The state’s human rights commission representatives heard some sharply differing points of view about the status of zoning regulations in the Housatonic Valley region at a community meeting in Danbury Monday night. But then the types of reports the commission released last week would produce a great deal of comment and discussion, which commission director Arthur L. Green stressed he wanted. During comments Monday, one person strongly supported Newtown’s zoning, while another blasted the town.

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Representatives of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities were met with reactions from the greater Danbury area Monday night, ranging from high anger to high praise of their survey of zoning in Connecticut, released last week along with a companion study on equal housing opportunities. The occasion was a community meeting set up by Danbury Regional Center, the first of several similar meetings planned around the state.

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The Legislative Council voted unanimously Wednesday to refer the proposed fair rent ordinance it rejected last December back to its ordinance subcommittee for consideration. The action comes in the wake of a three-part article in the May 19 issue of The Bee which described unsanitary and unsafe conditions in some of the rental units in Newtown.

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First Selectman Jack Rosenthal had strong words for the builder and the architect of the new town garage at the Public Building Committee special meeting on Tuesday night. He accused Brennan and Brennan Mason-Contractors of Shelton of lack of diligence in getting subcontractors down to work finishing the project. He also notified architect Richard Butterfield that he considered the water problem with the east exit onto Turkey Hill Road was the architect’s responsibility. Adamant that the project cost no more than the $536,000 appropriated for it, Mr Rosenthal said he would seek damages from both parties for any costs to the town.

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Very shortly, in preparation for the opening of school next fall, the Newtown School System will have to develop a program which will see to it that every student in the system is protected against certain diseases. They are diptheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, and rubella (German measles). Bill 313, passed in Hartford earlier this year, rules that each Board of Education “shall require each child to be protected against” all of the diseases “before being permitted to attend any school…”

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On Sunday, June 4, Monsignor Walter R. Conroy, former pastor of St Rose Church, celebrated his golden jubilee with a Mass at 10:30 am with fellow priests at the Queen of Clergy Home in Stamford, where Monsignor Conroy makes his home.

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Newtown Hook & Ladder had election of new officers on Monday, June 5, and elected as chief was Joe Wupperfeld of Swamp Road. Mr Wupperfeld, a native Newtowner, has been a member of Hook & Ladder since 1944, serving as an assistant chief for several years.

JUNE 12, 1953

Over 100 horses and riders from all parts of New England and New York State will compete for prizes in the first “open” western show to be held at the Ten-C Ranch on Hanover Road, Sunday at 2:30 pm, according to Hank Hylen, ranch foreman.

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Kenneth Berglund, son of Mr and Mrs Harry Berglund of Walnut Tree Hill, was presented the George W. Trull Memorial Award, Wednesday evening at a meeting of the Newtown Lions Club, held at the Maryland Grill. Willis R. Tomlinson, president of the club, made the presentation of the award, a $25 Savings Bond.

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 With coach Harold S. DeGroat announcing this week that the summer recreation plans are coming along for opening of the program on June 22, volunteer leaders are still needed to lead groups in such club work as archery, tennis, golf, art, photography and dramatics. Mrs William J. Walsh, Jr, Queen Street, is assisting in this phase of the work.

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 Two questions on the State Constitution will be put to voters of Newtown and other communities on Monday, June 22, in a statewide referendum authorized by the last General Assembly. The questions include the revision of the Constitution of 1818 to incorporate the 47 amendments made since it was originally written, and a constitutional amendment which would simplify procedures in the election and inauguration of state officers.

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Miss Elaine Egee, daughter of Dr and Mrs J. Benton Egee, was among the graduates at Walnut Hill School last Thursday, June 4.

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The Board of Trustees of the Fairfield State Hospital, at the regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 15, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the hospital which occurs on June 21. On this occasion, 17 employees who have served the hospital for 20 years or more will meet with the Board of Trustees for dinner and will be cited by the board in recognition of their years of faithful service.

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Extension of the period of sale of fireworks in Newtown by the firemen from five days to nine this year was authorized at a special town meeting in Edmond Town Hall last Friday evening, June 5. The meeting adopted a resolution permitting the firemen to sell fireworks from Friday, June 26, through Saturday, July 4. Newtown’s fireworks ordinance had previously set the period of sale from June 3 through July 4. Only the firemen are permitted to sell fireworks.

JUNE 8, 1928

In regard to the criticism of the condition of the road leading to Sandy Hook to Riverside, made by Mr Metcalf at the Chamber of Commerce meeting, last Thursday night, Selectman Brew says he has expended on that two and a half miles of road since last October $406.

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Mrs Hobart G. Warner, Mrs Florence Burroughs, and Mrs Bertha Curtiss, all graduates of St Margaret’s School, Waterbury, attended the commencement exercises last Tuesday in St John’s parish home.

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Miss Helen Casey has completed her three year course of training at St Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, where the graduation took place, last Thursday evening.

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The Pootatuck Inn, which opened for the season on Decoration Day, is meeting with excellent success, both from local and out-of-town trade. The interior of the place has been completely redecorated and a cordial reception awaits all visitors.

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Mr and Mrs James Beach Nichols and Miss Louise Nichols will attend the commencement exercises at Arnold College, New Haven, on Saturday at 10:30 at Plymouth Church. Miss Helen Nichols is one of the graduates.

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Mrs Robert Clark of New York City passed the weekend at the home of her father, Rev Dr Richmond Gesner.

JUNE 12, 1903

The dog book has been placed in the hands of the dog agent, Sherman Crofut, and delinquents will find it to their interest to call on Town Clerk Houlihan at once.

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R.S. Wheeler of Zoar is building an addition to his barn, 16 x 35 feet. William Thicket is doing the work.

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George R. Wilson has recently purchased a pair of work horses of out-of-town parties.

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Charles Blackman was one of the first to set tobacco, he having commenced last week Thursday.

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John Hawley, son of Hobart Hawley, has entered the employ of Marcus Camp of Mt Pleasant.

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Miss Caroline George, daughter of Rev J.H. George, returned on Friday from Albany, N.Y., where she has been teaching the past year.

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Through the generosity of Miss Carrie Knapp, the Congregational Church people will have the benefit of the proceeds of a lecture on Turkey and the Sultan’s Domains, to be given by Miss Knapp some time during the summer.

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The selectmen have appointed Sherman Crofutt dog agent, and he is now on the war path for owners of dogs who have failed to call upon the town clerk.

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Mr and Mrs W. L. Allen and family of Brooklyn opened their Newtown residence, “The Homestead,” at the head of the Street, Saturday.