Hartford Department Stores: Wise-Smith, Korvette's

This video is about Wise, Smith & Company, a department store in Hartford, Connecticut that existed from 1897 to 1954. I talk about the buildings that came before Wise-Smith and the various structures the company erected over the years. I also talk about the Hartford branch of E. J. Korvette, which occupied the Wise-Smith building from 1957 to 1971.
#hartford #hartfordct #departmentstore #departmentstores #ejkorvette #oldhartford #historicbuildingsct
Som of the images used in this video are from the Connecticut Historical Society, the Connecticut State Library and the Hartford History Center at the Hartford Public Library, including:
Parade at the inauguration of Governor Ingersoll, Main Street, Hartford: hdl.handle.net/...
Entrance to the Hartford Theater, 937 Main Street, Hartford: hdl.handle.net/...
Demolition of Roberts Opera House, 937 Main Street, Hartford: hdl.handle.net/...
Roberts Opera House, 937 Main Street, Hartford: hdl.handle.net/...
Main St. looking north, milk team, William H. Lockwood blizzard photo: hdl.handle.net/...
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[@richardhoner7842]

The history is fascinating. I appreciate your attention to detail. My grandfather worked at Wise Smith from the 20’s to 50’s. His name was William Bronkhorst. Thanks again!

[@historywithdansterner263]

Thanks!

[@alkalinemk1588]

Cool video, i love Hartford history and architecture. Its a bummer nowadays everything is made with fiber board and plastic.

[@Aaron.Davis56]

So many memories of watching your channel. I was born in Hartford's north end and still nearby. When I saw Korvette, I thought LPs ... LOL. My son's mother worked for AA in that building. I remember taking the K bus to the Strand theater and all the other stores you mentioned in other videos when I was a kid for a quarter. I was born in 1956 on Bedford ST

[@historywithdansterner263]

Thanks for watching!

[@sgnakos]

Excellent video, Dan. I greatly enjoyed your past video on the history of the Dutch Point power plant. Would you consider a video on the history of the Conland highway? I have fond memories of my mother and I taking it to shop downtown in the 50's. thanks.

[@historywithdansterner263]

I'll keep it in kind. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@brooke4829]

Thank you for sharing this video! In researching the history of my house, I found that the original owner ( a single woman named Ella) was the head of marketing/merchandising at WS&C in the 1940s. I've been trying to find out as much information about her time there as possible!

[@historywithdansterner263]

Is the house in Hartford?

[@brooke4829]

West Hartford on Sedgwick Road. While she worked at WS&C her name was Ella Duncan and Ella Trombley ( she was briefly married) @@historywithdansterner263

[@laurab1770]

I have enjoyed your history videos. I had forgotten about Korvettes. I shopped mostly at G.Fox,Brown Thompson, and Sage-Allen (and a few smaller stores) from the late 60’s until the opening of Westfarms Mall.

[@williammacdonnell6965]

Another great presentation. Many thanks!

[@markdressler8466]

This is a great documentary. Thank you!

[@junkandthangs]

Great Video Dan, thanks

[@williammacdonnell6965]

What is the story of Brown Thompson’s?

[@historywithdansterner263]

I'll be getting to that one soon!