July 6, 2001

HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER of Lisa Petrovich.

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It seems there is always something to groan about down at the Newtown Highway Department. There are endless potholes to fill and roads to pave in the summer. Winters are spent behind the wheel of a snowplow. But as the days heat up, there is now a new issue to tackle on Turkey Hill Road: fashion. The highway department has suddenly become image conscious. For the second time in less than a year, the crew has been outfitted with new uniforms. It’s all part of the town’s efforts to standardize its parks and recreation and highway crews.

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What is being described as a storm microburst set down in the center of town near Dickinson Park Saturday afternoon and proceeded to leave behind a narrow path of destruction. The destructive power of the storm led some to believe that a tornado had touched down in town, though a meteorologist said there were no reports of any tornadoes in Newtown.

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The new post office in Botsford could be back in business in time for the Christmas rush. This week, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal and US Congressman Jim Maloney met with US postal officials and owners of the nearly complete facility at the corner of Route 25 and Botsford Hill Road. Their mission was to iron out a yearlong dispute between the two parties that had left the building’s future in doubt.

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The Newtown Babe Ruth 12-year-old All Stars captured the Bethel Tournament championship for the second year in a row and had to do it in thrilling fashion — on a bases-loaded single by Steve Marks in the bottom of the sixth. Newtown defeated South Meriden, 4-3.

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Twenty-three eighth graders received their diplomas from Father Robert Weiss and Principal Donna DeLuca June 8 as they finished their time at the private Catholic School. During the ceremony several awards were given out to students for their academic excellence.

July 2, 1976

EDITORIAL INK DROPS — A VERY SPECIAL FOURTH OF JULY: Lightning filled the sky for a short time on Monday evening, appearing as fireworks in the distance. For a moment it seemed as if the Fourth of July was already here and the celebration had started. … this is the celebration we have been waiting for, a day which marks the 200th Happy Birthday for America. The country, in some cases, has been gearing for this date for a number of years and like Christmas Day, it is finally here. What will the Fourth of July hold for you? How will you celebrate America’s birthday? … Tall ships, wagon trains, small-town parades, gatherings with both family and friends, fireworks, and the like, are all signs of celebration as we mark our 200th year. We have a great deal to celebrate, and much of which to be proud. We are mighty glad to be here. Happy Birthday America.

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The blue capped and gowned Bicentennial graduating class of Newtown High certainly went outward and onward in the spirit of Independence on the fourth Saturday of June, 1976. Intermittent firecrackers, Roman candles, and the clash of cymbals created a lively atmosphere for the traditionally-solemn graduation spectacle, and the NHS ’76 members created their own unique variation of the theme with rebel yells and an exuberant display of acrobatic flips by Mark Atkinson — in cap and gown no less — after he received his diploma. …the festive occasion culminated with the release of hundreds of red, white and blue balloons.

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A most unusual and very happy occasion took place on Saturday afternoon, from 3-7 pm, at the De Graff home on Pond Brook Road when a host of friends and relatives gathered to celebrate a double wedding anniversary. Dr and Mrs Arthur C. DeGraff Sr were the bride and groom of 50 years, and their son and daughter-in-law, Dr and Mrs Arthur C. De Graff Jr of West Hartford, were the nuptial couple of 20 years ago.

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It was quite a day in history for Newtowners as they had a chance to glimpse some history which had been and also was in the making when Rochambeau’s Army paid a return visit here after 200 years. The day was full, from the time the troops marched into town over the Rochambeau bridge early in the afternoon, until the time when they successfully routed the members of the British sympathizers in Delancy’s Brigade, right down to the final moments of the memorable event, the sending aloft of the Connecticut State balloon.

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The Edmond Town Hall Theatre, Newtown, in celebration of the Bicentennial will hold a half price sale. Anyone attending the theatre in full colonial attire during the showing of the critically acclaimed movie “Barry Lyndon” will be admitted at half price, 50 cents.

