The Oldest Free-Standing Department Store Howland-Hughes Building, Waterbury November 4, 2008 I’m not one for department stores or even shopping for that matter. In fact, as much as I love everything the Internet has to offer, I think online shopping might be my favorite aspect of it. No annoying salespeople … [Read more...]
The Bulkeley Bridge
It Certainly Has Some Bulk To It Worlds Largest Stone Arch Bridge* Bulkeley Bridge, Hartford/East Hartford *Certainly debatable. See Comments. Who says Hartford doesn't have claims to fame beyond insurance giants, Mark Twain and Samuel Colt? Not I! And I'm not just talking about such important things as … [Read more...]
The Oldest Public Library in the US
Cool. Just... Cool Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury August 2009 US Firsts in Connecticut excite me. Even if they are narrowly defined and a bit sketchy. And if you know me, you know I loves me some libraries. On a drive east from New York on US 44, I crossed the border from New York into … [Read more...]
Knipschildt Chocolatier/Chocopologie Cafe
No Chocopologies Here House of Knipschildt/Knipschildt Chocolatier/Chocopologie Cafe, Norwalk June 13, 2009 Fritz Knipchildt's chocolate ventures have gone through a myriad of changes over the years and now, in 2020, the business is called The House of Knipschildt. An outpost in New Haven wasn't open long and the … [Read more...]
World’s Most Expensive Chocolate
The $250 Madeleine Chocolate Truffle Chocopologie Cafe, South Norwalk Between 2009 and 2020, Fritz Knipschildt has changed his business's name and operation several times. But he still makes and sells this thing. Towards the end of a day-long jaunt in Fairfield and Norwalk, my crew and I took a break at … [Read more...]
The World’s Largest Jack-in-the-Box (Gone)
The Stuff of Nightmares Wild Bill's Nostalgia Center, Middletown Wild Bill's closed in 2018. If you haven't already, Wild Bill's you can read about my visits the store here. Oh - and don't forget about the world's largest Wacky Wobbler, which you can read about here. Now it's time for the best Wild Bill … [Read more...]
The World’s Largest Wacky Wobbler (Gone)
It's a Giant Head. It Wobbles. Wild Bill's Nostalgia Center, Middletown Wild Bill's closed in 2018. I don't get it. But this is apparently a big deal to a certain segment of our society. I'll admit I find the World's Largest Jack-in-the-Box really, really cool - and that's also here, at Wild Bill's wacky … [Read more...]
Concept of Freedom Trail: Bridgeport (2)
Walters A.M.E. Zion Church, 423 Broad Street Walters African American Episcopal Zion Church has been located at this site since 1882. When its original structure was destroyed by fire in 1951, the current building was erected on the surviving foundation. The building is one of few remaining reminders of an … [Read more...]
The Hartford Courant
What the Heck is a "Courant" Anyway? Oldest Continuously Published Newspaper in US, The Hartford Courant June 9, 2009 It's no secret that the print newspaper industry is going through some trying times right now. Here in the northeast we hear about the imminent demise of such venerable goliaths as the Boston … [Read more...]
The Oldest Seed Company in the US
Wethersfield, You Reap What You Sow Comstock, Ferre & Company, Wethersfield April 14, 2009 I'm not sure they can call themselves "continuously operating" anymore because the store did close in 2009. However, it was bought by the awesome Baker Seed Company in June 2010 and was open again shortly … [Read more...]