Bristol Historical Society

Bristol Historical Society Bristol Historical Society

The mission of the Bristol Historical Society is to promote an interest in local history and encourage an appreciation for its importance. The Bristol Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets significant historical resources to enhance the present community and provide a historical context for future growth.

June 18 - Morrison JewelerMorrison Jewelers was located at 184 Main Street. It was owned by Edward Robert Morrison, who ...
06/19/2026

June 18 - Morrison Jeweler

Morrison Jewelers was located at 184 Main Street. It was owned by Edward Robert Morrison, who ran the shop from 1939 to 1954.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

June 17 - Frank Dobrowolski, TailorFrank Dobrowolski was a local tailor for about 50 years. He opened his business at 16...
06/18/2026

June 17 - Frank Dobrowolski, Tailor

Frank Dobrowolski was a local tailor for about 50 years. He opened his business at 162 North Main Street in 1930 and stayed there for 25 years when he moved to the bottom of West Street for the remainder of his career.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

June 16 - Bride's Barber & Beauty ShopBride’s Barber and Beauty Shop was located at 192 Main Street for over 50 years, f...
06/17/2026

June 16 - Bride's Barber & Beauty Shop

Bride’s Barber and Beauty Shop was located at 192 Main Street for over 50 years, from roughly 1910 to 1961. The shop was owned by James Gorman Bride. An announcement for a new stylist is shown here.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

June 15 - Petke Funeral HomePetke Funeral Home was located at 328 West Street. It was owned by Robert August Petke. He f...
06/16/2026

June 15 - Petke Funeral Home

Petke Funeral Home was located at 328 West Street. It was owned by Robert August Petke. He first worked at Alderson Funeral Home in Waterbury and then at Funk’s, before opening his own funeral parlor in 1936. Petke was deeply involved in the Bristol community, serving as the Bristol city clerk from 1965 to 1971. He was also a founding coach of the McCabe-Waters Little League. He ran the Immanuel Lutheran Hour on WBIS for 40 years. Petke’s Funeral Home was in operation into the 1980s.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

June 14 - Eldorado DinerThe Eldorado Diner was located at 651 Farmington Avenue (the part of the Stop & Shop shopping ce...
06/15/2026

June 14 - Eldorado Diner

The Eldorado Diner was located at 651 Farmington Avenue (the part of the Stop & Shop shopping center closer to the road). It was owned, starting in the 1950s, by Anthony “Tony” Christopher and his son, Richard A. Christopher. After the diner was sold to Carpenter Construction in the mid-1970s, Richard Christopher also owned Christopher’s Contemporary Furniture. The diner was an iconic Bristol destination while it was in operation.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

Should we stay or should we go?The Tory and the Patriot will debate whether or not we should join the American Revolutio...
06/13/2026

Should we stay or should we go?

The Tory and the Patriot will debate whether or not we should join the American Revolution tomorrow at the 250 Celebration on Federal Hill Green. The event is from 1pm to 4pm!

June 12 - Johnny's Package StoreJohnny’s Package Store originally opened at 90 Burlington Avenue shortly after World War...
06/13/2026

June 12 - Johnny's Package Store

Johnny’s Package Store originally opened at 90 Burlington Avenue shortly after World War II, when owner John F. Kriscenski Sr. returned from serving in the South Pacific theater. Kriscenski used the military wages he saved to start the business. He would eventually move his store to Terryville Avenue in the later part of the 1960s. Kriscenski was well known for making his deliveries in his signature blue 1955 Chevy Van and for always having 100 cold cases of beer in stock. John Kriscenski retired from the package store business in 1972 and worked for the City of Bristol until his retirement. He passed away in 1999.

We are grateful for John’s son, Richard for providing us the information and a copy of the advertisement.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

June 11 - S & L Fabric StoreS & L Fabric Store was originally founded by two sisters, Sophie L. Baba and Lucy Alice Baba...
06/12/2026

June 11 - S & L Fabric Store

S & L Fabric Store was originally founded by two sisters, Sophie L. Baba and Lucy Alice Baba in 1947. It was located first at 185 Main Street and later moved to 47 North Main Street. In 1950 they sold the store to Louis E. Venatori. He was also a VP and national sales manager for the Husqvarna Viking-White Sewing Machine Company of Sweden out of their Cleveland, Ohio office. He was married to Lanesta Harriet “Lynne” Humphrey and the two ran the fabric store until 1961, when the store closed.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

June 10 - Mayfair Upholstering Co.The Mayfair Upholstering Company was originally located at 23-25 Laurel Street when it...
06/11/2026

June 10 - Mayfair Upholstering Co.

The Mayfair Upholstering Company was originally located at 23-25 Laurel Street when it was opened in the 1960s by Francis P. Lupo. Redevelopment moved the store to 479 North Main Street. When that new building was slated for demolition, the store moved again, this time to the West End. The shop was run by Lupo and his wife Rose, who ran it for 31 years, until Frank Lupo’s retirement in 1996. Lupo’s son would take over the everyday running of the store.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

June 9 - Avenue Meat CenterAvenue Meat Center was located at 70 Farmington Avenue in the 1970s (next door to Harvest Bak...
06/10/2026

June 9 - Avenue Meat Center

Avenue Meat Center was located at 70 Farmington Avenue in the 1970s (next door to Harvest Bakery). The store was opened by Solomon “Sonny” Johnsky, who worked as a meat cutter before opening the market in his 1950s.

Bristol's history has no shortage of industrial achievement. For 2026, however, we will focus on the retail businesses in Bristol. From restaurants to shoe stores, from jewelers to theaters, these businesses often made up the fabric of daily life in Bristol and served as an important sector of its economy.

Address

98 Summer Street
Bristol, CT
06010

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(860) 583-6309

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