* * *

After an exhausting investigation into an application for the building of a corporate park facility in Hawleyville, the Newtown Conservation Commission has cleared another path toward construction of the 47-acre, $50-plus million project by Mendik Realty of New York. If it receives all the necessary permits, the corporate park would be Newtown’s largest industrial or commercial facility.

* * *

Forty-three firefighters battles thick smoke to extinguish a fire that broke out at Dupont-Sorvall on Pecks Lane, Newtown at 11:49 am on Sunday, July 5. According to Steve Belair, chief of United Fire Company in Botsford, a refrigeration unit caught fire and spread to a nearby bookrack and wall. Although fire damage was limited extensive water damage was reported.

* * *

Those nasty little caterpillars are just about gone and the trees, devastated by the insect onslaught, are already refoliating. The gypsy moths that have replaced the worms don’t seem to have the same fondness for greenery, so for now the worst of the infestation seems over.

* * *

Old Glory was raised for the first time over Town Hall South on Tuesday, July 7, as town officials gathered to raise the flag on the new flagpole. The new flagpole, located in front of the building, was installed last week by the Town Highway Department crew and was donated by The Bee.

* * *

Newtown Commission on Aging Chairman Shirley Lawrenson called it the “gray whale” last week, and one glance a the town’s new bus to provide transportation within town for senior citizens and the handicapped tells why. The 20-passenger Dial-A-Ride bus, which is equipped with two wheelchair lifts, began its runs in town on Wednesday, July 1. It replaces the 15-passenger Senior Surrey van which provided in-town transportation for seniors and the handicapped since 1977.

* * *

Leadership positions on the Conservation Commission changed hands over the past week with the resignation of its chairman Ralph Young, citing his overwhelming commitment to his profession. On Wednesday, July 8, commissioners elected Donald Lawrenson of Shut Road as its new chairman. Mr Lawrenson had been commission chairman before Mr Young was elected in January.

 

July 13, 1956

Several hundred persons have nightly flocked to the striped tents and booths of the combined Newtown Volunteer Fire Companies’ big carnival being staged on the east side of Queen Street opposite the shopping center. The largest crowd is expected on Saturday night, when the new 1956 Chevrolet Belair hardtop, which has been on display at Edmond Town Hall and at the carnival site for the past several weeks, will be given away to the lucky ticket holder.

* * *

Not content with having kept the game industry gasping for the past four years with the fantastic success of Scrabble, whose world sales total roughly ten million games, Newtown’s Production and Marketing Co. has now come up with something entirely new. Custom tailored for those to whom words are poor things compared with the satisfaction of cunning strategy well salted with opportunism, Troque (pronounced as in master stroke or artichoke) is an ingenious game of maneuvers for two, three or four players.

* * *

At the regular monthly meeting of the Newtown Parks Commission held last Friday evening, July 6, in the selectmen’s office, the members acknowledged the gift of a completely equipped first-aid kit for the Dickinson Memorial Park by the Cashman Drug Company. The cooperation of parents, in not sending their children to swim without proper supervision, is requested by the Commission.

* * *

Connecticut residents and its summer visitors will be expected to take cover for approximately 15 minutes, starting at 4:10 pm next Friday, July 20, according to State Civil Defense Director Leo J. Mulcahy. First Selectman Edgar J. Coleman, after conferring with State Police officials at the Ridgefield barracks, has announce all Newtown’s auxiliary police and constables will be posted at important intersections to stop traffic. All vehicles are to come to a halt, their occupants to seek shelter in nearby buildings if possible. If not, they are to roll down the windows in their cars and get below window level.

* * *

Because of the generosity of contributors to the 1955 fund drive of the Newtown Ambulance Association, the organization will not ask for donations this year, the Board of Trustees announced this week. Letters to former contributors are being sent out, thanking them for their generosity last year.

* * *

 A two-day festival was enjoyed by the patients at Fairfield State Hospital on Monday and Tuesday, July 9 and 10, on the hospital grounds. Staged by the members of the rehabilitation department as part of the summer recreation program, activities began with a band concert on Monday afternoon under the direction of Harold Hartley of Bridgeport.

 

July 10, 1931

The Palace Barber Shop wishes to announce that they are now ready to do permanent waving, marceling, finger waving, shampooing, etc. A new machine has been recently installed for waving; the public is invited to call.

 

* * *

Nancy Carroll, film actress, and Francis Bolton Mallory, editor of Life, were married quietly Friday afternoon at the Newtown Town hall by Justice of the Peace Edward S. Pitzschler. They arrived at the Town hall just before 2 o’clock and attempted to slip through a side door to avoid recognition. Several bystanders observed the actress and a cluster formed outside the door to congratulate the couple after the ceremony.

 

* * *

In spite of the rain which fell, Tuesday, the GFS of St John’s, Sandy Hook and several others from Sandy Hook motored to Bridgeport in four cars. The party of 21 arrived to take the 2 o’clock boat. The two hour ride across the sound proved interesting and enjoyable to all.

 

* * *

George G. Canfield, well known and successful painter, and his side-kick, “Jack” Mitchell, noted electrician, have added two more pigs to the stock they now own, making six all told. George has enclosed his large back lot with wire where the pigs disport themselves in great fashion. Editor Smith, scientific agriculturist, is now advising his youthful friends to lease five acres in Hanover or Lake George and put on 500 pigs.

 

* * *

Due to many requests, E. Katz, the well known ice dealer of Long Hill, will deliver ice in Newtown on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The rate will be 60 cents per 100 pounds. It is the intention of Mr Katz to also deliver coal in this vicinity during the coming fall and winter.

 

* * *

James Sojourner of Southbury sustained serious injuries while haying, Friday, running a hayfork into his leg. He also sustained cuts by glass on his arm, being swung by the hay fork against the glass windows of an automobile. He was taken to the office of Dr W.F. Desmond for treatment.

 

July 13, 1906

In the thunder shower which passed over the town, Tuesday afternoon, the lightning struck the southeast minaret of Trinity church tower, the bolt following the iron rod in center of turret to the roof, shattering the cap of same and weakening the turret so that it will have to be rebuilt. Holes were made in deck of tower and slate damage is fully covered by insurance through the agencies of W.A. Leonard and Frank Wright.

* * *

Attorney C.H. Northrop enjoyed a bicycle trip to Bridgeport, Thursday. Mr Northrop has been renewing boyhood experiences for a few days in lending a hand at the hay harvest on the farm of his father, Ex-Senator William N. Northrop.

* * *

Harold H. Cartwright of Zoar, while walking on the road, one evening this week, killed a rattle snake with 13 rattles on it. He had quite a time with the enemy as it was dark when he heard it rattle.

* * *

The construction of the reservoir for the Water Co. on reservoir hill, Mr Pleasant, progresses favorably. T.H. McKenzie, the engineer in charge, supervises the work for the Water Co., while his assistant inspector of work, J.A. Hineman, a veteran in his line, looks carefully after details. The bottom of reservoir is solid rock a few feet below the surface. The foundations for retaining walls, six feet thick of solid concrete, have been built from bed rock to the surface and are now ready for the wooden forms which are now being placed.

* * *

Some citizens generously offered to do the grading about the Middle district school, and extend the tar walk in front of the school property for the small amount the district appropriated for grading.