He was born in Cheshire, CT in 1795. His name has become synonymous with a specific style of…read morefurniture- the Hitchcock Chair. In this spot currently occupied by Riverton Self Storage, Hitchcock built a water powered mill that employed one hundred people at its height. He designed and mass produced simple, affordable and attractive chairs with a signature stenciled finish that thousands of Americans bought for their houses. A simple marker honoring this American Captain of Industry reads reads: In This Factory Lambert Hitchcock Made His Famous Hitchcock Chairs 1826 - 1840

Driving through the pretty countryside in Barkhamsted, I came across quite an unusual site - a…read morelarge metal bell sitting on top of two imposing stone pillars. The monument sits between two huge flagpoles, almost giving it the appearance of sitting inside a set of football goalposts. The bell is located on a green at the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road (Connecticut Route 318) and Beach Rock Road, adjacent to the Barkhamsted Center Cemetery. So here's the history of the bell. It's old - like 1834 old. It's from an old Barkhamsted Church named the Universalist Church. It was in the part of town known as Barkhamsted Hollow, so the Church was also known as the Hollow Church. Because the area was prone to floods, the immediate area was redesigned by the MDC in the late 1930's as many houses, farms, and that very Church were razed to build the Saville Dam in 1940. The Dam was meant to keep the nearby Farmington River in check and created the huge Barkhamsted Reservoir. The stone pillars contain two inscribed plaques that read: This bell hung in the Hollow Church which was relocated during construction of the Compensating Reservoir. It was cast in Hartford, CT in 1834. Dedicated 1997 These boulders were provided by the generosity of the Metropolitan District Commission. There were part of the Saville Dam spillway and washed out in the 1955 flood. It's quite the cool landmark, Reminds me of an old Chuck Berry song about some guy........"who never ever learned to read or write so well, but he could play the guitar like ringing a bell...."

Located in the southwest corner of the Village Cemetery and close to the road, this 24-foot-tall…read moremonument honors the soldiers and sailors from New Hartford who fought for the Union during the Civil War. The dedication reads, "Erected 1892 to the memory of New Hartford soldiers and sailors who served in the War of the Rebellion, 1861 1865." and above it is a medallion representing the Grand Army of the Republic. On the other side, a corroded bronze plaque lists the different units and soldiers who are honored here. The figure atop the monument stands, facing south, with a rifle supported by his hands. He is wearing a union uniform including cap and cloak with a winning moustache and van dyke beard. It's interesting that the rifle butt extends over the edge of the top. I've not spotted that on such monuments before. [Review 18406 overall - 72 in Connecticut - 1928 of 2022.]

This is a beautiful place for pictures, picnics and to just get some fresh air. It reminds me of a…read moreprincess castle. The Dam is right of the main road. There are several lookout areas where you can park to then walk up to the structure. It's such a serene place if you go when it's not busy.

So DAM beautiful. 4.5 stars due to trail being closed…read more Loved the views when walking on this dam. On one side, there is no sidewalk; on the other side, there is a path on the grassy hill. Be careful, you don't want to trip down that! Breathtaking views of the Barkhamsted reservoir even more breathtaking during autumn time. There are three parking lots and plenty of trails. The paved trail was closed which is unfortunate because it looked awesome from afar.

This is one of those state signs in every town, village, and "used to have people living here"…read moreplace in Connecticut. Winchester Center is closest to the la as t of those categories. It's very pretty, and people do live there, but if you need a bottle of milk you're driving at least 20 minutes. Anyway, it does warrant itself a sign from the state, titled "Winchester Center, 'The Old Society'" and reads: The first ecclesiastical society of Winchester was incorporated by the central assembly of the colony of Connecticut at its May session, 1768. The following year, a small, low, steeple-roofed building was erected for a meeting house about 7/10 of a mile south of the present Winchester Center Green;a rough granite post marks the site. The first census of the colony, taken in 1756, has 24 as the population of the entire town of Winchester. The next census, taken in 1774, shows 327 whites, 12 blacks. The Congregational Church was formed October 30, 1771, with 14 members. Only five years after the erection of the first house of worship, a committee was sent from the county court at Litchfield "to pitch the stakes" for a meeting house at the 'center'. On October 11, 1785, Dr. Josiah Everett deeded to the society for the sum of 1 £, 16s and 3d "lawful money" for a certain piece of land containing 56 1/2 rods "to build a meeting house on for divine worship, and for a suitable green around the same." In 1786 a new edifice was erected on this Green. The whipping post and stocks, those indispensable pillars of New England law and order, stood nearby on the green. The post served also for the posting of public notices. The third church, Greek revival with a Doric portico and facade of matched boards, was erected in 1841. Just north of the green, land was provided by 'Squire' Issac Bronson; with the stipulation that no building was ever again to be erected on the green. Our father's built shelter for their families and stock, then the church of God, then the school house. The early records of the town do not contain any accounts of building the first public schoolhouse. However, there is no doubt such buildings were erected. The 'chapel', across Winchester road from the church, began its existence as 'the Academy' finances by a group of investors "who purchased rights payable in higher education for their children." The Winchester institute (which stood some 700 north of the center green) a commodious seminary building opened in 1858 as a boarding and day school. It was the seat of learning for such great men as Dr. Fredrick S. Dennis and Dr. William H Welch (the latter discovered "ether"); after use as a seminary it became The Hill View Inn (destroyed by fire in 1929). The center had at one time two country stores, the Bronson Bros at the north side of the Green and S&L Hurlbut on Newfield Road. The latter building was acquired in 1895 by the Winchester Grange. Fire destroyed it in 1951 and the present grange hall was its replacement. The Winchester Center cemetery, acquired Mar. 16 1773 and the Hurlbut family cemetery are on South road, about a mile south east. The Danbury Courier cemetery is on Benedict road part of the original Winchester Center Settlement. You can park across from the sign near the Grange hall, and dash across and see it. The sign itself is on a small triangle of land, and you'll undoubtedly be in the way of cars if you try to park there.

