USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > West Hartford > West Hartford, Connecticut > Part 20
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He was a man of sterling Christian character, quiet and digni- fied in manner, highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, and chosen by them repeatedly to render public service in different official positions, including that of representing the town in the General Assembly.
He was for many years a member of the Congregational Church of West Hartford and was chosen to serve in important official positions from time to time. Although living at a greater distance from the church than most of its members, he was one of the most regular attendants at its services on Sunday.
George B. Francis. George B. Francis, son of Blinn and Lucy Hart Francis, was born at West Hartford Center in 1857. He was one of the first group of young people in attendance at the West Hartford High School when it was first opened in 1872, and later graduated from the Hartford High School. In both schools he was recognized as a young man of fine intellectual ability.
One day a few years after his graduation the writer received a letter from Samuel M. Gray, City Engineer of Providence, R. I., asking if he could recommend a good young man to enter his employ, and George Francis was recommended. In connection with several years experience in that position and subsequent study he became a proficient engineer, and when the new South
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
GEORGE B. FRANCIS
Railroad Station in Boston was built he was the resident super- vision engineer and his name appears on a tablet at the main entrance to that building.
Later, in connection with the Westinghouse, Church, Keer and Company of New York City,he rendered efficient service as a consulting engineer, being called to different sections of the coun- try for advise in connection with the construction of large build- ings and plants. He died in the prime of manhood in 1913 and was buried in the family lot in the West Hartford Cemetery.
Dr. Caroline F. Hamilton. Caroline F. Hamilton, daughter of Benedict W. and Electa Hamilton, was born in West Hartford in 1861. The Hamilton home at that time was on the south side of Farmington Avenue, just east of Trout Brook, where her father owned a farm of 70 acres. The house is now the residence of Glover M. White.
She attended the West Hartford High School after it was first opened in 1872. She graduated from Hartford High School
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
in 1880, and from Smith College in 1885. She then pursued a course of study in the New York Women's Medical College, from which she graduated in 1888. After her graduation she spent a year as interne in the hospital; later she was engaged in college settlement work in New York, as visiting physician. She also taught in the Medical College and was resident physician in the New York Infant Asylum.
DR. CAROLINE F. HAMILTON
After pursuing a course of graduate study in New York, in 1892 she was appointed as medical missionary in the hospital in Aintab, Turkey, in Asia, where she has rendered devoted and efficient service during all the succeeding years, with the excep- tion of 18 months, from 1920 until 1922, when on account of the massacres and expulsion of the Armenians by the Turks the hospi- tal had to be abandoned. During that time she was in charge of an orphanage in Beirut, where there were 300 children. She returned to Aintab in February, 1922. During her term of
246
HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
service, she has passed through the trying experiences in connec- tion with three massacres in Aintab, in which the mob came to the very gates of the hospital grounds and it seemed probable that they would destroy, in one instance, all the inmates.
In addition to her medical work in the hospital, she has rendered service in behalf of sick and needy people in all parts of the city, often going to their homes when exposed to great danger, in the spirit of bravery and devotion. She has rendered service also in connection with the mission church and school, in which she played the organ, taught the children, and conducted services, and in other ways aided in the work which has been carried on in behalf of the Armenian adults and children.
For 37 years she has been engaged in this self-sacrificing, important work. During all that time she has been a member of the Congregational Church in West Hartford, deeply interested in its welfare, often writing letters to its members and, in turn, receiving communications from them, and gifts of money and supplies at Christmas time from the Bible School. On the oc- casions when she has returned to the United States on a furlough, she has been called upon to give addresses at missionary meetings and in churches in many communities.
Benjamin Sterling Bishop. Benjamin Sterling Bishop, us- ually spoken of as Sterling Bishop, son of Benjamin Bishop, although a man of modest disposition and quiet manner, seldom speaking in the public meetings or manifesting any spirit of excitement with respect to public offices, was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of West Hartford during the period of its early history as a separate town. He was repeatedly chosen to public official positions, rendering efficient service as an assessor, justice of the peace, selectman and chairman of im- portant committees. He was chosen at three different times to represent the town in the General Assembly of Connecticut.
