our local guide to arts, leisure and business in downtown ... · to arts, leisure and business in downtown Unionville ... 8 MCDONALDS 9 ... This exhibit is a tour stop on the townwide

Unionville GazeboYour local guide

to arts, leisure and businessin downtown Unionville

COMPLIMENTARYFALL 2015

PUB L IS H ED BY T H E UN ION V IL L E V IL L AGE IM PROV EM EN T A S S OCI AT ION

© Copyright 2015 UVIA - Unionville Gazebo Layout & Design by Edward CannataMap of Downtown Unionville is a copyrighted design courtesy of Let’s TALK Torrington

Get involvedUVIA welcomes volunteers to assist with special events and projects.

No experience needed, just a desire to have some fun!

If you are interested in volunteering, email [email protected] or call 860-577-0246.

Join our e-mail list... www.UVIACT.orgGet up-to-date information involving all UVIA events and activities.

UVIA Board of DirectorsTim LeBouthillier Monique Kucia Jan Colturi

President Secretary Treasurer

Members at LargePatty LeBouthillier, Ted Lindquist, Amy Palumbo, Patricia Rogers, Norma Spring

improvement association unionville village

Unionville Village Improvement Association (UVIA) is pleased to present its first downtown guide and map featuring a sampling of the people, history, architecture, and businesses that make up our corner of Farmington, CT.

We hope you find this guide informational and inspiring, and enjoy learning about our great resources, upcoming projects, and wonderful family events.

We appreciate all of our longtime volunteers, patrons, businesses and sponsors throughout Unionville and Farmington who share our vision for the town we love.

Special thanks to the Farmington Economic Development Commission and the Unionville Museum who together contributed expertise, photos, and financial support for this publicaion.

Founded in 2000 by a group of local residents, UVIA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance Unionville’s commercial center, preserve its unique character and history, and foster a sense of community among resident and visitors.

By uniting a coalition of residents, businesses, non-profits, and government agencies, UVIA advocates for economic development, conducts beautification projects, and hosts special family-oriented events.

Welcometo Unionville

The recent rehabilitation of the Upson Nut & Bolt manufacturing buildings on Mill Street has revitalized interest in Unionville’s industrial history. These buildings are a living legacy of the amazing industrial vitality that once made the town a commercial and manufacturing center. If you look carefully, you can still see vestiges of this legacy.

Unionville’s growth was due in large part to the construction of a feeder dam and canal, which placed Unionville at the head of canal navigation on the Farmington River. The dam raised the height of the water by several feet, creating a water power source that could be harnessed to power industries. Investors, many from Farmington, funded start-up industries as early as 1830, kick-starting Unionville’s rapid transformation and growth.

By 1850, Unionville had twelve shops and factories producing a variety of wares using water-driven wheels. By 1885, dozens of small- to medium-sized mills and factories operated alongside major mills such as Platner & Porter paper mill, Upson Nut & Bolt Company, and J. Broadbent & Sons (which produced yarns and twines).

In addition to the Upson Nut & Bolt buildings, ghostly reminders of other mills do remain. Sanford & Hawley at 1790 Farmington Avenue is Unionville’s oldest business. The present building was first used as a woolen mill beginning in 1815, then housed the Seymour, Williams & Porter Clock factory from 1835 until it was purchased by the Sanfords in 1884. The Lawton-Miner Company on River Road, originally known as Young’s Grist Mill, was purchased by George Richards in 1832. It served the community continually until 1903 as a saw mill and grist mill.

The stately brick power station on the grounds of the former Charles W. House & Sons felt factory on Perry Street,(established in 1871), was once part of a thriving enterprise that manufactured felt for industrial and recreational purposes. Foundation stones from D.A. Keyes Hardware and Cowles Hardware Mfg. still line the lower hill in Brook’s Common park on Farmington Avenue, where their mills were located.

The canal system can still be seen in elongated depressions in backyards along Perry and Cottage Streets (one section of the canal along the west side of Cottage Street is in the Cottage Street Historic District).

“Riversedge,” now a vibrant retail center, was built for J. Broadbent & Sons, a manufacturer of cotton batts, cotton yarns and knit stockings. It later housed the Myrtle Mills knitting mill operation, which moved to Unionville in the 1930s.

