West Hartford History: Where Was This Business Located?

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:"For What Event Was This Stage Built?" The stage was deceivingly large, if you notice the people on the left side of the image.

"This is a tough one," commented Rick Liftig. "That's a very large stage in front of old Hall High School! The photos are in color and the girls are wearing 1950's style dresses. So the goto answer here is "West Hartford's 1954 Bicentennial" That's my guess."

R.C. Pond agreed that the stage was located at the old Hall High School (now Town Hall). Jeff Murray thought perhaps the stage was used as part of the town's celebration of the country's bicentennial in 1976.

Rick, although you thought this was a tough question, your guess was absolutely correct! The official answer from the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is: "In 1954 to celebrate the 200th birthday of the town, West Hartford school children put on a play on this stage, built as a natural amphitheater behind the old Hall High School. The stage was over 80 feet across and could accommodate over 1,000 performers. Look at how small the people appear in the image to get a real sense of the size of this stage."