This is a 1974 photo of a proposed tunnel that would have connected 84-East to Rt-91. The caption reads:
“Hartford, Conn.Feb. 28 – TUNNEL SITE – A propsed highway tunnel behind the state Capitol would be reduced from 1800 feet to 600 feet under a revised plan by the state Transportation Dept. The highway would connect Interstate 84, in bottom of picture, with I-91. DOT officials said Thursday the state tentatively had decided not to tunnel beneath the entire length of Bushnell Park, upper left, but remain above ground except for 600 feet directly behind the Capitol. (AP WIREPHOTO)(jc51630stf-rc) 1974
One of my favorite things about Facebook is also one of its least likely pages. Lynn Ferrari, a Hartford legend in her own right, is one of our unofficial keepers of Hartford history. And in her characteristically unassuming manner, Lynn began a Facebook Page, Old Hartford, on which she shares photos of her treasures. It has an active cult following, and now others share their personal collections and memories as well. It is a treasure trove.
Lynn’s personal collection unparalleled – from cultural oddities to newspaper articles to postcards to art to icons. One of my favorite things in Lynn’s home (it won’t surprise you that her home itself is a historical landmark) is her collection of architectural mock-ups of the Adrien’s Landing that wasn’t — complete with football stadium, what appears to be a pirate ship (!?), and, um, stores and restaurants.
Thanks to Lynn and Old Hartford, I woke up this morning to the above photo from 1974 depicting what might have been had 84 gone under the capitol instead of around it. It is fabulous (and a little sad). I also learned about Dayton Island — the island that disappeared from the middle of the Connecticut River between Hartford and East Hartford.
If you are interested in Hartford history, Old Hartford is one of the easiest, best and most interesting places to find it.
