West Hartford History: What Business Was in this Building?

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's question was "What Is This Marker For?" and most who commented on the article correctly identified the location of the marker as the corner of Four Mile Rd. and Farmington Ave.

However, there were several guesses about the significance of the marker. The State Capitol, Old State House, and old Isle of Safety in Hartford, which was near where the Old State House is, were all mentioned.

Thomas Cote added the following about the meaning of the marker: "The reason the road is Four Mile Road. A mile marker from the early days, predating the town. It was placed when this was the 'West District of Hartford.'"

Don Kauke pointed out that a very pretty garden now surrounds the stone, and that the protective pipe has now been removed.

The complete answer provided by the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is, "This mile marker is located at the intersection of Four Mile Road and Farmington Avenue. The marker is inscribed, “H IV M,” showing that it is four miles from this point to the Old State House in Hartford."