May 3, 1991

On April 28 fire destroyed an old 2,900-square-foot barn on the Currituck Road farm belonging to Andy Sedor. Damage estimated at $100,000 included farm equipment that was destroyed. There were no injuries, but Fire Chief Edgar Beers said a horse, a calf, and a goat were killed. The fire started from a malfunctioning light bulb. The old farm, which includes a 1712 house, was formerly a dairy farm, now is used for raising calves and producing hay.

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The state House of Representatives unanimously approved Newtown's agreement with the state to host a jail here. The state Senate must now consider the pact. In exchange for hosting a $52 million, 400-cell jail, Newtown has settled on terms that will lessen the jail's impact on the community. Main terms of the agreement included tax reimbursement, a Route 25 bypass, cooperation between state and local emergency services, and a conveyance of 75 acres of state land to the town.

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Kites filled the sky over Ram Pasture last Sunday at the annual Newtown Bee-Parks and Recreation Kite Contest. Storm clouds had moved in, but that was a benefit to kite flyers as the wind picked up and remained steady for the afternoon. Parents and children found it easy to launch their kites and keep them afloat. Approximately 100 kite flyers and attendees showed up and spread out from Hawley Pond down Elm Drive.

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Police are investigating a crash at the flagpole on Main Street on April 25, which left a man injured, metal twisted, and the League of Women Voters without a speaker. James F. Altham Jr of Hamden was traveling west on Church Hill Road, turning onto Main Street, when he reportedly hit a truck's driver's side fuel tank. The truck pushed Mr Altham into the north-bound lane. He was scheduled to be one of the League's speakers, but he never made it.

 May 6, 1966

SHAMEFUL! Residents and taxpayers of Newtown are shocked and outraged by the rampant vandalism at A. Fenn Dickinson Memorial Park. Two stone fireplaces have been destroyed and the refreshment stand has been broken into repeatedly. Last weekend 125 feet of nylon rope was stolen. Replacement of these items costs time and money. If you know who the culprits are, call police or William A. Honan Jr, park commission chairman.

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The Little League Baseball season opens this Saturday morning at the Italian Community Center on Route 34, Sandy Hook. Play is scheduled to start about 10 o'clock. A big cheering section would be a big boost to the teams.

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The Bee is very glad to learn that Art Smith, the Town Hall manager, who is a surgical patient at Yale New Haven Hospital, is making satisfactory progress.

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Work was started about two weeks ago on the pavilion at A. Fenn Dickinson Memorial Park. Since that time a great deal more has been accomplished by contractor-builder John E. Stefanko and the building will be ready well in advance of the set date of completion of July 1. The Parks and Recreation Commission members will meet at the park on Monday and check on progress.

 May 2, 1941

With the appearance of red, white and blue cartons in Newtown schools on April 24, the school children's defense material collections tournament, sponsored by the Newtown Committee for Child Refugees, was officially underway. Committee members who placed the receptacles for salvaged metal foil in the schools explained how the purpose of the foil and the cash realized from its sale would be used. Committee members reported both children and teachers enthusiastically eager to aid in the defense and relief work made possible by salvaging.

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Due to the prompt response of the Hawleyville Fire Company, the home of Mrs Julia M. Hawley was saved from serious damage Tuesday afternoon. The blaze, discovered by town road men, started inn the attic and its spread was checked only by the firemen's quick arrival. Valuable antiques, stored in the attic, were saved from serious damage, although a large portion of the roof was destroyed. Miss Hawley, who was out at the time, arrived home shortly after the fire was discovered.

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Notice is given by Dog Warden John Sedor that all dogs not properly licensed will be taken into custody after May 1. Not only will these dogs be taken into custody, Mr Sedor warns they will be promptly disposed of. He states that owners have had plenty of warning that May 1 is the deadline for a 1941 license and he intends to carry out the letter of the law on all unlicensed dogs.

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The State Development Commission has just issued a most attractive booklet, "Connecticut Invites You." The pamphlet is illustrated with scenic photographs and a few brief sentences of praise by by celebrities living in Connecticut. Raymond B. Fosdick of Newtown is quoted.

April 28, 1916

If you want to see a real wild west scene with rough riders and cowboys, be sure and take in "Knight of the Range" tonight at the Town Hall. Next Thursday "The Sphynx," a five-reel photo play, will be presented together with two comedies. Newtown people have never had an opportunity to see moving picture shows of this kind here at home before.

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Postmaster Robert and Edward Bradley and Dr Kersey put in a night fishing, Wednesday. They came back loaded down with enough fish to start a market.

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The third game of basketball in the series being played by Newtown and Sandy Hook will take place on Friday evening at the Town Hall. Both teams have won a game and it looks as though it would be "some game."

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Town Road Improvements Day. Saturday of this week will be the day for the men of various districts to get together and improve the roads of their districts. The more that cooperate on that day, the more will be done, and the sooner the town will have more better roads.

Please consider sharing your old photographs of people and places from Newtown or Sandy Hook with The Newtown Bee readers. Images can be e-mailed to kendra@thebee.com, or brought to the office at 5 Church Hill Road to be scanned. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date.