Picture Enfield - Then And Now

ENFIELD, CT — For today's look back into Enfield's past, we return to a great book of photographs from the 1880s through 1950s, entitled Images of America: Enfield Connecticut. The book was compiled in 1998 by Michael Miller for the Enfield Historical Society.

On page 38 is a circa 1900 picture of the Sullivan House at 78 Main Street in Thompsonville. Thomas F. Sullivan sold fine wines and liquors from his storefront, while the Trolley Lunch restaurant served meals upstairs. The horse and wagon belonged to the Thompsonville Bottling Works.

In 1924, the site became home to the Grey's Club, which was formally incorporated as the Grey's Athletic Association Inc. on May 1, 1934. For decades, the club sponsored successful semi-pro and amateur athletic programs in football, basketball, softball, bowling and billiards. The private club still operates at 78 Main Street.

Here is a more contemporary look at the building, taken this morning by yours truly.

Last week's trivia answer:
Last week's trivia question was: "Who was the longtime wrestling coach at Kosciuszko Junior High School?" The answer: Art Wilk, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War who taught physical education and coached in Enfield for over 30 years, retiring in 1999. He died in 2004 at age 73. Pat Droney was the first person to provide the correct answer.

I can't resist! The picture below of Wilk and his team from the 1977 Kosciuszko yearbook, courtesy of the Enfield Historical Society, doesn't exactly instill fear in the minds of opponents. One young man is wearing pants that Lindsey Nelson wouldn't be caught dead in, while the shirts worn by several others make it clear that some cheap motel is missing a shower curtain.

This week's trivia question:
In the 1960s, where in Enfield was the Ferrato Service Station located, and what business currently exists in that spot? Post the answer in the comments section below under your real name (we'll see who follows directions).

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