Jump into a time machine and travel back to a time before auto travel. A time before railroads. How…read moredid citizens travel from New Haven northward into inland CT or Western Massachusetts? They probably traveled along the Farmington Canal. Construction started near New Haven in 1825, and ten years later the final leg of its 83 mile journey to Northampton, MA was completed. This marker tells the story of the Plainville section of the canal -a 36 foot by 4 trench dug by hand and by horse. This marker is located in Norton Park in Plainville, and the only word I can use to describe its condition is deplorable. The white paint is faded to the point of being invisible. Sections of the plaque are nearly impossible to read. Which is a real shame, don't you think?

In the back of Plainville's Veterans Memorial Park, there is an imposing figure. The giant pedestal…read morehe stands on guarantees that. The monument, as stated in the title, is in honor of those from Plainville who served in the Civil War. There is also a cannon behind him, presumably also from the Civil War as it's dated 1863. Luckily it's pointed at the post office and not the pedestal (and also filled in with concrete). There are two benches in front of this monument where you can relax, and there are other monuments to other wars located in the park.

In the Central Business District of Plainville you'll find a patch of green in the form of a plaza…read moreknown as Veteran's Memorial Park. This very imposing granite monument was dedicated way back in 1913. It stands 22 feet tall and represents a uniformed Union soldier carrying a flag or a banner. The bottom of the flagpole rests on the ground while its pointed top rises over his left soldier. A simple inscription reads "In Memory of the Defenders of the Flag 1861-65". The statue was originally located in Central Square near the Municipal Complex, but was relocated to Veterans Memorial Park in 1945. One cool thing I found while researching its history was that when the statue was dismantled for the move, the contractors found a stash of old coins and a list of the 1913 workers hidden between sections of the monument. I love the fact they these artifacts, were lovingly re-installed where they were placed 100 years ago. How sweet is that?

I did not come to tour the museum, but did get to see part of it as part of a hearth cooking class…read more The Stanley-Whitman is part original house arranged how it may have been with the original owners, and part new structure with a gift shop and modern restrooms. There is also an herb garden outside, and an apple tree grown based on the teachings of Benjamin Franklin. Apparently having fruit took more than a grocery store way back when. The house is very interesting to experience. Everything was smaller back then, and cooking was a task and a half. The employees/docents are obviously learned about their subjects, and you'll learn a lot. Definitely check out their special programs - parking may be a challenge (so carpool!) but if they're food related they'll be delicious.

Stopped in for a short tour during the day. The docent was very knowledgeable. It's a small place…read morebut tons of information. Great way to spend an hour.

The Old Stone Schoolhouse, at Red Oak Hill and Coppermine roads, was a schoolhouse from 1790 to…read more1872. From 1875 to 1956, it was used as a chapel. The building is now owned by the Farmington Historical Society. Exhibits feature the history of Farmington and the surrounding area. It is open for tours each summer on Sundays during July and August. It is also the site of the annual Scarecrow Contest held in October.

May 27, 2024, Happy Memorial Day. Honoring the fallen with a moment of silence and then a review of…read morea beautiful soldiers' monument located in Central Park in New Britain, CT. This 44 feet limestone tomb was dedicated in September 1900. There are various steles nearby, commemorating soldiers that served various wars. This memorial is dedicated to the soldiers in New Britain who served in the Civil War. The monument was intricately designed by an architect; it has a bronze crown and inscriptions throughout. The bronze crown is known as the winged victory; a statue of a winged female with her arms stretched like she's flying. It's a very beautiful obelisk, the best i've seen. The marble has names of soldiers and those who were involved with the creation/dedication of this monument engraved on it. The words engraved on there were very meaningful, sentimental, solemn; it touched my soul: "oh rare and royal / was the sacrifice with malice toward / none with charity / for all with firm / ness in the right / lincoln this monument is built in grateful remembrance of the soldiers and sailors who in the war to maintain the union offered their lives in the cause of mankind that coming generations taught by their example may cherish the fruits of their valor and devotion and make their memory immortal for you and me they / put their armor on let us have peace / grant for you and me they / stood in grim array liberty and union / now and forever / one inseparable / webster mdccclxi - mdccclxverected by thecitizens of new britainmdcccxcix they joined the mortal / struggle and went down to heroes living / and dear martyrs / dead / lowell" Thank you to all the veterans who sacrificed, served, and protected our country; in the past, in the present, and in the future.

