right near the intersection of South Street and New Britain Avenue, so possibly this is that same location. The photo was taken in the mid 1960s.

Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle

This week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) is another from the archives of Town Manager Ron Van Winkle.

It’s obvious what this is from the sign, but figuring out where this West Hartford Police Department station was located is more of a challenge – especially because there is some conflicting information in the archives.

Who knows where this is?

When was this photo taken?

What is in this location now?

Please share your memories below.

Thank you to Town Manager 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.

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Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle

South Street. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society