Holy Crap! Patrick Baker & Sons, Fairfield June 13, 2009 The Fairfield location that I visited has closed, but one is still open in Southington. I'm sure it's the same. The original proprietor has passed away since this was originally written. Let's dispense with the caveats off the bat: I am not Catholic … [Read more...]
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Houses, Communities, Urban Legends, Lighthouses, Libraries, Schools, Businesses, & Theaters
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...]
Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Center (Closed)
As They Say: "Home of Strange Things" Middletown January 2, 2009 & February 20, 2016 Wild Bill's Closed in 2018 I figured a revisit to Wild Bill’s was in order, so that’s just what I did with both of my sons in early 2016. I'm writing this quick post because if I don't, someone will surely say, "Hey man, … [Read more...]
James Gallery & Soda Fountain (RIP)
Lafayette, Katherine Hepburn... And Me Old Saybrook, July 25, 2009 2018 Update: The building still exists, the history still exists, the new owners have converted this place to a B&B and honor the history, but... it's no longer the James Gallery & Soda Fountain, so... RIP. I first became aware of this little … [Read more...]
92. Homer Babbidge Library & Dodd Center
"She's dead. Wrapped in plastic." UConn Storrs (Google Maps Location) February 25, 2009 A few of the Babbidge Library pictures are from Jerry Dougherty's incredible compendium of photos of EVERYTHING in Connecticut. Stop hurting your brain; my title makes no sense whatsoever. Well, it does to me but not to … [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...]
Carl Andre’s “Stone Field Sculpture”
36 Rocks Sitting on the Triangularish Lawn on Gold Street Near Main "Stone Field" Sculpture, Hartford Many Visits 2015 Update: Construction on Gold Street prompted utilities worker to spraypaint the rocks. Guess they didn't think/realize this was an art installation. Which is kind of funny. Art. It means … [Read more...]
Hauntings in Connecticut
Hello. So glad you came to this page. It is unfortunate that some of our most venerable museums have resorted to promoting ghost stories and other such clap trap in an effort to gain attention and ultimately, the elusive dollar. While I appreciate their plight, this whole effort smacks of pathetic money grubbing at … [Read more...]
Shaker Village
There's a Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On! Shaker Village, Enfield March, 25, 2009 [Note: Most of the informational and historical passages in this post is excerpted directly from the Enfield Historical Society website.] Enfield. Good ol' Enfield. What better place to settle your quirky religious community than … [Read more...]