Unionville’s residential neighborhoods also reflect the diverse people who came for the opportunities that manufacturing offered. Mill owners, inventors and managers built houses in the latest styles, from stately Italianates to fanciful Queen Annes. Some of these houses are now part of Unionville’s growing historic districts, preserving historic buildings and the stories that they tell of our town’s rich history and amazing people.

THIS MILL WAS BUILT FOR YARN MANUFACTURER J. BROADBENT & SONS, LATER HOUSING THE MYRTLE MILLS KNITTING MILL OPERATION AND DEPARTMENT STORE.

TODAY IT IS THE “RIVERSEDGE” RETAIL CENTER.

ORIGINALLY THE UPSON NUT & BOLT COMPANY, THIS MILL MANUFACTURED MANYITEMS AND TOOLS BEFORE BECOMING PIONEER STEEL BALL BEARING COMPANY.

IT IS NOW THE NEW "UPSON MARKETPLACE"

3

Where there’s a mill... there’s a wayUnionville’s iconic industrial buildings live on

Experience great art, dining, shops and services at Unionville’s historic mills

8

12

7

1

5

4

106

11 9

2 3

7

1110

132

12

14

8

6

95

3

1

4

4

2

3

6

5

1

8

4

10

15

16

17

19

18

14

5

1

6

9

13

2 11 7

3

12

1

6

8

7

3

9

45

2

34

19

35

11

15

2

12

31

24

320

25

21

32

30

57

16 17

8

1

26

36

373839

40

29

14

4

10

18

23

27

6

28

33

9

1322

8

1

2

5

9

7

12

3

6

4

10

11

5

4

3

1

7 62

FARMINGTON AVE

FARMIN

GTON RIV

ER

MILL ST

SCHOOL ST

PERRY ST

MAPLE AVE

MAIN ST

ELM

ST

LOVELY

ST

S. M

AIN

ST

PLAIN

VIL

LE A

VE

PL

AT

NE

R S

T

NEW BRITAIN AVE

BURNHAM AVE

DEPOT PL

3/4 MILE

1/2 MILE

3/4 MILE

ALICE CLOVERPINNEY PARK

TO COLLINSVILLE& BURLINGTON

TO AVON& CANTON

TO FARMINGTON CENTER

TO BRISTOL& PLAINVILLE

177

4 4

177

167

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES1 EDWARD MOTOR SERVICE 2 H & S TRUCK REPAIR 3 SHELL GAS 4 MOBIL GAS 5 TUNXIS SERVICE CENTER 6 UNIONVILLE AUTO-BODY7 UNIONVILLE AUTO REPAIR

HEALTH SERVICES1 BACK IN TOUCH MASSAGE & ASHIATSU\2 FAMILY DENTISTRY – DAWN COOLEY, DMD 3 FAMILY DENTAL CARE - JEFFREY W. TEPPER, DD 4 FARMINGTON VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 5 LIVING HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS CENTER 6 PROHEALTH PHYSICIANS OF CT 7 QUEST DIAGNOSTICS 8 UNION EYEWORKS, INC. 9 UNIONVILLE PEDIATRICS/DENTISTRY

FITNESS / LEISURE 1 AMPED FITNESS 2 DANCE CONNECTION 3 FARMINGTON VALLEY FITNESS 4 OLYMPIC TAEKWONDO ACADEMY 5 RIVERFRONT MINIATURE GOLF & ICE CREAM 6 SPOTLIGHT DANCE CENTER

RESTAURANTS / BARS1 ART SCENE BAR 2 CHANG-AN CHINESE RESTAURANT 3 CULTEAVO 4 CURE RESTAURANT 5 DUNKIN DONUTS 6 GEORGE’S PIZZA & RESTAURANT 7 LUCKY DRAGON CHINESE RESTAURANT 8 MCDONALDS 9 OLIVE BAR 10 PEOPLE’S CHOICE PIZZA 11 RIVER’S EDGE MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 12 YOGURT ISLAND 13 YUME HIBACHI STEAK & SUSHI14 APRICOTS RESTAURANT & PUB

