December 28, 1849
Gilbert F. Heublein is born in Suhl in the German state of Bavaria to Andrew and Elena Heublein
1862
Andrew Heublein opens a restaurant in New Haven
1875
Gilbert Heublein and his fiancé, Louise M. Gundlach, are hiking on Talcott Mountain when Gilbert promises to one day build her a castle on the mountain.
September 18, 1879
A son, Arthur, is born. Arthur later becomes a doctor and works at Hartford Hospital, where he pioneers the use of X-rays and radium treatments for cancer patients. He is also the patron of a nursing school attached to Hartford Hospital.
1891
Heublein Hotel opens in Hartford, Connecticut
1914
Phase I ends
Phase I of the Tower’s construction is complete. It was designed by the Smith & Bassette architectural firm and built by T.R. Fox & Son
1919
Phase II Begins
Phase II of the Tower’s construction begins, adding the dining room, kitchen, servants’ bedrooms, and Gilbert’s sleeping porch. Phase II was designed by the architect Carl Malmfeldt.
1928
John G. Martin emigrates to the United States, giving up his dual (British/American) citizenship for only American citizenship, and becomes an A-1 Steak Sauce salesman in his grandfather’s company.
1932
John G. Martin becomes a vice president in G.F. Heublein & Bro.
1943
Heublein Tower is sold to the Hartford Times newspaper after John G. Martin discovers that $70,000 in back taxes is owed on the Tower. The Times intends to use the Tower as a broadcasting location and as a place to entertain important guests.
1950
Dwight D. Eisenhower, famous WWII general and then- president of Columbia University, visits the Tower to celebrate the naming of a terminal at Bradley Airport after Francis Murphy, editor of the Hartford Times. During his visit, Eisenhower is asked to run in the next presidential election by Murphy and a group of prominent local Republicans, including businessman Prescott Bush, the father and grandfather of the Presidents Bush.
1952
1973
The State begins restoring the Tower, which has suffered extensive vandalism while it was standing empty.
1985
The ‘Friends of Heublein Tower’ group is formed.
2007
Friends of Heublein Tower replace the rotted non-original porch window with original building correct doors, side-lites and round-top configuration
2010
Restoration of Gilbert’s bedroom leaded windows
2014
First annual Hike to the Mic music & arts happening
2014
100-Year Heublein Tower Centennial Gala
2015
Local Boy Scout Troops fabricate and install two trail kiosks
