Test your knowledge of West Hartford history with this ‘Thursday Throwback,’ courtesy of West Hartford Town Manager Ron Van Winkle and 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!

As there has been for the past several weeks, this week there is an extra name in the credit for this week’s historical photo. Town Manager Ron Van Winkle came across a stash of historical photos in his office, and graciously offered to share them with us as well as the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.

Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle

It wasn’t hard to identify the location in last week’s photo (at right and in larger size below), but still a challenge to determine when it was taken and to remember all of the businesses that have been in these locations over the years.

Lisa Petersen was the first to comment, and had some great firsthand memories: “North side of Farmington Ave in the center. The Central Theater is where the Central Mall is now. The other story is about the potential zoning change to West Hartford Center. Interestingly Central Wheel moved from here, was on Farmington Ave closer to Trout Brook and is now in Farmington on Farmington Ave. Central Delicatessen moved from here too, west on Farmington Ave to the block of stores where Fleet Feet is currently located. They are no longer in business. I’m not sure when they closed but they were open in 1992 because we used them to cater our daughter’s baptism.”

Rick Liftig got the date right based on the name of the movie shown on the marquee (I had to Google to check that!): “’Last Days of Pompeii’” is playing at the Central – the film was released in 1935, so we have an approximate date!”

Ellan Kone also properly dated the photo, and is likely correct about the location, except that the Hair Color Company has moved and that space will soon open as Hartford Baking Company: “The Central in West Hartford Center. Looks like the picture was taken from the roof of the Hair Color Company across the street. The cars are from the 20’s but I think the 1926 production of that movie may have only been in Italian. So my guess is 1935.”

A few readers added their comments on Facebook, including Lisa Schenker who wrote: “Spent quite a bit of time at the Central Theatre! I believe you could see 2 shows. Remember being there but not one movie!”

Pat McCarthy commented: “Looking at the cars and the movie title – there was a movie with that title released in 1935 (there have been a few versions over the years), so that’s what I’m going with, 1935. If it isn’t that year it must be close – those are prewar cars in the photo.”

No one got the bonus question correct. This column appeared on the same date as a tribute to Leonard Udolf, who purchased the Central Theater building and renovated it to become the office/retail building it is today. A photo of the interior of the theater, the building undergoing renovation, and the original marquee, appeared in that article.

Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle

This week’s photo (at right and in larger size below) is much more challenging and may really test our local history buffs!

Who knows where this is?

Who knows when this was taken?

What businesses are on this road?

Please share your memories below.

Thank you to Town Manger Ron Van Winkle, and 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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Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle

Courtesy Town Manager Ron Van Winkle