Picture Enfield - Then and Now

ENFIELD, CT — Today's installment of this weekly Enfield history series, courtesy of the Facebook group Picture Enfield, features a long-gone staple of downtown Thompsonville: the old parking lot adjacent to Freshwater Pond.

The parking lot serviced not only those interested in fishing, walking and picnicking by the pond, but also for the numerous local businesses which operated in the area. Visible in this mid-1970s photo is the Northern Connecticut National Bank, which was built on the site of the former First Presbyterian Church (which had been torn down in 1967) as the First National Bank of Thompsonville until merging with the First National Bank of Windsor Locks; it closed in the early 1980s.

Also seen in the background is the optometrist office of Drs. Walter and Frank Stopa, located on the corner of North Main and Russell streets in the old Midnite Spa building; it is currently the office of Dr. Thomas Misiewicz.

During the urban renewal project of the mid- to late 1970s, the parking lot was removed, and replaced by greenery, walkways and benches. Here is a photo of the area as it appears today, courtesy of Google Maps.

Last week's trivia answer:
Last week's trivia question was a tongue-in-cheek multiple-choice gag, "How did Hazardville acquire its name? A) after the TV series featuring cousins Bo and Luke, with drop-dead gorgeous cousin Daisy; B) from the 4 bedroom, 2 bath pothole on 190 that I believe cracked my front axle last week; or C) for Col. Augustus Hazard, who manufactured tons of gunpowder in the section of the village known as Powder Hollow." The answer: C, and anyone who said differently obviously has problems.

(Photo courtesy of Enfield Public Library)

This week's trivia question:
Of the nine public elementary, middle and high schools currently located in Enfield (not counting Head Start or the Stowe Early Learning Center), which one has been at its present site for the shortest period of time? Post the answer in the comments section below, or on the Enfield Patch Facebook page.