| 15-17 Pitkin
Street, according to the Town of Manchester land records, dates back to at least
1815 and may be as old as 1760 when Manchester was still part of
Orford Parish and the Town of East Hartford. Originally part of the
Cone family's wagon manufacturing facility, the post and beam
structure was used to make and
repair wagon wheels. The Bluestone Wheelwright Template still survives on the
property.
Subsequent uses of this
commercial property include the Larrabee Barber Shop which many
residents still remember patronizing. Lee Bogli and Dave Smith
remember having their haircuts here as young boys. Dave Smith, a
lifetime resident of the neighborhood and his mother Fran
Smith, also remember seeing Mr. Larrabee ride his horse around the
neighborhood to the delight of all children. Larrabee
owned the adjoining residence and barn and kept his horse there. He lived at 17 Pitkin
Street, the second door that
you see in this picture.
Prior to the
barbershop, it is rumored to have been a tea shop due to its
beautiful surroundings and convenient location. This has yet to be
verified but we like the story!
In the recent past, the
structure served as George Kanehl's CPA Practice for nearly 40
years and The Nels Johnson Insurance Agency for a short time.
Presently, the building is proudly occupied by
Burke Mortgage. Stop
in!
John Burke would like to thank
his wife Peta for the installation and upkeep of the beautiful
flower boxes that you see in this picture!
For more information call Burke Lending / Burke Mortgage.
 Call Today!
(860) 649-LEND (5363)
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