This one is awesome…read more It's an 1867 marble statue of a Civil War soldier being greeted by a young girl. The statue is near the front entrance of the CT Veterans' home in Rocky Hill. The veterans' home has an interesting history. It was first built in 1863 in Darien and named "Fitch's Home for Soldiers and Orphans". It's purpose was to take care of wounded Civil War soldiers and their orphans. The home became a state facility and grew in size to the point where it accommodated 1,000 soldiers soon after World War One. In 1940, the CT Veterans' home opened a new facility in Rocky Hill, where it exists today. One of the relocated vets was a 97-year gent named Edmund Kleespies - he was the Home's last living Civil War veteran. The Returned Soldier statue has been renovated and was moved to Rocky Hill in 1985. It's an incredible statue of what looks to me to be a dazed traumatized soldier, home from the war, being greeted by a child. Things haven't changed much over the years, have they?

This is one terrific memorial!…read more It's a large rock on a white stone base. Set into the rock is an ornate metal plaque with over 100 names of Cromwell citizens that served in World War One. There are sculpted panels showing scenes from the war - soldiers and sailors and a cavalryman on a horse. There is a large angel with her wings outstretched over the names- as though she is there to protect them. The center inscription reads: Erected in Honor of the World War Veterans By the Citizens of Cromwell 1925 On top of the rock is an attention grabbing sight - a fierce looking bronze statue of an eagle or a hawk perched on top of the distinctive World War One "Doughboy" helmet.

Unexpected and beautifully imposing. I was surprised to run into this driving through Cromwell.read more

This location requires an appointment for ALL services- I was able to secure an appointment about a…read moreweek out from my initial inquiry. This is the most efficient Government Office I have ever been to- took approximately five minutes to get a replacement card sorted out, and, the representative was incredibly professional.

I was having issues signing up for Medicaid Part A and had to make an appointment to talk to…read moresomeone. I spoke to Ms. Roper in the Middletown office and she couldn't have been nicer. She was very informative and helpful and very professional.

Beautiful library in Haddam! The parking lot is a little small, but looks to be available on both…read moresides of the building. The building itself looks to have been through a renovation or two, with the front looking very classic. Theres a domed ceiling with stained glass on the top; it's positively gorgeous. There are places to sit, lots of books, and a respectful quiet in the building.

From the owner: Public Libraryread more

I absolutely loved the sculpted panel that is the centerpiece of this memorial…read more Take a look at it. You'll see a tough looking American GI holding a rifle across his body. It looks like a Viet Nam era M-16. Standing next to the GI is a colonial era soldier holding the American flag of his time, the one with the circle of stars. It's a stunning image- seeing the two of them standing shoulder to shoulder. It's a powerful symbol of patriotism and our armed forces across the generations of American history. The sculpted panel is flanked by two plaques with powerful language. The left plaque echoes the theme of service over the decades and honors the memory of Marlborough's soldiers from the French and Indian War through the Viet Nam war, and "all those periods of calm and trouble in between." The right panel honors the seven Marlborough soldiers killed in the line of duty between 1777 and 1968. It's located in the town green roughly across the street from Town Hall. It's one of the best veteran's memorials I have seen

Last day visiting CT and decided this was the way to go. Visited on a Monday around noon, and it…read morewas not busy at all. We were able to walk in and tour the place ourselves. It is such a neat building with plenty of historic artifacts inside. All the employees were super friendly. People do actually work inside of this building, so it was busy with a bunch of workers trying to make it from one point of the building to the other. Learned a little bit of CT history. We were able to tour the room where the decision was made to make Marijuana legal in CT. About 4 stories tall. We also were able to walk underground over to the legislative building as well! Such neat history is located here also. A lot of comemerative veterans are seen all throughout the walls also which lets you pay many respects throughout your visit. It was such a great last day tour, and I'm glad we visited.

