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In order to comply with state mandated correction of fire code violations, phase II, the Newtown Board of Education is recommending to the Legislative Council the funding of $1,275,322. The work in Phase II, originally cited by the state in September 1981, must be completed in all six public schools by the end of the summer of 1984. All six schools have been cited for fire code violations, but naturally the older schools will be subject to the most work.

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Athletic Director Bob Sveda has not been able to locate a qualified candidate to coach the Boys’ Swim Team at Newtown High School. After last season, Coach Tom Roberts retired from coaching after many years of service. Practice was scheduled to begin on November 28. One final attempt is being made during the next several days to find a coach before a decision is made that a team cannot be fielded.

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First Selectman Jack Rosenthal has asked all Newtown residents who have street and traffic signs in their possession, to return them to the Old Town Garage. He said that there will be no questions asked. This plea came after Highway Department official Michael Flanagan reported that street and traffic signs valued at $3,625 were missing from their posts or damaged when he inspected the town during the week of November 21. “This happens when there is a holiday for colleges and universities,” said Chief Marchese.

 

December 5, 1958

Chief Lee W. Glover of Newtown Hook & Ladder Company, No. 1, announces the installation of FM radio receivers in the homes of 14 company men. The type finally purchased consists of a tone generator installed in the present radio base station at Edmond Town Hall. Complimenting this are 14 compact home receivers. The tone is an excellent attention getter and will arouse a sound sleeper.

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The newly reorganized Explorer Post 70 of Newtown will hold its 13th annual Christmas tree sale, starting next week on Main Street next to Newtown General Store. Proceeds of the sale will go to the camping fund of the post. Any charitable organization or school may have a free tree by contacting one of the Explorers in charge of the sale.

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Robert Raynolds of Head of Meadow Road was elected president of the board of trustees of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library at the annual meeting of the board held Tuesday evening in the library. Mr Raynolds replaces Mortimer Smith, former president, who was not a candidate for the office, being unable to serve due to other duties.

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“The Big Country,” an exciting story of the opening up of the Old West, will be shown at the Edmond Town Hall theatre for four nights, starting Friday, December 5. In the movie, Gregory Peck, an Easterner, comes to the Old West, meets Jean Simmons, owner of a ranch. Other stars in the cast are Carroll Baker, Charleton Heston, Burl Ives and Charles Beckford.

 

December 1, 1933

“Dead-man’s curve,” so called on account of the number of auto accidents which have occurred at that point, was the scene of a rather tragic accident about 1 am on Saturday morning, when three Danbury High school students were injured as they were returning from a dance at the Pines Inn, their car crashing into the state highway fence, and spilling them out onto the highway. Frank L. Hopkins, 15-year-old son of Mr and Mrs Leonard Hopkins of Town Hill, Danbury, died at the Danbury hospital, Sunday evening.

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A car of salt pork to be distributed to the Needy has been received by Selectman Blackman from the Federal Government. Morris & Shepard are distributing it to those who call and sign the proper papers.

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In a stipulated judgment filed in Superior court, Bridgeport, Saturday, F. Joseph Budd of Newtown is ordered to pay $1,750 to Vincent Sullivan, Newtown contractor, for an assault alleged to have taken place November 25, 1932. Sullivan claimed that when he was working at Budd’s house an argument arose and he was struck in the face, falling down stairs and receiving physical injuries.

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The body of Douglas Wanzer Light, who escaped from the Fairfield State Hospital on October 21, was discovered, last Friday, at 2 pm, in a piece of woods mid-way between Taunton lake and the residence of Joseph Edwards. The young man, in his 22nd year, has been under treatment in the hospital and while on his way to the dining room with other patients on the morning that he disappeared, he suddenly made his way to a window and by means of some water pipes and jumping out into the yard, vanished.

 

December 4, 1908

Miss Ruth Ann Pierce has an American Wonder ponderosa lemon plant which bore two fine lemons, this season. One picked on Saturday weighed an even pound. H.M. Greenman is erecting a new brooder house and incubator cellar at his place at South Center. His new brooder house when completed will accommodate about 1,000 young chicks.

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One of the best social functions that will be given in Newtown this winter is the whist to be given by the Hillside club at the club rooms on Friday evening, December 4. The social element that is paramount among its members will be extended to all and a general invitation is extended to all to come and have a good time. The prizes, some ten in number, are elegant and will be on exhibition at the store of R.H. Beers & Co, Friday of this week.

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The elocutionary recital by Miss Florence Ashcraft at the parlors of the Inn, Monday night, under the auspices of the Men’s club, was attended by a representative audience. Miss Ashcraft’s selections were admirable in taste, and she interested and entertained her audiences. Miss Ashcraft possesses marked ability as an elocutionist.

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St Rose’s drum corps is planning for a sociable to be held in St Mary’s hall, Sandy Hook, on New Year’s eve, Thursday evening, December 31. First class music will be furnished and a good time assured.