BUSINESS / RETAIL1 AHERN FUNERAL HOME 2 AIR TOOL 3 APPLIED PEST CONTROL 4 BEST CLEANERS 5 BOTTLE SHOP 6 CLASSIC REAL ESTATE 7 CLASSIC TAILOR 8 CLAUDETTE’S CREATIVE CLIPPINS 9 CVS 10 DATA MANAGEMENT, INC. 11 DAVE’S SHOE REPAIR 12 DRYWALL UNLIMITED 13 EDM ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS 14 FARMINGTON JEWELERS 15 INLAND FUEL TERMINALS 16 JEWELRY BY STEFAN 17 GALLERY AT THE MILL 18 GOLDSTAR PROPERTY MNGMT 19 HARRINGTON CABINETS 20 INNOVATIVE SAFETY 21 LIQUOR SQUARE 22 MAGIC TOUCH CLEANERS 23 OXYAIR MEDICAL 24 PARSON’S HARDWARE 25 POLISH HELPING HANDS 26 SANFORD & HAWLEY, INC. 27 SERVPRO 28 STOP & SHOP 29 TRAVELHOST 30 VERIZON – SIMPLY WIRELESS 31 VISION REAL ESTATE 32 WALGREENS 33 HODGE SURVEYS 34 UNIONVILLE ORGANIC MARKET 35 FARMINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL36 S KARGER PUBLISHERS 37 EAGLE EYE PAINTER 38 DREAM BUILDERS 39 DAHSTROM & SONS HOME IMPROVEMENT40 SMART ROCK FOOD STORE & GAS

FINANCE / INSURANCE / LEGAL SERVICES

1 ADVANCED BENEFIT STRATEGIES 2 ALLSTATE INSURANCE 3 CHADWICK FINANCIAL SERVICE 4 EBENEFITS GROUP OF UNIONVILLE 5 EDWARD JONES 6 FARMINGTON BANK (WITH ATM) 7 RICHARD J. MACHADO, CPA 8 SHIELA S. MOSES, CPA 9 PEOPLE’S BANK (WITH ATM) 10 SANTANDER BANK (WITH ATM) 11 SKULLY, NIKSA & REEVE, ATTORNEYS 12 YRISK INSURANCE

COMMUNITY RESOURCES1 EVENING STAR LODGE 2 FARMINGTON YOUTH CENTER 3 FARMINGTON YOUTH CENTER ANNEX 4 FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL 5 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL 6 SAINT MARY’S CHURCH 7 TUNXIS HOUSE FIREHOUSE 8 TUNXIS HOUSE FIREHOUSE (HISTORIC) 9 UNIONVILLE GAZEBO 10 UNIONVILLE LIONS CLUB 11 UNIONVILLE MUSEUM 12 UNIONVILLE POST OFFICE 13 UNION SCHOOL 14 UNIONVILLE DEPOT15 FARMINGTON TOWN HALL16 FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL17 FARMINGTON LIBRARY18 FARMINGTON COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER 19 FARMINGTON POLICE DEPT

BEAUTY SERVICES1 BEST BARBER SHOP 2 DAVID SALON 3 FRINGE SALON 4 LA BELLE CHATEAU SALON & SPA 5 L. A. STYLES 6 MOMMY & ME NAILS & SPA 7 NAIL HOUSE 8 NAIL HOUSE II 9 RAY’S UNISEX HAIR SALON 10 SANDY’S ELECTROLOSIS CENTER 11 SERINITY HAIR LOUNGE 12 ZINC SALON

Map represents businesses in Unionville, CT as of September 1, 2015.Please report any errors or ommissions to:

[email protected] or [email protected]

NIONVILLE, CONN.U

MAP OF DOWNTOW

N

TALKLet’s

©UNIONVILLE MAP DESIGN IS A COPYRIGHT OF LET’S TALK TORRINGTON

Designed & developed by Edward Cannata - www.letstalktorrington.com.

TM

BROOKS COMMON

SUBURBAN PARK (WALKING TRAILS)

Visit the Museum’s Current Exhibit“Faces from the Past: Interesting People

in the History of Unionville”

This exhibit is a tour stop on the townwidecelebration of Farmington’s 375th Anniversary

taking place on Sunday, September 13, 2015.

Unionville is very fortunate to have The Unionville Museum - a local gem with an ongoing mission to foster an appreciation of the history, culture and traditions of the village of Unionville, Connecticut. Museum volunteers collect, preserve and displayhistoric artifacts and use them to present Unionville’s story.

The history of The Unionville Museum begins in late 1983. In September of that year, the Tunxis Senior Citizens Association vacated the Carnegie Library building on School Street. After a public hearing addressing many different proposals the town awarded the Carnegie building to a group of citizens known as the founders of The Unionville Museum. The following year, a board was formed, and the first exhibit “You’ve Come a Long Way” featuring suffrage movement memorabilia opened to rave reviews. Since then, over 40 exhibitions have been on display with many more to come.

