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This photo was found in a folder at our office, with no information recorded on the reverse. The only information we have is the date, 1984, on the tab of the folder. While the photo shows what appears to be the office of Realty World P&K Associates, does anyone recall where this office was located or recognize any of these men? 

January 8, 1993

As Newtown approaches the year 2000, it is probable that most new jobs created here will be taken by nonresidents and that most new residents who move here will commute to work out of town, according to an economic analysis prepared for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Economist Regina Armstrong prepared the report for Buckhurst, Fish, Hutton, Katz, and Jacquemart Inc, the New York City planning firm that is helping the commission revise the town plan of development. The economic report is subject to possible revision before its inclusion in the plan of development. "It is probable that, with the disparity between housing prices and the average wages in Newtown, most new jobs will go to nonresidents, and most new residents will travel to work elsewhere in Connecticut. These imbalances can be altered somewhat if more affordable housing were made available and economic policies encouraged more professional and entrepreneurial development," the report states. As the year 2000 approaches, it is likely that future labor force formation will roughly keep pace with growth in local employment opportunities and thus, not result in significant changes in commuting patterns, it states.

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The state's recently-opened Garner Correctional Institution may be state-of-the-art, but prison life remains a spartan existence. But there is more to incarceration than letting inmates sit idly watching clock hands spin until their departure dates arrive. A volunteer service program being run in Garner brings together inmates and area residents in various projects that should prove beneficial to all involved, according to Mary Dunn, head of the prison's resource development and volunteer services unit. Mrs Dunn likened providing volunteer services there to volunteering for duty at area hospitals. During the recent holiday season, volunteers from area towns provided a range of services to Garner inmates, she said. Many residents during the holidays participated in religious activities at the prison.

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OVER THE BACK FENCE: Most of Christmas is put away - the angels, the candles, the gold "forest" of pine cones, and the camels and Wise Men. The tree is still intact and will stay another couple of days. There has been time to sort through the paper I saved all during the holidays - cards and letters, some which arrived in envelopes with new addresses. I am very particular about saving all this stuff and so will have fun for several evenings while rereading the letters, answering some, and putting new addresses in my book. First on the list will be to answer a letter from a lady in Florida who was disappointed when The Weekly Star was sold and she never heard the end of the story about the crows getting used to the new water dish.  -Jean Loveland, columnist

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Welcome Wagon of Newtown is hosting an evening of board games on Saturday, January 16, at 7:30, pm at the home of Cindy Vavrek at 9 Stone Fence Lane in Newtown. Pictionary, Password, Scattergories, and Trivial Pursuit are among the games offered. Each person is asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

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To the Editor: I, Catherine Knapp, a resident of Sandy Hook for 82 years, wish to thank Gary Wheeler for doing an outstanding job while on patrol duty on Wednesday, December 30, in the morning, for catching the culprit who was robbing my home on Berkshire Road. I never would have known what happened to my box of jewelry had he not happened along and caught him in the act. I would also like to thank Sgt Qubik for his kindness in helping with all details and the two detectives also there. Many thanks for a good police force. Catherine Knapp, 8 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook.

January 19, 1968

The extreme winter weather of last week sent thermometers to record lows, froze water pipes, made automobile hard to start, caused traffic accidents, and turned life for volunteer firemen into a strenuous and sleepless affair. Now that the temperature has moderated a bit, we can look back on the week and be glad it is over. We can be thankful too, that our below-zero hardships do not descend on us often. And if any bouquets are to be handed out for exemplary conduct under difficult situations, the volunteer firemen are entitled to their share. One house fire followed another last week, creating a succession of near-sleepless nights for the firefighters.

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LAST CALL: We can't blame you for not sliding in during the recent near-arctic weather, so we have extended the deadline to January 26. Photos taken during 1967 are still stacked high, and before this year's crop is added, you are welcome to come to The Bee and take the ones you want on a first come, first served basis. But January 26 is absolutely, positively, the last day the 1967 pictures will be up for grabs.

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US Rep John Monagan reports that federal funds have been released to the state toward the purchase of 27 acres in Newtown added last June to the Paugussett State Forest. On June 26, Clara and Harold E. Tolles conveyed to the state by warranty deed 27 acres at a cost estimated at $5,500. The new land is described as the Tolles Addition to Paugussett State Forest. It is to be used for nature walks, horseback riding, hiking, and picnicking.

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Whose head is under the black hat that left the Hawley Manor on the wrong owner Saturday night, January 13? After the testimonial dinner honoring retiring police officer Hiram Hanlon, there seems to have been a millinery mix-up. Mr Hanlon's detecting pride asks that the current wearer please call to keep his record shining.

