January 8, 1999

HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER of Belinda Lockwood.

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Newtown continued its recent trend of budget surpluses during the 1997-98 fiscal year. A recent audit reported $1.17 million in leftover cash. So does this mean property owners were overtaxed by the town last year? Not necessarily, say town officials. They remind taxpayers that budget surpluses are normal and always come as good news. The report indicates the surplus was due to higher than expected revenue and less spending. According to Finance Director Ben Spragg, any remaining money is simply used to offset taxes the following year. For the upcoming budget, residents will have an especially nice cushion.

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Firefighters responded to the fourth local house fire in a five-week period early on New Year’s Day, extinguishing a blaze that extensively damaged a Pebble Road home, according to Fire Marshal George Lockwood. Botsford, Newtown Hook and Ladder, Sandy Hook, and Dodgingtown firefighters went to the 4:50 am call at the Savo residence where the fire caused an estimated $110,000 in damage to the building and its contents. One resident was treated for first-degree burns to their shoulder and smoke inhalation. Another was treated for smoke inhalation.

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The local post office may not be the first place people think of when they want to view fine art, but in Newtown it just happens to be the latest location teachers and students in Newtown High School have found to utilize. Currently on view in the main lobby of Newtown’s United States Post Office, on Commerce Road, is a selection of handmade postcards by high school students. The postcards, including their stamps, were each designed and constructed by students for an art class project.

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Margot Hall loves her job as the town’s probate judge, so she was all smiles after being sworn into office for a third term Tuesday afternoon. The longtime Newtown resident was sworn in by Town Clerk Cindy Simon. Also being sworn in was Peggy Gross, the probate clerk. Mrs Hall ran unopposed for reelection. She became the town’s probate judge in 1991. Prior to that she served as probate clerk for judge Merlin Fisk for 12 years. Before that she was an assistant clerk under Ben Blanchard for a couple years.

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Jennifer Holloway knew from the time she was attending Pomperaug High School in Southbury that she was interested in biology. She worked as a nurse’s aide in the former River Glen nursing home and thought that someday she might become a nurse like her mother. “My mother said that if I was really interested in medicine, I should become a doctor — so I did,” Dr Holloway, 29, said. … It wasn’t until she was attending Fairfield University for her undergraduate degree that she really made up her mind. … After graduating from medical school in 1995, and doing her internship and residency at Penn State Hospital in Hershey, Penn., she joined the practice of Peter D. Licht, MD, and his wife, Susan K. Licht, a certified physician assistant, in the Newtown Professional Center at 172 Mt Pleasant Road in Newtown in August. The family practice encompasses primary care, internal medicine, and occupational medicine.

January 4, 1974

After 18 years of talking on the phone, Myrtle VonBank, head switchboard operator at the Town Hall, has decided she has had enough conversation and is retiring. “I was going to work until I made my first million, but I haven’t made it yet, so I’m quitting,” was the reason she jokingly told this reporter she was leaving her job. And then seriously said she felt it was time to retire and enjoy life by puttering around home. Mrs VonBank has been head operator since she was appointed by First Selectman Charles Terrill, and during her stint on the switchboard she has managed to work all shifts of the 24-hour day, enjoying every minute of it, and getting to know many Newtowners, at least by their voices.

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The gavel passed from father to son last Saturday night at Hiram Lodge 18 in Sandy Hook during installation ceremonies. Taking part were Donald J. Miller, outgoing Master; Thomas M. Sneddon, PM, installation team; Robert W. Miller, new Master; and John E. Foster, PM, DD2A, also a member of the installation team. The father-son team is among the first to complete the necessary steps to the Oriental Chair and is an honor for Hiram Lodge. The new master and his slate of officers promise a full and eventful 1974. Following the installation, refreshments were served by Myra Chapter 113, Order of Eastern Star.

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The Bee is proud to announce the arrival of the First Baby of the New Year born to Newtown residents. It’s a girl, and her name is Jennifer Lynn Todd, born at 6:36 am on January 1 in New Milford Hospital. Her proud parents are Mr and Mrs Gary Todd of Sandy Hook, and Jennifer is their first baby. The even prouder grandparents are Mr and Mrs William Todd Sr of Sandy Hook and Mr and Mrs Eugene Rose of Lompoc, Calif.

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The girls of Girl Scout Troop 246 took on the service project of donating gifts to the Newtown Fund Christmas collection. Other Troop activities included on October 17, a rededication ceremony. On October 24, the girls took a three-mile hike with Troop 590 ending at the Town Park, where the girls cooked hot dogs. Senior Girl Scout Lorraine Gilroy hiked with them, teaching them knots and how to build a fire. A service project in November had the girls collecting canned goods for the Jaycees’ Thanksgiving baskets. On December 19, the girls had their Christmas party. Leaders are Mrs Shirley Roman and Mrs Martha Eastwood.

