Connecticut History

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Preserving the stories, places, and memories that shaped Connecticut. 🏛️❤️

How many still remember the iconic J.M. Ricci's Capitol Theatre? Located at 61 Grove Street, Meriden, Connecticut, this ...
08/23/2026

How many still remember the iconic J.M. Ricci's Capitol Theatre? Located at 61 Grove Street, Meriden, Connecticut, this historic landmark originally opened its doors on Christmas Day, December 25, 1913, as a live vaudeville venue founded by Joseph M. Ricci. Over the decades, it evolved into a beloved single-screen cinema, bringing the magic of silent films and later "talkies" to generations of local moviegoers. After anchoring the downtown community's entertainment for nearly three quarters of a century, it permanently closed in the late 1980s and was subsequently demolished to make way for a local parking garage.

How many still remember the Connecticut School for Boys in Meriden, Connecticut? This vintage winter view, captured from...
08/23/2026

How many still remember the Connecticut School for Boys in Meriden, Connecticut? This vintage winter view, captured from 112 Kensington Avenue, looks out over the snow-covered fields heavily flooded by S***m Brook, with the striking Hanging Hills rising in the background. Originally opened in March 1854 as a state reform school, this historic institution permanently closed its Meriden facility in 1972 when its operations were merged with the Long Lane School in Middletown."

How many still remember the Central Tavern (historically nicknamed the "Merry-Den" Tavern), located at the intersection ...
08/23/2026

How many still remember the Central Tavern (historically nicknamed the "Merry-Den" Tavern), located at the intersection of East Main and Broad Streets in Meriden, Connecticut? Originally opened in 1752 by Theophilus Hall, this historic stagecoach stop and community hub permanently closed and was later demolished, leaving behind a rich legacy that is said to have inspired the very name of the city of Meriden itself.

How many still remember the Center Congregational Church, the classic Texaco gas station, and Mary’s Hair Fashion at the...
08/23/2026

How many still remember the Center Congregational Church, the classic Texaco gas station, and Mary’s Hair Fashion at the intersection of Broad Street and East Main Street in Meriden, Connecticut? This historic Greek Revival-style church building originally opened on June 16, 1831 (built in 1830), and stands today as the oldest surviving church structure in the city. While the iconic church remains open for worship, the vintage Texaco gas station and neighboring commercial shops pictured here were permanently closed and removed in the late 20th century during urban modernization.

How many still remember the historic Trolley Waiting Station (later known as the "Skate House") located within Hubbard P...
08/22/2026

How many still remember the historic Trolley Waiting Station (later known as the "Skate House") located within Hubbard Park on West Main Street in Meriden, Connecticut? Designed in consultation with the famous Olmsted Brothers, this charming stone-and-wood landmark originally opened in 1901 to shelter streetcar passengers. Following the permanent closure of the trolley service in 1937, it became a beloved winter community hub where generations gathered to warm up and rent ice skates for Mirror Lake. Today, this nostalgic piece of New England history is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"How many still remember the iconic Barney's Service Station, originally located on Hanover Road (nestled between Hillcr...
08/22/2026

"How many still remember the iconic Barney's Service Station, originally located on Hanover Road (nestled between Hillcrest and McKenzie) in South Meriden, Connecticut? This nostalgic neighborhood landmark originally opened its doors in the early 1930s, operating as a bustling automotive hub serving the community with classic brands like Quaker State, Wolf's Head, and Amalie motor oil. A true piece of history captured in time, it proudly displayed gas prices at a mere 15 cents per gallon before the location later transitioned into a Shell station managed by Bill Bohack, serving as the original Town Hall site of South Meriden before permanently closing its doors."

How many still remember the historic Traffic Control Tower located at the intersection of West Main and Colony Streets i...
08/22/2026

How many still remember the historic Traffic Control Tower located at the intersection of West Main and Colony Streets in downtown Meriden, Connecticut? It was originally opened on September 21, 1925, to safely regulate the city's growing flow of vehicles and pedestrians. After serving the community for over four decades, it was permanently closed and retired from active service on May 22, 1967, to make way for modernized automated traffic signals."

How many still remember the Jay Bee's Luncheonette at the corner of East Main and Pratt streets in downtown Meriden, Con...
08/22/2026

How many still remember the Jay Bee's Luncheonette at the corner of East Main and Pratt streets in downtown Meriden, Connecticut? It originally opened in 1969 and permanently closed in 2005. More than just a diner, it was the beating heart of a flourishing downtown community—founded by Jim Carrington and Paul "Smig" Michalczyk. For decades, it was the ultimate neighborhood spot where locals gathered over legendary grilled cheese, burgers, milkshakes, and quick breakfast sandwiches, leaving behind a rich history and unforgettable memories.

How many still remember the Meriden Auction Rooms at 38–42 William Street in Meriden, Connecticut? Originally opened in ...
08/22/2026

How many still remember the Meriden Auction Rooms at 38–42 William Street in Meriden, Connecticut? Originally opened in 1906, this iconic 50,000-square-foot furniture and appliance store permanently closed its doors on December 11, 1998, before being demolished to make way for a supermarket."

"How many still remember the historic Crown Theater at 358 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut?Designed by Boston archi...
08/17/2026

"How many still remember the historic Crown Theater at 358 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut?

Designed by Boston architect E.W. Matthews and converted from a Buick Garage, this beloved neighborhood cinema originally opened on December 23, 1912. Boasting a single screen with 900 seats, it brought countless stories to life for nearly half a century until it permanently closed after 1959. A true relic of downtown's golden age of film!"

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