* * *

On advice of attorney, the Newtown Board of Education and the superintendent of schools plan to continue the policy of transporting only students attending schools within the boundaries of Newtown. Because of the liability involved in transporting out-of-system students, which includes Immaculate High School, the superintendent at this time finds it advisable to retain its policy.

* * *

The Board of Burgesses went another round with the perennial question of Route 25 traffic Monday, November 29, and voted to notify the Housatonic Valley Council of elected officials that board members support the Council’s suggestions to see that shrubs are trimmed back and sight lines improved along the route through the center of Newtown, but feel the proposals to move either the highway or the Congregational Church to be impractical.

* * *

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 am Wednesday morning, December 8, at St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown for Lt Thomas F. Carney. Lt Carney, who was commanding officer of State Police Troop L in Litchfield, died Monday morning after he was struck by a tractor trailer on I-84 while enroute to his post. He was 40 years old.

* * *

The Newtown Board of Education will assess proposed recommendations of the administration and department heads at Newtown High School, one of which would change the number of required courses within the 40 credits necessary for graduation. Those students planning to graduate a semester early would need to double up on an English course for one semester. The changes make 26 instead of the present 20 required courses towards graduation.

* * *

If it’s E.T. or Garfield, it’s hot. If it’s electronic, it’s selling. And if it has anything to do with computers, Christmas shoppers are knocking down the doors to get it. Every Christmas is different, shopping wise, and Christmas 1982 is no exception. Last year Atari video games were the rage, and they still are, say area retailers, but the trend has slightly shifted. This year’s crop includes the ubiquitous Pac Man, as well as Frogger, Starmaster, Star Raiders, Berzerk, Megamania and Chopper Command.

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WELCOME, NEWTOWN…. to Andrea’s Bake Shop GRAND OPENING WEEK. We hope you will take advantage of the specials in celebration of our opening. Join us for Coffee and… this week. Specializing in Wedding and Birthday Cakes; Pastries; Breads; Cookies; Party Trays; Holiday orders now being accepted. Thank you Newtown for your warm reception. We are happy to be here and to serve you.

 

December 13, 1957

The Bee understands that Santa Claus has sent a special letter to the four postmasters in the town of Newtown. He writes: “The Chamber of Commerce has informed me that it will be only too happy to answer all the letters that the children write to me addressed to the north Pole. It will, therefore, be greatly appreciated if you would forward them to me in care of the Chamber of Commerce, Hawley Manor Inn, Newtown. With this bit of routine established by Santa Claus, it is certain that letters telling the wishes of the youngsters of Newtown will not be delayed in the rush of holiday mail, so that packages when opened on Christmas Day will contain just the right things.”

Entries are already being received in this year’s Christmas Decorations Contest. The contest is being sponsored by the Newtown Chamber of Commerce and the three local garden clubs — the Horticultural Club, Newtown Garden Club, and the Berkshire Garden Club. The classes in the contest include: Residential Doorways, House and Grounds, and Non-Residential. Cash prizes of $10, $5, and $2.50 will be awarded on the decision of the judges to the winners in each class.

* * *

Members of the Newtown High School Band have successfully launched their first money raising project for the year, a “Mile of Pennies,” drive and are confident they’ll reach their goal by December 20 when the drive closes. Inching along, penny by penny, the successful conclusion would net $633.60 toward new uniforms for the entire band.

* * *

The Christmas party for the Newtown Mothers’ Club, held on December 9 at the Congregational Church House, was well-attended and members and their guests reported much fun was had by all. Gifts were exchanged by the Christmas tree, a few carols were sung, and competitive games were played for prizes. Mothers’ Club also announced at Monday evening’s meeting the sponsorship of a new Girl Scout troop under the direction of Mrs Lee Presnell. The troop is the first to be formed in Sandy Hook.

* * *

Marty Snyder Foods, made according to favorite recipes of President Eisenhower, will go on sale at the Grand Union in Newtown. Four products will be offered, a beef stew, corned beef hash, a beef vegetable soup and baked beans, done the New England way The story behind the foods goes back to World War II when Sgt Marty Snyder was chief cook for Gen Eisenhower. To please his boss, he collected a file of recipes for things the general specially liked and served them without alterations or innovations.

