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A local developer presented on June 19 what he called “a very preliminary” plan for an $8 million shopping center on South Main Street. Thomas Maguire, who previously developed South Main Commons, said the totally commercial venture will include a building of 158,000 square feet on a single level on 36 acres in the old Cappezella gravel pit. There will be three “major anchors,” he added, naming two possibilities: A supermarket and a clothing store. There will also be 20 to 22 secondary stores.

***

When the Newtown Association for Retarded Citizens (NARC) folded last fall, a gap was created in the lives of many of the people it served. To help fill the void, some of NARC’s former members began meeting on their own. Out of those informal get-togethers a new organization was formed. Newtown Citizens with Alternate Needs (CAN)’s aim is to help meet the various special needs of handicapped individuals and their families.

***

Over three hundred Newtown Middle School eighth graders “moved up” to their freshman year at a ceremony held on June 19 at Newtown High School. Following the ceremony, students were joined by families and friends in the high school cafeteria for a reception in their honor, hosted by the Middle School PTA.

June 30, 1961

The annual firemen’s parade, traditional highlight of carnival week, will be bigger and longer than ever this year. Set for Wednesday evening starting at 8 pm, the line of march will take an expected more than 1,000 marchers down Route 34 to the Italian Community Center.

***

The Newtown Rotary Club was host to the Newtown High School graduates and their guests at the Yankee Drover Inn last Thursday evening at a dance and buffet dinner supper following the graduation exercises at Edmond Town Hall. Mr and Mrs Mack Lathrop, well-known dance teachers, taught the group a few of the modern dances. Rev Richard Lorsch of St John’s entertained with folk songs and guitar.

A total of $3,501 was distributed by the Newtown Scholarship Association in grants made to 12 members of the class of 1961, at the Newtown High School graduation last week. The largest total to date, the scholarships ranged from $100 to $500.

***

First Selectman Charles W. Terrell announces that applications will be accepted for the position of constable on the Newtown police force. The town presently has two constables and it is felt that the growth of the community will warrant the hiring of one additional officer.

 

June 26, 1936

William C. Baxter, proprietor of “The Kegs” has just completed renovations on his lunch room. A 30-foot glass counter with stainless steel inside trays has been installed. Fifteen new stools of the latest type have been erected. A double electric waffle iron, a new Electric Silex Percolator, and a nine-burner range are but some of the new improvements. Mr Baxter has also installed new automatic computing gas pumps. The tourist may have immediate service with either a native chicken dinner, a wide variety of sandwiches, or ice cold beverages.

***

Attention taxpayers in Newtown who owe taxes on their automobiles, is called to the notice of R.N. Camp, collector. If these taxes are not paid by July 1, automobile owners who are in arrears on taxes will find themselves without license plates.

***

One of the most important sales of country real estate has just been completed with the sale of the 100-acre farm belonging to Frank Zalenski, located in the South Center district of Newtown, which has been purchased by C. Chandler Ross, a prominent artist of New York City and Miami. The property has a half mile trout stream and is improved with a fine old Colonial homestead, large dairy barn and other outbuildings. They will be occupied by the farm superintendent. A large and pretentious rambling Colonial home of 15 rooms and 6 baths is to be newly constructed.

***

Donald A. Griscom, organist and choirmaster of Trinity church and St John’s was notified from headquarters in New York City of the successful completion of his examinations for Associateship in the American Guild of Organists. Mr Griscom began a prescribed course in piano, organ, theory and voice under Charles Andre Filler, formerly associated with Columbia University. In 1932, his studies were continued under the internationally famous organist composer conductor Dr T. Tertius Noble of New York City. Mr Griscom is now in his tenth year as organist and choir-master of Trinity and St John’s.

 

June 30, 1911

Boys who have been in the habit of marking or playing tennis on the front of the Town hall must desist, and all bill posting on the front of the hall is forbidden by the Selectmen. Anyone defacing or marking the exterior or interior of the Town hall will be liable to arrest and punishment.

***

A sad fatality occurred at Castle Ronald, late Thursday afternoon, when Richard Campbell, a stone mason, fell from one of the stone towers and died. Mr Campbell had finished his work and was starting to come down, when he lost his balance and fell. Mr Campbell is pleasantly spoken of by his fellow workmen, who were all shocked at his sudden death.

***

The usual display of fireworks will be given on the pond at Sandy hook on the evening of Independence day, the exhibition being in charge of Frank Huise. The general public is cordially invited and it is particularly requested that pistols, crackers and all other dangerous explosives shall be reserved until after the fireworks or cut out.

***

While returning from Sandy Hook on Wednesday evening, H.N. Tiemann was unfortunate enough to run into the ditch just west of George B. Berrs’ house. The auto was turned over on its side, but apparently was uninjured. The occupants of the car, A.B. Blakeman, Rev J.H. George, W.J. Bissell, deputy grand high priest R.A.M., and H.N. Tiemann escaped injury.