April 20, 1990

By mid-May, Newtown Shopping Center owner and developer Joseph Kasper and adjacent property owner Richard Wiehl expect to reach an agreement on some long-term leasing arrangement to the center of the former White Birch and Oberg Texaco property, they said this week. Meanwhile, Mr Kasper is negotiating with current and prospective tenants, including three unnamed supermarkets who are bidding for A&P’s spot.

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In a speech in the Rotunda of the State Capitol on April 18, State Representative Mae Schmidle declared herself a candidate for the Republican nomination for Secretary of the State. “I have the experience to hit the ground running,” she said. After announcing her candidacy for Secretary of the State, Rep Schmidle also made it official that she would not seek her party’s nomination for a sixth two-year term as state representative from the 106th District.

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To raise money to establish Newtown’s first nature center at Orchard Hill Preserve, hikers are gathering this Saturday morning, April 21, at Upper Paugussett State Forest, for the town’s first Hike-A-Thon. As well as raising money, the hikers will enjoy the beauty of the forest that lies along the edge of Lake Lillinonah. They will also compete in a litter-collecting contest.

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After taking turns beating up on Bethel, Kaynor Tech, and Central Catholic respectively last week, the Newtown Indians’ baseball team survived its closest scare, on Wednesday, April 18, in defeating Joel Barlow 10-8, for its fourth win in six days. The victory improved Newtown’s overall record for the season to 6-0.

 

April 23, 1965

Services for Edward S. Pitzschler were held on Tuesday morning. Mr Pitzschler’s death occurred Saturday morning at the Danbury Hospital. He was one of Newtown’s oldest, best-known, and most loyal citizens. He was born July 3, 1886, in the house on Sugar Street where his parents, the late G. Oscar and Margaret Pitzschler made their home. He was educated in Newtown, attending early in life Mrs Roger’s Private School, which was located in the house now owned by Mr and Mrs David E. Harrower on Main Street, across from the Newtown Savings Bank. Later he attended the old Newtown Academy and Newtown High School. Mr Pitzschler’s father was Newtown’s town clerk and judge of probate from about 1907 to the time of his death May 22, 1932. He also operated Newtown’s only barber shop. It was natural for “Ed” to take over the barber shop. It was natural, also, for Ed to follow his father’s footsteps, in holding various public offices in Newtown.

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It’s “Music Hall Tonight” on May 1, when “The Rose and Crown,” an historic English Inn, will be recreated as the scene of Newtown’s AFS International Night. A talented cast will provide entertainment at what promises to be a very gala evening.

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The annual town budget meeting will consider a total town budget for 1965-66 nearly $141,000 less than requested appropriations discussed at the town budget hearing of April 13. The reductions were effected as a result of actions by the Board of Finance. The finance board will recommend for school purposes a sum $120,000 less than the $1,681,775 requested at the public hearing.

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Fathers of Little Leaguers are requested to attend a work party beginning at 10 am this Saturday, April 24, at the Little League Field at the Italian Community Center, Route 34. Fathers are asked to bring appropriate equipment, such as rakes, shovels, hammers, and paint brushes. Other necessary equipment and supplies will be provided.

April 19, 1940

Thomas J. O’Brien of Waterbury narrowly escaped serious injuries on Monday night, when his car left the highway on Route 6, east of the Sandy Hook bridge, and dropped over an embankment into Lake Zoar. Fortunately the water was not too deep and Mr O’Brien was able to wade ashore. The car was later towed to the Sandy Hook Garage, where it was found to be considerably damaged.

***

On Thursday evening last, some forty-five members and guests of the Bowling League gathered at the Parker House for their ninth annual banquet. Needless to say, a most enjoyable time was had by all. During the evening, those present partook of a delicious dinner consisting of grapefruit, split pea soup, perfection salad, relish, celery, olives, French fried potatoes, green peas, choice of chicken or steak, hot apple pie with ice cream, and coffee. Entertainment was also provided by Mrs Parker.

***

Arthur Hyatt, 13-year-old son of Mr and Mrs Leroy Hyatt of Sandy Hook, caught the first trout of the season on Saturday. The speckled beauty tipped the scales at ¾ of a pound and was 12 inches long. Good for you, Arthur — you’re way ahead of lots of veterans!

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The Beauty Nook, located in the Corrigan Block, Sandy Hook, is now open for business under the management of Mrs Ann Mihalek of Church street, Newtown. The shop has been entirely renovated and presents a very attractive appearance. It is equipped with the latest permanent wave machines, dryers, etc. Mrs Mihalek is prepared to give the latest permanent waves, machine and machineless, hair dyeing, and will specialize in all types of beauty culture.

 

April 23, 1915

Selectman Thomas F. Brew is driving a new Ford touring car, bought through James B. Nichols, the local representative of Scott & Lewis. Joseph Hyatt of Sandy Hook has a new Ford touring car, bought through the local representative, James B. Nichols.

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Thomas Holian, the popular local agent of the New York & New Haven road, reports the receipts of freight at the Newtown Station during March nearly double the total of February, which is an indication of a general revival of business throughout the country.

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The case of State vs Ballinger for assault on the person of Ezra J. Hall was tried on Monday afternoon at the Brick building before Justice P.H. McCarthy. In view of the statements E.J. Hall had made to the officers and others in Sandy Hook, at the time since his beating up, his testimony to many was a surprise. He certainly presents a pitiful appearance, and his nearest friends, if they did not know him, would scarcely recognize the man. That his assailant, or assailants, intended to kill him, is evident. E.J. Hall testified “… Ballinger was going up and down before my shop but I could not say he was the man who hit me. Ballinger was the man Ambrose Conger said he saw with a club that he would hate to be hit with… Can’t give any motive these men could have for beating me up, but understand that John Thorn has threatened me.”

***

“I notice there are some law abiding citizens, while there are some who persist in ignoring the law…If we want these laws, let’s abide by them… Now comes the question of muzzling dogs. Some muzzle and some do not. Now I would like to know if we have a dog warden in town, and if so, where is he, and what is he doing? If we want these laws for protection, let’s abide by them… Now ye dog owners take notice and muzzle your dogs, and do not forget that the dog tax is due on or before the first of May.” Signed, — [E.D. Brisco, First Selectman]