Frank H. Stadtmueller, Mr. Frank H. Stadtmueller, a native of West Hartford, became a recognized leader and au- thority in dairying and agriculture as general manager of the Vine Hill Farm enterprise, to which position he was appointed by Mr. Charles M. Beach in 1885, and in which position he con- tinued until his death. During those years he served at different times as president of the Hartford County League and Farm Bureau, as secretary of the Connecticut Forestry Association, as president of the Connecticut State Dairymen's Association, and as president of the Connecticut Sheep Breeders' Association. He was recognized and well known as the originator
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
and promoter of the certified milk business in Connecticut. He was widely known as a speaker and lecturer and was often called upon to give addresses or lectures at meetings and institutes far and near. In 1907 Governor Simeon E. Baldwin in recognition
FRANK H. STADTMUELLER
of his ability and achievements appointed him to the position of State Dairy Commissioner, in which position he rendered effi- cient service until his death.
During all these years Mr. Stadtmueller manifested a keen interest in the public affairs of West Hartford and served at different times as a member of the board of selectmen and for several years as secretary of the board of school visitors, as health officer for more than twenty years, as trial justice, and in other capacities. He manifested the same progressive spirit in respect to town affairs as characterized his business and official career in the larger field. He was a vestryman and efficient member of St. James Episcopal Church.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
At the time of his death, which occurred in 1918, the resolu- tions adopted by the various organizations with which he had been identified bore affectionate tribute to him as an official and as a man greatly respected and beloved.
The Sternbergs. In 1854 Mr. Charles Sternberg, who had recently come to the United States from Germany, purchased a large farm in the western part of West Hartford. The family resi- dence was on the north side of the road now known as Park Road, and at the southern end of Mountain Road. Mr. Sternberg's family consisted of his wife, one daughter, and eight sons.
WILLLIAM F. STERNBERG
While he was a highly educated gentleman and had occupied a high position as a lawyer in his own country, he had not ac- quired a knowledge of the English language and did not become a citizen of the United States, evidently preferring to lead a quiet life in the retirement of his home. But the spirit of patriotism was in his heart and home, and when the Civil War broke out
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
four of his sons, Francis, John, William, and Charles, enlisted. Three other sons would have gone into the conflict but Rudolph and Adolph could not be received because of defective eyesight and Richard was too young. The other son, Herman, had other disqualifications. Francis became colonel of a New York regi- ment and the other three sons were in Connecticut regiments.
ADOLPH C. STERNBERG
Charles died on the battlefield; William endured all the grievous experiences of confinement in Andersonville prison but he and John returned home at the close of the war.
William is now the only survivor of that family group of eleven persons. He is a resident of New Britain, a highly esteem- ed citizen, and honored and beloved as Adjutant of Stanley Post G.A.R.
Rev. James Gammack, L.L.D. Rev. Dr. James Gammack, rector of St. James Episcopal Church from 1895 to 1911, was a man of remarkably fine Christian character and spirit and of
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
high scholarly attainments. He was born in Turriff, Scotland, in 1837, consecrated by the Bishop of Aberdeen in 1861, and ren- dered efficient service in churches in Scotland and Canada. His first charge in Connecticut was in connection with the Epis- copal Church in Plymouth, from which he came to West Hartford.
In connection with his faithful efficient services as rector he accomplished a large amount of valuable service as a writer. He was the author of several books, including "The Hagiology and Parochial Dedication of Scotland," "The Memorial of Angus," "The Land of The Lindsays," and "The Mearns." He was a contributor to four volumes of "A Dictionary of Chris- tian Biography, Sects, and Doctrines," and to two volumes of "Christian Antiquities."
He was held in high esteem by the publishers of his writings, who gave him the title of Ever Faithful, and he carried on his work, performed his duties as a citizen, and went about the com- munity in the beautiful spirit of one of the humblest of our citi- zens.
Frederick E. Duffy. One day in the spring of 1900 a tall young man was seen starting to walk up North Main Street at West Hartford Center.
"Who is that?" asked a man who was standing on the post- office steps.
"That," replied his companion, "is the New York State school teacher who has bought the James Whitman farm."
James Whitman was a wealthy bachelor who had inherited a farm on the east side of North Main Street just beyond the bridge over Trout Brook, and had lived with his sisters in the fine old colonial house somewhat back from the street. He was not much of a farmer, cultivating only a little of the land and living a somewhat leisurely life. After his death the farm had been offered for sale and the "New York State school teacher" had bought it.
