December 6, 1991

On December 7, America remembers Pearl Harbor and the surprise, pain, and defeat it found there 50 years ago. It also remembers the innocence it lost there. Before 1941, America occupied a protected place between two wide oceans, safe from dangerous regimes that gripped other parts of the world. After 1941, our national interests had to be defended all over the globe. Our sense of absolute security was shattered once and for all.

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Once again the dangers associated with the increasing traffic on Main Street have come to light. During the police commission meeting Tuesday, commissioners and liaison members of the Borough Board of Burgesses met to pool possible solutions to the problem. "I've been living in Newtown for the past 20 years," Borough Burgess Gretchen Hyde said. "I've watched the traffic double and triple on Main Street." According to Ms Hyde, children are constantly trying to cross the busy road to go to school and the movies. "Many of the children just run across," she said. Something "should be done in that area before something happens."

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Anyone mailing letters to Santa Claus can do so by writing: Santa Claus, North Pole, Newtown CT, 06470. The staff at the Newtown Post Office has indicated it will take a special interest in this matter, and make sure that the letters will reach Santa's desk; and that the letters are answered.

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At its December 2 meeting, the Board of Selectmen accepted Bristle Lane (in the Feather Meadow subdivision off of Jeremiah Road) into the town's road system. Selectmen also accepted Castle Lane (in the Castle Meadow Estates subdivision off of Castle Meadow Road). Due to recent charter revision, the Legislative Council is no longer also required to vote to accept roads into the town's system.

November 25, 1966

This year, as last, the Jaycees will set up tables around town with Christmas cards and the addresses of Newtown men serving in the Armed Forces anywhere in the world. The tables are expected to be up by December 3, at locations to be selected shortly. In the meantime, the Jaycees would appreciate hearing from any family in Newtown which has a member not expected home at Christmas so that his name is added to the list.

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Approximately 125 invited representatives of the 21 towns that make up the Central Housatonic Valley Area heard seven hard-hitting speakers discuss water pollution and what must be done to control it at a three-hour meeting at the Kimberly Clark plant in New Milford on November 17. After hearing the chilling facts about increasing water pollution, the group voted unanimous endorsement of a resolution to support the legislative program proposed by the Connecticut Clean Water Task Force for introduction at the state legislature's January session. Members of the press and local radio and television stations were present at the conference, along with two state senators, selectmen, ten representatives, eight zoning commission chairmen, and members of other influential civic groups.

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The Republican Women's Club of Newtown had a board meeting at the home of Ann Carlson, secretary, to complete the plans for the annual Christmas party to be at the Hawley Manor Wednesday, December 14, at 8:30 pm. Dee Campbell of Diamond Drive will play the piano for carol singing, refreshments, fine holiday fare and everyone is invited. Men and women, solo, duet, trio, octet, or even a group, come and sing.

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There is well documented evidence that regular physical activity may be a protective factor in reducing the risk of heart disease. A lower heart attack rate has been found among physically active occupational groups as compared with sedentary personnel in a number of studies.t

November 21, 1941

A short but impressive memorial service took place at the steps of the Edmond Town Hall on Sunday afternoon from 12:15 to 2:30 o'clock, when more than 150 townspeople gathered in honor and sympathy for the conquered nations now under ruthless Nazi control. Mrs George U. Burr opened the service and read a few paragraphs enumerating the number of executions suffered in various European nations at the hands of the Germans. "An Ode," written in honor of the hostages now being killed by the Germans, was recited by Robert Reynolds, its author, following which taps was sounded by Nelson Curtis and the National Anthem sung by the assembled gathering.

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Charles S. Tilson, who left on Tuesday for Camp Devens, Mass., US Army, was tendered a surprise party on Sunday evening at the home of Mr and Mrs Harold Peterson by the Young People's Club of St John's Church. The evening was pleasantly passed and refreshments served. Mr Tilson was presented with a series of gifts from his friends, including a pen and pencil set from the club members.

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A petition has been circulated in town the past few days, recommending to the Board of Selectmen that a plan for paid police protection be immediately adopted and placed in operation. Such a plan is to call for two paid full time constables, salaries to be determined by the Board of Selectmen. The petition bearing the signatures of some twenty-five voters and taxpayers, has been handed to First Selectman Stanley J. Blackman, who with his colleagues, has requested an appropriation from the Board of Finance not to exceed $5,000 to cover the cost of this paid police protection.

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An old landmark has taken its stand in a new spot, in the removal of the old "town sign post" from the corner of West and Main streets, to the corner of the lawn in front of the Edmond Town Hall. The move was made necessary last week, when the Atchison Block owners started construction of a new stairway to the second floor of that building. First Selectman Stanley Blackman arranged for the post transfer to its more convenient location. The "town sign post" was given to the town by the late Charles G. Peck, borough warden, some twenty-five years ago.

November 24, 1916

The ink had hardly dried on The Bee's account of the brave headliner act of Detective Banks, when another young man, popular among the High school set, Frank Corbett, sprang into the prominence as a detective for the detective class. It appears the "Speed" for by this familiar name he is known by the schoolboys, attended a dance on Friday night. Coming home rather late and whistling as he briskly walked down Glen Road, his hair suddenly stood erect, when, as he approached his father's house, he saw lights moving about the house, and into the cellar. He asked a nearby relative to telephone Constable Thrall for help. Constable Thrall and David Morgan came armed with big shot guns and with "Speed" as pilot, they approached the house and searched for burglars. Finding nothing but the cat in the coal bin, Speed shouted to his father and asked if he had been moving about with a light. Mr Corbett replied that he had and all was at peace and serene.

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Mrs Kilbride of Cemetery Avenue is on the sick list.

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Word was received Thursday morning that Rev J.C. Stapleton of South Norwalk, who was to be the speaker at the church forum at the Congregational Church Friday night, was ill and would be unable to be present. The meeting will therefore be postponed.

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A very pretty wedding took place at St Rose's church at 7 o'clock Monday morning, Rev G. Sinnott performing the ceremony with High Mass. The double ring service was used. The contracting parties were Miss Helen Keane, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Jeremiah Keane, of Hawleyville, and John P. Honan of Taunton district. The bride was becomingly gowned in a white broad cloth suit, wearing a white velvet hat with silver and lace trimmings. She carried a bouquet of violets and lilies-of-the-valley and a white prayer book. The groom was attended by his brother M.J. Honan. Amid showers of confetti, the bridal party departed for New York City immediately after the ceremony.

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Unclaimed letters remain at the Sandy Hook post office addressed to Mrs Frances Rowe, Sidney Garrison, and David Olson.

Please consider sharing your old photographs of people and places from Newtown or Sandy Hook with The Newtown Bee readers. Images can be e-mailed to or brought to the office at 5 Church Hill Road to be scanned. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date.kendra@thebee.com,