August 29, 1997

It has been a little over a year since Newtown Police Chief James E. Lysaght, Jr, gave up his job as second-in-command in the Bristol Police Department to head the Newtown department. He believes it has been a good year. If the town’s police department were to issue a report card on their new chief’s performance, however, James Lysaght would probably get a failing grade. The union intends to poll its members in a “vote of confidence” over the long Labor Day weekend. The union has expressed unhappiness with the way the department is being run, especially with the way the police chief and Police Commission moved together to reorganize the department without any discussions with the rank and file police officers. But Chief Lysaght says progress is being made in reforming the department into a law enforcement organization that will capably deal with the challenges of the future.

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Children throughout Newtown who have been busy “feeding” and playing with virtual Giga Pets will need to find “a reliable day care provider for their pets,” quips Erin Quinlan, third grade teacher at Sandy Hook School. Mrs Quinlan had a student bring one of the palm-sized electronic gadgets into her classroom last year, and she says “No more!” Grandma is going to have to be enlisted to take care of Nano-Pet, Tamagotchi, Dinki Dino, Giga Pet, and any other critter children are hoping to keep alive while they are in school.

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The 20-year-old driver of a car involved in a two-car accident which killed two men on August 16 on I-84 was listed in serious condition Thursday morning at Danbury Hospital. The man, from Bridgeport, is the only victim of the crash who is still hospitalized, a hospital spokesman said. State police said the man, who was driving a 1989 Oldsmobile on I-84 East around 4 am, suffered multiple head trauma after his vehicle was struck by a 1986 Honda coupe traveling in the wrong direction. The driver of the Honda, a 22-year-old from Bethel, died in the crash. A 21-year-old passenger in the Oldsmobile, a man from Bridgeport, also died. Two passengers in the Oldsmobile — a 20-year-old from Bridgeport who received a severe leg injury, and an 18-year-old, also from Bridgeport, who received multiple fracture back injuries — have both been released from the hospital.

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Planning & Zoning Commission members have approved creating two more building lots at the Whispering Pines residential subdivision in Sandy Hook, bringing the number of lots there to 15. The developers for the project, PSD Partnership, had sought three more lots, but P&Z members only agreed to approve new ones August 21. The subdivision is a 26-acre site at Pine Street, Cherry Street, Narragansett Trail and Miya Lane.

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William A. Honan Jr and Jeanne C. Honan of 60 Main Street celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends at a dinner-dance August 16 hosted by their eight children. The Honans were married in Boston, Mass., on August 20, 1947. Mr Honan, owner and operator of Honan Funeral Home, is a lifelong resident of Newtown and a graduate of Newtown High School, Providence College, and The New England Institute of Anatomy and Embalming. Mrs Honan, who was born and raised in Dorchester, Mass., is a graduate of St Gregory High School. Since their marriage, Mr and Mrs Honan have been active members of the community, serving on a variety of civic and government organizations. They are the proud grandparents of nine.

September 1, 1972

Mrs Gilbert Teal passed the president’s gavel of the Newtown PTA Council to newly elected president Mrs Gordon Birrell last week. The other new officers are Mrs Joseph Borst, vice president; William Thornberry, second vice president; Mrs Victor Gilbert, secretary; and Roland Chiaradio, treasurer. School members of the Newtown PTA include Hawley School, Newtown Middle School, Middle Gate School and Sandy Hook School.

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Ch Rosedale’s Dark Temptation was selected by Judge Louis Murr as best of the hound group during a recent Newtown Kennel Club event. Handler Jane Forsyth of Southbury, one of the nation’s top handlers, worked the dog.

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The Newtown Parks and Recreation Commission announces the selection of M. Lee Davenson to fill the vacant position of Recreation Director. Mr Davenson is currently Parks and Recreation Director for the Town of Clinton. Prior to this he was a recreation supervisor at Westover Community Center in Richmond, Va. He holds an AA degree in Recreation from Northwestern Community College and a BS degree in Recreation from Virginia Commonwealth College in addition to a Public Budgeting Certificate from the University of Connecticut. Mr Davenson is a member of the National Parks and Recreation Association, the Connecticut Parks and Recreation Association, and the Clinton Jaycees. He is 24 years old and the father of two children. Mr Davenson will assume his duties as director on September 18 in Newtown. In the meantime, Mr and Mrs Davenson will be looking for a place to live in Newtown.

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On Wednesday, August 9, at the monthly general membership meeting of the Newtown Jaycees a special award was presented to two deserving young girls. Sue Reitermayer and Mona Coulsey, both of Newtown, worked on planning, running events, such as swimming, and track and field, and fund raising. They also organized a cake sale, a car wash and participated in telephone canvassing. All this was to support the Newtown Jaycee-sponsored Special Olympics. Jaycee Chris Spiro presented the awards to the girls.

