Why Change The Name?

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to your editorial on renaming the Newtown High School Stadium. In 1976, everyone was happy to say they knew Bruce Jenner. He was on top of the world. People in Newtown were proud to brag that he went to Newtown High school.

If I remember correctly, The Newtown Bee was the major supporter in choosing to name the stadium after Bruce Jenner. I realize that he has not been back to town, nor donated any funds towards the work that was done on the project. Bruce Jenner did not ask to have a stadium named after him. It was an honor bestowed upon him at that time. I do not agree that an honor that the town bestowed on him should be taken away. These decisions are permanent ones and should be thought about thoroughly. It has taken 24 years for the town to realize and decide that a mistake was made. I do not see any other local towns changing names or decisions as often as Newtown. The town changed the school’s mascot from a Newtown Indian to a Newtown Nighthawk. I have live in Newtown for 46 years and have never seen a nighthawk. My family, however, does have a collection of dozens of Indian arrowheads collected on our property over the years. The property borders the high school and is near the Pootatuck River where the Indians lived.

 Why was Treadwell Park was named after a First Selectman? Because he died in a fire in his home? There are dozens of deserving people; for example: Mike Kelley and Rich Barillari and countless others who put so much time and effort into the stadium itself. No matter what you name something in this town, it seems 20 years down the road someone will find it offensive, inappropriate, or just decide to revoke an honor mistakenly bestowed on someone. The suggestion might be the “Blue & Gold Stadium” although someone may decide down the road to change the school’s color, or maybe the mascot again. “Nighthawk Stadium.” Nah! Lousy name.

Sincerely,

Chuck Tilson

85 Alberts Hill Road, Sandy Hook                         October 3, 2000