I am a former and current nutmegger and UConn grad. I grew up in Bozrah and live in West Hartford now. I like reading your reminiscences of the area.
Son lives in Newington...high middle job at Aetna..one grandson still Newington..other going for masters in music ole Miss...first year there..grad Drew University last year...Daughter lives in Concord, Mass so whole family are New England Yankees...though son is planning to move out of State when retires..not happy with expense and stuff..
West Hartford, one of the great small towns in America..if only all towns were like it...One of the real great, great public Golf Courses in the country...played it very often..One of the best public course pro's in the country...Affluent town , yes...
I understand the center of town, shopping areas has become great area for independent stores and super eating places...still have West Farms Mall very close by but nothing like independent stores IMHO.
As one gets older the reminiscences become more important..
My recent ones are of downtown New Haven as a kid...before Malls...
trolley car transportation from Hamden to New Haven..Went through lower Dixwell Ave area...suburban towns then were for the most part segregated back then..
lower Dixwell Ave the colored areas..{what were called then, Black now} and it was facinating to look out trolley windows...sorry if some offended but it's the way it was...
I remember there was one black girl in my high school class...possible a few others in other classes...
Also remembered real estate signs that said restricted on them ...meant Jews not welcome..
.Remember my Dad getting upset...served as SFC ..Pattons third Army , WW2...survived..tank commander platoon Sgt.....when looking at home in North Haven and not happy at all when encountered that...The way it was...
Remember "Louis Poli" theater..New Haven, seated 3000 or so with big main balcony..box seating on side..three lobbies..ornate,,old burlesque theater..
There was a diner, very narrow...called 5 Cent Charlies right next door...Chow Mein sandwiches for a quarter...
Far East restaurant down the street..one of two Chinese Restaurants in city..up stairs, no elevator..white tablecloths on table..lunch special..wonton or egg drop soup...egg roll...Chicken Chow Mein..white rice ..all the hot tea u could drink....75 cents..Shrimp Chow Mein 85 cents..LOL
Remember when McDonalds came to Hamden..Dixwell Ave..Hamburg was 15 cents...cheeseburger 19 cents...FF ..12 cents..Milk Shake a quarter...listed sales in the millions..
Don't ask me what I had for lunch yesterday ...can't remember....
but stuff from decades ago.....? Read above.