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!
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
After a really tough-to-place image of New England Laundry, we threw you a bone with last week’s image (at right and in larger size below). Although most of the businesses have changed hands multiple times, the façades are still pretty much identical and most people were able to identify the location of this photo as well as the building’s current occupants.
“That’s on Farmington Avenue. Black Bamboo and Harvest Wines and Liquors are there now,” wrote “Ed” in the comments on the article.
“I was originally going to say, ‘Who cares. Check those fins.’ However, I believe Ed is correct. ‘Kingswood Package Store’ sign gives it away. I always wondered whether Kingswood School administrators were happy about their name. I went into the Package Store only once or twice, but the smell of cigarette smoke grossed me out,” commented Frederick Brown.
“Ronni, redeem me for m last weeks error,” wrote Rob Rowlson, West Hartford’s retired director of Community Services. “Last week’s was formally Mechanics Bank and now houses Max Burger … I feel stupid … haha … This is the corner of Ardmore and Farmington … formerly a drug store with old fashion soda counter … Kingswood Package Store and the white house housed a flower shop … Black Bamboo Restaurant.” Rob, consider yourself redeemed – although your expertise was really never in doubt!
And from Liz Gillette, another local history buff: “Kingswood Market, Frank the barber was upstairs. And yes, Kingswood Package store (ahh, memories!) Judy Manchester had a real estate office in the white building on the second floor at one time.”
Lisa Petersen, who added her comments on Facebook, had some firsthand memories of the former occupants: “These buildings are on Farmington Avenue at the intersection with Ardmore Road. On the 2nd floor of the building on the left was the H. Randall Pease insurance agency. My aunt worked there for many years and as a teen, I worked there rearranging the files. The first floor there now is Black Bamboo!”
Courtesy Tom Mahon, Facebook
John Hogan had some firsthand memories, too: “The end location, now a restaurant, was the Kingswood Drugstore, next to it was a small 5&Dime store, and the space closest to Ardmore was The Kingwood Market. I spent time there in my Saint Thomas days, ’46-’53.”
Others added their comments on Facebook as well, including David Traub who wrote: “Looks like My Cousin Moe’s Kingswood Market locale.”
Tom Mahon even supplied this up-to-date photo. He and Jim Lynch said they still get their hair cut at the Kingswood Barbershop, one of the long-time tenants that has remained.
Giovanni Seccareccia recalled growing in the Farmington Avenue/Ardmore Road area.
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
Since the football season is now getting underway, I thought this week’s image (at right and in larger size below) was appropriate.
Does anyone have an idea of where, or when this photo was taken?
What kind of event do you think this was?
This might be a good candidate for a caption as well, especially if you have no idea what’s really happening in the photo.
Please share your memories below!
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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Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
842-844 Farmington Ave. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
How funny! It’s the auditorium at old Hall High, aka Town Hall. Looks like late fifties/early sixties. Since the picture appears to be dead chieftains under a goal post, can we assume a pep rally before the big game with Conard? Or judging by the ties and frocks, a celebratory dance?
I have not been here long at all only 6 yrs, but I’m gonna guess this was a homecoming dance of the high school at the time which used to be located in today’s town hall bldg.
Liz has this correctly… Hall High and I would guess a pep rally before the Hall/Conrad game… big doings for sure… note the “Poodle” dress…. early 60’s….and thin “Mad Men” ties…LOL