Marilyn Monroe... And Me Canfield Corner Pharmacy, Woodbury I had some grand romantic idea to visit all the authentic soda fountain pharmacies left in Connecticut. I figure there can only be a few left, but I'm left with the problem of finding them. I knew about this one in Woodbury from some book I'd read, but … [Read more...]
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Houses, Communities, Urban Legends, Lighthouses, Libraries, Schools, Businesses, & Theaters
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...]
A Taste of Holland (Closed)
Because Wooden Shoes Make So Much Sense A Taste of Holland store, South Norwalk June 13, 2009 This store closed in 2018. The reason you're reading about this place on CTMQ is simply because it's weird. An entire store - and fairly big at that - dedicated to all things Dutch. Okay, it's not so weird, as there's … [Read more...]
Patrick Baker and Sons
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...]
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...]