* * *

The Parks and Recreation Commission decided Tuesday night, October 11, to request the King’s Mark Environmental Review Team to study the Orchard Hill property. Commissioners made the decision after environmental review team coordinator Richard Lynn convinced them that the report would provide information on the feasibility of developing ball fields on the tract.

* * *

What seismologist termed “a moderate earthquake” occurred in our area last Friday, October 7, at 6:19 am. The tremor, which lasted about 10 seconds, registered anywhere from 3.5 to 5.2, depending on the location of the recording equipment. The center of the tremor was located in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Some Newtown residents commented that drawer handles rattled and dishes clattered, but most to whom we spoke were surprised and knew nothing of it, having slept right through.

* * *

It’s an old story to Newtown Police officers. Well into the fiscal year which began July 1, the 24-man force is still without a new contract. Patrolman John Kotch, union president, blames the administration for dragging its feet in settling the new, two-year contract. Officers are “tired of being treated as second class employees in order to save money in the selectmen’s budget,” said Officer Kotch.

* * *

The home of Edward Pressmar on Cedar Hill Road suffered severe smoke and heat damage as the result of a fires started by an electric blanket. The fire, which took place Sunday morning, October 9, gutted the rear bedroom of the home. Fire Marshal George Lockwood said damage is estimated at $50,000.

* * *

As professionals, teachers are constantly being encouraged to expand their own educational horizons. Newtown Superintendent of Schools John Reed notes, “a newly-introduced Staff Development Program will offer a means to learn new skills.” The idea for the fledgling program was discussed by Dr Reed and the result was an Instructional Coordinating Council of teachers, following a poll of faculty last spring.

 

October 17, 1958

Far be it from us to take the joy out of some of this lovely fall foliage that is around just now, but it’s getting time to dust off that snow shovel! Connecticut’s first snowfall of the season apparently took place this Monday in Washington, according to word received at The Bee.

* * *

The newly organized Newtown Republican Women’s Club will vote upon officers submitted by a nominating committee under the chairmanship of Mrs Edward Coleman at a meeting which is being held this Thursday afternoon in the Cyrenius H. Booth Library. Guest speaker at the meeting is Mrs Anna Mae Switaski, president of the Connecticut Council of Republican Women’s Clubs.

* * *

Indignation is being expressed in town over the pre-Halloween pranks which have been started far in advance of the proper date. Windows of the Atchison Block were soaped sometime Wednesday night and the police are on the trail of the culprits who have broken windows at the Sandy Hook School and stolen pumpkins from roadside stands. A word to the wise should be sufficient warning that such wanton destruction of property will not be tolerated.

* * *

Newtown, or more properly, Hawleyville, is the home of one of the newest teenage rages — the Pat Boone wall lamp, a product of the W.N. de Sherbinin Products, Inc. Sporting a reproduction of one of Pat Boone’s ten gold records, or records that have sold more that 1,000,000 copies, the lamp has a unique, ebony-like base that serves as a plaque to display the record. A smiling Pat Boone is illuminated in the lampshade, along with symbols of his phenomenal success as a singer and as an idol to the teenage set.

* * *

The Hanover Homeowners Association is now an incorporated body. An invitation has been extended to all residents of Hanover and neighboring, contiguous territory to join with the Association for the purpose of protecting and improving property values and sites.

* * *

Workers at Newtown Manufacturing Company are now busy setting up the firm’s Swiss automatic screw machines in the new, enlarged building on Route 25 near the site of the old button factory. The firm uses Swiss machines for production because of the high accuracy of the imported machines, a quality that is essential in working with the very narrow tolerances allowed on the machined parts. The new building was started in April. The steel and blocks of the construction rose to surround the plant that was continuing its operations during the construction of the new, larger factory.

 

October 13, 1933

Owners and lovers of dogs will be interested in the showing of the Parker House Kennels of Newtown, consisting of the English Greyhound. This breed is one of the oldest, if not the oldest dog referred to in the History of the Mid-Victorian period. This breed shows many colors, such as black, white, fawn, brindle, and grey-blue, and is one of the few breeds where all colors are accepted and acknowledged by the American Kennel Club.

* * *

The men of the Newtown Country Club, under the chairmanship of Paul V. Cavanaugh, are holding a Halloween supper and dance at the club house on Monday evening, October 20. Plans were laid at the meeting of the Board of Governors, last Friday evening and all indications point to a large and most enjoyable occasion. Especially now as the men have in the back of the minds the raising of funds to buy pipe for watering the club’s greens next spring.

* * *

Who’s afraid of the big, sad Yankees? In a game of baseball, that had the laxity of a comedy, the concentrated action of a track meet and the variety of a circus, the Old Timers led by Walt Nichols came from behind in the 11th inning and tied Dr Corrigan’s club 19-10. The Old Timers started filling cavities right from the start with base hits; pulling a double here, a base on balls there, until Doc received a smash on the knee that was as devastating as it was resounding.

* * *

Dare-Devil Williams, who drove for six days and five nights around a 75-foot circle at the Danbury Fair without eating or sleeping, was carried from the track at 4:45 o’clock last Saturday afternoon, more or less the worse for wear. He was taken to the office of Dr Marcus H. Cohen in a state of partial paralysis of the arms and legs. However, he responded readily to treatment and by 7 o’clock was able to walk and use his arms, so much so that he walked down to his car and drove off to his home in New York City.

* * *

Mrs Charles F. Cavanaugh, chairman of the membership drive for the Visiting Nurse Association wishes to extend her sincere thanks to the collectors in each district, who so willingly gave of their time and effort to make the drive a success. Mrs Cavanaugh is pleased to report that the drive closed with a total amount of $533.

* * *

The attention of both local and out-of-town hunters is called to the fact that hunting in the Borough is absolutely prohibited. Many local people have tame squirrels and pheasants about their place and hunters are warned that any violation of this law will be followed by arrest and prosecution.

 

October 16, 1908

St John’s — The harvest service, last Sunday evening, October 3, was of more than usual interest. The church was handsomely decorated with fruits and flowers: dahlias, asters, salvia, bittersweet, alder berries, and wild foliage being prominent. On the altar there were apples, quinces, honey, corn, and wine. The choir service was hearty and well rendered.

* * *

Samuel Camp of Taunton is putting new sills under his barn opposite his house and is also having it newly sided. Dr F.J. Gale is having the water put into his house and is also having a Stamford furnace installed. E.J. Hall is doing the work and recommends the Stamford every time.

* * *

A boy of 16 years of age would like a position in Protestant family to do chores and make himself generally useful on a place before and after school and Saturdays, for his board, as he would like to attend the Newtown High school. For particulars apply to W.F., Bee office.

* * *

Frank Hulse, the carpenter, has the record for hunting, this season, and all other hunters report there is no game but he comes in well laden. On Saturday he bagged four partridges; on Monday two; and on Tuesday, three.

* * *

Montana Harry, the medicine man, has been holding forth in the furniture ware rooms of P.F. Keating since Monday night and expects to stay two weeks. He has made some night speeches from the back of his wagon and will cure you if you have the price.