September 16, 1988

Although the leaders of the Republican Town Committee requested that he resign from office, First Selectman Rod Mac Kenzie says he intends to complete his two-year term — which runs through the end of 1989. Mr Mac Kenzie said he expects to seek reelection, and that if he cannot win the Republican nomination he would consider running as an independent candidate. GOP Town Chairman Marie Sturdevant charged that the first selectman had lost credibility and had not displayed sound judgment.

***

Judging from their wide-eyed expressions, youngsters at Hawley School thought architect Robert Leathers was a pretty neat guy during his talk Wednesday morning. Dressed in faded blue jeans and a blue Funspace Unlimited of Newtown (FUN) T-shirt, Mr Leathers asked the children what attractions they wanted in “their” playground, which will be built in Dickinson Park. The youngsters had unlimited ideas — from a slide that looked like the tongue of a dragon to “bouncing” floors to a funhouse mirror room.

***

What do Newtown Republican First Selectman Rod Mac Kenzie and Danbury Chairman of the Democratic Town Committee Larry Reifberg have in common? They are among 30 of Connecticut’s finest bachelors coming out to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Dates with bachelors will be given to the highest bidder. Single women will have the opportunity to bid on such dream dates as a romantic dinner cruise around Manhattan Island on the legendary Riveranda; an early afternoon flight to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, followed by a romantic seafood dinner in Edgartown; skiing at Butternut; air-aballooning over Candlewood Lake; or a flight over the Hudson Highlands during peak fall foliage season followed by dinner at the famous Hudson Valley Restaurant. Rod Mac Kenzie and his date will enjoy a day in Newport, R.I., followed by dinner at Watch Hill.

***

Kurt and Pam Schneider have many Morgan horses they take pride in — especially their outstanding carriage horse Catskill Saucy Girl (also called Sheba)  — but there is one that is closest to their hearts. Her name is Toddyhollow Jubilee and she was born, raised and trained as a carriage horse at the Schneider’s Toddy Hollow Farm in Newtown. This past weekend in Vermont, Kurt earned Championship Gentleman Whip driving Jubilee. For the Schneiders, it was like having one of their own children come of age. Not only did Kurt do well, but 15-year-old Susannah, who was Reserve Champion Junior Whip, and Pam, who finished high in many classes.

September 20, 1963

The board of education Tuesday night showed an interest in economy without impairment of educational quality and declined to get overly involved in the Lord’s Prayer and Bible reading controversy. Economy was on the mind as long as the public school program was not hurt, and steps were taken to find out whether savings can be effected in at least three areas of expense to taxpayers and parents.

***

Over 400 persons viewed with pleasure the serene display of “September Bounty” when the Garden Club of Newtown held its memorable flower show on September 14 at the Edmond Town Hall. Quite obviously the townspeople of Newtown are interested gardeners, for there were 320 entries in official classes for horticultural and artistic arrangements, exclusive of 100 specimens and varieties in special exhibits.

***

The Fairfield County Veterinary Medical Association wishes to bring to the attention of dog owners that there have been, during the past few months, an increase of a virus type infection which is approaching epidemic proportions. It resembles very much the human type virus cold. It apparently is not too serious but it is highly contagious. It is recommended that all dogs be kept at home, avoiding contact with other dogs. Dogs already showing symptoms should be confined.

***

FOR YOUR OUT OF TOWN VISITORS Our Completely Modern Guest Rooms Each has a modern combination bathroom; individual heat control 24 hours a day; Completely carpeted; Adjustable reading lamp for each bed; A new television set on a master antenna; A telephone and switchboard service; We serve Breakfast – Luncheon – Dinner every day; Attractive Cocktail Lounge. HAWLEY MANOR INN Newtown, Conn. TEL. 426-4456

 

September 16, 1938

From The Sunday Post: Grace Moore has seen but little of Newtown this summer and what’s more to the point, Newtown has seen even less of Grace Moore. Since early in the summer she has been in France and while she originally expected to be back in September she has extended her stay for another three months to complete a motion picture. In addition to her concert performances, all requiring serious preparatory work, she has been toiling long hours on her role of Louise, and she writes that nothing about it all has cost her more pangs than missing Newtown this summer.

***

Sometime during Tuesday night, thieves broke into the garage of Louie Lovell on lower Main street and stole tires, tubes, radios and numerous other accessories. A vending machine was also pried open and the money taken; also the cash register damaged, but contained no money. The thieves gained entrance by prying open a window in the main garage. The loss will amount to close to $1,000.

***

Flagpole Fountain of Newtown has a supply of 40-cent tickets of admission to the Danbury Fair. They will be on sale at this store till September 30. None will be sold at the Fair Grounds, where the price will be 75 cents, as usual. These reduced price tickets can be used for person or auto any day of the fair.

***

Newtown and vicinity was visited with the first frost of the season on Friday night. The temperature at 7 am was 35 degrees. The heavy fog also added to the discomfort of the local residents and many found it necessary to heat their homes.

 

September 19, 1913

These days of automobiles make most people to forget the delights and benefits of walking. It is one of the most healthful exercises. Ex-Senator S.P. Glover takes daily walks, and at his age, thinks nothing of walking to Newtown street and back. Judge Beecher likes to walk and going to and from the railroad station, always refuses to ride. On Tuesday, Rev Father Dolan, the curate at St Rose’s, walked to Danbury, returning on the cars. What measure of health the Editor enjoys he lays to the long walks he has taken canvassing for The Bee.

***

When tomatoes sell for ten cents a peach basket there is no excuse for not having plenty of catsup this winter. One farmer, who sold his tomatoes in Danbury for this price asked if he might have his basket back, he wished something to show for his trouble.

***

An entertainment of splendid excellence, stereoptican views of the West, bell ringing, and vocal solos, was given Wednesday evening in the parlors of the Congregational Church to a small but appreciative audience by Rev C.F.W. Ahrens. Mr Ahrens bell ringing was greatly enjoyed, while the pictures were good, and his running comment interesting.

***

M. Scheaublum & Son, merchant tailors, of 193 Main Street, Danbury (upstairs), have an advertisement in this week’s Bee, that we would call the men’s special attention to. If you want good clothes try him.