A common laugh line around the Library these days runs
something like this: “I’ll take 3 books, 2 DVDs and a half pound of sliced
roast beef,” in reference to the former use of 21 Governor Street as a grocery
store. We find we can guess fairly accurately how long someone has lived in
town by how they refer to this space. Persistent questions led us to inquire of
Jack Sanders, Ridgefield’s inveterate chronicler of people and events, who
provided this chronology.
·
1959 The shopping complex opened, with this
space housing a First National Market (later re-branded as Finast).
·
1974 It became Grand Central Market, part of a
small chain that included the market still extant in Grand Central Terminal (perhaps
the source of the clock). It later became known as GranCentral, under which
name it closed in 1989.
·
1991 Hay Day Market opened.
·
2004 Balducci’s bought Hay Day and operated on the
site until 2009.
Contrary to popular belief, this space was never a
Woolworth's, which opened in 1960 on the other side of Ridgefield Music, where
the ophthalmologist and gym are now located. And there was never a movie
theater here. That is the building that used to stand at 25 Prospect Street –
and a story for another day!
2 comments:
It is good to read keep it up your work
Isn't it funny how places change so much and yet it's only the people who were around for those changes who remember exactly what happened?
I remember when our Springwood Library moved... it was sad as it was such a central place; and so close to where I lived. It's been moved twice and had one name change... silly to do that. I still know it as the Springwood Library, but it's now known as the Logan North Library (how formal can ya get?). And it used to be up the road from me - a mere 2 minute walk from my house - and now it's a good 20 minute walk away and right next to the local pool! The place smells like chlorine - yuk!
I just hope it's not moved again any time soon... they'd only move it further away. :(
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