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The estimated cost of the proposed 25-meter, L-shaped pool at Timothy B. Treadwell Memorial Park has increased from $606,000 to $750,000 if the project is started next year. Before final approval, engineering plans would be reviewed by a public hearing. If approved, the town hopes to partially finance the pool by a federal grant.

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The Board of Selectmen has agreed to consider replacing the United Fire Company of Botsford’s Truck 51, a 13-year-old fire truck which, according to firemen, has a terminal case of rot and leaks so badly it must be filled twice a day with a garden hose.

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A worker at the Charles Batchelder Company suffered minor burns early Thursday, when an acetylene torch exploded, according to Steve Belair, chief of the United Fire Company of Botsford. The 6:19 am explosion resulted in a small fire in the area around the acetylene tank, which fed the gas to the torch.

 

November 20, 1959

The Garden Club of Newtown in continuing with its plan for landscaping the grounds of the Newtown High School, recently had planted four sugar maple and three honey locust trees on the high school lawn. The civic committee is continuing with the landscape plan which the club secured from the University of Connecticut for the high school grounds a few years ago.

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The Harvest Fair of the Women’s Federation of the Newtown Congregational Church held last Saturday, November 14, in the church house was most successful, with attendance exceeding all expectations. More than 200 persons attended the turkey dinner served by members of the Laymen’s fellows. The auction of pictures donated by local artists created a great deal of interest.

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The homemaker whose family likes parts, but not all, of their washable garments starched for crisp smoothness can now do away with mixing and dunking, if she gets a new spray-on starch called “Aeromagic,” which is made by General Aerosola, Inc, of Shelton. The aerosol starch was originally test marketed in New England states and is now generally available everywhere.

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Christmas trees and other holiday decorative evergreens grown in areas of the northeastern United States which are under quarantine because of gypsy moth infestations must be inspected and certified before being shipped southward and westward.

November 16, 1934

Henry G. Carlson, proprietor of Liberty Garage, wishes the people in town to know that the famous Esso Safety Cruiser will arrive here on Saturday and will be open for inspection at Liberty Garage at 1:25 pm. This mammoth bus, costing $55,000, is touring the state in the interest of the Highway Safety Campaign. Earlier in the afternoon it will cruise about Newtown and Sandy Hook, broadcasting for the Christmas Seal Campaign.

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Mrs H.C. Georger of Castle Hill road, has sold seven and one-half acres of land, located in Taunton district, to Mrs Melissa J. Gracey of Pelham, N.Y. This is a very fine piece of property, and has a commanding view of the surrounding country.

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Contractor Joseph Gurske of Hattertown District is building an addition on the house of Clark Walker and laying new oak floors. A new heating unit is also being installed by the Home Services Company of New Milford.

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A narrow escape from what might have been a serious accident occurred in front of the home of Clark Walker on Monday morning. A Pontiac sedan, driven by a couple from Gloucester, Mass., in an attempt to avoid hitting a dog, ran up the bank in front of Mr Walker’s residence and tipped over. Fortunately, the occupants of the care were not injured.

 

November 19, 1909

George W. Northrop of Palestine has just completed an up-to-date smoke house in his back yard. It is made of cement blocks. The roof and everything is of solid masonry and the architectural design would make one of our expert architects envious. The house is large enough so he can smoke between 35 and 40 hams in it at a time and he expects to make a business of smoking hams, this winter, for the general public.

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Dr H.S. Nichols will not be here in Newtown, this week, the 19th, but will be here the 26th. He will move from Mrs Peck’s house to the rooms over R.H. Beers & Co’s store, formerly occupied by Dr Rider, which will be his office after this. Remember the place and date.

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On Saturday, November 13, J. Botsford Fairchild killed a snake two feet long and on Monday he killed two more. It’s an open winter and no mistake, and the crop of apples and hard cider are light ones, this year.

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There seems to be a misconception on the part of some as to what the object of the town meeting to be held today (Friday) is. As we understand, it is to ask the State Highway Commissioner for an appropriation of $10,000 to improve the highway from the head of Newtown Street to the Monroe line. If this is accomplished, over five and one-half miles of road including two cement bridges will be built and when completed the state will pay 75 percent of keeping it in repair.