To the Editor:

Beginning in 1928 and running until 1958, mostly on NBC and originating at WMAQ Chicago, there was a program called The National Farm and Home Hour. Its announcer and host was Everette Mitchell.

Mitchell, in his book, Beautiful Day, says that in 1932 the Great Depression was devastating the country, hurling thousands of Americans into financial ruin

Mitchell said riding the train daily into Chicago, he sensed the mood in the train car was gloom, for some desperation.

But, he said, looking out the train window, he saw a beautiful spring day with bright skies, pleasant temperatures, and spring flowers.

But nobody on that train seemed to take notice, so focused on the bad, the economic depression, political unrest, they ignored the good, the simple gift of a beautiful spring day.

Mitchell decided to open the next program with a reminder of the good.

He opened with, “It’s a beautiful day in Chicago! It’s a great day to be alive, and I hope it’s even more beautiful wherever you are.”

It became a signature of the show.

Regardless of COVID-19, politics, or the weather, it’s a beautiful day in Newtown and I hope it is even nicer wherever you are.

Jim Wright

Tamarack Road, Newtown