Trout Brook Ice & Feed Company est. 1879
The corner of Farmington Avenue and Trout Brook Drive is a location steeped in history. If you drive through that intersection today, you’ll see a Dunkin’ and a funeral home. But if you rewind time by about 140 years, you’ll find something very different: the Trout Brook Ice & Feed Company. West Hartford was once known for its ice. In 1879, the Trout Brook Ice & Feed Company was founded by Edwin Arnold. At the time, Trout Brook Drive did not exist, but Trout Brook, which now runs along Trout Brook Drive, very much did. And that’s where Arnold decided to set up shop — right next to the brook that would be the source of his famous ice for years to come. Arnold built a dam on Trout Brook . Then, come winter, dozens of ice harvesters descended on the frozen brook. They chipped away at the ice, cutting out large blocks. The blocks were then moved to ice houses and barns where they were insulated with a layer of sawdust as they awaited transport to their destinations over the course of the spring and summer. The company was also known for its signature red horse- drawn wagons (and eventually trucks) that it used to deliver ice to customers all over the area and as far away as New York City. As the area grew in size, demand for ice increased — and it increased even more with the approach of World War I. To meet this demand, the company dug out a
second ice source next to Wood Pond on the west side of town — Woodridge Lake . They also built several ice barns to store all the ice. However, the ice boom was short-lived. After World War I and into the 1920s and ‘30s, home refrigeration started to take off. With the invention of home refrigeration in 1913 and the development of Freon refrigeration in the ‘20s, they knew time was limited. In 1927, Frederick Arnold (Edwin died in 1905) sold Trout Brook Ice & Feed to the Southern New England Ice Company. By 1936, that company folded, along with many others. While the ice industry faded into history, the legacy of Trout Brook Ice and Feed still remains in Woodbridge lake next to Wood Pond and the Trout Brook Dam at Farmington ave.
YOU, ME, AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS 3 Outside Date Night Ideas
Did your significant other leave it up to you to come up with a romantic date idea this Valentine’s Day? Luckily for you, there are tons of date activities that are easy and affordable for you to enjoy with Mother Nature. While the possibilities are endless outside, here are three popular outdoor date ideas! Watch the sunset. Sunsets are intuitively romantic: The sun paints the sky in calming reds, pinks, and purples, creating a beautiful backdrop. While watching the sunset, you and your partner can have a romantic picnic with the sky in view. Or you can embrace the scenery with your other half and create memories you both will never forget. Go stargazing. If you live in the city, stargazing is a good chance to escape for the night and get away from the light pollution in the city. If you already live in a location where you can easily see the stars, take advantage of the peaceful privacy with your loved one. Maybe you’ll spot a shooting star you can wish upon while you’re out there! Hit up a drive-in movie. If you’re looking for a way to be extra comfy while still sitting outside, a drive-in movie is the best destination! The best part about a drive-in is that you can view both new and old
movies as well as bring your own snacks and drinks. If the weather permits and if you have a truck, you can load the bed with blankets and pillows and have a cozy night while watching a movie. These date night ideas are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but they don’t have to be limited to just the holiday! You can also consider these for any date that you have with your significant other. Nothing brings couples closer like being together with nature.
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