February 25, 2000

HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER of Lauren Manheimer.

* * * * *

Understanding that sometimes “the best ideas come from the least expected sources,” members of the Fairfield Hills Advisory Committee met with the public late last week to solicit suggestions on how the town might use Fairfield Hills should it decide to purchase it. About 75 residents showed up for the 2½-hour meeting. And the feedback indicated that Newtown is still a long way from forming any kind of consensus. It is also becoming evident that many questions being asked by the public will not be answered when and if the issue ever reaches a townwide vote.

* * * * *

Lawyers for the town and Police Chief James E. Lysaght, Jr have received an arbitrator’s report on the chief’s December job termination hearing, but as of Thursday morning had not disclosed its contents. Disclosure of the report was expected Friday morning, after the deadline for this edition of The Newtown Bee. Independent arbitrator Albert Murphy, who mediated the town’s job termination hearing against Chief Lysaght, filed his report with the American Arbitration Association February 17. After which it was provided to the lawyers. The report contained findings of fact based on the testimony and evidence presented at the termination hearing, plus Mr Murphy’s recommendations on whether the Police Commission should fire Chief Lysaght. The Police Commission alleges Chief Lysaght has not performed adequately as the town’s top law enforcement officer, and thus is seeking to fire him. The chief has been on administrative leave since last July.

* * * * *

Members of the Legislative Council took part in a two-hour tour of the massive buildings on the campus of Fairfield Hills Wednesday afternoon. Most were seeing the buildings’ interiors for the first time and were impressed with the general condition of the structures. The council will play a key role in the town’s decision on whether or not to purchase the 186-acre campus with its one million square feet of building space. According to Council Chairman Pierre Rochman, this week’s tour only served to make the decision that much harder.

* * * * *

It would not be at all surprising to see the pianist Jeremy Denk one day viewed as one of the outstanding pianists of this decade. He performs with subtle nuances that are all too rarely heard and has a range of dynamic and technical skills that are inspiring to witness. In the tradition of one of his heroes, the deceased pianist Artur Schnabel, Denk’s performance is a communion with music. An afternoon program on Sunday, February 13 by the pianist, hosted by Newtown Friends of Music and presented at Edmond Town Hall Theatre, was all Bach and Schubert. … What stands out about this delightful man (who physically reminds one somewhat of the actor Tom Hulce) is the range of his talents, his mature determination, intense desire to communicate his passion for music, and his ability to transmit all the above. Wherever he might be playing within a two-hour drive, this reviewer would most definitely go hear him again, and bring friends to share in the joy of piano artistry.

* * * * *

In the fifth week of Newtown Youth Services’ six week “The Big Y and How It Works” program, middle school students had the chance to try their hands at making flower arrangements in the supermarket’s florist department. Over the past five weeks, middle school students have signed up to learn about the various aspects of running a supermarket, from rinsing off vegetables in the produce section to baking bagels and other treats. Next week the program will conclude with middle school students getting up close and personal with lobsters in the seafood department. “The Big Y and How It Works” is one in a series of “How It Works” programs sponsored by Newtown Youth Services.

February 21, 1975

The plans of Town officials for a new town garage-maintenance facility were knocked into a tailspin at a well attended Town Meeting Thursday evening, February 13, at Edmond Town Hall. A requested $150,000 appropriation to purchase the so-called Finch property, a 7.35 acre tract located on the landfill access road and Route 25, was disapproved by an 82-74 vote. Moderator Sutherland Denlinger ruled no vote was necessary on the question of appropriating $300,000 for construction of the garage, since the resolution which the Board of Finance passed last month specified the garage was to be located on the Finch property.

* * * * *

The Zoning Commission of the Borough of Newtown has received two change of zone requests for property located on Church Hill Road. One is for a change from residential to business and other requests to allow a tennis club to be constructed. The other is from residential to business for a tract on Church Hill Road and Wall Road.

* * * * *

Budget submittal continued at the meeting of the Board of Selectmen this Tuesday, with the two largest segments of the general government budget being submitted, the Public Works Department and the Police Department. Highway Superintendent Edward Napier presented his proposals, asking for an increase in the highway budget from the current budget of $702,150 to $974,873.73.

