Picture South Windsor - Then And Now

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Once again, we return to the pages of a wonderful picture book entitled Images of America: South Windsor, compiled in 2017 by Claire Lobdell for the Wood Memorial Library & Museum. The book, containing 128 pages of fascinating photos from the town's history, is available for purchase at the library's museum store here.

One building which has remained relatively intact is this structure at 1559 Main Street. Built in 1916 (according to the book) or 1919 (according to town property records), the 3,720 square-foot, 2-story, Greek Revival-style building served as headquarters for Evergreen Masonic Lodge No. 114. The lodge was built on the site of the first church led by Rev. Timothy Edwards east of the Connecticut River.

The lodge was the first permanent home for Masons in South Windsor. Previously, members had gathered at private homes or in churches.

Now known as the Hartford Evergreen Lodge No. 88, the exterior of the building looks relatively unchanged since this undated photograph, save for some landscaping in front. Here is a more contemporary look at the property, courtesy of the South Windsor Assessor's Office.

Do you have a photo of an old South Windsor business which no longer exists, to which you own the rights and which we could feature in this column? Email tim.jensen@patch.com.

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