Historian Jeff Murray takes a look into West Hartford’s past to uncover some surprising information, stir up some memories, or reflect on how much life has changed – or hasn’t changed at all. Enjoy this week’s ‘From West Hartford’s Archives’ …

By Jeff Murray

This is a photo of the Congregational Church parsonage, built in 1901, at the southeast corner of Main Street and Farmington Avenue. Congregational churches in early America, especially in Puritan-founded New England, were central to town life. The church and minister were supported by the town and a parsonage house was typically provided by the community as part of his compensation.

Churches maintained parsonages, seeing them as essential for stability in turnover from one pastor to another. They were integral parts of the spiritua

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