15 School Street | Unionville, CTwww.unionvillemuseum.org | (860) 673-2231Open Wed, Sat, Sun, 2-4pm or by appointment

Unionville MuseumPreserving Our Past, Present and Future

The Museum’s Traveling PikeOne of The Unionville Museum’s most facinating acquisitions is a pre-Civil War pike, a spear-like weapon manufactured in Unionville. This pike, made by town blacksmith Chauncey Hart at his forge on the banks of the Farmington River, represents a piece of Connecticut’s long history of industry and innovation.

In 1857, John Brown contracted with Charles Blair of the Collins Company in Collinsville to make 1,000 pikes to be used during a planned raid on the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry, hoping to trigger a slave uprising. After Brown failed to pay Blair the full amount promised for the pikes, Blair stopped work on them.

In 1859, Blair turned over the materials he had assembled to Chauncey Hart of Unionville, who finished the initial 500 pikes that Blair had started and then made 450 more. Legend holds that Hart was charged with conspiracy, arrested, and later released upon testifying that he did not know the intended use of the pikes.

The Unionville Museum

The Museum's Pike is currently being featured through December 31st at the Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT.

ABOLITIONIST JOHN BROWN AND THE MUSEUM'S PIKEMANUFACTURED IN UNIONVILLE TO BE USED IN THE RAID ON HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA,1859

STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS ON UNIONVILLE’S MILL STREET AT SUNSET

A comprehensive design plan for the revitalization of Unionville center was developedby a team from the University of Connecticut and Yale University and was adopted by the Town of Farmington in 2003.

Since that plan’s adoption, over $1.4 million of public money has been invested in historic building renovations and streetscape projects throughout Unionville center. In 2014, the Town of Farmington was awarded a $425,000 grant from the Main Street Investment Fund to continue to make improvements and upgrades to Unionville’s infrastructure.

This coming spring, additional streetscape improvements will be completed. The grant along with additional Town of Farmington funding, will continue to provide pedestrian accessibility and connectivity, and stimulate and leverage further investments by the private sector.

It is a pleasure to work with the numerous and varied locally owned and managed businesses that call Unionville home. For the past 15 years, the Unionville community has worked together to revitalize and preserve Unionville center. Spurred by the Unionville Village Improvement Association, residents, local government, businesses and nonprofit organizations have made continued progress in preserving Unionville’s natural assets, while promoting economic growth.

Unionville - We Mean BusinessProgress Report from the Desk of Rose PonteRose Ponte is the Director of Economic Development for the Town of Farmington, CT Town of Farmington | One Monteith Drive | Farmington, CT | 860.675.2305 | [email protected]

Design Plans and Grants

The most recent completed project has been the restoration and revitalization of the former Upson Nut & Bolt Factory Complex. This 1860 mill, situated along the Farmington River, now houses Culteavo Tea Shop, The Gallery at the Mill, Scene Art Bar and the YRisk Insurance Company. Also included in this complex are five newly renovated luxury boutique townhouses, with Farmington River frontage and spectacular views and balconies.

This past August, the former Matthew’s Restaurant was transformed and renovated. Cure is bringing a farm-fresh american style restaurant and pub to the area unlike anything the Farmington Valley has seen. Their chefs use fresh locally grown produce, meats, beers and wines. They also feature an extensive and unique mixology program utilizing as many fresh local ingredients as possible.

Also located on Mill Street and opening later this fall is Amped Fitness, offering a large group personal training facility committed to changing and empowering individuals looking to followa healthier lifestyle.

Plans are in the works for additional Unionville projects. I look forward to communicating all the latest news to all in the near future.

Along with these public expenditures, significant private investments have been made in the center by Stop & Shop Corporation, Farmington Associates, Walgreens Pharmacy, Dunkin Donuts, Parker Benjamin Real Estate Services and several local businesses and property owners. Unionville is fortunate to have new businesses join over 100 businesses that currently can be found in and around Unionville center.

Public and Private Investments

Businesses, New and In-The-Works

Beautify Our TownSponsor a Flower Basket

The wonderful summer flower baskets and winter kissing balls located on the

Farmington bridge and in Unionville center are enjoyed by all. They were

recently mentioned in a Hartford Courant article entitled “Ten Ways You Know You

Are From Farmington”.

