Trout Brook Tales

Chuck Coursey
  • 5.0 (15)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Exploring people, places and events throughout West Hartford's rich history. 

Episodes

  1. From Talcott Elementary to the Cabbage Patch Craze: How Coleco Turned a West Hartford School into Toy History

    12/22/2025

    From Talcott Elementary to the Cabbage Patch Craze: How Coleco Turned a West Hartford School into Toy 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.

    37 min
  2. The Life & Times of Inez Temple (1880-1945)

    08/02/2025

    The Life & Times of Inez Temple (1880-1945)

    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.

    46 min

  3. 05/18/2025

    West Hartford Immigrant Teens share their Experiences

    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.

    50 min

  4. 04/06/2025

    The History of AC Petersen Farms Restaurant & Andrew Christian Petersen

    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.

    52 min

  5. 12/06/2024

    The Stacks to Nowhere & West Hartford's Unbuilt Interstate 291 Highway

    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.

    40 min

  6. 11/22/2024

    The History of Elizabeth Park

    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.

    56 min

  7. 08/07/2024

    Hartford Circus Fire Survivor Nancy Spada Shares Her Story

    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.

    39 min

  8. 07/04/2024

    The Hamilton Heights/West Hill Neighborhood

    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.

    1h 6m

  9. 05/05/2024

    Luna Park

    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.

    47 min

  10. 03/13/2024

    Pre Colonial West Hartford

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

    38 min

  11. 01/31/2024

    Frank Lloyd Wright's New Theater

    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.

    43 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Exploring people, places and events throughout West Hartford's rich history. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chuck Coursey
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Chuck Coursey
  • Show Website
    Trout Brook Tales

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