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The Board of Finance in a special meeting on Sunday, December 30, appointed Fred J. Marchionna to the vacancy on the Board left by the resignation of Pauline Knibloe on December 1. Mr Marchionna was recommended by the Democratic Town Committee to fill the minority seat. … Mr Marchionna is not new to financial matters. As the director of program analysis and administration for the Perkin-Elmer Company, he works primarily with financial control and budgeting of projects. Twice a member of the Charter Revision Commission, he was co-chairman with Diana Schwerdtle of the subcommittee which recommended the capital improvement provision which was adopted into the charter providing for the writing of a five year capital improvement program. The first such report has just been issued by the First Selectman’s office.

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Mrs Mary Brey had her birthday on December 31. A small gathering of friends celebrated the start of Mrs Brey’s new year.

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Jim O’Donnell received a dandy looking coat from his kids this Christmas and should he venture into the woods the colors are certain to keep him free of buckshot.

December 31, 1948

The more than 30 young people who took off for three days of skiing in New Hampshire on Sunday, returned to town about 8 o’clock Wednesday night, all reporting to have had a fine time. Although they managed to get in some skating in and around Francestown, there was no snow for skiing. The Rev Mr Paul A. Cullens was leader of the group who transported some members of the party, and the others were passengers in cars driven by Ted Hamlin, William Waterhouse, Hoyt Johnson, James Bowen and Roland Geiger.

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The winners in this year’s Christmas Doorway Decoration Contest in Newtown were selected on Tuesday afternoon and evening by members of the Woodbury Garden Club (more properly called the Pomperaug Valley Garden Club), who served as judges. In addition to picking the winners, the judges voiced much commendation for the attractiveness of all the entries and for the contest as a whole. … In Class I Decorated Doorways judged by daylight, the home of Mr and Mrs George McLachlan on the Boulevard placed first; the home of Mr and Mrs Robert Stokes in Sandy Hook placed second, and the home of Mr and Mrs Fred Sorensen on South Main street, placed third. … In the two evening classes, Decorated Doorway and General Effect of House and Grounds, the judges, another group of Woodbury club members, were impressed with the unusually fine entries and high degree of excellence in both classes. In the Decorated Doorway class, Mr and Mrs J.M. Waytt of Dodgingtown placed first, Mr and Mrs Fred Sorensen of South Main street, second, and Mr and Mrs Mills Waggoner of Main street third. … The judges gave two honorable mentions, one to the Parker House of Main street and the other to Cmdr. and Mrs W.W. Bayler of Mount Pleasant. … Among the entries for General Effect of House and Grounds, Mr and Mrs Ralph Knibloe of Taunton placed first.

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A Christmas party, sponsored by the Rosary Society of St Rose church, was held Wednesday evening in the gymnasium of Edmond Town Hall. The dance, held from 8 to 12 o’clock, was well attended by young people of the parish and their guests. The Rhythm Rangers of Ridgefield provided the music and entertainment for the old fashioned country square dance. The room was attractively decorated in keeping with the Christmas season, and a supper was served to the young people.

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On Tuesday evening of this week Pohtatuck Grange celebrated the Yuletide season with a Christmas party held in Grange hall for members and their children.

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One of the most successful parties to be held in Fairfield State Hospital for the veterans was the Christmas party given by the third district of American Legion Auxiliaries on last Tuesday, December 21st. It was, according to Dr Walker, a member of the hospital staff, the nicest party held for the veterans in fifteen years. Mrs Alan Troland, past president of the third district and present rehabilitation committee chairman, was in charge of the affair. Mrs Troland was assisted by the Raymond L. Pease Post, Auxiliary members, Mrs Florence May, president, Mrs Lauvisa Lane, vice president, and Mrs Belle Lockwood, chairman, and a friend, Mrs Eleanor Qubick. Chaplain George Troland of the third district and Charles Lockwood of Raymond L. Pease Post, 163, assisted the women in the distribution of gifts.

December 28, 1923

THE NEWTOWN BEE Wishes Its Readers A HAPPY NEW YEAR and ABUNDANT PROSPERITY.

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The friends of Miss Finkle, the popular visiting nurse, are jollying her about her two ducks. A generous lady in the fall presented her with two ducks, which she gave to Mrs Conway to raise for her. At Thanksgiving she had one dressed and took it to her mother’s home at Bridgeport. The day before Christmas she arranged with Mrs Conway to have the other duck dressed. Miss Finkle telephoned up and asked Mrs Conway to send the duck out to the street by one of her boys, which she did. When Miss Finkle came along to pick up the duck and take it to Bridgeport, it had disappeared and she went to the city without it. Miss Finkle suspects Dr W.H. Kiernan and George F. Taylor, as they are both exceedingly fond of roasted duck.

