December 15, 1989

Although Newtown’s initial investigation into the Richard Crafts murder case began long ago, it is certainly not forgotten. Mr Crafts, a resident of Newtown, was accused January 13, 1987 and later convicted, November 21, 1989, of murdering his wife, Helle, disposing of her body by carving it up with a chain saw, and putting the parts through a rented wood chipper. Newtown Police Department’s investigation into Helle’s disappearance began after the Crafts’ babysitter, Dawn Marie Thomas, and a New Milford private investigator, Keith Mayo, reported Mrs Crafts missing on December 1, 1986. Bitter feelings arose three years ago this month on December 26, 1986 when the state’s attorney “officially” took Newtown police off the case permanently and put it in the hands of the state. This action, as well as accusations of NPD’s incompetence made by Mr Mayo, still leaves Newtown police with unpleasant memories.

***

About 300 people ignored the bitter cold on Friday, December 8, to watch an evergreen along the banks of the Hawley Pond be transformed into a glorious community Christmas Tree. Luminaria candles lined Elm Drive and main Street, lighting the way to the Matthew Curtiss House where the smells of hot chocolate, mulled cider and ginger cookies, Colonial garb and gentle parlor music rounded off an evening twinkling with holiday spirit.

***

After hearing 2½ hours of opposition, Borough Zoning officials rejected a proposed rule change that would have allowed combined gas stations and convenience stores to be built in the borough. After considering views expressed by 30 residents, predominantly from the borough, and the standards for enacting or revising regulations, the commission unanimously defeated the proposal, to protect the character of the borough.

***

The Town Hall Board of Managers is on its way to alleviating the problem outside Edmond Town Hall Theatre — they have hired an off-duty officer. The problem refers to the vandalism, consumption of alcohol by minors, and sale of drugs around the theatre on Friday nights. Friday nights are typically movie nights for Newtown youths. Guidelines will provide a clear definition of what the officer is to do and what areas he is to patrol satisfying the concerns of the board, the theatre, businesses, neighbors, parents and the nursery school. This patrol would include arrests if the circumstances warranted such action.

December 18, 1964

On Monday night, the Newtown Choral Society, under the direction of Joseph Grasso, provided the patients of Kent House at Fairfield Hills Hospital with a program of Christmas and winter music, which was warmly received. In return, a male sextet entertained the society by singing “White Christmas.”

***

Newtown’s Board of Education, at its meeting Monday evening in the high school library, decided upon Middle Gate as the most appropriate name for the new elementary school which will be ready for use next September. The new school is being built in the old Middle Gate district.

***

The charter of the Newtown Kiwanis Club was officially presented to Dr Willard A. Downie, club president, on Friday, December 11. Over 150 Kiwanians, wives, and friends attended the charter night dinner at the Danbury Motor Inn. Governor Joseph Kelly gave the main address. He expressed his belief in the aspirations and future of Kiwanis International and charged the Newtown club to become a worthy member of this group.

***

The Newtown High School Varsity Basketball team won an easy victory over New Milford on Friday evening on the home court, scoring 89 points against the visitor’s 64. This total sets a new high score record for a Newtown team. The record, after this game, gave the team three wins and no losses.

 

December 15, 1939

Several pens of White Leghorns owned by Walter Hutchinson of Boxwood Farm, Taunton, took prizes at the poultry show recently held at the state armory in Danbury. The pens were arranged and entered by Roy Everett, foreman of the Boxwood Farm, Out of nine birds, four firsts, three seconds, and two third place ribbons were won. Sir Boxwood, a prize White Leghorn cockerel, won his tenth straight blue ribbon.

***

After three weeks of hard practice, the Newtown A.C. basketball team will launch their first game of the season at the Edmond gym this Thursday evening, with starting time set for 8 o’clock. Their opponents for this eventful occasion will by Couch Bros Big Five of New Preston. The visitors boast a strong and experienced lineup. But the local team coached by “Bob” Gannon are confident that they will be able to turn back their rivals in a most definite manner.

***

At a meeting of the employees of the Fairfield State Hospital on Monday evening, the Fairfield State Hospital Employees Association was formed. The primary purpose of this association is for the purposed of bringing about adequate salaries and shorter working hours, and the improvement of the service by employees of the State Institutions. The association now numbers eighty members and meetings will be held every month.

***

Miss Sarah Farrell is driving a handsome new Ford deluxe station wagon purchased through Lovell’s Garage. A feature of this new car is a special safety lock on every door, thus making it impossible for her small school children to open the doors.

 

December 18, 1914

For Rent: Dairy and Poultry farm, $250 a year. Only those financially responsible and not booze-fighters considered. Louis Busker, Newtown, Conn. Farm for Sale: Situated in Taunton District of town of Newtown. Sixty acres of good land, well watered, house, three barns and other buildings. A good buy. Must be sold to settle estate. W.E. Briscoe, R.D. 34, Newtown, Conn.

***

Kalem’s Biblical masterpiece, “From the Manger to the Cross,” a reverent moving picture life story of Jesus of Nazareth, will be seen at the moving pictures at Town hall, this Thursday evening.

***

In the largest attended Borough meeting held in recent years, Wednesday night, at the Town hall, the project of lighting the streets at night by electricity was voted. Every section of the borough was represented and a full and free discussion followed. John Sanders, general manager for the Bridgeport and Danbury Electric Co, agreed to furnish thirty-five 40-watt lights at $20 per light, to provide all poles, wiring, etc throughout the Borough, the lights to be placed at such points as the borough officials might designate. The Electric Lighting Co are to be liable for any damage due to any accident caused by broken wires or defective wiring. At the Liberty Pole, the company agreed to maintain a circle of lights about the pole. The vote to establish public street lighting is a forward movement and there is general satisfaction over the result of Wednesday night’s meeting.

***

E.M. Peck, Sr, while cranking his auto on Wednesday, fractured the bones in one wrist. Dr W.H. Kiernan was summoned and attended to his injuries.