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Fourteen “hometown heroes” were honored at a reception on Thursday, May 1, at the Matthew Curtiss House, ending a year-long series of local activities celebrating Connecticut’s 350th birthday. The program recognizes all those who have made Connecticut what it was in the past, what it is today, and what it will be in the future. Newtown’s hometown heroes are Barbara Burkert; Lynne Burton; John L. Cascone, Sr; Sam Eisenbach; Peg Forbell; Dr Henry Gellert; David Lydem; Betty Parrella; Marge Piazza; State Representative Mae Schmidle; The Reverend Alastair Sellars; Donald H. Smith, Sr; Pat Walsh; and Virginia Winans.

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The week of May 5 was designated Teacher Appreciation Week, and PTAs in Newtown honored their teachers by breakfasts, luncheons, and simple but expressive gifts, like an apple a day.

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Connecticut’s housing market was “strong, responsive, and expanding,” last year, according to the annual housing market report recently released by the state Department of Housing. The average sales price for an existing single-family home in Fairfield County was $173,745, a 10.5 percent increase. Average mortgage rates dropped from 12.63 percent in early 1985 to 10.43 percent at the end of the year.

May 12, 1961

With an assist from the weatherman, the Newtown baseball team hopes to open its season this Sunday, May 14, at 2:30 pm, at Taylor Field, Newtown. Opening game ceremonies will include presentation of the team’s Most Valuable Player Award for 1960 to Chuck Botsford and the throwing out of the first ball by First Selectman Charles W. Terrell, Jr.

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The Newtown Lions Club will conduct its annual Light Bulb sale from May 15 to May 22. The package of eight light bulbs, packed in assorted sizes for home use, will be sold in the door-to-door canvass during the week of the sale. Each package will cost $2, which is slightly below the regular retail price of the bulbs. This is an opportunity for all townspeople to buy a household necessity and at the same time to contribute to a very worthwhile cause.

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Town and business leaders of Newtown have asked the cooperation of all households and business establishments in a spring clean-up effort during the week of May 22–27, preceding the Decoration Day weekend. “The purpose of the clean-up,” said Charles W. Terrell, Jr, First Selectman, “is not only to improve the general appearance of the town, but also to cooperate with the fire companies in reducing hazards to life and property.”

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In keeping with the theme, “May is Safety Month,” the Newtown Jaycees will conduct their Fourth Annual Teen-age Safe Driving Road-e-o, on May 20, in the parking lot at the rear of Newtown High School. Participants must complete a written examination, to be administered after classes on May 15 at the high school, consisting of 50 multiple choice questions. Following completion of the written exam, the participant must complete the driving skill course to be conducted on May 20. These exercises, which will be negotiated in a 1961 Plymouth Fury, are performed at extremely slow speed and are designed to test reflexes, judgment, and coordination.

 

May 8, 1936

While working at the home of Benjamin G. Demarest of Taunton district, Malcolm Pendergast found four baby rabbits in a brush heap. The bunnies were given to Louise Violette, put in a box and fed with a medicine dropper by their new owner. To the surprise of the family, the rabbits were adopted by “Trixy” their prize Boston bull dog. She started to like the rabbits and eventually climbed into the box and went to sleep with the four rabbits snuggled closely about her.

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Mrs John Bizak was struck by lightning on Sunday and rendered unconscious for half an hour. She received minor burns from which she is now recovering. Dr Waldo R. Desmond attended her.

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An interesting golf exhibition will take place on Sunday afternoon, at the Newtown Country Club, when Gene Sarazen puts in an appearance. Mr Sarazen has won the National Professional Championship Open three times, the National Open twice, the British Open once with a record now of 283, besides many other tournaments. This internationally known golfer has been an honorary member of the Newtown Club for a number of years.

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There are too many pretty girls in Newtown. How can a man decide which way to vote? But on Friday and Saturday nights, May 15 and 16, a beautiful Queen of Mardi Gras will be crowned by popular vote. A certain popular and attractive matron of this village is more than half expected to send all the younger girls down to stinging defeat. Come to the Mardi Gras and cast your votes for the lady of your choice.

 

May 12, 1911

The annual meeting of the Newtown Fire Co. was held at the Town Clerk’s office on Monday evening. The treasurer’s report, which showed a balance of $22 in the treasury, was read and accepted. It was voted that each member purchase a badge and a committee was appointed to select a design for the same.

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Carlton S. Smith, who has been ill with scarlet fever for three weeks, has fully recovered from the disease and left, last Thursday, for his studies at Yale. The home of his parents, Dea and Mrs H.M. Smith, which has been quarantined during his illness, was thoroughly fumigated by Health Officer Kiernan, and the quarantine removed. Mr Smith, who has been kindly entertained at the home of his brother, A.P. Smith, during his son’s illness, was able to return to his own home.

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Donato Peruna was brought before Justice Patrick McCarthy, Tuesday evening, charged with taking the horse of Albert D. Blakeslee without his permission, last Sunday evening, and participating in a joy ride about town. The ride cost him $10.31, besides one day in Newtown’s lockup.

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Charles Downes had the misfortune, while getting out of his wagon to slip and fall, landing on his side on the edge of the wagon, quite badly bruising himself, which laid him up for several days.