Joseph T. Kasper, Jr, of Trumbull, the new owner of the Newtown Shopping Center, said August 20 he still plans to expand the center by building a larger A&P and putting up several smaller additions. He said he will need to replace the existing septic system with some alternative wastewater disposal system, and need to redesign the traffic flow through the center.

***

“Farmer Boy” Floyd Nash reports that his garden is in its glory these days. On the day The Bee visited his garden, the onions were bursting forth in six-inch diameters. Mr Nash was smiling, but the onions were enough to make most mortals cry.

***

The Connecticut Safety Belt Coalition reports motorists are finding it uncomfortable to buckle up with the hot, humid weather plaguing the state lately. “Motorists are saying the belts are too hot to handle and they’re uncomfortable to wear in the heat,” said Nancy Owen, director of the Connecticut Safety Belt Coalition. Ms Owen tells motorists to cover the hot belts with towels in hot weather — just as they would the steering wheel or seat. For those who find the strap uncomfortable, a comfort clip is available to relieve tension from the shoulder and an extender is available to provide extra lap room on the lap.

August 25, 1961

A permanent exhibit of the works of nearby artists has been instituted at the Newtown Office of The Connecticut National Bank, according to Nelson B. Denny, Assistant Vice President and Manager. Paul S. Smith and H. Gould Curtis comprise the exhibit committee. Henry Schnakenberg and Leslie Randall are in charge of hanging arrangements. The following artists are currently represented: Betty Christensen; Henry Schnakenberg, Leslie Randall, Arnold Hall, Harrie Wood, Burton Keeler, Eberhard von Jarochowski, and Jan Christian Mayer.

***

The Board of Selectmen at its meeting on Tuesday evening took official notice that that day marked the birthday of Miss Mary Elizabeth Hawley, who made so many generous gifts to the town. They proclaimed the week August 22–29 as “Mary Elizabeth Hawley Week” in Newtown. All day long on August 22 and until the closing of the front doors that night, the Memorial Room to the right as one enters the main lobby of Edmond Town Hall remained open. Many townspeople visited the splendid room.

***

At the meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday evening, the board took note of the erection of the new traffic light in front of Edmond Town Hall, which is the result of the original request some time ago by the Newtown Traffic Commission, of which Harry F. Greenman is the chairman. The new light was erected this Tuesday with the cooperation of the Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners, of which Louis E. Pelletier is the chairman, and the State Traffic Commission.

***

John Sedor, dog warden, warns local dog owners that a house to house canvass will be made with State Deputy Dog Warden David Logan to check on unlicensed dogs. The check is necessary because licenses, which should have been obtained at the town clerk’s office by June 30, have not yet been secured by a large number of dog owners in town. According to Mr Sedor, owners of unlicensed dogs are liable to stiff fines and arrest. All dogs roaming at large will be picked up during the campaign.

 

August 21, 1936

Deeds were filed with Town Clerk May E. Sullivan, this week, when B.A. Rowe of New York City purchased from William A. Kimball of Forestville, his property located on the west side of Main Street, Newtown, adjoining the former Beach Library, which is now the home of State Trooper Edward Hadfield. The place consists of a 10-room Colonial house, all modern improvements, a large flower garden, barn, outbuildings, and four acres of land. Mr Rowe expects to make this his summer home.

***

Not only the editors of The Ladies’ Home Journal appreciate the ability of Baird Hall as a short story writer, but also the citizens of Newtown, for a copy of their August issue in which his story “Blaze of Glory” appears, cannot be bought locally for love or money. Coming to Newtown several years ago, after leaving the advertising business because of his health, Mr Hall has been a popular member of the Newcomers Club and the founder of the Town Players.

***

New England in general and Newtown in particular received a great compliment this week from Countess Margaret Tauszky, a world traveler, stopping at Hawley Manor. Countess Tauszky stated to The Bee scribe that she believed New England to be the prettiest part of the United States and was quite taken with Newtown, its Colonial homes and its quiet simplicity.

***

Work was started last Wednesday, by the line crew of the Danbury & Bethel Gas & Electric Light Company, putting an extension of their line through the Berkshire district. Holes are being dug and poles erected, and in a matter of about two weeks, “juice” will be running through the wires.

 

August 25, 1911

Miss Marion Warner of New Haven is the guest of Miss Mayla Botsford for a few days. Miss Mayla A. Botsford, a graduate of the Newtown High school, class of 1911, has been engaged to teach the Huntingtown school for the ensuing year.

***

John P. Lynch was a locomotive Fireman in the employ of the NY,NH, & HRR Co., in which capacity he had been employed for several years, and was thoroughly familiar with all his duties. He met his death at 3:35 am, on said day, in the railroad freight yard at Hawleyville, in said town of Newtown, caused by having his head crushed in between the side of his locomotive cab and a box-freight car which protruded out from the end of a storage track. At said point, there is a curve in the main line track so that the track and yard ahead must be observed from the fireman’s side of the cab. The location is a very dark one, and Lynch had his head outside the side cab window observing ahead.

***

The other evening, a transient guest sat smoking a fragrant Havana on the piazza at the Newtown Inn, just before dusk. At that moment, C.P. Coe, a popular member of the summer colony, passed up the sidewalk. “Who is that distinguished looking gentleman?” asked the transient boarder. “Oh, that is Ambassador Leichmann of Germany, just appointed by President Taft,” said the old boarder, as he tried to look unconscious. “Is that so?” said the transient boarder. “I should like to meet the ambassador.” Whereupon the regular boarder disappeared into the hotel on a pressing errand. Mr Coe has been known as “Commodore” for some time, but the new title of “Ambassador” will fit him finely.

***

They are having a laugh on Major Harrel. It seems as the circus parade was passing up by the Newtown Inn, Major Harrel and friends sat out on the lawn at the Inn. As Terry O’Brien, one of the clowns at the circus got directly in front of the Major, he stopped his horse and facing the Major, yelled at the top of his voice: “Hello Major, old boy, how are you?” To say the Major was astonished goes without saying, while all who witnessed the incident had a hearty laugh.