West Hartford’s ‘Thursday Throwback’

Published On: December 3, 2015Categories: Features
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Courtesy of Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

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

Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Most of us were busy eating turkey last Thursday (well, I was busy cooking and cleaning and then eating) so the most recent throwback image (at right and in larger size below) was actually posted as a “Monday Memory.”

The always-astute Rick Liftig immediately recognized the Tudor-style building right down the street from his dental office in Elmwood: “Sure looks like Elmwood’s Fire Station #3 – which looks virtually the same today (except for the holiday decorations),” he commented.

There were many people who commented on Facebook, and although everyone knew this was a firehouse, a few thought it was the station on Brace Road or Prospect Avenue. Char Larsen, Deb Cohen, Lisa Petersen, Gary Holmes, Rob Rowlson, Lisa Sheltz, Christopher Foley, and Gretchen Rothe were all correct that this is the Fire Station #3, which is at 1068 New Britain Ave. in Elmwood. The photo of the station decorated for the holidays was taken in the 1960s.

Courtesy of Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

This week’s image (at right and in larger size below) takes a step further back in time.

What is this building?

Where is/was it located?

When do you think this photograph was taken?

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 of Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Fire Station #3 is at 1068 New Britain Ave. in Elmwood. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

6 Comments

  1. normandy726 December 4, 2015 at 9:25 AM - Reply

    Is this the Episcopal Church near Prospect?

  2. Liz Gillette December 5, 2015 at 10:07 AM - Reply

    Normandy726, that was my thought. They had a big fire a while ago, so some of the small differences may be that. I think you can see the huge beech tree on the edge of the right side of the picture. Corner of Farmington and South Highland…

  3. Andy Taylor December 6, 2015 at 9:56 AM - Reply

    Looks like the old First Church of Christ Congregational and was located cross corner to where it is located now on the corner of Farmingron Ave. and Main St.

    • Andy Taylor December 6, 2015 at 11:09 AM - Reply

      It’s the old greystone church that burned January 3 1942

  4. Andy Taylor December 6, 2015 at 11:16 AM - Reply

    It’s the Old Greystone Church that burned down Janurary 3 1942

  5. Liz Gillette December 7, 2015 at 5:45 PM - Reply

    Andy, you’re right! Here is a link to some pictures http://cslib.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p128501coll0/id/2225/rec/12. What a shame that beautiful building isn’t still there.

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