UPDATE (Saturday, November 18, 2023): The caption for this week's column has been updated to clarify the designation of US Highway 6. It now additionally includes the direction the photo shows.

UPDATE (Wednesday, November 29, 2023): The photo with this week's column has been reidentified by Gary Allen, who is the young boy in the photo, as having been taken somewhere in the Buttonball Drive neighborhood in the mid 1950s.

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November 20, 1998

The Borough Board of Burgesses announced this week it plans to increase the lighting along the street in front of Edmond Town Hall. Town officials hope this will alleviate some of the dangers associated with high levels of pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic in the area at night. Town and borough officials hope the increased lighting, coupled with the placement this week of barrels in the center of the roadway, should make the area safer for those who walk the busy road.

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When responding to calls for medical help in its new ambulance, the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association will have an added measure of safety in a vehicle that’s larger, stronger and heavier than its predecessor. The association recently bought a diesel-powered E-450 truck which it has designated as Ambulance 770. The white, orange and blue vehicle joins Ambulances 780 and 790 in the corps’ 79 Main Street garage. The association has donated the former Ambulance 770 to the police department, which plans to use it as a utility vehicle.

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Two town police officers — Youth Officer Doug Wisentaner and School Resource Officer Chris Vanghele — have been given special assignments to handle law enforcement matters concerning local youth. Both men formerly served in the police department’s patrol division. In their new roles they are attached to the detective division under the supervision of Detective Sergeant Henry Stormer.

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Like many of his songs, the performer Greg Brown says his long-term career plan is on a “slow fade.” Fortunately, this fading out of the performance spotlight is a self-imposed one. “When I left Prairie Home Companion I was performing 140 times a year,” Mr Brown said last week while waiting in the green room at Edmond Town Hall prior to his much-anticipated return performance after a three-year wait by area fans. Mr Brown was back in the area not only to perform for his fans, but also to offer a benefit concert for listener-supported radio station WPKN … By the looks of the turnout last week in Newtown, Mr Brown’s fan base is as strong as ever. At the beginning of his November 12 performance, which was preceded by a short but dynamic set by Karen Savoca and Pete Heintzman, only a handful of seats were open in the theater.

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Newtown High School student Quinten LaChapelle was honored as Rotary’s Student of the Month. Quinten was introduced at the Rotary meeting by Judy Buckley, teacher in the Special Education Department. In addition to being a conscientious student in some very challenging courses, Quinten is also co-captain of the swim team and a member of the band Taproot. He recently completed his Eagle Scout community project, which was the construction of a patio at the senior center. His plans are to major in naval architecture. Newtown Rotary President Bart Smith complimented Quinten on his achievements and presented him with a certificate and a clock and pen set.

November 16, 1973

The Board of Managers of Edmond Town Hall decided Wednesday evening to make another effort to get the floor of the gymnasium repaired so it could be safely used for roller skating, teen dances and other such activities. Ken Hathaway, building manager, told the board the floor had been repaired twice in the last half-dozen years, but the boards persisted in separating and buckling in a hump down both sides of the room. He said he had cancelled the Recreation Department’s roller skating program after two sessions, and denied permission for a planned TAN (Teen Action Newtown) dance in the gymnasium, because he was advised that the building’s insurance carrier would not accept the risk of accidents.

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At the beginning of the school year, when the bus scheduling was cut back, the police department had a man stationed at the intersection of Routes 25 and 202 to help the children across the street on their way to and from school. However, the buses were rescheduled, and on Monday evening, at the Police Commission meeting, Commissioner Alfred Karcheski, himself a school bus driver, pointed out the students who used to walk in that area are now riding buses. Therefore, he said, he could see no reason for having an officer on duty at that intersection any longer. … Chief Louis Marchese concurred saying now only about three children show up each day, and because of the manpower problems, he would be relieved if the department could let a man off that traffic duty.

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The Warden and Burgesses of the Borough of Newtown decided at their meeting November 12 that some observance of the Borough’s 150th anniversary next week should be planned, and Borough Tax Collector Hilda Walsh, who is also a member of the Newtown Historical Society, suggested that it might be combined with the opening of the Curtiss House on Main Street, which the Society is restoring. Mrs Walsh said the Society had been thinking in terms of an open house celebration in February, but it appeared that the restoration might not be complete by that time, and in any case May would offer better weather. Warden Willard Christensen and the other Burgesses agreed that the proposal made a lot of sense, and Mrs Walsh promised to take it up with the members of the Society.

