A High-Flying Exhibit At The Library

By Jan Howard

Kites are flying at the C.H. Booth Library through May 6.

About 20 kites created or collected by Charles Hunt of Southbury have been mounted from the balcony of the third floor and in the children’s room.

One is shaped like a bird; others are made of varying types and colors of fabric.

Mr Hunt started making and flying kites when he was eight years old, inspired by his father, who had the same hobby. He went on to make it a life-long pastime.

“I’ve had several exhibits, one at Pomperaug Woods,” Mr Hunt said last week. “There were about 40 kites in that exhibit.”

He is a charter member of “Connecikiters,” and has won several kite trophies. When the wind is right, he’s ready to fly.

A Delta-Conyne kite plus 1,000 feet of kite line earned Mr Hunt a trophy for the highest kite in the Norwalk Kite Festival in 1995.

Mr Hunt said he creates his kites in a woodworking shop at Pomperaug Woods or in his guestroom, where he does all the sewing.

“Since 1976 I’ve been sewing them on the machine, but I previously sewed them by hand,” he said.

He makes two kites at a time, taking about a day to complete them, he said.

Mr Hunt was born and raised in White Plains, N.Y. He received a bachelor of science in engineering from Swarthmore College, and entered Starbuck and Hunt, Inc., NYC, in 1932. The family business dealt in oriental rugs. He became treasurer of the company in 1938 and president in 1954. He is a former resident of Woodbury.

The kites will be on exhibit through May 6, which is Kite Day 2001 at Ram Pasture. The 15th annual kite-flying contest, scheduled for noon, is co-sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Commission and The Newtown Bee.

Visit the kite exhibit at the library and then enjoy flying a kite on May 6.