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Mr and Mrs H.G. Clark of Zoar were guests on Christmas day of Mr and Mrs George [illegible] Clark.

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HATTERTOWN PERSONAL CHAT: Mr and Mrs Claude Lewis accompanied by their aunt, Mrs Stephen Parks, of Trumbull, have gone to Daytona, Fla., where they will spend the winter. | The school closed, Friday, for the Holidays. The teacher and her pupils gave a very nice entertainment to the parents and friends of the children in the evening. Gifts from a well loaded Christmas tree were distributed to all the young folks. | The residence of Fred Waterbury on Strong’s Hill looks very nice in its new coat of paint.

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Joseph McCarthy, of the Boston School of Technology, is passing the Holidays with his parents, Judge and Mrs P.H. McCarthy.

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Editor of The Newtown Bee, Dear Sir: You can continue my subscription to your paper as long as I am able to pay for it. I am fond of reading articles as you printed in your last issue written by E.D. Briscoe. I also congratulate him for writing such a sensible article. Your’s [sic] truly,—[A.E. Geoppler, Tomstone, December 24, 1923.

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Mr and Mrs Charles B. Minor, Mr and Mrs Stanley J. Blackman, Mr and Mrs H.T. Coger, Miss Esther Coger and Sterling Neikum were entertained, Christmas day, by Mr and Mrs H.B. Sniffen.

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Miss Catharine McNamarra of New York City is spending the Christmas holidays with her mother in Sandy Hook.

January 6, 1899

The annual meeting of the Congregational church, Monday afternoon, was attended by a goodly number, despite the prevailing epidemic and severe cold weather. Previous to the church gathering the annual meeting of the ecclesiastical society was held and these officers elected: Clerk, John J. Northrop. Treasurer, Levi C. Morris. Society’s Committee, C.B. Taylor, M.C. Rodgers, W.M. Reynolds. Auditor, Allison P. Smith. A.T. Nettleton, D.C. Bacon and H.M. Smith were elected members of the society. The church meeting was presided over by Rev O.W. Barker who introduced the speakers in a facetious manner.

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Editor of The Newtown Bee, Dear Sir: Your correspondent was mistaken about there being a severe snow storm the 6th of November, in the year 1839. There was not any snow that year in November, I am positive. It was the fall we were married and we visited in New York state the last part of November after Thanksgiving, and we went and returned on wheels. But in December, about the 10th, I think came the severe snow storm your correspondent speaks of. Truly yours,—[Mrs William H. Curtiss, Stevenson, December 12, 1898

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The 10th annual ball of Putnam, council, Nov 54, K of C, at the Town hall, Monday night, was largely attended despite the intense cold, and proved one of the most enjoyable gatherings the council has yet held. The hall was prettily decorated with streamers of red, white and blue, with pictures and lodge emblems adorning the walls. During the intermission a fine repast was enjoyed at the Grand Central hotel. The grand march was led by Mr and Mrs Henry A. Costello, followed by Representative and Mrs Keating and others. … The excellent music for the dancing was furnished by Wildman’s orchestra of Danbury. The tasteful dancing programs were from the press of The Bee Publishing Co.

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When the news of the death of James Hobart Warner, which occurred at his late home at Sandy Hook on Tuesday morning, became known, sincere expressions of regret at his demise were heard on all sides, for he was a man thoroughly respected not only in the village where he lived but throughout the town. Mr Warner was a native of Newtown and a son of Charles Camp Warner and Ann Clark Warner. His whole life has been spent here, for when he was only 17 year old he began his business career as a clerk in the general store of William B. Glover at Sandy Hook. He was soon taken in as a partner in the business with Smith P. Glover, and ever since has been a member of the firm which has done business in the brick store, as it is familiarly known in this section. Mr Warner had always been active in the church, business and social life of Sandy Hook until about a year ago, when failing health compelled him to relinquish his hold. … Mr Warner always was an earnest member and staunch supporter of St John’s church. He was confirmed at Trinity church and was an active member, serving for some time as a vestryman, until the parish of St John’s church was set off, when he cast his influence and assistance in the new parish. Since the beginning he has been a warden of this church and superintendent of its Sunday school. In 1863 he married Flora J. Beers, who survives him. Their union, which was a most happy one, was blessed with six children, four of whom are living, Miss Mary S. Warner, Miss Florence A. Warner and Hobart G. Warner, who live at home, and Paul B. Warner, who is in business at Chicago. The funeral will be attended to-day, (Friday), from St John’s church at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, and the interment will be in the Newtown cemetery.

Do you have photographs of people or places in town from a bygone era? The Way We Were is the perfect landing spot so that your photographs can be enjoyed by Newtown Bee readers. Images can be e-mailed as attachments to shannon@thebee.com, subject line: Way We Were photo. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date. If you live locally and would like to loan a photo/photos, please give us a call (203-426-3141) to let us know when you will be visiting.