His name was Frederick E. Duffy. He had not only been a teacher but had rendered efficient service in the supervision of public schools as commissioner of public schools in Clinton Coun- ty of that State. But he had also developed an intelligent and enthusiastic interest in the breeding of Jersey cattle and had come to West Hartford to devote his time and attention to that work and, although he had no conception at that time of the possible results, to become one of the most successful and widely known breeders of Jersey stock in the country.
He soon developed a fine herd of Jersey cows and gave much attention to the care and feeding of the same, producing a su- perior quality of milk and cream for daily delivery to Hartford families. The dairy products of Meadow Brook Farm acquired a high reputation.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
Mr. Duffy was a subscriber for and reader of the leading publications devoted to stock breeding and dairying, and was called by the rural mail delivery route agent, "the Paper Farmer." He manifested an active interest in the promotion of the agricul- tural fairs of the State, and was often called upon to serve as a judge of the stock exhibit. In that capacity he was invited to cross the continent and serve as a judge in connection with state fairs on the Pacific Coast.
Mr. Duffy was a public spirited citizen, taking an active part in the political and civic affairs of the community and the state. He rendered efficient service as a member of the School Board of West Hartford for a term of years, and was elected a member of the Town Council when the Town Manager form of government was first adopted.
He died in 1928 after a brief illness.
THE JAMES WHITMAN HOUSE AS IT APPEARED WHEN PURCHASED BY F. E. DUFFY
Professor Edward Williams Morley. Edward Williams Morley, son of Reverend Sardis B. and Clarissa A. Treat Morley, was born in Newark, New Jersey, January 29, 1838.
While he was still a young boy, his father was obliged to give up preaching on account of impaired health, and was advised to live on a farm. He came to West Hartford and purchased a small farm located on the north side of The Talcott Mountain
252
HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
Turnpike (now Albany Avenue) a little distance west of its junc- tion with Flagg Road. The family resided here until 1851 when Mr. Morley had sufficiently regained his health to resume preach- ing and became pastor of a church in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
When the family were still residing in West Hartford, Rev. Mr. Morley, who was to drive to Hartford one day with his horse and wagon, took Edward with him, and while they were in Hart- ford, they visited the bookstore of Flavius A. Brown, which was then located on the south side of Asylum Street at the corner of Main Street.
Mr. Brown was much interested in Edward, and just before Rev. Mr. Morley and his son were to start on their return home, Mr. Brown said, "My boy, I want to give you a book. What kind of a book would you like?"
"A chemistry book, if you please," was the response, and the boy went home greatly delighted with his gift. In relating this incident to the writer in after years, he stated that he had found in his father's library a small old book on chemistry and had read it through and through and was greatly pleased to have a new and larger book on that subject.
After the removal of the family to Massachusetts, Edward studied in preparation for college under the instruction of his father, and entered Williams College from which he graduated in 1860.
Evidently it was his purpose to follow the example of his father and become a minister, for he became a student in Andover Theological Seminary and graduated in 1864. After his graduation he served for a time as a teacher in The South Berkeshire Institute, a private school located in the town of New Marlboro, Massachusetts. While teaching there, he was called to be the pastor of a church in Twinsboro, Ohio, and soon after was appointed to the position of Professor of Natural His- tory and Chemistry in Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio, which was later removed to Cleveland and became, in conjunc- tion with another institution, Western Reserve University. He continued to occupy that position until 1906, at the same time serving as Professor of Chemistry in The Cleveland Medical School.
During all those years he rendered very efficient service as an instructor and attained wide and prominent distinction as a leader in scientific investigation and accomplishments, receiving in recognition of his ability and success numerous medals and honorary titles from scientific organizations at home and abroad.
When he retired, he was made Professor Emeritus by Wes- tern Reserve University. He came to West Hartford in 1906 and built a home and laboratory on Westland Avenue. Without doubt the memories of his boyhood influenced him to a consider- able extent in selecting the location of his home.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
In 1907, while a resident of West Hartford, he was invited to go to London and receive from The Royal British Scientific Society the Sir Humphrey Davy Medal, in recognition of his discovery, by experimentation of the atomic weight of oxygen.