I found the exterior of this state capital building to be quite impressive; the interior is a bit…read morelacking IMHO. Outside, you'll see a towering golden dome that rises over Hartford quite impressively. There's also a relief arrayed around the edges of the building that illustrates scenes from the history of this State. Inside, there are a couple of interesting things, i.e., sculptures, battle flags, etc., but it'll take you under a half an hour to see all of it once you enter. All things considered, this place is worth a visit, if only to get some pictures of that impressive dome :-)

If you're driving down Route 66 in this neck of the woods, be prepared for two incredible sights…read more-painted rocks that look like living creatures! This one is near the intersection of West Main (Rt 66) and Stone House Road. It's a gorgeous rendition of a bald eagle. This beautifully painted rock outcropping has seen various lives as a whale, a shark, a frog, and a turtle. In 1989, a high school student repainted it as an eagle, and its lived on as an eagle ever since. Over the years, it gets repainted every once in a while and the year it was touched up is also painted under the eagle's beak. This is a freaking gem !!!

When I was little we would drive by this on the journey from New Haven to Hampton to visit family…read more It instantly became the thing my brother and I looked for on the way. I moved to this area and on a backroads drive randomly rediscovered this in all of it's patriotic glory. The eyeballs are slightly more terrifying than as a child I remember them being but it's still 200% 'Merica.

If I could give a 100 starts I would. I am a Manhattanite and a world traveler. But this library…read morebeats almost all others in its space and new, cutting edge, and classic book offerings. Every time I am in Guilford, I go to the library for new additions and staff picks. I am currently reading this stack (see the photo), but the David Bowie book is new and awesome (picked it up too, as soon as I saw it as it coicides with the fab Lighiting Bowie show in London's King's Cross). The reading areas are little gems, of various types: round tables, seats by the window and the antique-furnised original library room that opens up the magnificent view of the famous town Green, with light mesmerazing in the late afternoon. The study rooms are super conducive to work. I usually book the conference room-ave done my best brainstorming, zooms and writing there. The programming they offer is varied from talks, music events to daily clubs and group activities. These people are seriouous players. Incredible selection, choices, energy, consistency, perseverence. The kid area is also welcoming. The staff can be of varied moods, but I practice politeness and get good service. Just LOVE this place. Totally. Period.

I find the library staff very helpful. I think the collection is good but not great. Reasons: many…read moreof the books I request have to come from other libraries, too few copies of new or popular fiction and, many of the books have broken spines and food stains through out. I donate as often as I can and I wish the collection was larger, the ordering of new & popular books could be increased (wait list way too long) and, some books simply need to retire because of poor condition.

First thing I learned is we've all had his name wrong…read more It's not "Smokey the Bear", it's "Smokey Bear". Makes sense, right? Think about it ... it's not "Donald the Duck or "Mickey the Mouse", is it? (Wise-ass remark from the back of the room) -"Yo, what about Kermit the Frog"? Hey, there's an exception to every rule. Anyway, the character of Smokey Bear was created way back in 1944 to make the country more aware about the dangers of forest fires and to preach fire prevention. Smokey's longevity makes him the longest running public service campaign in American history. I was surprised to learn that in 1984, he was honored with a U.S. postage stamp to mark his 40th anniversary. There are hundreds of these Smokey Bear signs all across the country. They publicize the threat level of wildfires. This Smokey Bear sign is located at the entrance to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection complex on Route 66. It's one sweet piece of Americana.

Very realistic yet non threatening portrayal of a North…read moreAmerican brown bear. Helpful in determining whether campfires/bonfires are appropriate by advertising how dry it is outside. Denim jeans are somewhat too provocative.

A pretty library with friendly staff - they have nice open areas to read and research, and even…read moresome art on the walls. Parking was plentiful with an easy in and out; there was even a knitting group meeting outside when I pulled up! They seem very community oriented.

Love my library! There's such a nice selection of mysteries, and I think it's cool how they store…read morethe local papers in case anyone missed it and still wants to read it. The bathroom is impeccably clean, and I love the book cart at the entrance, I was able to find some books I've been meaning to read but have always forgotten to rent or buy. Amazing cake decorating section as well, the librarians are always very nice and helpful whenever I'm in and looking for something.