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The Board of Finance agreed at its meeting Monday, August 28, to carry over the money given by Otto Heise for the renovation of Hawley Field through fiscal 1972-73. No decision was reached on the question raised several times on whether or not the town should pay the mailing costs for Ben Blanchard, Judge of Probate. The problem is whether or not these come under the heading of “supplies,” which the town is obligated to pay even though Judge of Probate is under state, not town, jurisdiction.

August 29, 1947

EDITORIAL INK DROPS — WELL “NEEDLED,” NEARLY RECOVERED, MOST GRATEFUL: The editor of The Bee, for no accountable reason, having been bitten by a virus pneumonia bug, has since been on the receiving end of a number (for him) of unusual experiences. The first, that of playing the part of a pin cushion at the Danbury hospital, spiked the bug, though the editor himself had never before been so thoroughly “needed” — not even by local politicians! Then followed a period of inactivity (convalescence, so-called) which also seemed a bit out of the regular routine for one who edits a newspaper and enjoys physical activity. But by far the most gratifying experience of all, and one for which this editor is most appreciative, has been the expression of solicitude on the part of so many friends, and the evidence of extreme loyalty by the members of The Bee’s staff, who have produced a paper just as well edited as though the editor had been in his accustomed place. For such loyalty and for such friendship there seem words scarce adequate to express full appreciation. My thanks, none the less, for the loyal support, the cards, letters, messages of well wishes, even a telegram from a Bee friend of long standing, Howard R. Bates of Syracuse, N.Y. … Friendship is one of this world’s most satisfying experiences. —Paul S. Smith

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Early Tuesday evening, Harry F. Bradley of Sugar street, a member of one of Newtown’s old families, was stricken by cerebral hemorrhage from which he died a short time later. The sudden attack occurred in the home, not long after Mr Bradley had returned from Fabric Fire Hose Company in Sandy Hook, where he was employed as maintenance foreman. He had been with the company a total of 42 years.

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Pohtatuck Grange met at the Grange hall on Tuesday evening. Mrs Hester Scott, lecturer, presented an entertaining program which included songs, a motion picture, shown by Mr and Mrs Weller of Housatonic Grange, Stratford, and a report by Mrs Scott of the New England Lecturer’s conference at Storrs. Refreshments were served at the close of the meeting under the direction of Mrs John Bergh of the home economics committee.

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Mr and Mrs Herbert R. Wilde of Twist Hill are entertaining Mrs Wilde’s sister, Mrs A.H. Hilton-Johnson of Sandhurst, Berkshire, England, who arrived on August 14th aboard the Queen Elizabeth.

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Tuesday brought home two members of the Paul Smith family, who have been at camp during the summer months. Mary Starr returned from Camp Kuwiyan on Lake Winnipesaukee at Meredith, N.H., and Scudder from Camp Agawam on Crescent Lake near Poland, Maine.

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Newtown’s younger golfing set who wound up their summer golf lessons last week were Jeff Curtis, Jim Curtis, Billy Hellauer, Jim Hellauer, Dot Strasburger, and Rusty Strasburger. According to Danny Lawler, Newtown Country Club’s pro, with the aid of years and a bit more stature, his summer charges might very easily evolve into a group of experts.

August 25, 1922

The annual picnic of the Church School of the Congregational church took place on Tuesday at Putnam Park, with 130 people in attendance. Two of Louie Lovell’s trucks conveyed most of the children. A sumptuous dinner was served in the pavilion at the Park, which was topped off with ice cream. Various athletic events were arranged for the boys and girls.

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An earnest appeal is made to all interested in the Newtown Village cemetery for funds to improve two of the main avenues of said cemetery. The Trustees have decided to have the new main avenue gravelled to the top of the hill and also Avenue E on the South, making said avenues accessible to the automobiles at all seasons. It will be necessary first to remove the top soil and to have a Telford base for a suitable foundation. The estimate cost of the entire work will be $1200. All subscriptions, or donations, may be left with the treasurer, Arthur T. Nettleton, or Newtown Savings Bank.

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Many of the boys and girls who will attend The Hawley School this year will drive to school daily, others will board themselves, others will work for their board and a few will get board and room within walking distance of the school house. Those who are willing to help these pupils to get located should communicate with Principal Badger.

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The Half Way River school has been closed by vote of the School Board, but it is possible it may be opened later. The Monroe school board are very anxious to have the school re-opened. The tuition from this source will aid the up-keep of the school.

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The vaudeville held under the auspices of the Parent-Teachers’ association, for the benefit of the dental clinic, was pronounced a very great success by all who were fortunate enough to witness it. The officers of the association wish to thank all who so willingly assisted. The net proceeds were $60.

September 3, 1897

“Servant of God, well done!” was the thought that passed through the mind when told Dea Henry Fairchild had laid aside the cares, the toils and trials of life and entered the rest of Paradise. Born in Newtown, Conn., July 20, 1818, died July 26, 1897, he had entered upon his 80th year and, like a shock of corn fully ripe, he had been gathered to his fathers. In his death, his native town loses a man of sterling character and the Congregational church, of which he was the senior deacon, an efficient officer of consistent Christian influence, and one who in church work never tired.

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.