WEST HARTFORD’S CLAY SOIL SPAWNS A MAJOR INDUSTRY A BRICK HISTORY You have to believe that everything happens for you in life and that every setback is a valuable growing experience . If you persevere, and believe you are meant to handle this problem, then the amount eventually gained from each setback can be worth more than you lost. ... CONTINUED FROM COVER
As we all know, grass does not grow easily in many parts of West Hartford. This is thanks in part to our hard clay soil. But as annoying as it can be for homeowners, it was a boon for the brickmaking businesses of old. The brickmaking industry first got its start in the Hartford area in the 1630s. From there, the industry grew. As more people moved to Connecticut, demand increased in the decades to follow, and brickmaking businesses popped up in and around Hartford — including West Hartford. It wasn’t until the 1800s that the brickmaking industry really hit its stride. Technology caught up with brickmaking and pottery-making. Thanks to new railroads and newer brick-making techniques, the industry was able to thrive. It had a place to congregate. At the intersection of what is now Flatbush Avenue and New Park Avenue, there is a lot more history buried by the modern world than many people realize. In 1873, Michael Kane established a brickyard off New Park Avenue on either side of Prospect Avenue. The Kane Brickyard quickly became one of the leading brick- makers in the state, providing materials for projects such as Trinity College, the Travelers building, the Hartford Times building, the state library and the state capitol building. Brickmakers were also shipping their bricks wherever they were needed as New England rapidly developed. You can also look around near the intersection of Kane Street and New Park Avenue for hints of the past. There was a time you would see the workers of Kane Brick doing what they do best. Today, you’ll find a church — Our Lady of Fatima Church. But you’ll also notice a peculiarity on the property — a depression. It may look like a parking lot today, but it’s where Kane Brick harvested much of its clay for use in brick and pottery making. And, speaking of pottery making, if you follow the rail line south of West Hartford, you’ll arrive in Elmwood, which was home to Goodwin Pottery. Throughout the 1800s and into the early 1900s they made, as the name suggests, pottery. The pottery, of course, was made from local clay. Today, while these businesses are long gone, many of their products remain. If you ever see a brick stamped with “KANE,” you can be sure it’s a West Hartford brick.
And even if your setbacks are hard to bear, what you gain in humility and spirit as you move forward will be a blessing to others.
I wish you a happy March , and as always, if you need Trout Brook’s experienced tree experts to evaluate your trees, we’re just a phone call away at (860) 888-8472.
–Andrew Bachman (860) 888-8472
Asparagus and Smoked Mozzarella Pizzettes
Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
• 1 lb prepared whole- wheat pizza dough, divided into 6 equal portions • 12 oz asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup shredded
smoked mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup scallions, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp walnuts, toasted and chopped • 1 sprig of fresh mint leaves, torn • Zest of 1 orange
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 500 F and ensure there are two racks in your oven. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, stretch each piece of dough into a 7-by-3-inch oval and arrange evenly on the pan. 3. On a second baking sheet, toss asparagus with oil and 1/4 tsp salt. 4. Place dough on top rack and asparagus on bottom and bake for 3 minutes. 5. Remove both trays from the oven, sprinkle cheese over the dough, then top with asparagus and scallions. 6. Return pizzettes to oven and bake until the crusts’ edges are golden, about 8–10 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with walnuts, mint, and orange zest before serving.
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