Professor Morley was highly esteemed as a loyal citizen of West Hartford, greatly interested in its churches and schools, and in the development of the highest interests of the community. He was admired by all who knew him for his charming spirit of gentlemanly modesty and sterling Christian character. He died on February 24, 1923.
On February 21, 1930, the teachers and scholars of the fine new large elementary public school located on the corner of Fern Street and Bretton Road, at their morning assembly in the audi- torium, were informed that the School Board of West Hartford had adopted as the name of that school, "The Edward W. Morley School."
Charles Edward Beach. In 1859, five years after West Hart- ford became a separate town, Mr. Charles M. Beach of Hartford, of the firm of Beach & Company, purchased an ancient home- stead with a few acres of land located on the east side of West Hartford Main Street near New Britain Avenue. He recon- structed and enlarged the house and established the family home there.
In later years large tracts of land were added to the property, which has been known for many years as "Vine Hill Farm." A creamery was built on the east end of the farm on South Quaker Lane, near the former site of the Talcott Woolen Mill. A herd of high-grade cows was secured and a large milk and cream route in Hartford and vicinity was developed. Vine Hill Farm became widely known and famous as one of the most prominent dairying enterprises in this section.
The general management of Vine Hill Farm was in the hands of Mr. Beach's youngest son, Charles Edward Beach. In addi- tion to his duties and services in that capacity, Mr. Beach has rendered efficient service as a citizen and official of the Town of West Hartford as a professional Civil Engineer.
For a number of years he had charge of all surveying and engineer work required by the town in the development of the community. He has been for several official terms a member of the Board of Selectmen. During the World War he was Presi- dent of the local War Bureau, giving liberally of his time, service, and money.
As the candidate of the Democratic party he very nearly secured election as a delegate to represent West Hartford in the Connecticut Constitutional Convention held in Hartford in 1901. He was, as the candidate of the Democratic party, elected Repre-
254
HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
sentative to The General Assembly at a later date, an honor which is enhanced in view of the fact that the majority of legal voters in the town were members of the Republican Party.
Mr. Beach is one of West Hartford's highly esteemed citizens.
A New Community Founded by West Hartford People. In 1833 Albigence Scarborough, a prominent citizen of West Hart- ford, rode on horseback to the far-off state of Illinois, for the pur- pose of prospecting with reference to the establishment of a new settlement there.
He was well pleased with the country, and in the autumn of 1834 he, with his family, made the journey to Illinois in a wagon, and spent the following winter in the town of Quincy. He purchased a large tract of land, and in the spring of 1835 proceeded to lay it out in lots for a village, which he named Payson in honor of Rev. Edward Payson, a clergyman of Port- land, Maine, whom he greatly admired.
Soon after, quite a number of people from West Hartford journeyed to Illinois and became residents of this new community. Moses Spencer, whose farm in West Hartford was on the Farm- ington Turnpike where Westland Avenue and LeMay Street are now, went to Payson with his wife and nine children, in 1839. A descendant of his is now one of the largest landowners in the State of Illinois. Charles Whitman, Cyrus and Wells Butler, and Martin Seymour with a family of nine children also went to Payson from West Hartford. Martin Seymour's home in West Hartford was at one time on Vanderbilt Hill now West Hill. At a later period just prior to his removal to Payson he owned a farm of one hundred acres which is now the property of the American School on North Main Street.
Payson was laid out after the pattern of many New England Villages, with a "commons" in the center. One-half of this has since been set to maples, making a handsome park. Many of the first houses, some of which are still standing, were of the standard Colonial style.
The Congregational parsonage was built by Albigence Scarborough in 1845. Much of the work on it was done by the Mormons after they were driven out of Nauvoo and before they went to Salt Lake City. The Congregational church, built in 1865, was the third one of that denomination. The first, built in 1839, burned to the ground before it was dedicated. A small one was then erected and that was used until the present church was built.
Payson was one of the foremost communities in the West in educational advantages. Before the public school system was organized, good private schools were carried on, to which students came from the surrounding country. When the first sale of lots
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
in the village was made twenty per cent of the purchase price and the choicest block, were donated to educational purposes. Payson now has one of the finest school buildings in the West. This was given by H. M. Seymour in honor of his only son, who was accidentally killed in a ball game on the school ground. Mr. Seymour is a descendant of Martin Seymour.
