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The first major snowstorm of the year dumped a blanket of white on Newtown Tuesday night, as residents slept. Newtowners awoke Wednesday morning to find that several inches of heavy, wet snow had accumulated and power was out over most of the town.

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Twelve members of the Newtown High School football team were suspended for violating a training rule that prohibits drinking, high school principal Timothy Breslin said Tuesday. When questioned by their coaches in a private team meeting Monday afternoon, the offending players admitted drinking last Saturday evening at a party. It was at that party that Tim Dalton, a 17-year-old former Newtown High student and football player, died after being beaten. The suspension of the 12 players is for one game.

***

For Jane Cottingham, it was the simplest way of razing a two-story building, so she could build her new antiques shop in the same place. For the United Fire Company of Botsford, it was an excellent training opportunity. Both Mrs Cottingham and the fire company agreed it would be a good idea to let the company burn the old structure at the corner of Peck’s Lane and Route 25 to the ground. So the morning of Sunday, November 16, the Cottinghams got rid of the building and the firemen got their training exercise.

November 24, 1961

First snow of the new season fell Monday, a wet, heavy blanket that slicked down on the roads as it fell to make the level spots difficult and the hills nearly impossible. Coming as early as it did, the snow clung to leaves, still on some trees. Weather observers are hopeful the old saying won’t hold true — the one about the day of the month of the first snow indicating the number of snow storms to be anticipated in the coming season, what with Monday being the 20th.

***

On the occasion of his company’s 13th anniversary of Founder’s Day, Barton L. Weller, president of Vitramon, Inc, Saturday announced the establishment of the annual Vitramon Senior Scientific Awards for scholastic merit. To be presented to the outstanding senior science student at four local high schools each June, Mr Weller said that his company decided to establish the awards as an incentive to area students to pursue scientific careers.

***

Commissioner Howard S. Ives announces that the State Highway Department plans to test the use of a new method for coping with ice and snow removal on the highways this winter. “The department,” said Mr Ives, “has selected eight areas in the state in which to make the tests. These eight areas will be treated with a calcium chloride and rock salt mixture and small amounts of sand.” Eight comparison areas have also been designated. Cost records and accident records will be kept for all 16 areas.

***

This Monday it was announced that the radar unit of the State Police Traffic Squad had made four arrests and issued 26 warnings in a spot check of speeding in the Newtown area. Further news is that the unit will be in operation throughout the area covered by the Ridgefield State Police Barracks for some time to come.

 

November 20, 1936

The Men’s Literary and Social Club met at the Parker House on Tuesday evening, giving a testimonial dinner to Hermann N. Tiemann, Sr, who served the club as secretary for 27 years, until he moved to New Milford a few weeks ago. Following the dinner, Henry A. Bourquenez, president of the club, spoke on the loyalty of Mr Tiemann and his keen interest and work in the club for so many years.

***

The Newtown Parent-Teacher Association held a very successful and most profitable card party at the home of Mrs Clarence Naramore, Wednesday evening. The president and Mrs Peck wish to thank everyone for their splendid cooperation. A vote of thanks also goes to Mrs Naramore for the use of the Sunset Tavern for the evening. The proceeds amounting to about $45 will be used for the association’s various benevolences.

***

The annual membership drive of the Fairfield County Farm Bureau came to a very successful close at the rally and adjourned annual meeting held at the Edmond Town Hall on Tuesday evening. Reports of the membership drive showed a total of 660 members with more yet to be received, which it expected will bring the total to well over 700, which is the largest membership the Farm Bureau has ever enjoyed.

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Willis F. Arndt of Taunton district is driving a 1937 Chevrolet sedan, having the distinction of being the first to place an order for one of the new models through the George A. Lewis Company of Danbury.

 

November 24, 1911

Miss Elizabeth Gaffney of New Haven, one of the finest soprano soloists of the state, has been engaged by Rev George T. Sinnott as the chief attraction at a concert to be given in the Town hall, November 29, for the benefit of St Rose’s church. Riley Phillips, a well known New Haven basso, will also sing. Miss Grace L. Kennedy will give piano solos. Bentley’s orchestra will play for the dancing. Miss Gaffney will interpret Irish ballads and songs. The tickets for the concert will be 50 cents.

***

Oscar Pitzschler is laid up, having strained the ligaments of his back. In going down the cellar stairs, he slipped and fell. The many friends of Mrs George Coley will be sorry to hear of her severe illness. Her condition is very low and it is feared she may not live many days.

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Bring your mother, father, sweetheart, brother, aunt, etc. to the play, December 1, to be given by the High school pupils for the benefit of their Athletic Association. Bentley’s orchestra will furnish music for the dancing at the close of the play. Come and have a good time.

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THANKSGIVING DAY MENU AT THE NEWTOWN INN. Dinner $1. Telephone for Seats. Oyster cocktail, Consommé Julienne, Celery, Salted Almonds, Queen Olives; Broiled Bluefish, Matre de Hotel Chicken en Croustade, a la Terrapin; Roman Punch; Rhode Island Turkey, stuffed, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Onions, Mashed Turnips; Lettuce and Tomato; Plum Pudding, Hard and Brandy Sauce; Green Apple Pie; Pumpkin Pie; Nuts and Raisins; Assorted Cake; Wine Jelly; Vanilla Ice Cream; Roquefort Cheese, Toasted Crackers; Demi-tasse.