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The Newtown Board of Education took another step forward in laying the groundwork for building Newtown’s next elementary school by voting at its Tuesday night meeting “to direct the Superintendent to contact the Boyle Site Elementary Building Committee and request them to arrange a meeting with the architect and the Elementary School Specifications Committee for the purpose of proceeding with the preliminary planning phase of Newtown’s next elementary school.” The referendum of December 18, 1970, authorized monies for architect’s fees for preliminary plans for the elementary school to be erected on the Boyle site. The Boyle Site Elementary Building Committee has retained the Butterfield Group as architects.

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The Indians of Newtown High ended their football season last Saturday against Immaculate with a 47-8 victory. It was a double-sweet finale to a tremendous season as the game gave the Indians a perfect undefeated season and sewed up the championship of the Western Connecticut Conference. The score was the team’s highest offensive output of the season, and once again fullback Tom Saint and quarterback Mike Newman provided the drive.

November 12, 1948

The Raymond L. Pease post, American Legion, conducted a short Armistice Day service this Thursday morning at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial at the head of Main Street. The second annual ball of the post is being held in the Alexandria Room this Thursday evening at 8 o’clock. Bob Hatch’s orchestra has been engaged to furnish the music. Joseph Tani, George May and Richard Lane are members of the committee in charge.

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Mr and Mrs William Melycher of Hawleyville are the parents of a son born at the New Milford hospital on November 5th.

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Mrs F. Willard Johnson of the Grays Plain district left on Wednesday to visit her daughter and son-in-law in Columbia, Missouri. She made the trip by plane and expects to return home at Thanksgiving.

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Mr and Mrs Robert deVeer of Glover avenue announce the birth of a daughter, Henrietta, at the Bridgeport Hospital, on Saturday, October 30th.

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Miss Emily M. Kimball, art supervisor in Redding and Easton and director of the consultation service of the Bryn Mawr Art Center, gave a penetrating and excellent talk to members of the Newtown Parent-Teacher Association in Hawley School on Tuesday evening. Her subject was “Adventures in Art in the School.” Miss Kimball, being so well versed on the subject and a sincere speaker as well as an authoritative one, conveyed her enthusiasm to the audience. It is to be regretted that necessary PTA business made it impossible for her to talk as long as the audience would have liked. Because the subject held so many ideas new to the group who heard them expressed, it would have been much to the point to have heard them expounded at greater length.

November 9, 1923

On Tuesday afternoon, November 6, the pupils of grades one and two, Mrs O’Connell’s room, dramatized the story of “Pilgrims.” The following pupils took part: The King, Merton Greenman. The King’s Soldiers, John Wolchowski, George Kovacs. The Pilgrims: Eleanor Brossear, Ella Bartram, Henry Carlson, John Van Horn, Julia Stowe, Harold Lyon, Helen Block, William Kayfus. The Dutch children: Marjorie Conway, John Hellon, Evelyn Ridings, Henry McCarthy, James Fennel, Viola Kovacs. The Indians: Edgar Northrop, Michael Sedor, Paul Wolchowski, James Liakos, Stanley Karcheski.

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HAWLEY SCHOOL NOTES: In accordance with instructions from the State Board of Education for the observance of Education week to be held through the state during the week beginning November 18th, special programs are being arranged for the various classes of the Hawley School for Friday, Nov 23rd. The program will appear in next week’s issue of The Bee. | SOCIAL EVENTS: The first social event of the year was a Masquerade Dance, October 31st, given by the Senior Class. The auditorium was fantastically decorated with corn stalks, black and yellow crepe paper and images of black cats. The room was illuminated by a pale yellow glow which added to its “spooky” appearance. The participants were all masked and many of the costumers showed artistic talent. Music was furnished by a jazz orchestra. The Seniors deserve much praise for their efforts and it is hoped that the other classes will get up enough courage to continue the social events. | JUNIOR FOOD SALE: On November 3, 1923, the Junior Class of the Hawley School gave a food sale at the Sandy Hook Library. About ten dollars was realized. This money is to help pay expenses for the Junior Class Play which is to be given Friday night, Nov 20, in the Hawley School Auditorium.