* * * * *

On Saturday, February 15, members of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 337, met with 22 members in attendance to elect a new Board of Directors and a local Steward. The results of the election were as follows: Sgt. R.V. Tompkins, president; Det Raymond Paccadolmi, vice president; Officer Martin Pytko, secretary-treasurer; and Officer Robert Wrabel, Steward. At the conclusion of the election a vote of confidence was taken by the total body and unanimous support was given to the new slate. The new officers fill out the unexpired terms of Officers Richard Stook, Frederick Kasbarian, Klaus Ertl and Mike Brokaw, who resigned their positions last week.

* * * * *

The Newtown Homemakers met on February 12 at Mrs Andresi’s home on Winslow Road. At this meeting, the 16 members wrote out 156 Valentine’s Day cards donated by the American Greeting Company. These greeting cards were delivered to Buckingham Garden residents on Valentine’s Day. This year is the third year Newtown Homemakers have carried out this custom, something which will continue in future years, thanks to American Greeting Co.

February 17, 1950

Spanning 74 years of town history, Newtown’s fourth flagpole on the same site and its first all-steel pole was dedicated last Sunday afternoon before a large assemblage of townspeople, with Col. C. Sidney Haight as Master of Ceremonies. Rev Walter R. Conroy, pastor of St. Rose church; Rev Gordon D. Pierce, D.D., rector of Trinity Episcopal church, First Selectman A. Fenn Dickinson, Arthur T. Nettleton, Judge Paul V. Cavanaugh; Rev Paul A. Cullens, Scoutmaster and pastor of Newtown Congregational church; and Rev C.A. Whitemarsh, pastor of the Sandy Hook Methodist church were all part of the ceremonial dedication. The raising of the newly erected 100-foot pole on the historic site at the intersection of Main street, Church Hill road and West street in dedicatory exercises brought together a large gathering of townspeople when a score of the town’s civic organizations formed in line and marched from Edmond Town Hall to the site of the dedication. A patriotic urge and loyalty to an historic town institution combined with almost balmy weather for February to make the convocation impressively large. The ceremony was conducted under the auspices of the Raymond L. Pease Post, American Legion, and the flag used was one given to Newtown by his widow in honor of Captain Peter Lawson, World War I Marine Corps veteran, who gave his life in World War II.

* * * * *

Mr and Mrs Mortimer C. Robinson of Lost Acres Farm, Newtown, formerly of Danbury, announce the engagement of their daughter, Millie Kathryn, to William L. Coley, son of Mrs John Coley and the late John Coley of Westport, at a dinner party Saturday evening, February 11th. The wedding will take place April 22nd. A graduate of Hawley High school, Miss Robinson is employed at the Danbury Rubber Co. Inc. Mr Coley graduated from Staples High school in Westport and is now employed at Products Machine Company in Bridgeport.

* * * * *

With the excavating for foundations of the new fire house completed last week, 25 members of the United Fire Company of Botsford worked together last Sunday making forms for the footings. They are now ready to pour at the first opportunity. Other members represented the Company at the flag raising ceremony taking place at the flagpole Sunday afternoon.

* * * * *

More than 400 parishioners, townspeople and neighboring clergy attended a reception given last Friday evening in the guild rooms of Trinity Episcopal church, to welcome Rev Dr and Mrs Gordon D. Pierce. Dr Pierce, the new rector of Trinity church, and Mrs Pierce arrived in Newtown the first of February when he assumed his duties at the local church. The wardens and members of the vestry were hosts for the occasion, and among the visiting clergy were Rev Harry S. Martin, rector of St. Paul’s church, Brookfield Center, with Mrs Martin; Rev Charles J. Harriman and Mrs Harriman, Woodbury; Rev Paul A. Cullens, pastor of the Newtown Congregational church, and Mrs Cullens; and Rev Walter Pickering, retired pastor of Sandy Hook Methodist church, and Mrs Pickering.

* * * * *

A crowd of more than 100 players attended the card and bingo party given by the Rosary Society of St Rose church in St Rose hall this Wednesday evening at the time of the Society’s regular monthly meeting. Some 25 or 30 of the young people played bingo and the great majority were found at bridge tables. All seemed pleased with the prizes and refreshments provided by the committee. Mrs Paul V. Cavanaugh headed the committee of eight members that made arrangements for the party.

