In 1903, there were convoluted discussions about whether or not to install a sidewalk on the north side of Capitol Avenue between Laurel and Willow (RIP) streets. The loading docks were on the north side. There were questions about how far people would have to walk from the trolley. Some fretted, believing that adding a sidewalk would entice people to “seek the railroad tracks.” Despite there being a densely populated nearby neighborhood of factory workers, some claimed there was no need to make it more walkable. And then, as is the epitome of Hartford, it is revealed that there had actually been a plan to deal with this five years prior, but some delay ensued. Of course it did.
Also in 1903, The Automatic Refrigerating Company was created on Capitol Avenue. It acquired the Hartford Woven Wire Mattress Co. building at Laurel and Capitol in 1916 after occupying part of it for several years.
It ceased manufacturing in 1927, switching its attention to mechanical contracting, and in 1969, changed its name to TARCO. Three years later, ACMAT of East Hartford (originally Acoustical Materials Corp. of Hartford) acquired TARCO.