This ornate monument was built in 1900, and for something that's been around for nearly twelve…read moredecades it is definitely showing signs of its age. Nevertheless, this is a glorious work of art. It honors soldiers from New Britain that served in the Civil War. It's a huge monument, over 50 feet tall and topped by a gold statue of "Winged Victory". There are inscriptions and sculpted panels everywhere you look -a globe, a wreath, torches, tablets. lion heads, and four stone columns that list sixty-four Civil War battles. The monument is showing evidence of streaked staining and some of the inscriptions are a little hard to read. Here are some of the many inscriptions: With Malice Toward None With Charity For All With Firmness In The Right (Lincoln) Oh Rare And Royal Was The Sacrifice Let Us Have Peace (Grant) For You And Me They Put Their Armor On This Monument Is Built In Grateful Remembrance Of The Soldiers And Sailors Who In The War To Maintain The Union Offered Their Lives In The Cause Of Mankind That Coming Generations Taught By Their Example May Cherish The Fruits Of Their Valor And Devotion And Make Their Memory Immortal For You And Me They Stood In Grim Array To Heroes Living And Dear Martyrs Dead They Joined The Mortal Struggle And Went Down MDCCCLXI - MDCCCLXV Erected By The Citizens Of New Britain MDCCCXCIX

I got to see this monument at the church's annual lobster festival and craft fair. Frankly, I was…read moreintrigued at it being the first Civil War monument, particularly since now it seems like there's one (or at least a mention of those who served) in every town. The monument is taller than I am, so well over six feet, and is a bit like the Washington monument in appearance. It seems structurally sound, and was clearly well built or has been well maintained since 1863, despite being on a small incline. There is a small fence surrounding this monument, although it is much too high to legitimately be a tripping hazard. A fine, well maintained and contained monument indeed. Also, if you go during their festival, try the lobster roll!

In every list of things, or every column of data, something has to be first. Today I saw America's…read morefirst monument dedicated to the soldiers of the Civil War. It was dedicated in 1863, while the war was still raging. The monument is located in a lovely park on the corner of Percival Street and Sheldon Street on the property of the Kensington Congregational Church. It's a tall obelisk of simple stone with inscriptions on all four sides of the base. The monument is surrounded by a pretty ornamental iron fence that is adorned with plaques. One of the fence plaques tells the back story of the monument. "In 1861 as the Civil War escalated, a decision was made to provide a monument to honor soldiers from the Kensington area. The effort was led by The Reverend Elias Hillard, Nelson A. Moore, Selectman George Cowles and church members. It was designed by Mr. Moore and dedicated on July 28, 1863. This monument was the first in the Nation to honor Civil War soldiers. There were 15 local area men who served including Elijah H. Bacon who was awarded the Medal of Honor. This plaque donated by the Town of Berlin under the auspices of the Berlin Veterans Commission The plaque's main inscription reads: Erected to Commemorate the Death Of Those Who Perished in Suppressing The Southern Rebellion How sleep the brave who sink to rest. By all their country's wishes blest. 1863 Soldiers The other sides of the monument bear the names of local Civil War veterans. There is a cannon with a stack of cannon balls on the lawn not far from the monument. It's a beautiful monument and the ornate wrought iron fence gives the corner the look of a cemetery. This is deservedly a five star memorial- for its aesthetic appeal and its historic significance.

Surprisingly great little art museum / historical home. It's on the more expensive end of tours at…read more$18, but the previous owners were big art collectors: so you'll see Monet, Manet, Degas, Chippendale, and more. There's a great art range, and the tour guide was very informative to the Pope family and the daughter Theodate who did a lot of the architectural designing. The house has a lot of great things to look at (between the art and furniture in all the rooms) and at the visitor's center there is a small art exhibit. No photos in the house allowed though. There are trails on the property and a sunken garden. On a nice weather day, it's great for walking around the property. It was crowded when I went on a Saturday, and tours are on the hour, so don't show up at the last minute. Overall, a great site to visit!

Came here for a work catered event so cannot speak to the actual museum. Had no idea that this…read morehidden gem was nearby to where I work. The grounds are beautifully kept and well maintained. Great photo ops for all occasions. Plenty of parking available. The event inside space can easily be opened up to the outside to make the venue space bigger for larger groups. Great event space with plenty of privacy for intimate gatherings and parties.

