Additional details: constructed in its entirety (1865-1866 and 1875) by Brown & Valentine; made of Portland free stone; bell installed, 1871; the height of the steeple reached 185’, 200’, 220’, 225’, 226’, or 230’; lightning rod put into place, late August 1875; clock faces added during construction of spire, 1875; clock installed by Seth Thomas Company, 1897. The addition of the steeple made Asylum Hill Congregational Church one of the tallest buildings in Hartford as late as July 1897. Fun fact: the church site is 79’ above sea level, which puts the top of the steeple between 264’ and 309’ above sea level. Estimated cost: $19,000 or $20,000. |
