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...]
The Old Cider Mill
Damian Sat Down Be-Cider and Drank The Old Cider Mill, Glastonbury October 18, 2008 I wondered whether this was a CTMQ-worthy site for a day and then hesitantly decided it was. Information on not-so-creatively named The Old Cider Mill is lacking. There's this, from the Glastonbury town website: The oldest … [Read more...]
Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry
Old Ferries Never Die... Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry June 2008 (First ride) Oof. This page is OLD and therefore the pictures are, shall we say, not good. Oh well... good story though. This is one of those Connecticut things that everyone should know about. I'd heard rumors about this ferry on the dingy … [Read more...]
St. Stephens Episcopal Church Bell
A Real Old Ding-Dong The Oldest Bell in the New World, East Haddam June 9, 2007 During a visit to the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in East Haddam, where I was quite frankly a little ignored, I learned off-hand that there was a very old bell down the hill. Very, very old. Probably. Down the hill from the … [Read more...]
Bushnell Park
There's a Dead Guy in the Arch! The Oldest Public Park in the US, Bushnell Park, Hartford Multiple Visits There is much debate over what constitutes a "public park" and which was the first in the US. I am no authority on either, but the claim has been made, dubious as it may be, so this page exists. For … [Read more...]