July 28, 1995

Last Sunday’s downpour and a few sprinkles during the week did little to alleviate extremely dry conditions in Newtown. Newtown health district officials urged continued water conservation measures. Newtown Health District Director Mark Cooper urged residents to conserve water by not watering their lawns or gardens and not washing cars... Even residents who have not experienced problems yet are advised to conserve water and stagger its use.

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Construction bids for the planned $4 million expansion of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library have been received and they are “right on the mark,” according to the architect in charge of the project. The town’s Public Building and Site Committee met Tuesday night and recommended that the project proceed.

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Promising that “this is not the end of our expansion plans,” officials of Newtown Housing for the Elderly (NHE) Tuesday dedicated 24 new apartment units and an enlarged community center at Nunnawauk Meadows. The project... brings the size of the senior citizen apartment complex to 120 units, making it one of the largest developments of its kind in Connecticut.

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Residents will have an opportunity to comment on the Planning and Zoning Commission’s proposed zoning changes for Sandy Hook Center intended to foster the center’s economic revitalization and its future viability as a neighborhood business district... changes for Sandy Hook Center stem from its August 1993 town plan of development. The plan of development lists the area as one of several where care should be taken to protect historic value while promoting planned and orderly growth.

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When Tony Urban stepped down as Newtown High School’s baseball coach earlier this summer he did it with the same style in which he coached the Indians for 13 years, quietly and conservatively. Tony Urban died in his sleep Monday night while vacationing in England.

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Baubles, bangles, and beads and much, much, much more will be on sale to the public Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, August 2, 3, and 4 at Fairfield Hills Hospital Gift Shop in Shelton House. The sale is a close-out for the gift store that is operated by the Fairfield Hills Auxiliary... The store is closing since the patients are being released or moved to other facilities in anticipation of the 1996 closing of Fairfield Hills Hospital.

July 24, 1970

Two enterprising teen-agers have organized “The Stranger,” a new coffee house for young people of the community. It opened Thursday night, July 23, in the undercroft of Trinity Episcopal Church to an overflow crowd.

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Committee Presents Report:... regarding the selection of a site for a new elementary school. At the time The Bee went to press, the site which is under consideration had not been revealed by the Board. A site has been recommended to the Board of Education by the recently appointed Site Committee, Joseph Engelberger, Llew Rowe, and Edward Sullivan. Dr Russell Strasburger, Chairman of the Board of Education, indicated the identity of the site would be made public as soon as arrangements with the owners are completed.

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Water started to go in [the recently completed town pool] on Thursday evening and by Friday night swimmers were already bobbing about in the wet stuff. Saturday and Sunday also found the park loaded with townspeople, and on Monday morning the swimming lessons started. It is expected by the end of the week the pool will be filled and water will be going over the spillway as both the brook and two wells are being used as supply. Final grading operations are in progress and sod will be laid on the bank just below the parking area.

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Gloom descended on the Little League All Stars when they lost to the Oxford Little League All Stars on Tuesday, July 21, thus eliminating them from participating in the District Championships. Newtown was the winner of the District Championship last year.

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They’ve “looked at life from both sides now,” and after city airs with a country sound, Roger and Joan Sprung have taken up residence on Papoose Hill Road in Newtown, and have turned to country airs with a city sound. Delighted neighbors on the old dirt road have welcomed the happy musical couple since their arrival in town last year.

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John D. Buttrick, who is the new associate minister at Newtown Congregational Church, moved to Newtown with his family on July 18. Mr Buttrick will be in charge of the Christian Education Program for both young people and adults at the church and also will share pastoral duties.

July 20, 1945

A local drive of more than usual importance is being conducted by the Troop committees of the Newtown Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The purpose of the drive is to provide a definite home for both the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts. For some time, neither group has had a suitable meeting place... Fortunately, a piece of property has become available, in the Borough, purchase of which is practically assured. The land, comprising little more than nine acres, is well wooded and convenient to both Newtown and Sandy Hook, as well as near to Hawley School.

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Trinity Auction Draws Big Throng And Nets $1,400. An unusually large and appreciative crowd attended the “Attic Auction,” arranged by the Woman’s Auxiliary of Trinity church, which took place on the church grounds on Saturday last. The day was particularly propitious and under the splendid direction of E.S. Beardsley, the auctioneer, sales moved well and swiftly.

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Capacity House Welcomes Talent At Benefit Show; VFW Building And Hospital Funds Swollen By Enthusiastic Audience At Edmond Town Hall; Jane Dillon, Frank Parker And Local Talent Take Part. The evening’s entertainment was opened with the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Just A Prayer Away” by Miss Margaret Beardsley, popular Newtown soloist.

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About four o’clock one morning, Corporal Charles Tilson, stationed in Langres, France, was awakened by some rather rough and persistent pushing only to be startled into jumping out of bed upon recognition of his brother, Corporal Roswell Tilson, whom he had not seen in two and a half years. “Ros,” upon earning a furlough, flew from his station in Ansbach, Germany, to surprise Charles. The young men spent three days in Paris... not forgetting to cable their anxious mother confirming their meeting.

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The overturning of a Borden Company milk truck doing business at the Mitchell Dairy Company on Snake Hill, Route 6, between Newtown and Danbury, Wednesday afternoon, blocked traffic in both east and west directions and sent the driver to Danbury hospital with injuries... When State Policeman Robert J. Murphy was called to the scene, the driver was already cared for and helpful citizens were rapidly removing bottles of milk, and chocolate milk preferably, which blocked traffic on the westbound side. One well organized helper used a wheelbarrow.

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A certificate recognizing the services of the Newtown War Council has been received by Herman R. Geiger, Council chairman, signed by Governor Raymond E. Baldwin and State War Administrator Henry B. Mosle.

July 16, 1920

The microfilm containing 1920 Newtown Bee editions is kept at the C.H. Booth Library, which is temporarily closed due to coronavirus health precautions.

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