Picture Ellington - Then And Now

ELLINGTON, CT — Periodically, Ellington-Somers Patch will offer a throwback story utilizing an old photo from within the towns, and an updated picture of what the site looks like currently. Today's initial offering, as evidenced by the date stamp in the bottom corner, goes back nearly 20 years to the day, to one of Ellington's most beloved family recreation centers.

For about three decades, the Ellington Golf Center at 125 West Rd., or Route 83, provided family fun through its 9-hole par-3 course, a 50-tee driving range, an ice cream stand and, most of all, its traditional 18-hole miniature golf layout. Holes included such obstacles as a cannon, a kangaroo, a church and, of course, the proverbial windmill.

Without a doubt, the most demanding hole was No. 12, featuring a rocket over an inclined cup that had to be scaled perfectly, or else the ball would sail right off. On most occasions, the maximum score of 6 was attained without even coming close to sinking the damn thing.

In 2017, the entire property, located adjacent to Casey's Cafe, was sold to developers, and The Ivy At Ellington, an assisted living residential community, was built. Here is how the site looks today (actually yesterday), from two different views.

By the way, for full disclosure, the featured photo taken June 3, 2000 is of my son Alex, who had just turned a year old a week earlier. For those wondering, that little tyke, who will turn 21 at the end of May, is now 6 feet tall, weighs 205 lbs., is graduating with a dual degree from Castleton University next week, will begin classes at Seton Hall Law School this fall and is a competitive collegiate powerlifter. He qualified for and competed at the collegiate nationals at Ohio University in 2019, and holds personal meet bests of 534 lbs. in the deadlift and 473 lbs. in the squat.

Trivia Question
Teams from Ellington High School have won 29 CIAC state championships through the years. Which was the first state champion team, and which was the most recent? Post your answer in the comments section here, or on the Ellington-Somers Patch Facebook page.

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