The baskets are made possible thanks to many generous local sponsors.

If you’re a past sponsor, or would like to be a new supporter of our beautification efforts, please

contact Rose Ponte at

860.675.2375

Picture yourself standing in Unionville center in the late nineteenth century. You notice smoke coming from one of the many factories or fine homes. As your neighbors gather to watch with you, the building burns to the ground. Recognizing the need for organized fire protection, the citizens of Unionville petitioned the state Legislature to form a fire district. On February 22, 1893, the CT House of Representatives created the Unionville Fire District and a few months later,a building lot was purchased at the foot of Lovely Street for $600. This firehouse which still stands today, was built in less than a year at a cost of approximately $4,000. It is now included in the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1899, to help support operations, the new Tunxis Hose Volunteer Fire Company voted to host its first field day and parade. Known today as the Fireman’s Jamboree, it welcomes thousands of people annually. By 1915, the company recognized that the hand drawn apparatus could no longer adequately protect the village, and the first fire truck was put into service at a cost of $7,900.

In 1955, Company firefighters were severely tested by a ruinous flood that swept through Unionville. Though the company was split in two due to washed out bridges, they successfully carried out many evacuations and calls for assistance. In 1960, over 500 people attended a dedication ceremony laying the cornerstone for the new Tunxis Hose Company fire station on School Street. Over the next several decades, firefighting technology advanced and new equipment was purchased. Today, Tunxis Hose Volunteer Fire Company No.1, together with the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department and East Farmington Volunteer Fire Department now comprise the Town of Farmington Fire Department (TFFD). This department has 175 firefighters that staff 17 fire apparatus out of five stations. In 2014, they answered 3,729 calls for firefighting, rescue, and medical service assistance to Farmington and its surrounding communities. Their members respond to a wide variety of emergency calls around the clock, while constantly training and furthering their education in all aspects of firefighting and emergency medical care. In July 2015, TFFD firefighters, along with the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, reached their $1M fundraising goal to secure land and raise money to build a 1,100 foot live fire training facility. This facility will allow firefighters the opportunity to practice working under live fire conditions.

The new pre-manufactured training facility will be located on Round Hill Road in Farmington on land purchased by the town and adjacent to the existing police firing range. The Departments will continue to fundraise to complete the installation of a water line and concrete site work at the facility. They plan to have the facility operational by spring 2016.

Tunxis Hose Company No.1Dedicated Volunteers Protecting Unionville Since 1893

TOP - TUNXIS HOSE COMPANY NO. 1 FOUNDING FIREMEN CELEBRATING “UNIONVILLE DAY,” SEPTEMBER 20, 1911 BOTTOM - EXAMPLE OF PROPOSED LIVE FIRE TRAINING FACILITY IN FARMINGTON

“CURE”, THE NEWEST MEMBER OF UNIONVILLE’SGROWING RESTAURANT & BAR SCENERose Ponte

7

2 BIG EVENTS... GREAT HOMETOWN MEMORIES!

Uni nville Festival SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

DOWNTOWN

UnionvilleJoin us for a day of fun!

FREE EVENTNOON TO 5PM - RAIN OR SHINE

FREE EVENT4 TO 6PM - SNOW OR SHINE

Festival takes place at the Gazebo, Union School, and along School, Platner and Mill Streets. Street parking is available around downtown or at Saint Mary’s Church parking lot.

Unionville’s biggest and best attended annual event for all ages returns for its 10th year!

Festivities include... Free train rides, pony rides & petting zooClowns, kids games, face painting Cookie and pumpkin decoratingFood & beverages from local restaurantsInformation booths from local businessesLive music & entertainmentDemonstrations, contests & give-a-waysUnionville Museum Open House

Also during the festival...5K Road Race & 1 Mile Kid Fun Run Organized by Farmington Rotary Clubwww.RotaryRoadRace.org

Family Friendly Bike Ride Sponsored by Bicycle Friendly Farmington www.bicyclefriendlyfarmington.org

Unionville’s Premiere Annual Downtown Holiday Celebration

Let us help you kick-off your holiday season!

Festivities include... Carol Sing & Refreshments

Unionville Museum Open House & Tree Exhibit Ornament Making & Cookie Decorating

“Reindeer” Games and Activities for kidsVisit from Santa at the Gazebo

For more information about these events, please visit www.UVIACT.org

5th Annual

Saturday, December 5, 2015in Downtown Unionville