February 13, 1925

Orange City, Florida. February 2, 1925. Dear Mr Smith— Enclosed please find check for renewal to your paper. Florida has shipped, to date, 19,944 cars of oranges and 7,893 cars of grapefruit, a little more than one third of the citrus crop expected this season. This puts Florida in the lead of California by approximately 5,000 cars, this year. … Commissioners L.M. Rhodes, of the Florida Marketing Bureau, stated, this week, that the citrus crop of the state was as large as that of last year and that the lower total to date is due to a slower shipment and more orderly marketing. … Mr and Mrs Burr Castle and daughter are spending the winter in Orange City and have recently gone to Miami, for a week. The weather is beautiful here now with sunshine and flowers. It does not pay to stay where you have to shovel snow and work hard to keep warm. Yours truly, H.M. Bronson.

* * * * *

So far as The Bee can learn, and we have taken pains to interview several citizens, there is universal indignation against the officials of the New York & New Haven road, for the use of the tiny gas ‘bus on the Berkshire division. On Saturday night out of Bridgeport there were 81 passengers and about 40 seats. E.B. Allen, prominent local citizen, says it is the biggest outrage ever perpetrated on a down-trodden people. Mr Allen says he cannot condemn the present ‘bus in too severe terms. He says that as a rule he has been unable to get a seat until the ‘bus reaches Botsford. F.H. Duncombe … suggests that the road run an extra trip up about 2.30 p.m., as far as Newtown. This would take care of the school children and relieve the crush. Either put on a larger ‘bus or run some extra trips. This seems to be the logic of the ‘bus situation. How about it Mr Pearson?

* * * * *

Old fashion buckwheat flour in bulk, Heckler’s pancake flour, bottle maple syrup, maple syrup in gallon cans, Karo syrup, bottle honey.—{Corbett & Crowe, Adv.

* * * * *

Mrs Tracy B. Peck entertained at cards Saturday afternoon in honor of her mother’s birthday. After the game delicious refreshments were served, and the ladies presented Mrs Ives with a very handsome gold thimble. Those present were: Mrs C.S. Curtis, Mrs F.E. Gilbert, Mrs E.M. Peck, Mr J.L. Gilbert, Mrs Herbert Coger, Mrs Madge Peck Brown and Mrs M.B. Hawley of Stepney.

* * * * *

Mrs Julia Hawley and Miss Bertha Lewis left on Saturday for a stay at St Petersburg, Fla.

February 23, 1900

The threatening clouds kept a few home from the Grange dance, last Friday evening at the Town hall, but 43 couples put in an appearance and all reported a pleasant time. Dancing began about 9 o’clock with an intermission at 12 for refreshments, consisting of sandwiches, cake and coffee, which was generously furnished by the ladies. … A jolly feature of the evening and something that never happened before was a jolly four horse ‘bus load from Bridgeport containing nine couples. All the gentlemen, except one, were former Newtown boys and their friends gave them a royal welcome. … The committee in charge of the dance were S.J. Botsford, F.H. Mitchell, Harry S. Mason, E.F. Northrop, Walter H. Glover and C.W. Beach, who deserve the success of the affair.

* * * * *

Trading stamps are only given for cash purchases and not payments on account. No stamps given on oil, sugar, flour or tobacco at Betts’ Grocery Store.

* * * * *

Some nocturnal visitor visited the clothes line of Mrs Martin Lynch on Botsford Hill, recently, and helped himself to nine dress shirts, sorting them from others on the line and taking only the best, six of which were never worn. It is hoped that people who are in the habit of leaving their clothes out nights will take warning by this and undoubtedly the same party that helped himself to Joe Buzzer’s shirts a week ago.

* * * * *

Miss Katie Carlson of Bridgeport has been visiting her mother.

* * * * *

W.C. Johnson, the genial miller of Tinkerfield, made flying visits to New Milford, Hawleyville, and Bridgeport on Monday. In Stove club circles it is intimated he went in the interest of his driving patient.

* * * * *

Despite the rain and darkness a goodly number of young ladies and gentlemen presented themselves at the home of Jerry Troy of Zoar, Thursday evening, February 8, in answer to a genial call for volunteers to enter into regular service in tripping the light fantastic. About 15 couples passed all requirements and as the strains of music pealed forth from the instruments of the South Britain Band partners took the floor and danced to the music of “The lock on the chicken coop door” and other popular airs until 5.30 in the morning. Then the party came to a close, thanking Mr and Mrs Troy for the pleasant time enjoyed by all.

* * * * *

The Clay Valley Fox, Coon and Card club spent a very pleasant evening at the home of John F. Keating of Zoar, Tuesday evening, February 6. Games of various kinds were indulged in and prizes were awarded to P.J. Keating and P. Lynch. The next meeting will be at the home of P.F. Lynch, Botsford Hill.

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.