After many years and many changes, Payson still retains many of the characteristics of Old New England.
West Hartford Forty-niners. In 1849 when gold was dis- covered in California, and many Eastern men rushed to the Pacific Coast in quest of a fortune, West Hartford had two representatives in the company. One was Thomas Alden, son of Zephaniah Alden, whose home was on Albany Turnpike, and who owned the farm on which St. Mary's Home for the Aged is now located. Thomas Alden did not return to West Hartford, but settled in the Middle West. His sister, Elizabeth Alden, married Mr. E. W. Andrews, and lived in New Britain. Their son, Alden Andrews, is now a resident of that city.
The other young man was Seth W. Bishop, son of Benjamin Bishop, whose home was on West Hartford Main Street, at the southeast corner of that street and the road that was then called Bishop Road. He went to New Britain and learned the machin- ist trade, and in 1849 went to California, making the journey by ship around Cape Horn. It required six months to reach Cali- fornia. He was successful in the accomplishment of his object and returned to Hartford in 1857. For a number of years he was interested in the tobacco business. In 1866 he was admitted to partnership in the firm of Pratt & Whitney Company of Hartford, and was connected with that firm until his death in 1894.
The late Frederick L. Bishop of West Hartford was his son.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
WEST HARTFORD REPRESENTATIVES IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTICUT FROM 1855 TO THE PRESENT TIME
The following is a list of those citizens of West Hartford who have had the honor of representing the town in the General Assembly from 1855 until the present time, 1929.
1855 Edward Stanley 1856 William Sedgwick
1857 Benjamin Belden
1858 Josiah Raymond
1859 Thomas Brace
1860 Solomon S. Flagg
1861 Leonard Buckland
1862 Lyman Hotchkiss
1863 B. Sterling Bishop
1864 Charles Boswell
1865 Ralph G. Wells
1866 Charles Boswell
1867 William Storer
1868 Charles Boswell
1869 John M. G. Brace
1870 Charles Boswell
1871 Frederick A. Seymour
1872 Rev. Myron N. Morris
1873 William B. Ely
1874 B. Sterling Bishop
1875 Rev. Myron N. Morris
1876 Philip G. Parsons
1877 Samuel Whitman 1878 William H. Hall
1879 Charles Ramsay 1880 John E. Millard
1881 E. Buel Root
1882 E. Buel Root
1883 Timothy Sedgwick
1884 B. Sterling Bishop
1885 Edward L. Mix
1886 Leonard Buckland
1887 Hiram Hurlburt
After the plan of holding biennial sessions was adopted, the following named citizens served as representatives :
1889 Thomas O. Enders 1891 Thomas O. Enders
1893 Frederick C. Rockwell 1895 Adolph C. Sternberg
1897 William H. Mansfield 1899 John O. Enders
1901 Charles C. Cook 1903 G. F. Scarborough
1905 Charles A. Griswold 1907 C. Edward Beach
1909 William S. Griswold 1911 Albert V. A. Sherman
1913 Lucius C. Ryce 1915 Richard H. Deming
1917 Carlyle C. Thomson
1919 Oliver R. Beckwith
West Hartford's population had increased to such an extent at this time that the town was entitled thenceforth to two repre- sentatives in each session of The General Assembly.
1921 Thomas W. Russell Huntington P. Meech
1923 Huntington P. Meech J. Verner Anderson
1925 Henry A. Wolcott John W. Huling
1927 Henry A. Wolcott John W. Huling
1929 Frank J. Sparks Clarence W. Seymour
Note - Following their terms of service as representatives in the General Assembly Charles C. Cook and Huntington P. Meech were elected to the General Assembly as Senators repre-
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
senting the Fifth Senatorial District of the State, of which West Hartford is a part.
All of the above named representatives elected to the General Assembly by the citizens of West Hartford were mem- bers of the Republican party with the exception of William Sedg- wick, representative in 1856, and C. Edward Beach in 1907, who were Democrats.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
WEST HARTFORD MEMBERS OF COMPANY D TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS
The following named persons, residents of West Hartford, enlisted in Company D of the Twenty-Second Regiment Con- necticut Volunteers, E. Buel Root, Captain.
