Updated February 2019
On a recent unseasonably warm, sunny winter day I spent an afternoon in Hartford visiting the Wadsworth Atheneum and strolling through the surrounding neighborhood. Right next to the Atheneum is the Hartford Municipal Building which I hadn’t paid close attention to before.
Nine random facts, in no particular order:
- When it opened in 1915, it replaced the Old State House as the seat of City government. Since the Old State House was still referred to as City Hall, the new building was dubbed the Municipal Building.
- A portion of the land for the building was deeded to the City by J. Pierpont Morgan, also a major benefactor of the Wadsworth.
- The cornerstone of the building was laid by Mayor Louis R. Cheney on July 9, 1912, and at its completion the building was dedicated over a three-day period including addresses, musical performances and reciting of prayers.
Getting closer now… - In the late 1930s a “detective laboratory” was set up in the building to investigate tuberculosis, a major killer of young people at that time.
- The building was designated as Hartford’s first fallout shelter during the Cold War, one of 190 around the state.
- The massive front door and surround is made entirely of bronze. The insignia above the door is the City Seal, with its motto “Post Nubila Phoebus” or “After the clouds sun”.
And closest! - The building was designed by local architects Davis & Brooks in the Beaux-Arts style and reflects many of its characteristics: a flat roof, arched windows, classical details and symmetry among others. This style was especially popular in the U.S. from 1880-1920. A well-known example of the style is Grand Central Station in NYC.
- The only woodwork in the building is the inside office doors, which are mahogany, as well as the sash and frames.
- The interior is highlighted by a large atrium of 25 x 150 feet, lit from above with a skylight extending the length of the building. It also features decorative panels detailing the city’s history.
Thanks to Karen O’Maxfield and her site about Hartford landmarks that informed much of this post. Stop into the Municipal Building the next time you’re in Hartford and see the stunning interior for yourself and while you’re at it pop into the Wadsworth on one side, or visit the Hartford Public Library on the other. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
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[x_author title=”About the Author”]
My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
A very handsome building, with magnificent doors!
Goergeous building Deb and the door is just amazing – I assumed it was made of wood until I read a little further, all that detail in bronze must be stunning – love the crest and motto too!
Thank you Jane! The bronze is truly a work of art!
Beautiful doors, frame, and insignia!
Thanks so much Richard! The entire building is a treasure 🙂
I love wooden doors!
janet
Classy door to say the very least. 🙂
Yes for sure!!
I love that motto ‘After the clouds sun’. Maybe I should put it above my own door, just to remind me that we do get the odd sunny day here in Ireland. 😉
Good idea! Does the lack of sun bother you? Not sure if you have always lived there.
Beautiful door and building. I love the motto.
Thanks Deborah! I thought it was a great motto too.
Gorgeous stuff. I really love bronze doors. I rarely see them, maybe that’s why, but no one can deny their stunning intricate detail, hm? Love the emblem as well. Great share 🙂
I didn’t get an email for this post, so I’m going to re-subscribe. There was another post of yours recently, where I thought, “Huh, I must have missed that,” but this isn’t in my email either. Anyway, I’ll sign up again and have a poke around.
I’m sorry there are so many quirks with my site! Not sure what’s going on there?? Grrr. Wish I was an IT person. Thanks so much for catching up on my posts!
The bronze door is truly stunning. I don’t think they are too common, so when you see one you gotta appreciate it!
Wow. Just wow. I would love to see this one up close.
*Pulls out pen and adds this to ever-growing list* 🙂
Oh, you have a list like that too?? 😉 Guess that’s one reason why it’s so great to share – we’ll never get to everyplace!
I’ll try to remember a few of these to impress my friend (who lives in the Bushnell) the next time I visit. It always amazes me that we drive by these buildings knowing very little about them. Thanks for sharing the back story on this building Deb.
So very true! I just love to walk and really soak everything in – the camera forces me to pay attention and I’m always glad it did 🙂 so your friend lives in the Bushnell??