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
Last week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) showed a wintry scene, and we asked readers if they had any idea what was happening or knew anything about the company named on the side of the truck.
Liz Gillette commented: “There is still a Southern New England Ice and Oil company that can be seen from 84 opposite Pope Park. They sell dry ice, if I recall. Ice was big business at one time. Wood Pond/Woodridge lake was used for ice harvesting in addition to the Troutbrook icehouse.”
“I and a few friends worked for 3 summers at Southern New England Ice & Oil starting in 1976. This, by the look of the truck and the size of that tire, is an ice delivery maybe as early as the 40’s? Sure as hell isn’t an oil delivery,” commented Tom Mahon on Facebook.
Patricia Sinon Branciforte said, “The ice man cometh!”
“They cut ice from Trout Brook,” commented Gary Larkum.
Betty Healy recalled, “We put the sign in the window and the ice man brought the big square of ice in the house and put it in the ICE BOX.”
Also on Facebook, Zachary Hilborn commented, “Delivering ice to homes from beachland pond? The white building in the background looks very similar to the one that still stands on South Quaker Lane. I would guess the picture was taken around the late 1920s to the early 30s?”
“The ice company still exists. It’s in Hartford and the pic is him delivering ice to homes,” added Deborah Kranmas.
Southern New England Ice & Oil does still exist, and is located in Hartford near Pope Park as some of our readers said, and this is clearly an ice delivery. I do know that Wood Pond/Woodridge Lake was used by the Trout Brook Ice & Feed Company for harvesting ice, but am not aware of ice having been harvested from the pond at Beachland.
As for the year, we really don’t know but these are very good guesses!
Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
This week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) is of a place that many of you will likely remember.
Where was this located?
When was this photo taken?
What is in this space now?
What was your favorite syrup flavor at IHOP?
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
Ice delivery. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
Corner of New Britain Ave. and S. Main, now Jake’s hamburgers. Closed about 20 years or so ago, it seems. Didn’t go to IHOP much, but was glad to know it was there, if that makes sense. Looks like a Volvo 122 wagon to the left, late 60’s-ish model, will say photo from 1969. (Helpful was a previous Shoe Town photo/article from Patch, written by one…Ronni Newton.)
Jake’s Wayback Burgers is next door, I think. That’s where Bombay Olive, our favorite Indian restaurant, is now! I’m more curious about the business to the left. Is that a supermarket? Never knew we had one there too, in addition to where Rita’s is now. Were both supermarkets there at the same time?
IHOP and Shoetown – corner of New Britain Avenue and South Main Street! I’m guessing 1970’s
IHOP and Shoe Town. Corner of South Main and New Britain Avenue. I’d guess the 1970’s
I remember going to ihop for pancakes when our kids were younger & we were new to the area. I’m a classic maple syrup girl but the kids loved the blueberry syrup.
The building is on New Britain Ave at the corner of South Main. Seems to me more than one restaurant has been in this location since the ihop days but it’s been Bombay Olive (wonderful Indian food) for quite a few years.
If I remember correctly, IHOP was a “Alice’s Restaurant” for a little while.
I remember going there about 15 years ago when it was still an IHOP. I also went to the Friendly’s further down New Britain Ave before it became the jewelry store.
That IHOP didn’t close down until about 8-9 years ago or so. I remember going there with a friend sometime around 2006 thinking we’d better relive some old memories before it closed. It was a good thing we did because the next thing I knew it became “Bombay Olive”.
My favorite syrup was always maple but I’ve been known to like blueberry too. I was sad when this IHOP closed but since then others have opened so it’s all good.
That photo appears to have been taken in the early ’60s judging from the car. I’m dating myself!!
Does anyone remember Steak and Brew across the street? There was a Poppagallo store diagonally across, as well. And Charley’s Place? What was that corner before about 1950? It’s a natural intersection, does anyone know?