West Hartford History: Where Was This Store?

If you think you know the answer or have a special memory related to the photo, respond in the "Leave a comment" box below this article. We'll run the answer next Monday, along with a new historical photo. The image has been provided by the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society. For more information on the museum's collection and programs, visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org.

Last week we asked: "Where Was This Display?" and the image brought back memories for many longtime West Hartford residents.

"Gotta be Bazilians. Is that truly a young Marc Bazilian on the left in the photo? Bazilians of jeans at Bazilians!" commented Rick Liftig.

Frederick Brown agreed that the image was of Bazilian's. "I recognize the tin ceiling and can almost hear the squeaky wood floor," he wrote. Kevin said he misses their great shoe department. 

"Yes, I'm sure it's Bazilian's. That's where everyone went to get their jeans and great wool sweaters and yes shoes too. A wonderful store," added Jean Carr.

Lisa Petersen agreed, and said she loved Bazilian's jeans and corduroys. She thought that in the photo, Marc Bazilian is on the left and Alan Bazilian is on the right.

Although the official answer did not name the people in the photo, all the commenters (and there were several others who emailed or commented on Facebook) correctly identified Bazilian's as the site of the display. According to the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society, "This display was  located in the Bazilian’s store. The store was founded in Hartford in 1930 and moved to New Britain Avenue in 1956. In 1970 the store relocated to Park Road where it remained until it closed in 2008."