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!
My apologies for skipping last week’s column. It was pre-empted by turkey roasting and other Thanksgiving activities!
Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle
The photo from two weeks ago (at right and in larger size below) was provided by Town Manager Ron Van Winkle and was obviously of the West Hartford Police Department. But the question was when the photo was taken and where the police department headquarters was located at the time.
This building,, with the same sign, appears in a photo in the “Celebrate! West Hartford” book, but the caption states that the building was a house on Raymond Road. Other documents indicate that this building was on South Main Street. Based on most of the comments we received, South Main Street appears to the correct answer.
“I believe it was located on South Main Street … near or on the present location of the Noah Webster Library,” commented Giovanni Seccareccia.
John Hogan added his comment on Facebook. “Original police department across from the green on So. Main.”
I think Joanne Smith’s comment is serious, and pretty cool: “Love the car in the driveway … think’s it my grandfather’s.”
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
Who knows why this week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) is particularly appropriate as a throwback for today?
What is happening in this photo?
Where was this photo taken?
What year was this photo taken?
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 Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle
I’m just guessing that this was the holiday season just after Blue Back opened when they sponsored the trolley to “tie together” the Center with Blue Back. Japanalia was still there (loved that store!) but Chicos doesn’t seem to be. So that puts it about ten years ago, I think.
I am going to guess that it was the Holiday Stroll from the late 90’s. (Some car aficionado will probably tell us). On that afternoon. members of the Chamber of Commerce used to travel around by trolley singing Christmas carols. I would guess the Percherons are from Flamig Farm and had to tolerate a lot of horn-honking.