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CAPT. E. BUEL RCOT
Lester Whiton, First Lieutenant; George W. Seymour, Fourth Sergeant; Charles Fuller, Second Corporal; Edwin] B.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
Griswold, Fifth Corporal; Henry F. King, Musician; Frank G. Butler, Frederick J. Butler, Edward H. Cadwell, Charles S. Cadwell, Clinton B. Elmer, Charles H. Flagg, Edward A. Flagg, Roger N. Francis, Amos Hurlburt, Frederick A. Mitchell, Hugh Gage Montgomery, Henry T. Nearing, William H. Raynesford, Porter Whiton.
VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR AS THEY APPEARED ON GOODMAN PARK IN CONNECTION WITH THE WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD WAR SOLDIERS
Roger N. Francis and Frederick A. Mitchell are the only persons whose names appear on this list who are now living. Mr. Francis is living in Springfield, Mass., and Mr. Mitchell is living with his daughters at No. 1047 Farmington Avenue, West Hart- ford. He has been deeply interested in the activities and service of the Memorial Day Association of the town serving for several years as its leader - honored and beloved by all the people.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
COMPARISON OF TAXABLE PROPERTIES
Miss F. Louise Griswold has in her possession the tax bill of her maternal grandfather, Elihu Barber, for the year 1856. She has kindly permitted a facsimile copy to be made for this history. Elihu Barber was the owner of a large farm in the north- ern part of the town. His residence was the first house on the south side of Flagg Road west of West Hartford Main Street. It is still standing but changed from its original form and condition. Mr. Barber was generally considered to be one of the wealthy farmers of West Hartford. His list of taxable property for the year 1856 upon which the tax bill of that year was based as follows: three houses, $2,400; 100 acres of land, $2,260; horses $140; neat cattle, $165; carriages, $30; timepieces, $20; money interests, $1,300. Total $6,315.
Elihue Bürber
Your Taxes collectable by SOLOMON S. FLAGG on List of 1856, are :
Amount of List.
$199.45
Town Tax 5 cents on the Dollar, ..
$9.98
Highway Tax 2 cents on the Dollar,.
3.99
Military
Dog
13.97
Received Payment, WEST HARTFORD, March 29 1857.
f & flay
Collector.
TAX BILL OF ELIHU BARBER
The following contrast of property subject to taxation in West Hartford in 1854, when it first became a separate town, with the last completed list for the year 1928 is both interesting and significant as to the different kinds of property enumerated as well as to the valuation of property of similar character:
PROPERTY
Amount in 1854
Amount in 1929
Value in 1854
Value in 1929
Lands
12,495 14 acres
8,027.55 acres
$453,104
$2,920.821
House Lots
10,477
Houses
220
4,572
177,120
38,112,240
Barns, Sheds, Garages
3,767
1,855,785
Stores .
1
600
Buildings used for Business
123
Mills and Factories.
21
9,345
918,931
Horses
225
11,155
16,375
Cattle
681
25,601
30,750
Sheep, Swine, Goats
918
2,285
Carriages
2,755
4,150
Automobiles .
5,442
2,490 ,295
Time Pieces
730
Musical Instruments and Libraries
715
Jewelry, etc.
45,712
Furniture, Musical Instruments
296,870
Bridge, Turnpike, Plank Road and Ferry Stock
26
Bank Stock
18,595
Insurance Stock
2,650
Railroad,City and Corporation Bonds
5,800
Amount Employed in Merchandising and Trade
300
Investments in Mechanical and Manuf. Operations
7,000
Money at Interest
80,801
Money on Hand
2,760
Taxable Property not Specifically Mentioned
2,800
Goods on Hand
344 ,188
Cable, Poles etc.
342,463
$802,775
$65,072,100
.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
.
