August 22, 1997

EDITORIAL INK DROPS — IMAGES OF DISASTER: We are sometimes asked why we photograph highway accidents, or house fires, or other events where people must face great stress, injury, and even death. The images are often unpleasant and evoke a strong response in our readers. We do not offer these images to sensationalize the loss and pain of others; we take great care never to intrude on the privacy of those who must deal, suddenly and unexpectedly, with pain and grievous loss. We do think such images reflect a reality that arises far too often, even in our hometown, where the most innocent of miscues, slight lapses of attention, and happenstance conspire to spark horrendous calamities. The photos, more than words ever could, convey a reminder to all of us that we should pay close attention to the small details of safety for ourselves and those we love — details that can determine whether we live fulfilling lives or lives filled with regret.

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Two men were killed and three seriously injured early on the morning of August 16 when a car going the wrong way on Interstate 84 collided head-on with another car, causing an explosion and fire. The harrowing accident occurred about 4 am in the eastbound lanes of I-84, in the area where the highway passes over Hanover Road. State police are still investigating the crash, but can confirm that a 22-year-old male from Bethel was driving a 1986 Honda coupe that was on the eastbound highway and traveled until it crashed with an eastbound 1989 Oldsmobile sedan being driven by a 20-year-old man from Bridgeport. The Honda driver died at the scene; the Oldsmobile driver was critically injured. A 21-year-old man in the Oldsmobile also died. Two additional passengers in that car, a 20-year old man and an 18-year-old man, both from Bridgeport, were also injured.

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Jean Maljean, a/k/a Maljean The Magnificent, performed magic tricks August 16 on a lawn at Booth Library’s temporary quarters at Fairfield Hills. The event signaled the end of the library’s summer reading program for children. Maljean performed near Bridgeport Hall.

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The Newtown Forest Association recently conducted its annual meetings and election. The following were elected: President C. Wesley Gillingham, Vice President Phyllis Zygmont, Secretary Martha Wright, and Treasurer Bob Beers. Past President William Watts will continue as director with David Thompson, Allen F. Flouton, Steve Paproski and Coke Cramer; Honorary directors will be Thomas L. Cheney, Joseph T. Chase and Doug Rogers. There were also two guest speakers: Gary Fetzer, who spoke about the Newtown Greenway Program, and Ellaine LaBella of Housatonic Valley Association Land Trust. Both stressed the importance of open space, not only to the towns, but to the state, waters, rivers and wildlife.

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Newtown’s Labor Day Parade Committee has picked its panel of judges for the 36th annual march along Main, Glover and Queen streets on September 1. Judging the competing parade units will be Sally Allison, Kathy Berg, Bill Corbett, Bob Gleason, and Jean Muraszkin.

August 25, 1972

One of Newtown’s most active residents, Arthur Bennett Sr, has been named the Honorary Parade Marshal of the Labor Day Parade. Mr Bennett has lived in town for the past 22 years and has been active in many phases of Newtown life. As Park Superintendent he has always given assistance to the many organizations and individuals who have used Dickinson Town Park’s facilities. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight and also business manager of the KofC Home Association. The parade will step off at 10:30 am, on Labor Day, from north of the Veterans’ Monument on Main Street, proceed south, turn left on Glover Avenue, left again onto Queen Street, right on Church Hill Road, and then into the Grand Union parking lot.

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Dr Thomas Draper, Newtown Health Officer, attended the early part of the meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission Friday evening, August 18, to discuss tightening the regulations on septic systems. Not only the design of a septic system should be checked, Dr Draper emphasized, but also its installation in conformity with the approved design. He spoke of problems in Newtown and in Danbury, where he is Health Director also.

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Solly’s Restaurant defeated Park and Rec No. 2 by a score of 6-5 in ten innings on Sunday, August 20. Solly’s earned the right to play Park and Rec Thursday evening, August 17, when they defeated Bolmer Sanitation 22-19. The next game of the best-of-three championship series will be played Sunday morning, August 27. If Park and Rec wins that game, another will be played immediately afterwards to determine the championship. On Sunday, September 3, an all-star game will be played at the town park. We are also glad to report that Fred Blore, who was injured in a game several weeks ago, is up and around and doing well. He says he’s ready to play again, but is still waiting for his wife’s permission.

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At the annual meeting of the Children’s Adventure Center Inc Eugene Luchansky was elected chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding John Schwerdtle. Mrs Cathy Tawyea was elected recording secretary; Mrs Linda Batt, treasurer. The following were elected to the Board of Directors: Judith Craven, Barbara Bigham, Madeline Aragones, Patricia Denlinger, Mae Schmidle, Belle Tolor, Hazel Ford, Susan Wiggins, Constance Moore, Patricia Miler, Ann Bellavita, Marge Titus, John Schwerdtle, Joseph Schmidt, Seth Brody, Robert Freeston, and Gary McMahon.

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Youth for McGovern met Thursday, August 17, at the home of Bonnie and Nancy Stokes on Church Hill Road. The group, which is working in conjunction with the Democratic Committee, is conducting a voter registration drive. Bonnie Stokes, who is heading the youth committee, reported that their canvassing has succeeded in alerting young people to register and in reminding them of the absentee ballot procedures. Young people interested in working in the campaign should call Bonnie or Nancy Stokes.