This museum is adorable! I came because of a Groupon, and parking may be an issue for events. It…read morewas very limited on the property itself, although there is handicapped parking right next to the main house. Outside there is a barn and old outhouse, and a beautiful garden display. it's very well maintained. The entrance is off the front porch, where you're greeted by a docent or intern. Tours of the house are 20-30 minutes, and it contains so many original items from the original family who owned it (it went right from the last surviving to a museum), and the last generation was into collecting. There's a lot of local history, many dog decorations, and GOBLETS. There's over 1,000 goblets, and most seem to be single styles. They are working on cataloging them. The house is beautiful, and the history is fascinating. If you live in the area, you'll pick up pieces of Southington back in the day. Children would even enjoy seeing the cases of old products and what names they may recognize. And the goblets are breathtaking. This is a great value museum! (They also sell postcards for a great price)

This guy never…read more threw out anything The Barnes Museum, formerly known as the Bradley Homestead, is a cool old house that serves as a historical library and is open to the public. It was built in 1836 and for five bucks you get to see and hear about another time and way of life. The first thing you notice once you are inside the house is that there is a lot of stuff. Lots of lots of stuff. All kinds of stuff. Stuff everywhere. It turns out Bradley Barnes, a son of the original builder of the house never threw out anything. He collected and kept all kinds of stuff. Some very cool stuff but also a lot of crap. It seems every single receipt, letter, photo, magazine, toy, knick knack and doo dad he every owned he kept. Perhaps some serious OCD going on there. It almost seemed like he knew the house was going to be a museum and wanted it well stocked with stuff. Of course all this stuff makes the house interesting to tour. The lady bringing us around seemed to know exactly what every single piece in the house was and where it came from. Pretty cool and amazing. All the stuff isn't from Bradley or from one temporal moment. Leela Barnes, Bradley's wife was a prolific painter and many of her paintings are scattered throughout the domicile. She also had many collections and also seem to keep just about everything she ever owned. You can definitely see what the attraction between these two was The house was being lived in until the 1970's when it was donated to the town so there were modifications and changes to the original structure and items from different decades. Going through the place is almost like a walk through time. Shifting back and forth through different years ands individuals. Of course you inevitable go back to Bradley's stuff. A great old house that is in absolutely pristine condition. It's filled with lots of very cool and some not so cool stuff. So much stuff that you have to thread carefully in places so that you don't end up breaking some of the stuff. I have a feeling that Leela and Bradley were a couple of crazy sob's but because of them we have a great old historic house filled with lots of very interesting stuff.

Running through Bristol, there's a stretch of Route 72 named Memorial Boulevard. It's pretty much…read morebetween Main Street and Blakeslee Avenue. It's a lovely area with parkland and trails on both sides of the road. Memorial Boulevard is quite the appropriate name for this stretch, because the grassy areas bisected by the boulevard contain eight monuments honoring veterans from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam. This review is about one of those monuments; but trust me, this gets confusing. "The Hiker" statue is a copy of a pre-existing statue depicting a soldier from one war, but it's dedicated to the soldiers of a different war. Confused? Yeah, I was too. Let me explain. This "Hiker Statue" on Memorial Boulevard is a 1983 replica of the same statue used in Bristol's 1929 Spanish American War monument over on Park Street at Muzzy Field. When the Memorial Boulevard version was dedicated in 1983, it was meant to honor all soldiers killed in WW II. It's a very detailed bronze statue of a Spanish American War soldier hiking with a rifle held in his right arm. He's dressed in the manner of his time (1898), wearing a wide brimmed hat, a military jacket, and knee high boots. Check out the jaunty angle of his hat. He looks like a bad-ass Indiana Jones. The plaque's inscription reads: The Hiker Spanish American War Soldier Given By The Vanesse Family In Memory Of Deceased World War II Veterans November 12, 1984

Memorial Boulevard Park is a beautiful spot both to walk your dog, or just to walk through by…read moreyourself. One of the parking lots has a large picnic table if you just want to stop by for a quick bite instead of eating your car or at work. All in all, it is maintained beautifully MOST of the time. BUT Bristol's goose population keeps getting bigger & bigger and they do have a hard time occasionally, keeping up with the droppings, mostly near the East end of the park (by the pond). It is usually very well maintained though. If you walk around the whole three to four block area, it's approximately 2 miles from Barnes Spring to Downes Street. Personally, since getting my high energy doggie, just from walking this area, I've lost 52 lbs (& have clocked 1350 mi per my GPS). It's especially beautiful in the Spring & Fall!!