Picture Enfield - Then And Now

ENFIELD, CT — Today's trip back in time brings us into the pages of a wonderful photo book, Enfield: 1950-1980, a collection of pictures taken by renowned local photographer Ed Malley and compiled by his son Jim.

This photo is one of many taken during and after the devastating flood of 1955. On Aug. 18 and 19 that year, about 19 inches of rain fell on Enfield within a 24-hour span during Hurricane Diane. Damage in Thompsonville was estimated at $1 million - or $10.2 million in 2021 dollars.

In the above scene, employees of the Enfield Road Construction Co. attempt to divert water rushing toward the downtown bus station from the adjacent Freshwater Pond. Looking south down Pearl Street, the light-colored brick building next to the bus station was the Thompsonville Fire Department. A plethora of small businesses wound their way up the incline to St. Patrick's Church.

The bus station is long gone following the urban renewal project of the 1970s. The fire department moved to a new station up the road at 35 North Main Street in 2015; the old building is currently privately owned, with an exciting commercial venture in the works (stay tuned for more on that in the coming weeks).

Here is a contemporary view of the scene, taken by yours truly early this morning.

Last week's trivia answer:
Last week's trivia question was: "In the 1960s, where in Enfield was the Ferrato Service Station located, and what business currently exists in that spot?" The answer: 80 Hazard Avenue, directly across Middle Road from the Lane Service Station (best known today as the abandoned Mobil station), as shown in this telephone directory from 1971. The Jug Shop liquor store has occupied 80 Hazard for many years. Speaking of Jim Malley, he was the first person to provide the correct answer.

This week's trivia question:
What popular Enfield business was owned by Paul Polos? Post the answer in the comments section below under your real name (we'll see who follows directions).

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