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

Wow!

There is certainly no doubt in my mind now about what interests the people of West Hartford: food.

Last week’s Throwback Thursday photo (at right and in larger size below) received an incredible 285 Facebook Likes, and more than 50 comments when I add up the ones on the article plus those on several Facebook sites.

Virtually everyone who commented knew exactly where this Friendly’s was located, and the stories were wonderful.

I usually like to quote everyone’s comments, but with this type of response that’s not possible so here are some of the highlights:

From Rick Liftig, who was first to comment and shared some great information as well as memories: “Bridlepath Friendly’s of course! There was a quartet of Friendly’s in town: Elmwood, Park Road, Bishop’s Corner and Bridlepath. The center location came later. Because we weren’t allowed to eat at Howdy Beefburgers [editor’s note: this is a reference to Rick’s comments on a past article], my family regularly hit Friendly’s for BBCBs (Big Beef Cheeseburgers) and the Awful-Awful. One of the co-founders of Friendly’s, (Pres or Curt) Blake had a massive house on Sunset Farm. In the basement was his antique car collection (38 parking spaces as I remember). Next to Friendly’s was Gus’ Barber Shop; Gus later got out of the hair-cutting business and opened up Farmington Avenue Pizza across the street (which worked out very well). Bridlepath Pharmacy, also in the Plaza, was probably responsible for many of the cavities seen in Bridlepath Elementary School’s kids. And of course, Stop and Shop, which had been there since the days of Noah Webster (tongue firmly in cheek).”

From Connie Reder, complete with a must-share photo: “The Friendly’s at Sunset Triangle, where I got my first job as a waitress in 1965. There was also a package store, and Bridlepath Pharmacy, plus the original (much smaller) Stop & Shop which now occupies the entire plaza. I was paid $1.25 an hour ( the minimum wage at the time), consisting of $1.10 plus 15 cents in tips, which we pooled. I found out 7 or 8 years ago that my late mother had saved my waitress uniform, which I wore to a costume party! (“Would you like Friendly Fries with your burger and Fribble?”)”

West Hartford Town Council Minority Leader Denise Hall said she worked at this Friendly’s, too, and said that there’s a photo of her in uniform in her Conard yearbook, but she didn’t share it!

“I worked at this Friendly’s when Fran McDonald was the manager in the early 70’s. Located where Farmington Ave and the Boulevard meet. My mom, used to seeing me laze around our house, chuckled that she had never seen me move so fast. Loved the original Big Beef and the fribbles,” commented Eric Gustafson.

Loved this comment from Ray Petersen (note last name to understand comment): “Funny – of the 5 Friendly’s locations in town, this was the closest to my house. I grew up in West Hartford, but never (or almost never) set foot in a Friendly’s until I was an older teen. For my family, eating at Friendly’s was like fraternizing with the enemy.”

“Remember it? I worked there for three whole weeks. I went in to show the manager how sick I was, instead of calling in on our black metal dial phone, and he put me on the dish washing machine as he felt that ‘the steam would do me good.’ I quit. I also got sick of my friends coming in and trashing the place. Oh the memories …” commented Richard Shelley.

From Beth Furnival Keane: “Was recently explaining to our kids how we found out where the parentless parties were on Saturday nights. The original Social Network!”

There were many memories from people who worked at this Friendly’s – known as the “Conard” Friendly’s, as well as one of the other Friendly’s in town.

“I worked at this Friendly’s while in high school. I was a Hall High Warrior working in Chieftan territory!!” wrote Molly Pierce Healey.

“Conard Friendly’s at Sunset Triangle. Chocolate Fribbles and Cheeseburgers. Lots of HS gatherings in the parking lot which I doubt would be allowed today,” commented Chris McCormick.

We could go on and on, but it’s time for this week’s image (at right and in larger size below) – and we are sticking with the food theme – which should also bring back some fond memories.

Who recognizes this spot? What’s there now? Please discuss!

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.

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