Twenty years ago the Hartford Club was the place for Hartford's power brokers to gather for lunch.
These days, executives and politicians have less time for long lunches, companies don't
subsidize dues at private clubs, and lots of businesses are based in the suburbs, not downtown.
Membership has plummeted to a third of the 1998 total. The building needs a lot of work. The club owes years of back taxes. But, the State of Connecticut -- itself nearly broke -- has made a loan to the Hartford Club to help it repay the back taxes and fund some of the renovations.
BTW, here is a photograph of a photographer sculpture that I took at the New Britain Museum of Art two months ago. I was going to use it for the "photographing the photographer" theme, but I forgot!
The sculptor is Rube Goldberg. Honest. No joke.
BTW, here is a photograph of a photographer sculpture that I took at the New Britain Museum of Art two months ago. I was going to use it for the "photographing the photographer" theme, but I forgot!
The sculptor is Rube Goldberg. Honest. No joke.
What a unique sculpture, very creative. I've never seen one like this. Reminds me of the modern day photographer.
ReplyDeleteNot what one thinks of for Rube Goldberg! I like it for the theme, Jack!
ReplyDeleteI love the Rube Goldberg!
ReplyDeleteThat's another beautiful building - and a fun sculpture too.
ReplyDeleteI do like that sculpture Jack. The building is beautiful and I hope they can get back on their feet financially.
ReplyDeleteI think Private Clubs are on the decline everywhere Jack, they are a wee bit old hat these days. Love the sculpture but enjoyed your actual photographer more ☺
ReplyDeleteSo a club formed of the richest folks in town omit to pay their taxes, then they get the state to bail them out. Have I got this right?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building!
ReplyDeleteFine humor in the Goldberg sculpture, but not his typical work. The Hartford Club looks like something from another era.
ReplyDeleteThe era of buildings and groups like the Hartford Club is almost over but nostalgia seems to play in its favour since it certainly got a helpful financial boost. I'd like to see that sculpture myself.
ReplyDeleteWasn't aware of Mr. Goldberg's sculptural talents, but I like it!
ReplyDeleteI did not know Rube Goldberg was a sculptor.
ReplyDeleteSomething doesn't seem quite ethical about the state loaning money, so they can get paid back taxes owed? Only in Connecticut!
ReplyDeleteI love your Rube Goldberg. I didn't realize he was a sculptor. And I admit I'm less enamored of the idea of the state bailing out an exclusive club. I'll leave it at that.
ReplyDelete