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!
Last week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) was a throwback pretty far into the past – too far for readers to remember firsthand – but our astute West Hartford history buffs recognized this scene pretty quickly!
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
Rick Liftig was the first to comment, and he had some pretty specific details as well as an extra piece of interesting information: “Charter Oak Racetrack was located to the South of Flatbush Avenue – the present site of Home Depot, Triumph Control Systems and the “Field of Dreams.” The row of trees adjacent to Flatbush today lined a part of the oval. On the south side of the track was Luna Park. I’m not sure of the time-frame of how long the track was in existence, but I would guess that it was abandoned before 1940. I understand that during construction of Home Depot, horse nails, shoe and more than a few long-lost silver dollars were found!”
“Charter Oak/ Luna Park. Area of So Quaker Lane and Flatbush Ave. I think during the 1930s. Soccer fields etc there today! Gambling in WeHa. Imagine that!” added Rob Rowlson.
Many of our readers added their comments on Facebook, and most were pretty close about the location of this activity.
“I recall seeing this – or a similar – photo. I think it said it was in the Charter Oak School neighborhood … in the 1920’s?” commented Beverly Sayers Truebig.
“Wasn’t there a track near where Colt/BJ’S is – Flatbush/Talcott/Oakwood area??” wrote Gina Marie Laird-Dion.
Several people specified Charter Oak, Home Depot, or Luna Park, including Lisa Petersen who commented: “Charter Oak Park race track. Near Luna Park.”
Tammy Kroll thought that this event was part of a fair, like the Danbury Fair. Cassie Barrett added, “I believe it was called Charter Oak fair grounds or something like that. What a great history we have here.”
David Strong added tht “the large oak trees on Flatbush ave used to line the race track.”
This comment from Rachel Erickson was one of the most interesting: “wait…..are the drivers toddlers?????” They do look like little kids, but I don’t have the answer to that one!
And sorry, John Hardy, this was not at Celebrate West Hartford before Blue Back Square was built. (I know, you were only kidding!)
The complete answer is that this scene was at the Connecticut State Fair in Charter Oak Park. The park was built in 1873, and was popular for harness racing – complete with betting – until gambling was outlawed in the state in the mid-1920s.
The oak trees mentioned lined the racetrack, and Luna Park – West Hartford’s version of Coney Island – was also part of the property.
After betting was outlawed, the property was sold to the Connecticut Fair Association. The race taking place in the photo was during one of the fairs, likely sometime in the late 1920s because the property was foreclosed on in 1930.
The land in this area is now occupied by Home Depot, BJs, and Triumph Engine Control Systems.
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
This week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) may stump all of you! Perhaps a caption might be in order for this one.
Who are these people?
What are they holding?
Where and when was this photo taken?
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
Harness racing at the Connecticut State Fair at Charter Oak Park. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
Looks like a group of workers at a brickyard but I nave no idea where such a business existed in West Hartford. Was there a kiln near Brixton?
These seem to be brick makers. Not the wood frames they are holding. Kane Brick was on Prospect near Kane Street and today there is a large modern Church located in one of the depressions made from clay removal. Brixton street was also once a brick yard and Goodwin Poyery was located in Elmwood although I doub they made bricks.
Our omnipresent West Hartford clay not only made Goodwin pottery, but also bricks! I have always wondered if the clay was in use by the native American population long before the colonists arrived. (Although I have never heard of anyone discovering potshards in the region)
I guessed brick makers, as well. Rob, how interesting about the Kane brick yard! Of course..Kane Street. I have seen ‘Kane’ bricks but had no idea they were from WH. As a small side note, when the convent came up for zoning approvals, a big issue was water run off/wetlands. It seems Kessler Construction (and the church) are basically in a clay bathtub! Now it makes sense! Thanks!