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Newtown Little League is looking for help in all phases of its operation. The number of people who have worked to keep the Little League of Newtown has declined over the past couple of seasons even thought the number of boys participating has increased. There are over 275 boys registered every spring, but it is hard to obtain a sufficient number of adults to properly supervise them. People are needed as coaches and umpires. There is also a need for administrative help. The League is looking at the possibility of obtaining more playing fields. Parents are needed on this project as well.

January 15, 1943

COUNT YOUR BOOKS AND GIVE THE BOOKS THAT COUNT:  Once again our boys in the armed forces are calling for books. Successful as was the campaign of last year, there is nevertheless a demand for more and better books for our greatly expanding force of fighting men. For this reason, the second Victory Book Drive was launched January 5. A good book can be an invaluable projectile for morale. This book may deal with the war; it may deal with the peace; it may range from current affairs to history; it may provide technical information, it may provide solace and ease an hour of boredom and provide entertainment. But most important, it is a book that is not dog-eared or tattered, it is not scrap. The first function of a book is that it be read. Only books in first-class condition can be used, and only books that have real appeal for men.

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JOINT MESSAGE URGES TOWNSPEOPLE TO CURB DRIVING: The local War Pricing and Rationing Board and First Selectmen Stanley L. Blackman have issued the following message in reference to the current ban on pleasure driving: Newtown families face a critical emergency now and during the coming weeks, due to the extremely precarious fuel oil situation. It is imperative that all motorists are in compliance with the outlaw on pleasure driving, and make an effort to limit their driving to absolute essentials. If already overtaxed transportation facilities are to get the necessary fuel into Connecticut, it will have to be at the expense of gasoline deliveries.

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For the convenience of people who are unable to come to Newtown, the Cyrenius H. Booth Library is placing a collection of newer books in the Sandy Hook Library for circulation from there.

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Friends enjoyed seeing Sergeant George Sweet, who was in town the first part of the week, spending part of a fourteen-day furlough. The rest of his time he spent with his family at Wakefield, R.I. It was good to have George as a visitor at The Bee on Monday, where he absorbed a little of the smell of printer's ink before returning to the rarer atmosphere at The Springs.

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In a recent letter from PFC Arthur J. Thrall, who is now overseas, he asks that his thanks be expressed to the many local organizations and friends who remembered him with Christmas gifts and cards, all of which were much appreciated.

January 11, 1918

BURNING HOUSE DRIVES TWO OLD LADIES OUT DOORS, SCANTILY CLAD, IN FREEZING COLD; OWNER OF PROPERTY WITHOUT INSURANCE:  The house of Mrs Annie Sturges in Plumtrees district was burned about 3:30 o'clock, Tuesday morning. Mrs Cyrus Raymond lived in a part of the house with Mrs Sturges and was awakened, being nearly suffocated by smoke. She called to Mrs Sturges and the latter with difficulty got down the stairs. She started up again to get her clothes, but finding herself blinded by the smoke, she stumbled down the stairs. Each lady had a bed blanket for protection from the wind and cold. One lady had nothing but bed slippers on her feet, while the other woman managed to put a thick pair of shoes on her feet. The house was soon a raging furnace. The fire was so far advanced that nothing could be done. Mrs George Edmunds telephoned for help. The Dodgingtown Fire Co., with apparatus and about 14 men, responded as quickly as possible and helped to save the barns from burning. Chickens were in a small building near the house and George Edmunds and his daughter Bessie carried the hens to one of the large barns. The house, destroyed, was located a half mile from the Newtown line near the four corners. It was a large house of old-fashioned type and in good repair. The farm is about 60 acres and was bought by the late Seth Sturges, husband of Annie Sturges. On his death, she was given life use of the property, so Mrs Sturges is left in a difficult situation. The house was known years ago as the Dr Erwin place.

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James O'Connell caught his finger in a gasoline engine, Monday, necessitating its amputation. Dr W.H. Kiernan attended him.

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M. Greenman was taken quite seriously ill, Tuesday night, with an attack of acute indigestion. Dr W.H. Kiernan is attending him.

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A popular young bachelor, much in demand by the fair sex, who has lately acquired a stepper and a Portland cutter, did the gallant thing by offering to take one of the fair school teachers to her distant appointment. All went well until the big snow drifts were struck, when over went sleigh, school teacher, bachelor, and all, somewhat wrecking his beautiful cutter. One hand driving is all right, but two are needed getting over these awful Connecticut snowbanks.

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The Harris Wire Co. recently resumed operations after being closed for about 10 days owing to the excessive cold weather and frozen steam pipes.Please consider sharing your old photographs of people and places from Newtown or Sandy Hook with 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