This historic landmark still stands after all these years. Currently, one of the buildings is a…read moreretail building called Antiques on the Farmington. It's strategically placed on the Farmington River so that dams could be built to create a power source. Eventually, the railroad was built near it so goods could be sent out to be sold. The large bridge nearby was part of the railroad and is now a beautiful walking path for residents near and far. Collinsville became a village because of this famous axe company. The Collins Company opened in 1826 and was known to create the first ready to use axes in America. They also produced and sold machetes and other tools. The building that the axe company was in used to be a gristmill. The company started off with only 8 men and once it got popular, they employed workers from all over the state and nearby states. Housing was built for these workers and their families as well as other town/village necessities; those buildings were a church, bank, shops, etc. As the company expanded, they sold machetes and other tools all over the world. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. The Collins brothers died and eventually the floods of 1955 destroyed the railroad, which halted their sales. Due to competition, the deaths of the owners, a natural disaster, the company closed in 1966. It was a good 140 year run though; the Collins left their legacy and we can surely feel their spirit by just walking around downtown and in the old axe factory. The remnants of this factory still stands strong. I really enjoyed walking on the path and looking at the building. There's so much history and definitely some ghostly feels.

I passed through Winchester a few years ago and missed this so on my next trip through Connecticut,…read morethis had to be a stop. This striking Civil War memorial blends Gothic architectural drama with deep civic pride. Its story spans decades of community effort, artistic vision, and historical reverence. The monument is a three-story Gothic-style tower built of locally quarried ashlar granite. Designed by Robert W. Hill of Waterbury, it features a square base with inward-sloping lower walls that straighten as they rise, crowned by crenellations. A circular tourelle projects from one corner of the third level, topped by a bronze figure of a Civil War soldier holding the colors - sculpted by George E. Bissell. The tower stands 44 feet tall and was originally intended to include an iron staircase, but a contractor dispute led to a temporary wooden one instead. Over time, additions included a square entrance arch, stone retaining walls, cannons, and a decorative fountain by Hartford sculptor Andrew Coppola in the 1970s. It is a challenge getting up the hill to the park but once here, you'll appreciate the tower and the view. [Review 1142 of 2025 - 130 in Connecticut - 24695 overall]

Magnificent and awe inspiring…read more Two days ago, I reviewed the incredible Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Arch in Hartford. It was spectacular!! Little did I imagine that 48 hours later, and just 26 miles away, I would see another mind blowing veteran's monument that defies belief. The Winchester Soldiers' Monument is set way up high on a hill in a small park on Crown Street in Winsted. The land it sits on was donated in 1888 by three local gents to establish some sort of Civil War memorial and park. And what a memorial it turned into! They built a three-story granite castle that's over 40 feet tall. And what sits atop the tower? Why an 8' tall bronze statue of a Civil War soldier wearing a jacket and a hat, with a sword on his belt, and holding a flag. The Monument was dedicated on September 11, 1890. Special trains ran out of Hartford to bring a crowd of 20,000 to be a part of what the Hartford Courant described as "Winsted's Glorious Day." The Memorial Park is used for town celebrations and Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies. Picnics, concerts, plays, religious ceremonies, and weddings are held here. What's pretty cool is that the image of the monument is an essential component of the Winchester Town Seal and the badges of it's police force. When you stand up on the hill, with the statue behind you, you get the impression that the soldier is standing guard, on a never ending vigil to protect his town. This one will give you the chills............

This house is where the pre-treasonous Benedict Arnold recuperated after being wounded at the…read moreBattle of Bemis Heights. The house is an interesting landmark for what it represents historically. It is not open to the Public.

I came here on a fall afternoon as the sun was setting. It's a bit of a drive up to the castle from…read morethe entrance of the park but not too bad- about 10-15 minutes. I like that there are stairs inside the castle. What a beautiful view from the top! The foliage was a bit past peak but still gorgeous. It was windy and chilly but totally worth the views!

Yesterday my dog Brody and I decided to visit Castle Craig which is perfectly situated high above…read moreHubbard Park in order to gain a view of both the park and much of Meriden. Though this year's peak fall colors were muted and a bit past, it was still highly enjoyable.