West Hartford’s ‘Thursday Throwback’
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Conny the whale under construction at the Children's Museum in 1975-76. Submitted photo
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
We missed Throwback Thursday last week, so we shared a “Monday Memory” image (at right and in larger size below) earlier this week instead.
It was a tough one, and there weren’t many comments, but several of our astute local historians – with help from a few of my own favorite West Hartford history books – were able to figure out the right answer!
“This looks like it could be the old gristmill on South Quaker Lane near Trout Brook. Owned by the Beach family. Though as for the year – 1900?” commented Jeff Murray on Facebook.
“Jeff I believe you’re right! There’s a picture of the mill from another viewpoint in the book, ‘Images of America – West Hartford’ by Bill Faude page 67. This view would be facing West and the mill was on the West side of SQL,” answered Rick Liftig.
“Yes! I also referred to another panned out version in the ‘Celebrate! West Hartford’ book. I was skeptical because of the shape of the building, but what convinced me was the separation of wood colors on the main facade. It’s a unique enough feature,” added Rick.
“The multiple varied roof lines are also a good indicator,” added Ray Petersen.
“You’re right! I also used the trees as well. Those are pretty similar to the ones in the other photograph, I figured they were just another reinforcing factor. Though I could be wrong – I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be some barn on Selden Hill or something,” Jeff added.
Jeff, Rick, and Ray – You’re all correct about this image that was located on Beach Farm, probably somewhere on what is today Beachland Park.
Here’s the answer provided by Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society Curator Sheila Daley: “The picture is actually the Beach Mill. It came from a collection of photos donated connected to Frank Velhage who was a West Hartford resident who died during WWI. The American Legion Post in town is partially named for him.”
Coincidentally, the West Hartford Street Smart feature earlier this week featured a historical look at the Vine Hill Road neighborhood and the Beach family.
Submitted photo
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we have an image (at right and in larger size below) donated by another organization. We can’t reveal who it is, because that would give away the answer.
We have another photo that the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society provided of this same place, and that will be posted next Thursday as well.
Who knows what’s happening in this photo?
Where was this taken?
When was this photo taken?
What’s there now?
Is there any historical significance to this photo?
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 at www.noahwebsterhouse.org for more information about membership and programs.
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Submitted photo
Beach Mill. Courtesy Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
I’ve lived in WeHa my whole life and that looks to me like Connie the Whale being built! Long before I was born so pre-1980!
It’s Connie the whale!
They must be building the structure. That was pretty amazing at the time and still is for my grandkids! You can see Hamilton Heights (aka ‘the white elephant’) in the background.
I’m glad I got this one, Ronni, last week truly stumped me. Thanks to Rick et al – I’m off for more study!
Hi, Liz,
Did you mean “The Hampshire House” in the background? (Hamilton Heights is where my alma mater mount St. Joseph Academy was located).
Yes, of course! Hampshire House!
That’s the frame of ” Connie” the whale at he Childern Museum. Trout Brook Dr! Really an odd perspective
That science museum was fun. There used to be a big long red wood building in front, classrooms and such. They had a Good Humor machine in the lobby of the museum with the premium chocolate eclair bar, and a big, mesmerizing pendulum, and squishy sea anemones you could touch and a planetarium. I think I went in the whale once. I think the lower floor had a -very dark and spooky- reptile exhibit, snakes and scorpions and whatnot. Bits and pieces from memories long ago.
Yes, but please, as a “Connie”, know that the whale’s name is Conny!! :)
Our son Ben, now 35, went to pre-school at the Children’s Museum, and of course the first thing every kid wanted to do was climb inside that whale.
Going back a whole lot further, I spent a summer when I was about 11 at the Children’s Museum Summer Program: art, science, nature; it was wonderful!
Go way, way back – does anyone remember Mrs. Cheney? All the stuffed animal heads in the auditorium? The replica space capsule? The back building where they had an American Indian room, an Oriental room and a Colonial room?
Wasn’t it originally The Junior School that became Renbrook? Connie, I did camp there too, as I remember.