Not the Oldest? Parish the Thought! First Congregational Church in Windsor 107 Palisado Avenue It's funny, once you start really researching particular towns, you find that there are always quirky little historical anecdotes worthy of this website. I've begun poking around the towns in north central Connecticut … [Read more...]
The Oldest Legible Gravestone
I Have Some Grave News Ephraim Huit Grave Palisado Cemetery, Windsor I had trouble coming up with the title description for this page. I guess it's not the oldest gravestone in the state. But it is reputed to be the oldest original monument still standing in Connecticut. And one of the oldest legible monuments … [Read more...]
Howland-Hughes Building
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 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...]
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...]
Robertson Airport
Planeville Robertson Field, Plainville April 8, 2009 I had never heard of Robertson Field before my visit to the Plainville Historic Center. There, my guide offhandedly mentioned that Robertson Field was the oldest airport in Connecticut. My ears perked up and I noted it, but pretty much forgot about … [Read more...]
Benedict Arnold Birthplace
Wait - Does Norwich Celebrate This? Arnold Place, Norwich November 1, 2008 After a visit to the Heritage Trail Vineyards, I told Hoang we were off to see Benedict Arnold's birthplace. She was demonstrably surprised by this, as she had no idea he was born in Connecticut. To be fair, neither did I until recently. … [Read more...]
Concept of Freedom Trail: Middletown (2)
1. Leverett Beman Historic District, Cross and Vine Streets Yeah, okay... I'm not sure how I'm to take a picture of a "District." So I'll grab a satellite image. I can report I drove all around here looking for the CT Underground Railroad Trail and Middletown Heritage Trail's Freedom church. The first … [Read more...]