261
16,316 ,239
1,374 ,996
262
HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
POPULATION
From the Connecticut State Register for 1854, when West Hartford first became a separate town, it appears that the popu- lation at that time was 1200. The returns of the United States Census Bureau show that the increase in population was slow during the years that followed its incorporation as a town. In 1860 the population was 1296; in 1880, twenty years later, it had increased to 1828. In 1900 it was 3,186, and in 1920 it was 8,854. It is estimated by the Registrars of Voters of West Hartford, who have given much careful painstaking attention to the matter in connection with their canvass for the making of voters, that the population has now reached, in 1929, a total of fully 23,819, and it is still rapidly increasing.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH
The change of West Hartford from an agricultural com- munity to a residential suburb of Hartford really began about fifty years ago when wealthy citizens of Hartford bought property . and established their homes in the eastern part of the town along the lines of Farmington Avenue, Prospect Avenue, Fern Street, and Highland Street. Then came the introduction of such modern improvements and conveniences as sewers, sidewalks, street lights, mail deliveries and the collection of ashes and garbage. This movement continued, and that section, often spoken of as the "East Side," became a very attractive, beautiful part of the town.
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A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
The later development westward, through the central part of the town, which has made such rapid progress, has been largely brought about through the agency of those whose business con- sists in buying tracts of land, laying them out in streets and build- ing lots, and selling the lots. The prevalent uniformity in the size of the lots and in the general character and appearance of the houses has not tended to the promotion of the attractiveness of the community as a whole. It is true, however, that there are some streets in this section that present a more attractive ap- pearance.
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
A FINE RESIDENTIAL STREET
NORTH MAIN STREET LOOKING NORTH FROM A POINT NEAR THE OLD CENTER SCHOOL
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
NEW BRITAIN AVENUE, ORIGINALLY CALLED THE SOUTH ROAD TO FARM- INGTON, LOOKING WEST FROM THE SOUTH END OF SOUTH QUAKER LANE. A SECTION OF CURBING WHICH ENCLOSES THE SPACE WHERE THE BUR- GOYNE ELMS WERE PLANTED IN 1777 APPEARS IN THE FOREGROUND.
At the present time the highlands in the western part of the town along the eastern slope of Talcott Mountain are being purchased in large tracts, and a movement has been inaugurated for the laying out of large and beautiful residential estates which will add greatly to the attractiveness of the town. Apparently a similar movement has been planned for the northern part of the town, and in due time fine residences with spacious and at- tractive grounds will characterize that section.
These developments have led to a large and rapid increase in the population of the community, and fortunately a large proportion of the new residents are disposed to assume the duties of real and active citizenship, so that the statement often re- peated in former years that West Hartford is a bedroom of Hartford is now seldom heard.
In January, 1930, the Park, Town Plan, and Cemetery Commission of West Hartford, consisting of L. I. Corliss, Chair- man, C. A. Griswold, H. J. Marks, H. D. Carey, and F. H. Smith, presented a very fine comprehensive plan for the develop- ment of a large tract of land bounded by West Hartford Main
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
Street on the east, Albany Avenue on the north, Mountain Road on the west and Fern Street on the south. This tract contains 900 acres and is approximately one mile wide and a mile and a half long.
The plan, as laid out, shows the main roadways - one, the extension of Asylum Avenue, one hundred feet wide, across the property swinging to the north, and the other, a boulevard one hundred foot wide, starting on Fern Street east, where Trout Brook crosses Fern, and extending along the east side of it in a northerly direction, and finally swinging to the west. The principal features of this lay-out are curved roads, and, on either side of the Trout Brook section an area set apart for a park.
ALBANY AVENUE LOOKING EAST FROM A POINT EAST OF THE CORNER OF ALBANY AVENUE AND MOUNTAIN ROAD
The general plan was laid down on an engineering basis and kept in mind future requirements for water and sewerage. The plan, when finally worked out, will preserve the natural scenic beauties of the region and enable the people who care to live there to avail themselves of large individual lots fronting on wide roads. Much of the natural beauty of the area is pre- served for them. This lay-out will harmonize with the develop- ments planned on the west of Mountain Road and can easily be extended beyond Albany Avenue, west of North Main Street,
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HISTORY OF WEST HARTFORD
THE BOULEVARD, LOOKING EAST FROM SOUTH MAIN STREET.
to the town line. It can also be extended south of Fern Street and west of Fairview cemetery property to Mountain Road and Farmington Avenue.
The Commission believed that this plan in anticipation of the growth of the town will be for the highest interests of the community as a whole and will enable present property owners to dispose of their land to greatest advantage and give assurance to those who purchase property within this area of a well planned and attractive development of the entire tract. The recommendations of the Commission have been approved by the Town Council and the development recommended by the commission is assured.
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