WEST
HARTFORD HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Dedication of Historic Plaque to
West Hill Historic District
Saturday, May 14, 2005
On Saturday, May 14th, the Honorable Mayor Scott Slifka unveiled the West Hill Historic District plaque in an official ceremony. The plaque, which gives a brief outline of the historic importance of the area, was installed on the island located near the east entrance (in front of 5, 6 and 9 West Hill Drive). This is a significant tribute to the extraordinary history and character of the neighborhood.
Ellsworth Grant was on hand as an honorary guest and will share entertaining stories about the neighborhood and its history. His father, Horace Grant, is given credit for the concept of the West Hill development along with his co-developer Stanley Dimock. Horace Grant built the home that family lived in for many years at 36 West Hill Drive.
Ellsworth Grant is an accomplished journalist, politician, filmmaker, author and historian and served as mayor of West Hartford from 1969 to 1973. Ellsworth Grant's first foray into publishing occurred as a young boy when he published the West Hill Gazette on a Kelsey press in the basement of his home at 36 West Hill.
ABOUT THE WEST HILL DRIVE HISTORIC DISTRICT
Laid out in 1919 by developers Stanley Dimock and Horace Grant on the site of the Cornelius J. Vanderbilt, Jr. estate, of which only the brownstone wall and piers remain. One of the town's most fashionable subdivisions, the developers' criteria required use of leading architects of the day including Cortland F. Luce, designer of 13 homes. A narrow roadway, hidden utilities, and predominant use of brick or stucco in the Tudor and Colonial Revival styles, create a sense of unity and harmony. Nearly all of the houses date to the 1920s. In recognition of its history and aesthetic character, the town created this historic district in 1988 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
jessica Colliton, Chair
West Hartford Historic District Commission
Tel. (860) 586-8680
