Picture Enfield - Then And Now

ENFIELD, CT — If this week's look back into Enfield history seems familiar, it's because we generally run this photo every year during this time. However, it is appropriate to the season, and is one of the truest reflections of the many changes Enfield has undergone over the years.

This image from 1955, courtesy of a fabulous book of renowned local photographer Ed Malley's pictures compiled by his son Jim entitled Enfield: 1950-1980, features a look at how Pearl Street used to be during the holiday season. At that time, downtown Thompsonville merchants used to string holiday lights across the roadway.

Among the committee members who brought the holiday season to life downtown were Al LaRussa of LaRussa Appliance Store, Vincent Sferrazza of Vincent's Apparel, Myron Marek of Marek Jewelers and Robert Gray of Faber's World of Carpets.

This view has changed considerably in the last nearly seven decades. Here is a more contemporary look.