Picture Enfield - Then And Now

ENFIELD, CT — Today's look back at Enfield history, courtesy of the Facebook group Picture Enfield, is a bit different than the norm, as we look at a business which is still thriving to this day, albeit with a somewhat different look.

Smyth's Softserv opened in the new shops on Palomba Dr. in 1977. Owned by Charlie Manzone, the shop, now known as Smyth's Ice Cream, has been one of Enfield's favorite spots for cold refreshments for more than four decades.

For many years, Sicilian immigrant Charles Rinaldi owned and operated Charlie's Barber Shop in town. After a quarter-century on the northeast corner of High and Pearl streets, his final dozen years in business were next door to Smyth's, until his retirement in 1997. He died Feb. 13, 1999 at age 74. Note: thank you Richard Tatoian for the clarification.

Other barber shops occupied the former Charlie's spot over the last two decades, including Dean's, owned by Dean Burger, and Mane Haircutters, owned by Bill Aloisa. Several years ago, that storefront became part of the Smyth's operation.

I have very little recollection of the other businesses listed above the ice cream stand: Village Hairdresser (which I know was in the plaza for many years), Prop-R Walk Shoes, Affordable Furniture and Secure Technology Inc. Perhaps our readers can enlighten us on some of those shops.

Here is a more contemporary look at Smyth's, courtesy of Google Maps.

Last week's trivia answer:
Last week's trivia question was, "During my freshman year, what was located directly across from the main entrance to the school grounds?" Somewhat of a trick question, since ninth grade was still housed in the two junior high schools in 1979. Therefore, as a Kosciuszko student, directly across from the entrance driveway (close to where 5 Guys is now) was the Riverview Plaza, featuring Riverview Dairy and DiMartino's Giant Grinders (and trust me, Frank DiMartino certainly made 'em big!). Several people had the correct answer, with Jane Zbikowski (um, Vasseur was much easier) being first. Unfortunately, I have no photos of DiMartino's; if anyone has one, please send it along.

This week's trivia question:
A 2-part question about Riverview Dairy: a) it is nowhere near a river, but to which river was it closest; and b) who owned and operated the shop? Post the answer in the comments section below (we'll see who follows directions).

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