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Miss Grace Jenner, who has passed the summer with Mr and Mrs Newtown M. Curtis, and [illegible] Stephens of Pittsburg, Pa., were married in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, and left on a wedding trip for Florida. Mr Stephens is a retired merchant. Miss Jenner has made many friends in town, who will extend congratulations.

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The play in golf for the honor of having your name on the President’s cup has resulted in William Leahy’s honor. He has met all comers and held the title clear to fame as one of the best golf players of the Newtown Country Club. Hurrah for Bill the champion in golf.

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The reception [for] Rev and Mrs G. Herbert Ekins at the Congregational church parlor, Wednesday night, was a very delightful affair. The social room was filled. Rev and Mrs G.H. Ekins and the senior deacon of the church, A.P. Smith, received. An informal musical program followed. Miss Christine Doll, of Danbury was heard in a number of violin solos to the delight of all who heard her. A.W. Reynolds and Mrs George Burr rendered pleasing vocal solos and Mrs Phillips and Miss Lillian Phillips were heard with delight in a duet. A.P. Smith extended the formal word of welcome to the Rev and Mrs Ekins on behalf of the church and congregation. He expressed the feeling of joy every member of the congregation felt in Mr Ekins’ ministry. Rev J.L. Lasher brought the congratulations of the people of Trinity parish, and wished Mr Ekins God’s blessing in his work. Rev Mr Ekins closed with an excellent short address. The ladies served cream, cake and coffee, and an hour of sociability followed.

November 18, 1898

While passing a pleasant hour recently in the museum of Charles Henry Peck, the editor came across a copy of The Academician, published in January, 1853. In the advertising columns are the cards of the men who were in active business in Newtown at that time. It is an interesting list and only emphasizes afresh the rapid passing of time and of the brevity of life. All of the names, doubtless, will be familiar to those of mature age, but to the younger generation they are known only as the fathers and mothers have spoken of them. Here for instance is the name of Ezra Morgan, father of Hon D.N. Morgan, recent democratic candidate for governor; Levi Morris, not “our own Levi,” but an uncle of his in business here in 1853. At the end of the Sandy Hook list will be noted the name of William B. Glover, father of Ex-Senator Smith P. Glover of Sandy Hook.

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HATTERTOWN: Mrs Richard Patchen and daughter of Waterbury have been guests of Mrs Charles Roberts.

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A pleasant family reunion took place Monday night at the home of Mr and Mrs Arthur J. Smith, when Mr Smith’s brothers and sisters were entertained at tea. Those present were: Rev and Mrs Charles H. Smith of Plymouth, Mr and Mrs Arthur D. Fairchild of Taunton district, Mr and Mrs Henry M. Smith and Carlton Smith, Mr and Mrs A.P. Smith, and the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs Arthur J. Smith.

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John Lynch has moved from the Rubber boarding house to a tenement in the block owned by Mrs Carroll.

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William Costello has a fine new Concord buggy, bought of that enterprising gentleman, John H. Costello.

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LOCAL AFFAIRS — DODGINGTOWN AND VICINITY: Byron Crane of Danbury has been the recent guest of his parents, Mr and Mrs George Crane. | Chauncey Hobie of Danbury has purchased the farm known as the Ryan farm. | Mr and Mrs Eugene Durant and Miss Ethel passed Sunday with Mrs Durant’s parents. | Mrs George Crane has been the guest of her daughter, Mrs Platt of Redding. | Mrs Mansfield, who has been spending several weeks with her daughter in Long Hill, is at her brother’s, Andrew James. | Miss Sadie Taylor of Bethel has been the recent guest of her aunt, Mrs Sherman Smith.

Do you have photographs of people or places in town from a bygone era? The Way We Were is the perfect landing spot so that your photographs can be enjoyed by Newtown Bee readers. Images can be e-mailed as attachments to shannon@thebee.com, subject line: Way We Were photo. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date. If you live locally and would like to loan a photo/photos, please give us a call (203-426-3141) to let us know when you will be visiting.