For 21 years,
The Russian Lady was the hottest bar in downtown Hartford. It was behind the Civic Center where the Hartford Whalers played hockey and the University of Connecticut played basketball. But, in 1997 the Whalers announced that the franchise was moving to North Carolina and the bar closed. Its contents were sold off. The biggest loss was the sale of the 16-foot bronze "Mother Russia" statue that sat atop the building.
Two years ago the bar reopened with a new owner. Many of the original furnishings were repurchased and installed. "Mother Russia," however, was in a New York hotel and could not be bought back. So, the owners of
The Russian Lady had a replica made. Today it watches over the bar's patrons.
That's a good copy. Spirit is back, mood is back too; Things are saved!
ReplyDeleteLooks very nice.
ReplyDeleteVery nice and quite unespected on a building like this. Love the brickwork and also the wide windows!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous details! I also like the contrast to the brick walls.
ReplyDeleteShame they couldn't get the original back though!
ReplyDeleteThat's one way of recovering a lost icon!
ReplyDeleteSometimes a replica is better than nothing. Have you visited this bar on occasion? Love the entire facade!
ReplyDeleteShe's Russian but (since she's 'stoned') not in a hurry. Rushin' get it? Stupid joke.
ReplyDeleteI can see why they went to the trouble to duplicate it. That statue adds a lot to the building.
ReplyDeleteRussian Lady ll and her 'companions' make an interesting group Jack :) sounds like a great spot!
ReplyDeleteIt is too bad they couldn't get the original, but this one looks great and I, too, can see why they would want to duplicate it! Great shots for the day! Hope you have a great weekend, Jack! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Wonderful shots.
ReplyDeleteI like their desire to maintain the history of the place!
ReplyDeleteA peculiar statue, Jack!
ReplyDeleteCommunity landmarks are very important, it is good someone cared enough to bring this one back, even if they had to get a replica.
ReplyDeleteFlanked by the Earth Goddess and Rasputin?
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a comfortable, very traditional sort of watering hole. I hope the local birdlife doesn't make any editorial comments about the statuary.
ReplyDeleteShe looks mean.
ReplyDeleteNice photos and a interest story. Mother Russia looks like she is truly the person charge.
ReplyDeleteinteresting story!
ReplyDeleteyeah, maybe she does look a little bit mean...