Just another Cog in Hartford's Rich History Intersection of Cogswell Street, Asylum Ave and Farmington Avenues Hm. I never noticed a Cogswell Street in Hartford before. But I will from now on, after my visit to the American School for the Deaf Museum in West Hartford where I learned all about young Alice Cogswell … [Read more...]
“Angry God” Marker
In What State Was God in 1741? "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Marker Enfield, 11/20/2009 I'll bet God was pretty darn angry when John Edwards sinned and committed adultery with Rielle Hunter a few years ago while his wife was nearly dying of cancer. What? A different John Edwards? This rock monument … [Read more...]
John Mason Statue
Some "Red-Handed" Title Pun John Mason Statue Palisado Avenue, Windsor Town Green I’ve gone crazy lately with multiple posts from Windsor. It stands to reason, of course, as Windsor does stake its claim as Connecticut’s Oldest Town. There are a bunch of museums in Windsor – most conveniently located on the green … [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...]
The Ancient Burying Ground of Hartford
How Many Dead Hookers Fit in this Graveyard? Hartford Ancient Burying Ground June 9, 2009 Way back when I started this blog, I mentioned that I wasn't interested in cemeteries. And this remains largely true, but I've found several around the state that warrant mention. My mind was changed down in the south end … [Read more...]
Hunger Striker’s Memorial
Odd. Maple and Freeman Streets, Hartford June 17, 2009 Hm. Um. Hm. You know how this is ultimately under the "curiosities" heading? I sure think this one fits, as it sure is curious. There, standing tall on a busy street in Hartford's south end is a monument to terrorists. Oops, is that word going to get me … [Read more...]
1936 Flood Marker
Did the Flood Wash Away the Real Statue? On the Polish National Home facing Charter Oak Avenue June 17, 2009 [Go here for CTMQ's dining experience at the Polish National Home] I love this one. This has to be the smallest marker of any sort in the state. Ironically, it notes a rather massive event in Hartford … [Read more...]
Uncas’s Grave
The Last of the Mohegans Uncas's Gravesite, Norwich November 14, 2008 Not really. Uncas wasn't the "Last of the Mohegans" nor was the character in "The Last of the Mohicans" based on much of Uncas's real life. Which makes him all the more interesting as his "real" life history is a mix of fact and fiction. … [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...]
PT Barnum & Tom Thumb Gravesites
A Sucker Dies Every Minute, Too PT Barnum & Tom Thumb Graves, Bridgeport May 17, 2008 When people try to list some of Connecticut’s most famous and/or important residents over the centuries, I should hope that PT Barnum is always remembered. From Bethel to Bridgeport, Barnum was heavily involved in state politics, … [Read more...]