Trout Brook Tales

James Wallace Pine - laborer, lay preacher, Civil War organizer, and published poet - lived a life that defied the narrow margins history often assigned to Black men in nineteenth-century New England. Join Brett Freiburger, Local History Librarian at the West Hartford Public Library and Trout Brook Tales host Chuck Coursey as they explore the Pine Family and learn about one family's quiet story of loss, resilience, creative spirit, and deep roots in a place that doesn't always remember them.

In this episode of Trout Brook Tales, we sit down with Dr. Booker DeVaughn for a powerful conversation about Bristow, a remarkable figure in West Hartford's history. Born in Africa in 1731, Bristow was enslaved by the Hooker family before purchasing his freedom in 1775 and becoming a respected agricultural expert and community member. Dr. DeVaughn has dedicated over four decades to bringing Bristow's story to life, a commitment that led to the 2005 naming of Bristow Middle School.

World War One transformed American communities in profound and lasting ways, and West Hartford was no exception.  In this episode of Trout Brook Tales, host Chuck Coursey and special guest Kathryn Coursey (Chuck's niece and fellow history enthusiast) explore the heroic yet tragically brief lives of two young West Hartford soldiers—Waldo Hayes and Francis Velhage.  Their courage and sacrifice would be memorialized in 1922 with the establishment of West Hartford’s Hayes-Velhage Post 96 of The American Legion, forever linking their names to the town's history.

In the 1980s, Cabbage Patch Kids weren't just a toy—they were a cultural phenomenon that sparked shopping frenzies, made headlines, and became one of the most sought-after gifts in American history. But few people know that the epicenter of this craze was right here in West Hartford.Join West Hartford Town Historian Mary Donohue and me as we explore the fascinating story of Coleco, the toy company that transformed the former Talcott Elementary School into its bustling headquarters. We'll uncover how a West Hartford company became the manufacturer behind America's hottest toy and relive the wild days when parents lined up for hours—sometimes even fought—to get their hands on a Cabbage Patch Kid.Discover how West Hartford played a starring role in one of the greatest toy success stories of all time.

Join West Hartford Public Library Local Historian Brett Freiburger and I as we discuss the life of Arnoldale Road resident Inez Temple, visionary designer and producer of pageants, dedicated teacher, world traveler, accomplished artist, historic preservationist and published author.

West Hartford immigrant teens and Hall High School students Ana Veriienko and Yimin Wu share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs as they navigate the journey from their homelands to a new life in the United States.

Andrew C. Petersen left his home in Denmark for better opportunities in America.  He began peddling milk on the streets of Hartford in 1913 and over the next 60 years built one of the most popular businesses in Greater Hartford.

As modern interstate highways were being built throughout the United States in the 1950s, 60s & 70s, plans were made for a beltway around the City of Hartford, with a significant portion traveling through West Hartford's two reservoirs.  Town Historian Tracey Wilson joins us to discuss the proposal and how it was defeated. 

When Charles Pond died in 1894, he left his 90 acre "Gentleman's Farm" to the City of Hartford for the purpose of providing a new public park for the city's growing population.  His will stipulated that the park was to be named for his beloved wife, Elizabeth.  Today's episode will look at the lives of Charles and Elizabeth Pond and the rich history of Elizabeth Park. 

On July 6, 1944 7,000 people attended the afternoon performance of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Hartford.  Shortly after the performance started, a fire broke out and quickly engulfed the entire big top, taking the lives of at least 167 people and injuring over 700. The tragedy remains the deadliest disaster ever recorded in Connecticut. Eight-year-old Nancy Saunders (Spada) attended the circus that day with her parents and two sisters and sat at the top of the bleachers just a few yards away from where the fire started. Thanks to the quick actions of her parents, they were all able to escape.  Her father, a Hartford policeman, went back into the big top and helped rescue other survivors. 

Former West Hartford Mayor (and loyal TBT Listener) Scott Slifka joins Chuck Coursey for a discussion of the Hamilton Heights/West Hill Neighborhood, dating back to before the American Revolution.

During the early 1900s, Luna Park, an amusement park inspired by New York's Coney Island, operated on what is now the site of Colt Manufacturing on New Park Avenue.  Join Chuck and his guest Gene Leach, former Chair of Trinity College's History Department, as they discuss the short life of West Hartford's Luna Park. 

West Hartford Town Historian Tracey Wilson shares the story of the indigenous people who lived in our area prior to and during European colonialism. 

In 1950, the world famous architect Frank Lloyd Wring chose West Hartford for the location of his latest project - the New Theater, proposed for the northwest corner of Sedgwick and South Main Street.  Arts and community leaders were ecstatic.  Neighbors, not so much.