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The Newtown Summer Festival is presenting Newtown’s “Independence Day Celebration” on Friday, July 4, from noon to 5 pm. The July 4th picnic will be held at Dickinson Memorial Park. Events include the flag raising at noon; the egg toss; and water balloon toss at the volleyball area; a karate demonstration; and a magic show. Also slated are water and field games; pick-up games; and pony rides. A softball pitch will be held all day in the softball field, and there will be open swim from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission is $1, or free with a Newtown Park and Recreation Walk-In Pass.

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The roaming ram that had been bothering residents of Taunton Lake Drive for nearly a month was captured by police on June 26, after a tranquilizer dart finally had some effect on the sheep. After the capture, the sheep was placed in the canine control unit van and returned home to Dr Robert Grossman, and secured in his pasture.

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Newtown will receive almost $200,000 to be used on local projects, from the state, as a result of the disbursement of the surplus funds in Hartford. The council will accept recommendations from the legislative body in the town as to how the town can best use the money. “The surplus dollars, then, can be spent only on nonrecurring town expenses or capital projects,” said State Representative Mae Schmidle.

July 7, 1961

During the past few weeks, a number of acts of vandalism have been committed in the Dickinson Memorial Park. A drinking fountain on the beach has been uprooted, holes have been made in the bath houses, and traffic signs destroyed. The Newtown Park Commission issued a warning that there is to be no loitering at and around the park after hours.

***

“Hub” Beers, popular Newtown mail carrier, and Hobart Warner of the Wooster School faculty in Danbury returned last week with an enthusiastic report of their eight day fishing trip, which took them 100 miles north of Montreal, Canada, in search of trout. This is an annual trip for these two piscatorial experts who never come home with an empty creel.

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On Sunday, July 9, the Explorer Scouts, with the Rev Paul Cullens as advisor, will leave on their annual Pine Tree Patrol canoe trip to Northern Canada, with its final destination the French River. On the return trip, the group will visit Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes, arriving in Newtown on Sunday, July 23.

***

Building inspector Earle H. Megin reports that during the month of June, there were 42 building permits issued, seven septic system permits, and two oil burner permits. These permits covered 11 new residences and the balance for miscellaneous additions and alterations.

 

July 3, 1936

An accident occurred on Main street last Saturday afternoon, when Charles T. Campbell of Taunton district turned his car in front of Mrs George M. Stuart, who was driving up the street. Both cars were considerably damaged as the result of the accident.

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One of the finest concerts in the history of the Newtown Orchestral Society was rendered Thursday evening, June 25, in the theatre of the Edmond Town Hall, under the leadership of Mario DiCecco. The guest artist, Romeo Tata, violinist, rendered three numbers in such a masterful manner that one encore left the audience looking for more. George Vaughn, Sr, nationally known clarinetist, who played in this last performance, said in a recent interview that he knew of no other amateur symphony in the country that gave a higher class performance than the Newtown Society.

***

Denny Ringers, son of Mr and Mrs Joseph H. Ringers of Sandy Hook, suffered an accident on Monday when he fell out of a tree and broke his arm. He was taken to the Danbury hospital by Dr W.F. Desmond where the bones which were badly broken, were set.

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A bus loaded with forty-five children arrived at the Fredericka House on Tuesday to stay for three weeks. Miss Hull is in charge of the House this year, arriving in town with her assistants on Saturday.

 

July 7, 1911

A song recital of unusual attraction will take place in the Town hall, Thursday evening, July 13, at 8 o’clock, by Cecil Wright, baritone. He will be assisted by Miss Augusta Campbell, reader, Miss Grace M. Johnson, soprano, and Miss Amelia Allen, violinist. Miss Clara Hemenway Holman will act as accompanist. The tickets will be 25 cents, the proceeds being for the benefit of the Sandy Hook library. The citizens of the town should show their appreciation of the young people, all of whom are well and favorably known.

***

The athletic contests and baseball games on the grounds of St Rose’s church property Tuesday, brought out a large crowd despite the rumbling of the thunder. The was a zest and good interest in the various races and contests. The baseball game was interesting throughout.

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The Toddy Hill school, taught by Miss Mary E. Lynch, closed on Thursday, June 22, with pleasing exercises. The schoolroom was decorated with flags, laurel and flowers. After the exercises all were treated with cake, fruit and candy and the teacher announced that through the kindness of Mr Greenblatt, 12 quarts of ice cream were ready to be served.

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Former Selectman Hermon H. Peck, who has a reputation of being a crack shot with a gun, celebrated the Fourth by shooting a fat skunk in his meadow, which had sallied forth in search of spring chickens. Mr Peck was called by telephone from a neighboring house, seized his gun, and bowled over his worthy Skunkship at the first round.