August 22, 1947

Miss Amy Mayer and Mrs Newton Williams of Stepney were hostesses at a surprise miscellaneous shower at Miss Mayer’s home in honor of Miss Dorothy Main, whose marriage to George Mentley will take place on September 6. There were gay decorations of pink and white and Miss Main received many lovely gifts. Following a social hour, refreshments were served by the hostesses. Guests were present from Bridgeport, Stepney, Long Hill, Fairfield and Newtown.

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George H. Tower of Currituck Road returned to his home on Saturday, having been a patient at the New Haven General Hospital for the past ten days.

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Miss Mary Blackman, who has been a patient in the Danbury Hospital for the past six weeks, is now at the home of Mr and Mrs Clarence B. Naramore, Sr, of Currituck Road, where she is recuperating satisfactorily.

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The Bee is pleased to report that its editor, Paul S. Smith, was released from the Danbury Hospital on Monday of this week, and is spending a period of convalescence at his Candlewood lake home.

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Mrs Charles H. Peck of Bloomfield, Conn., spent last week-end as the guest of Mrs John F. Ross of Main Street.

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Stanley J. Blackman, First Selectman, has received with regret the resignation of Harry Greenman who has been an assessor of the town for the past several years. Pressure of other business was the reason given by Mr Greenman for resigning at this time.

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Mr and Mrs Lincoln B. Mitchell of Ansonia are guests of Mrs Sarah B. Mitchell and George B. Beers.

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In the midst of last Saturday evening’s thunderstorm, lightning struck the pine tree approximately six feet from the residence of Mrs Julia Aiken on Main Street. The lightning split the huge old tree down nearly level with the height of the house where it seemed to explode, scattering splinters of wood over a large area. Since the top half of the tree remained in position, it was necessary for a crew of Sanford Mead’s men to remove the limbs shortly afterward.

August 18, 1922

Frederick Reiner, who has been postmaster at Sandy Hook for nine and one half years, has tendered his resignation and accepted a position in the employ of the Fabric Fire Hose Co. Mr Reiner has been an accommodating and popular official and retires with the best wishes of his many friends. The name of Clark L. Page of Berkshire is mentioned as his probable successor. E.C. Page, Mr Reiner’s predecessor, held the position about nine years, succeeding the late W.B. Sniffen.

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The lawn party on the grounds of Miss Anna May Betts, Wednesday afternoon, was a great success. The grounds were bright with flags and bunting, and the patrons were numerous.

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Mr and Mrs C.A. Peale and family left on Wednesday, on a vacation to be passed in Pennsylvania.

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Mrs L.B. Cavanaugh and Miss Eleanor Cavanaugh, who have been passing 10 days at Lake George, New York, returned home on Sunday.

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H.H. Taylor of Mt Pleasant finished on Wednesday the task of harvesting his peach crop of the Carmen variety, about 500 baskets. Mr Taylor expects about 150 baskets of Belle of Georgia and 50 baskets of the Champion variety. Mr Taylor says his Elberta crop will be small. The wet weather has damaged the peach crop, Mr Taylor says.

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Philo T. Platt is driving a new Hudson Super Six auto.

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Among the Newtown boys who are making good in the business world is William E. Barnett, son of Rev and Mrs F.W. Barnett of Newtown. Mr Barnett is now a member of the firm of Warren Barnett & Fitts Co, wholesale lumber dealers, with offices at 444 Stock Exchange building, 30 North La Salle street, Chicago, Ill. The young man will represent the Grays Harbor Shingle Co, of Aberdeen, Wash., in the middle west.

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Dr Roy L. Leak, superintendent of the Connecticut State Hospital at Middletown, and Mrs Leak, with Philo T. Platt and Newton M. Curtis were entertained at dinner, Wednesday, at the Parker house by Allison P. Smith.

August 27, 1897

Arthur S. Hawley, for some time head clerk for E.F. Hawley, has resigned his position and will enter the employ of R.H. Ingersoll & Sons, New York City. His brother, Clarence Hawley, has just taken a position with the same firm. Mr Hawley’s departure from Newtown will be sincerely regretted. As president of the Library association, a member of the Men’s club and other organizations, his influence in public and social affairs has been helpful. Mr Hawley will carry with him the best wishes of a wide circle of friends for his success in his new position.

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Henry Peck and son Elliott from New Haven have been visiting relatives near Botsford. Eugene and Tracy Peck returned with them to their home to spend a few days at sightseeing in the city.

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Town Clerk and Mrs Frank Wright are passing the week in Ridgefield. Should any anxious candidates for matrimonial honors present themselves at The Bee office for the license prescribed by the state, they may be disappointed. However, he is expected to return with the close of the week, and might be reached by telegraph if the case was pressing. There are a number of our young friends in town who will be seeking the town clerk soon, unless all signs fair.

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Mrs Jordan and daughter, Miss Mildred C. Jordan, and Miss Hoit of New Haven have been enjoying Newtown life, stopping with Mr and Mrs A.J. Wilson in Palestine. Miss Jordan is adept with the artist’s brush, having executed some fine work in water colors while here.

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James Barnum of Dodgingtown has a house full of Brooklyn boarders.

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.