Boom Box Unofficial Reviewing Stands

Boom Box parade: Some Thoughts

Granted,Windham has a most unique parade . Year after year thousands come out to enjoy or participate in a parade of the people and for the people on America's birthday.  An independent event on America's Independence Day.

If you are into straight lines and synchronization The Boom Box ain't for you. If you are an 

aficionado of whimsy, irreverence and slither the Boom Box is a must.

Lining up for 10 AM opening

Beside being the greatest parade in the world, it's cheap. No paid parking, no bleachers or reviewing stands.The only status symbol that I discern is grabbing a viewing spot under the many maple trees along Main St. Early arrival is the key to not broiling during the one plus hour parade.

If comfort is in your plans, visit what I consider, the Boom Box's unofficial reviewing stand. The patio of The Main Street Cafe/Willi Brew. Enjoy brunch, a cup of coffee( in real cups) or one of their world famous brews (No Styrofoam here.)

Waiting for the parade to begin

Enjoying comfort class on the Will Brew patio isn't just good food and drink. The boom box music seems louder, The Traveling Fish Head Club of Northeast Connecticut seems to add a slither or two to their forward motion,  the baton twirlers twirl more and throw higher, the gymnasts add to their bounce and the hula hoops rotates faster.  The synchronize marching units almost become synchronized. All advantages that come with being at ground zero of a parade.

And what does it cost? Nothing more then your food and drink tab. A little planning and a half hour wait for the doors to open. Those that have been taking advantage of the Willi Brew patio for watching the Boom Box Parade arrive at 9:30 AM and wait for the doors on the East and West side of the building to open exactly at 10 AM. Get your seat and  enjoy the festivities waiting  for the 11 AM roll out of the next  Boom Box Parade 

More Pictures

Former YMCA Purchased

Former YMCA sold by DeVivo family

Former YMCA  to Become High School for Disengaged Students

Hartford-based non-profit, Our Piece of the Pie®, Inc. (OPP®) has purchased the former YMCA building located at 832 Main Street, Willimantic as the intended site for newly approved State Charter School “Path Academy.” The former YMCA building is located in a B-1 Zoning district which includes zoning for schools. OPP is working with Connecticut-based Crosskey Architects LLC for architectural and engineering services to ensure a layout that is conducive to the unique school model.

The Charter High School is expected to open in the fall of 2014 initially serving 120 students aged 14 to 24. Projected enrollment for 2015 is 200 students. In addition to Windham students the Path Academy will be populated by students from 19 sending towns.The mission of Path Academy is to re-engage over-age, under-credited students, supporting them in a supportive environment.

Bob Rath

In announcing the successful purchase of the former YMCA from the DeVivo family, President and CEO, Bob Rath said, "This building truly fits the vision that we have for serving the youth of this region.” 

Previously Our Piece of the Pie planned to purchase and renovate the former Jillson Cinamas.




A more detailed look at the proposed Path Academy  
Path Academy Application for Charter
Original story from Conn Mirror

Developer Purchases Main St Building

An announcement is expected within days of the purchase of a downtown building for reuse. We have not verified  the exact building but it will be one of the following:

Former YMCA Building

Former Willimantic Trust Building

Claire's Italian Garden June 9, 2013

Claire's Italian Garden

Clair's Italian Garden

Dick Kelly has never stopped giving to Windham
It's about time we recognize him

Italian Garden, a fixture on Main St Willimantic for over fifty years was known for the best pizza and pasta in our world. It was common occurrence to see several tour buses parked in front of the restaurant. Usually alighting, visiting athletes on their way or leaving an UConn athletic event. Big East Basketball teams seem to camp out at IG's especially if the couches last name was Pitino. Massimino or Carnescsca.

Between 1975 and 1985 Claire Meikle served up the best pasta and salads seven days a week Along with friendly advice, a big smile and a little gossip she managed to keep a constant flow of hungry customers happy, In addition she recorded the coming and going of her most favorite customers with her Kodak Pocket Instamatic.

Today we add the 16th batch of nearly 1400 photos that Clair will share with us. Please help us identify the unknowns in the comment section. Thankyou

Flickr, the  company that provides the software for Claire's Italian Garden, has changed the format and just about everything else of this site. You may notice that it runs slower and there are an assortment of problems. For this we say sorry but can't do anything about it.  Hopefully things improve or they go back to the old Flickr. Thankyou

Visit Claire's Italian Garden