Welcome to the Parkville Historic District, a vibrant enclave teeming with rich history and cultural diversity. Nestled on the west side of Hartford, Connecticut, Parkville is a testament to the resilience and evolution of a community that has transformed from pastoral farmland to a bustling urban district.
The story of Parkville began in the 19th century when it was primarily farmland, one of Hartford’s last areas to develop. The neighborhood’s initial residents, mostly rural farmers, felt over-taxed compared to the industrial areas nearby and even attempted to secede from Hartford. However, the tides of change were on the horizon. In 1873, Michael Kane established a brickyard off New Park Avenue, marking the dawn of industrial development. The Kane Brickyard flourished, becoming a leading supplier of bricks for major projects like Trinity College and the Connecticut State Capitol.
The turn of the 20th century brought a wave of industrialization with factories like the Pope Manufacturing Company, Underwood Typewriter Company, and Royal Typewriter Company setting up shop. Hartford earned the nickname ‘Typewriter Capital of the World,’ as highly skilled jobs in these factories attracted waves of immigrants, including Irish, French-Canadian, Scandinavian, and German communities.
As you stroll through Parkville today, you might pass by Real Art Ways, a cultural hub housed in the former Underwood Typewriter building. This venue exemplifies Parkville’s ongoing transformation, blending its industrious past with a modern creative spirit.
Parkville has also been a melting pot of cultures. After World War II, the neighborhood saw an influx of Portuguese immigrants, followed by Brazilians, Puerto Ricans, and Caribbean communities, adding layers to its cultural fabric. Walk down Park Street, often referred to as New England’s Spanish Main Street, and you’ll feel the vibrant pulse of these communities.
Despite the challenges posed by the construction of Interstate 84 and the migration of middle-class families to the suburbs, Parkville has retained its unique identity, thriving as a diverse and historically rich neighborhood.
