By TOM DICKAU BRISTOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY This is the first of 10 articles to be written by Tom Dickau, president of the Bristol Historical Society and member of the Muzzy Field Anniversary Committee. Each article will be written to follow the history and activities of Muzzy Field through the decades. As Bristol celebrates the 10th anniversary of Muzzy Field, it seems appropriate to look back in history to understand what was situated on this site prior to the creation of this historic sports icon. Nestled in a picturesque valley between the Pequabuck River on the north and Park Street to its south were several groves of natural forest trees representing a wide variety including hickory, white oak, tulip, hemlock, pine, chestnut, sycamore, poplar, maple, and birch. Several streets in this area were originally named after these specimens but as development transpired these street names now have been dispersed throughout the city. Situated near the lines of the New York and New England Railroad, this setting, known as Hickory Park, with its protection from the winds by its forest and valley location, provided a natural and convenient setting for development as a recreational area. The Bristol and Plainville Tramway route, when [...]
By TOM DICKAU BRISTOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY This is the first of 10 articles to be written by Tom Dickau, president of the Bristol Historical Society and member of the Muzzy Field Anniversary Committee. Each article will be written to follow the history and activities of Muzzy Field through the decades. As Bristol celebrates the 10th anniversary of Muzzy Field, it seems appropriate to look back in history to understand what was situated on this site prior to the creation of this historic sports icon. Nestled in a picturesque valley between the Pequabuck River on the north and Park Street to its south were several groves of natural forest trees representing a wide variety including hickory, white oak, tulip, hemlock, pine, chestnut, sycamore, poplar, maple, and birch. Several streets in this area were originally named after these specimens but as development transpired these street names now have been dispersed throughout the city. Situated near the lines of the New York and New England Railroad, this setting, known as Hickory Park, with its protection from the winds by its forest and valley location, provided a natural and convenient setting for development as a recreational area. The Bristol and Plainville Tramway route, when [...]