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
I warned you that last week’s image (at right and in larger size below) was a really, really tough one. I was so impressed with the analysis that went into trying to figure out where this house was located.
Rick Liftig is a pro at this, and almost always has the right answer. Here’s what he thought: “This is certainly one of the toughest TBTs in a long while. There’s an interesting clue or two, however. The front yard of this house is practically non-existent – it’s a steep slope. There is a big oak or maple on the far left [in subsequent comment he corrected that to say the “right”] of the picture that looks like its base 20-30 feet lower than the house. So here’s my thinking: The slope was caused by flooding and a cave-in of the river bank (which has to be near the Trout Brook) The tree is adjacent to the brook. And the photo was taken from across the brook/ravine. I would guess that this was somewhere in the Elmwood area near Talcott Road/ South Quaker Lane. If so, the house is no longer there. The photo would have been taken prior to the construction of the concrete culvert that contains the brook – so 1940’s. The house is in pretty good shape so I would guess it was built late 19th, early 20th century. Alternate locations would be further North along the brook, possibly at Park Road or Boulevard where the river bank gets steep.”
“I thought Rick had this one! This is the old creamy at Beachland Park. Used to use the basement level as a warming house during skating season. The difficulty in identifying this is that today, there is a wood deck around the structure. Today the structure is used mostly for storage and the like!” added Rob Rowlson.
History buff and Historic Preservation Award winner Mike Margolis added: “I think the house is much older than that Rick. 12 over 8 windows, center chimney, could be an 18th Century structure. Past that, I have no help at all.”
Lisa Petersen, who added her comments on Facebook, also thought this was the structure at Beachland Park, as did E. Jean Johnson.
Tracey Cetel Sachs thought it was a house on Mountain Road. Jason McCabe was still pondering …
Despite everyone’s well-thought-out guesses, no one got this one right. This building is actually the former Burt Farm house, and was located on Selden Hill on Buena Vista Hill. Details are not available about when the house was built, its precise location, or what happened to it. I hope no one minded the stumper!
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
This week’s image (at right and in larger size below), which is a bit more recent and is even in color, should be a bit easier to identify.
Who knows what this structure is?
Where is/was it located?
Have you ever been here?
Please share your memories below.
Thank you to the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society for providing us with the images. They are always looking for new images to add to the collection. Visit their website atwww.noahwebsterhouse.orgfor more information about membership and programs.
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Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
Burt Farm house, Selden Hill. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
The new photo is of the Holy Family, Passionist Retreat and Conference Center on Tunxis Road. They have excellent retreats and beautiful grounds. I try to get there at least once a year. I currently live in Albany, NY.
Dave is correct (I hope). But this property is in Farmington (I hope) LOL
Yes, it is now called the Holy Family Retreat Center, but we just called it “The Monastery” when we were growing up. There are still Passionist fathers and brothers living there, and I go to Mass in their public chapel once a week. The grounds are serene and beautiful, they hold retreats of all kinds, both secular and for all faiths. Their music program is phenomenal. A real jewel, nationally known, just on the West Hartford/Farmington line.
Holy Family Monastery on Tunxis Road.