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
“Throwback Thursday” (#tbt) has become a popular feature on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites. It’s so much fun to see the images of our friends back in their elementary school days, photos of babies who are now in college, unfortunate fashion choices from the ’80s, and much more.
Courtesy of Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.
We-Ha.com takes its own historical look back at the town with “Thursday Throwback.” We will feature images of people, places, and events in West Hartford, and we’d love to have your feedback.
Last week’s photo was a fun one, “Easy Peesy,” in the words of Rick Liftig, for many residents to recall. Howard Johnson’s was located at 831 Farmington Ave., where Butterfly is now located. “HoJo’s ice cream was fabulous. I have fond childhood memories of their chocolate chip and peppermint stick,” Liftig recalled.
“I worked at Marholin-Lane across the street, in the bicycle department, in the mid 1970’s. Used to go to Ho-Jo’s on my break and eat a whole pint of chocolate chip,” recalled Mike Margolis.
Lisa Petersen, who commented on Facebook, said her parents loved the Howard Johnson’s “Fish Fry” special. She also added that Barnaby’s occupied the site after HoJo’s, but before Butterfly.
Who can identify the vantage point where this week’s photo was taken? What is there now? Does it spark any memories? Please add your comments below about the featured photo, and we will publish the answers along with next Thursday’s image.
Thank you to the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society for providing us with the images. For more information about the organization, visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org.
Courtesy of Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.
Howard Johnson’s occupied the site at 831 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, where Butterfly is now located. Courtesy of Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.
That looks like Wood Pond, which would make the foreground area now Westfarms Mall.
I think you win the prize, Mike! Now what’s that building to the left center of the picture – an ice house maybe? Ronni: any idea what the date is on this photo? Amazing how much farmland/field is in view (likely taken from Buena Vista/Selden Hill)