* * *

The Board of Education at its regular meeting Tuesday evening heard a delegation representing the Newtown Teachers’ Association, which is requesting that teachers be allowed to leave the school building at their own discretion any time after pupil dismissal, instead of being required to remain for at least half an hour as is now required by their employment regulations.

 

December 9, 1932

Still seeking their first victory, the Newtown High basketball team will stack up against the Danbury Traders Friday evening. The Danbury team is a new team on the Newtown schedule, this year, and the Traders hope to greet the Newtown team with a defeat. It is reported that they will bring a fast outfit to the Town hall.

* * *

Richard J. Brophy, the genial Sandy Hook blacksmith, is turning out some very beautiful designs in antique iron work, fireplace sets, hinges and other articles. He has just turned out for Herbert C. Elton, a noted New York architect, some nice iron work for Mr Elton’s new guest house.

* * *

Tax Collector R.N. Camp suggests that you save a dollar by paying your personal tax on or before December 15th, as after that date, a penalty of $1.00 will be added to all personal taxes remaining unpaid.

* * *

When the store of H.G. Warner was opened, Wednesday morning, it was found burglars had entered during the night. They carried away between $30 and $40 in silver and pennies. The money was hidden in two different places, as has been the custom of the store for years. It is thought the culprit entered the store near closing time and secreted himself, observing where the money was placed.

* * *

It is seldom that milkmen can boast that their herd is producing 5.2 per cent butter fat, but the herd of  J.B. Nichols, local milkman, had this high rating, last month. These cows are all tuberculin and blood tested and are mostly from the herd of the barns of Dr D.R. Keresey of Stony Hill, Danbury.

* * *

The Scouts wish to extend this note of thanks to all the citizens of the town who supported them in the show “Uncle Henry’s Wedding,” the business men who gave them ads, the people who faithfully attended rehearsals and were in the show, the Committee from the Chamber of Commerce, The Tree Committee, and the Scoutmasters. Their united help netted the troop treasury about $100 clear.

December 13, 1907

There will be a cake sale in the parlor of the Methodist church, Wednesday afternoon, December 18, and those who ordered holders can have them at that time. A large warm comfortable is for sale and can be seen at the parsonage.

* * *

Owing to the heavy rain, Tuesday, the attendance at the High school was reduced about one-half the usual number. It proved to be one of the heaviest rains of the year.

* * *

The Town meeting on Monday was a record-breaking affair for two reasons, first the time consumed being about six minutes, and second the unanimity with which the business was transacted. Assistant Town Clerk Pitzschler called the meeting to order and Ezra L. Johnson was unanimously chosen chairman. Resolved, that the Selectmen be and they are hereby authorized and empowered to accept the sum of $739.57 in full settlement for all monies received from the City National Bank of Bridgeport by Charles H. Northrop as interest on deposits belonging to the town of Newtown.

* * *

Between 1 and 2 o’clock, Friday morning, December 6, Mrs Carrie Simpson was awakened to find her new house in Lake George district all on fire. The flames had gained such headway that Mrs Simpson and family were only just able to escape from the burning house and its contents were totally destroyed. The house had only been completed about a year and was fitted up with all the modern improvements.

* * *

There is a radius of 20 miles of Hawleyville, by actual estimation, roofs to 305 houses, 219 barns and 465 smaller buildings that are leaky. They need new Shingles, and there is not a place or spot that you can do better in buying Shingles than at Platt’s. Vancouver Red Cedar, (none better). Washington Red Cedar (nearly as good). New Brunswick White Cedar; California Redwood; Pennsylvania White Hemlock, (the kind that lasts forever). Louisiana Cypress, (one that never rots). Dismal Swamp Cedar, (millionaires use this kind). And anything else in lumber, timber, doors, sash, blinds, mantels, house trim and mouldings that you may be in need of. E.C. PLATT, HAWLEYVILLE, CONN.