Entertainment At The Turn Of The Century

By Jan Howard

Leisure and social activities of residents of Newtown in the late 1800s were lively, although more limited to local interest than those of the present day when flying off to events in other parts of the country and the world are not uncommon. Most of the 19th-century activities centered about home, church, and local organizations.

Accounts of church activities, socials, receptions, dances, concerts, “entertainments” at the schools, and visiting friends and relatives filled the pages of issues of The Newtown Bee in the late 19th century.

 News items about residents’ travels were noted in The Bee, whether they were near or far. In February of 1899 it was reported that Henry Becker was a passenger on the steamer Bulgaria, which was disabled at sea. In April Mr and Mrs E.C. Platt and son were in the Park City one Tuesday, and Mrs E.G. Terrill was visiting Mrs Sadie Gorham in Wilton.

Before the era of electricity, television, and other modern day amenities, Newtown residents often spent their time visiting with family, friends, and neighbors. In January 1899, The Bee reported that “a most enjoyable evening was spent” by people on Mt Pleasant at the home of Mrs H.B. Dikeman where her neighbors had been invited “to get acquainted.” The paper noted this was “a good way to promote neighborhood good feeling and fellowship.” Miss Lena Sherman gave a small party one evening in early April 1899 during which a molasses pull was one of the attractions.

Dancing was a popular pastime. A ball at the Town Hall, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, was largely attended despite cold weather. The Newtown Bee reported that the hall was “prettily decorated” with streamers of red, white, and blue. Mr and Mrs Henry A. Costello, followed by Rep and Mrs Keating, led the grand march. Wildman’s Orchestra of Danbury provided music for dancing.

Cultural activities were popular. The Ladies Shakespearean Club of Newtown Street, which met with Mrs Linsley at Trinity rectory on Saturday afternoons, studied plays. The annual ladies night at the Men’s club in 1899 featured an orator, the Hon Daniel Davenport of Bridgeport, who spoke on Alexander Hamilton. The library was an important part of the community, and several of its residents belonged to the Library Association.

Religious events sponsored by the town’s churches were well attended, such as ladies’ prayer meetings, holiday pageants, and Sunday school picnics.

The Grange was another source of entertainment in what was then predominantly a rural, farming community. In February of 1899, E.F. Northrop, S.J. Botsford, C.G. Peck, J.J. Northrop, L.A. Botsford, and H.S. Mason were in charge of organizing a dance at the Grange. On March 24 it was reported that the members of Pootatuck Grange enjoyed selections by the gramophone.

A stereopticon entertainment given at Botsford early in March of 1899 was well patronized with “quite a number from East Village” in attendance, The Bee reported.

The Virgilius Council planned a minstrel, variety entertainment, and sociable in March of 1899. It was reported that “the committee will spare no time to make this the event of the season. The music will be furnished by the old reliable Bliss orchestra.”

Many social affairs had a civic objective, with funds being raised for specific projects, such as the local fire department or the library.

Leisure activities were enjoyed by all ages. During the winter there were skating parties on Foundry and other local ponds. Races in fast, graceful sleighs were popular, as well as sledding parties following a heavy snowfall. In one case, with snow conditions exactly right, a group of young men coasted on the road from the top of Mt Pleasant down to Pohtatuck Brook.

In the summer, there was swimming in local lakes, rivers, and ponds, and trips to the shore. Children played games outside, such as hide and seek, tag, and hop scotch. And, of course, there were baseball games and other group sports.

Many residents enjoyed fishing at Taunton Pond and in local brooks where there were lots of trout. On April 14, 1899, it was reported that Martin Winton “took advantage of the law on fishing, April 1, and caught a 14-ounce trout.”

Others enjoyed hunting in local forests and fields for quail, pheasant, rabbits, deer, foxes, opossums, raccoons, and an occasional wildcat.

Residents enjoyed playing cards, such as poker or solitaire, and several local women belonged to a morning whist club. Playing musical instruments, such as the piano and guitars, was also a popular way for families to spend an evening.

Local church and county fairs and parades were much enjoyed, such as the Newtown Agricultural Fair, which ran successfully between 1896 and 1906, and the Danbury State Fair. Some Newtowners brought home ribbons and other trophies from exhibits featured at the Danbury Fair and various county fairs.

 Racing was a popular pastime. In May of 1899, The Bee reported that “the driving track in Ronald Park has been put in good order, and the horsemen will soon be trying their horses.” The Newtown fair featured racing on what is today Taylor Field behind the Hawley School.

When looked at in retrospect, life in the late 19th century was not very different than that of today, albeit without today’s amenities. Many activities enjoyed by residents 100 years ago are those that we still enjoy today, only with the added amenities that we tend to take so much for granted and only fully appreciate when the lights go out during a thunder storm.