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One of Newtown’s most colorful sights, that of formally clad horsemen galloping after a pack of yelping foxhounds across an open field, will become a less frequent sight after this fall’s foxhunting season is over. The Fairfield County Hounds, a foxhunting group that has made its home in town for about 50 years, has taken the first steps toward moving its kennels and prime foxhunting territory out for town. The main reason for the move is the increasing development of real estate in Newtown which has gradually reduced the club’s foxhunting country.

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The Great Sandy Hook Brick Sale got off to a good start on Saturday, July 26, when certificates for 2,000 bricks, at $2.50 a brick, were sold by volunteers of the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP). Lou Bastos, proprietor of the Red Brick General Store, said he was “ecstatic” over all the sale, which will allow beautification work to continue in the Glen, the tiny triangular shaped piece of land next to the Sandy Hook Post Office. Purchasers of each brick have been given a white card with the worlds Red Brick stamped onto it. When the bricks are purchased, people will be asked to come down to Sandy Hook and sign them before they are put in the terrace.

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On July 27, Father Joseph Kohut celebrated his final Sunday Mass as pastor of St Rose of Lima Parish. His successor, Father George Birge, will be installed as pastor at the 11 am Mass on Sunday, August 3.

August 4, 1961

A brand new electric organ installed in the living room, a backhoe straining at an excavation in the backyard, and a houseboat stranded at a motel — all together spell out an experience “Just like Christmas,” for Mrs John Webster of Sycamore Drive. The organ, a swimming pool, a 30-foot boat, chinchilla wrap, strand of pearls, an electric golf cart, 30 shares of stock in Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, are some of the prizes won by Mrs Webster in her four appearances on Hugh Downs’ evening “Concentration” television program.

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Fine old timbers, a strategic location in a charming setting, heaps of imagination and a great deal of plain hard work have transformed the historic Nichols’ Sawmill into an unusual and beautiful home. Builder Martin Sealander this week announces an open house for public inspection of the “Saw Mill,” his outstanding effort in remodeling the old Nichols sawmill into a large and comfortable home. The mill dates back to the 17th century. The exact date is difficult to establish, but records indicate it belonged to the Fairchild family at one time. The shape of the mill has been retained somewhat. The past intrudes pleasantly as the rebuilt dam and waterfall lend the color and sound of a bygone era. It is interesting to note the address of the Sealander home — Sawmill Road.

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William E. Kelly of Plainfield, Conn., has been appointed assistant principal of Newtown High School, to replace Michael K. Wolfer, who resigned recently to become principal of Masuk High School in Monroe. Mr Kelly has had 15 year of teaching experience, and four years’ experience in administration, the most recent as principal of the Plainfield Junior High School.

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There has recently been added to the Newtown Post Office, as a great convenience for all townspeople as well as visitors, an automatic stamp vending machine, attached to which is a scale to help people determine the correct postage on items to be mailed. This most useful addition can be found on the left side of the lobby as one enters the post office, and the stamp vending machine, which sells stamps at face value, takes nickels, dimes, and quarters.

 

July 31, 1936

A reunion of the Page families and their descendants was held at the home of Clark L. Page in Sandy Hook on Sunday, when a picnic and hot dog roast was enjoyed on the lawn. More than 50 persons attended, with as many as four generations represented in some families.

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A special exhibition of etchings and dry points by representative Connecticut etchers will be held at The Little Gallery in Dodgingtown, from August 3 to August 24. This exhibition is being held by courtesy of the Keppel Galleries, New York City. The Little Gallery has arranged a series of very worthwhile exhibits this season and its attractive galleries and all persons interested in etchings will find very worthwhile the coming exhibit of work by some of Connecticut’s outstanding etchers.

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The tournament to decide the 1936 championship at the Newtown Country Club came to a finish on Sunday, when Bob Leahy turned in an exceptionally good score to defeat Joe Leo of Danbury in the final round of 36 holes. Bob Leahy, who is the younger brother of William Leahy, club professional, proved an easy winner in the finals, taking the match 12-11.

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The new automobile law went into effect, August 1. Owners of automobiles will do well to familiarize themselves with its provisions. The new law requires both front and rear markers to be fastened, so that they will not swing, and each must be at least 18 inches from the ground. The use of siren horns is prohibited except on fire department apparatus.

 

August 4, 1911

With the sole thought of making the Newtown High school more practical and useful to the community it so well serves, an important change and addition to its curriculum will be made at the opening of the school year by the addition of an agricultural course, the extent to which it is to be developed to depend upon conditions and the recommendation of the acting school visitor.

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Ralph Whitlock of Sandy Hook is widening and grading the road that leads from Gas street to his home, and is also grading the lawn in front of his home and making the road there so wide teams can turn around with ease. When the work is all complete it will greatly improve his place.

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The happiest man in Newtown, Monday night, was Frank A. Blackman, who landed a bass weighing five pounds from Taunton Lake. He exhibited it at the Newtown Inn, and the monster was greatly admired.

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L. Birdsey Parsons of Gas street, Sandy Hook, sold his automobile to D.D. Lambert of Southbury and delivered it to him, last Saturday.