West Hartford's 'Thursday Throwback' - We-Ha

Test your knowledge of West Hartford history with this ‘Thursday Throwback,’ courtesy ofthe 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 image (at right and in larger size below) was from 1966 – just like the image of Del Monico’s from the previous week – and that meant that some readers had firsthand memory of the business.

Peter Cascio Nursery was located on Albany Avenue, where Moscarillo’s Garden Shoppe is today, but the biggest clue to the location for many was the other building that appears in the photo.

“Well, I recognize the Beth El Temple in the background, so this is obviously what today is Moscarillos on Albany Avenue,” commented Mike Margolis.

“The newly (at that time) constructed sanctuary for Beth El Temple in the background,” commented David Traub on Facebook.

According to the “Celebrate! West Hartford” history book, the land on which Beth El Temple sits, at 2626 Albany Ave., was purchased from Peter Cascio in the mid 1950s by a group from Hartford’s Emanuel Synagogue who were looking to establish a Conservative congregation in West Hartford.

Dianne Rechel sounds like she still may be missing Cascio’s: “One of two (that I know of)l ocal locations for Cascio’s before their further expansion. They debuted several specimen trees, if I remember correctly. Unfortunately, I had a gift certificate that I never used!” she wrote.

Others who commented remarked about the topography. “That’s now Moscarillo’s. Can’t believe how open the area was then!” wrote Paul Shipman on Facebook.

Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

This week’s image (at right and in larger size below) should also spark some memories.

What street is this? When do you think this photo was taken? What is in its place now? Do you have any memories of visiting any of these businesses?

Please share your thoughts and memories below. Captions are, of course, always welcome.

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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