Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

ENFIELD, CT — Driving down Alden Avenue through the old Frenchtown section of Thompsonville, one will see a seemingly nondescript brick building, constructed in 1923 at the intersection with Church Street. Sporting a simple sign on its east facade reading "Polish National Home," the site had been a hotbed of big band shows and other events during the World War II era. After a long period of decline and neglect, a Croatian immigrant took over the property 10 years ago and created a true masterpiece - the Old Country Banquet Hall.

In 2009, Sasha Skerla and his wife Beata Siwy Skerla began operating three businesses at the 4 Alden Avenue location: Pierogi Queen Bakery, the Old Country Deli (now Smoke BBQ) and the Old Country Banquet Hall, which is actually two halls: the downstairs Gathering Hall, accommodating up to 90 people for intimate get-togethers, and Wawel Hall, occupying the entire second floor with a 300-person capacity.

The Skerlas invested considerable resources transforming the facility into one of the finest halls in the region. Completely renovated, the building and the venues retain an old time charm and glory. Weddings, anniversary parties and other gala events take place at Old Country; the facility also plays host to Blitzkrieg! Pro Wrestling, an independent group established in 2015 which runs about a half-dozen shows per year, including an upcoming event Dec. 7.

The building lit up at twilight time. (Old Country Banquet Hall)

Wawel Hall set up for a lavish affair. (Old Country Banquet Hall)

A sold-out Blitzkrieg! Pro Wrestling show in Wawel Hall. (Blitzkrieg! Pro Wrestling)

Gathering Hall. (Old Country Banquet Hall)

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Other columns in this series:

• Brazilian Gula Grill
• Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop
• Congregational Church of Burlington labyrinth
• Noah Webster House
• The Bushnell's Green Room Wall
• Belding Wildlife Management Area
• The Aborn Castle
• Heublein Tower
• Birthplace of Jonathan Edwards
• Grave of Revolutionary War Soldier Heman Baker
• Jessica's Garden, Lobster and Ice Cream Shack
• Shade Swamp Sanctuary
• Ken's Corner Breakfast & Lunch
• Tolland Red and White
• The Packing House
• Cold Harbor Seafood
• Nye Holman State Forest/Heron Cove Park
• Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack
• Connecticut Trolley Museum
• Matterhorn Mini Golf
• Wood Memorial Library & Museum
• Hastings Farm
• Liquid Nirvana
• Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
• Academy Hall
• Southington Drive-In
• Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall
• Somersvillage Gifts & Gourmet Baskets
• New England Civil War Museum
• The Pinchot Sycamore
• Stafford Palace Theater
• Mansfield Hollow State Park
• Old Tolland County Jail and Museum
• Hill-Stead Museum
• Mark's Restaurant