Samuel Wadsworth Russell House National Historic Landmark 350 High Street, Middletown, quasi-public Now this place just looks like a National Historic Landmark. I’d stopped by in the midst of my Middletown Heritage Trail experience and wussed out on poking around inside. Now I know I should have… Especially … [Read more...]
NHL: Richard Alsop IV House
Richard Alsop IV House National Historic Landmark 301 High St., Middletown (House is owned by Wesleyan and you can maybe check it out with a guide) Funny – I’ve been inside this NHL and had no idea. You see, Wesleyan’s Davison Art Center is located inside this beautiful old house, and I visited that a while … [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...]
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...]
7. Jehosaphat Starr House
Jehosaphat Starr House Middletown Heritage Trail Site 7 110 Washington Street Jumpin' Jehosaphat! The etymology of this saying is not readily available, but I did find this here. Take it for what it's worth. This house sits rather prominently on Route 66 (across the street from Kidcity) in the midst of … [Read more...]
6. St. John Church
St. John Church Middletown Heritage Trail Site 6 19 St. John's Square Hm. A decent enough church (with secret free 2 hour parking on the side street!). The brochure states, "Irish Immigration; church & cemetery; North End neighborhoods; the old fire station." The church's website states, "The History of … [Read more...]
5. Riverside Cemetery
Riverside Cemetery Middletown Heritage Trail Site 5 St. John's Square (behind O'Rourke's Diner) Now we're getting somewhere. History! And lots of it! Middletown's heritage! In spades! Not only that, on a street full of unique, upstart and interesting restaurants, O'Rourke's Diner stands out. It is a classic … [Read more...]
4. deKoven House
deKoven House Middletown Heritage Trail Site 4 27 Washington Street Further reading: I went inside the house and treated it as a museum here. It's a bit of a shame that Route 9 separates Middletown from the Connecticut River. I imagine the walk along it was somewhat pretty back in the day; but then again, it … [Read more...]
3. Middletown and the Connecticut River
Middletown and the Connecticut River Middletown Heritage Trail Site 3 Lower Court Street by City Hall Ah, now we're getting somewhere. Pretending I did this trail in order, I'll say... "Leaving Main Street behind, I walked down Court Street to City Hall to the Heritage Trail's third station." It's a somewhat … [Read more...]