June 29, 1951

An innovation in the commencement exercises of Newtown High School was well received by a large audience of parents, relatives, and friends of high school students last Thursday night in Edmond Town Hall, when the 36 graduating seniors were the prime actors. The class of 1951, with its class advisor, Miss Kathleen Dolan, had prepared this year’s program for a chronological presentation of American history, titled “The Growth of Freedom.” Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” was the musical background for the processional march … The invocation was given by the Rev. Paul A. Cullens, pastor of the Newtown Congregational Church. Three speeches, period songs, poetry, key statements by prominent historical figures, and quotations from the writings of important Americans figured in the theme development, with the narrative presented by Richard MacTaggart at the amplifier.

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H. Roland Geiger, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman R. Geiger, Shepard Hill, arrived at his parents’ home Tuesday morning for a few days visit. He expects to start his return drive this Sunday to Springfield, Ill., where he is an engineer with the Sangamo Electric Company, manufacturers of electric motors. He has recently been offered and accepted a commission as ensign in the Naval Reserves, where he is classified as a ordnance specialist.

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Mrs Francis Broadbent and two children, Carol and Joel, are visiting Mrs Broadbent’s sister, Mrs Herbert Lewis, Jr., on Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook until the end of July.

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Mrs Roger Howson, local chairman of the Connecticut Society for Mental Health, is in receipt of a letter from Lieutenant Governor Edward N. Allen, honorary chairman of the Mental Health Campaign, reporting on the success of the recently conducted drive. Locally the sum of $430 was subscribed from 34 contributors, Mrs Howson states. A group representing the Fairfield Hospital staff contributed a quarter of the total amount received.

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Walter A. Reynolds of Glover Avenue and Edward S. Pitzschler of Church Hill Road were appointed judge and deputy judge, respectively, of the Newtown Town Court by Governor John Davis Lodge, according to word received by The Bee from the governor’s office this Thursday morning. The appointments were made on Wednesday and the terms extend for a period of two years, starting this July 1.

July 2, 1926

Rain falling just before the hour scheduled for the third annual lawn fete and concert caused the removal of program and audience to the church auditorium on Thursday evening last. The attendance and financial returns fell below either of the past two years due to climatic interference but the treasury of the Women’s Federation will be augmented by a sizeable return.

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The married men and the single men had their game at baseball last Saturday afternoon. Manager Johnston for the married men and Manager Treat for the single men had their forces out on the field and the slight rain storm that came just before the game made it very bad for the ball was sticky and wet most of the afternoon. ... Final score was Married Men 6, Single Men 29; Umpire was Mr Griscom.

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Rev and Mrs G. Herbert Ekins were guests at the ordination council held on Monday last in South Britain to ordain Rev E.O. Pearman, formerly of California, to the ministry.

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Rev G.H. Ekins is passing a few days in New York City with his son, F. Arthur Ekins.

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Mr and Mrs O. Howard Hall entertained 30 of the boys of St John’s choir, Bridgeport, Alvin C. Bruel director, on Monday. They came by motor bus and had a fine time with games, baseball and swimming.

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William Stevens of Mile Hill has sold his farm to William Primrose of New Rochelle, N.Y.

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Master Edward Cohen of Botsford is ill with scarlet fever.

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John Keane of Newtown has bought out the business of the Golden Peach, and will take possession shortly after July 1. Mr Keane has many friends who wish him the best of success in his new venture. Mrs Winslow, the present owner, expects to remain in Sandy Hook for the present. The Golden Peach was established by the late John L. O’Neil, a popular young man, who built up a good business.

July 5, 1901

The strawberry festival under the auspices of the Ladies’ Aid society of the Congregational church, of which Mrs Reynolds is the efficient president, was held on Saturday evening. It was a success financially as everything was disposed of, and the ladies were unable to supply the calls for ice cream. About $20 was netted for the work of the society.

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Philo Nichols was in New Haven on Friday last.

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Miss Julia A. Nichols has suffered another relapse. Mrs George Ives of Bridgewater is caring for her.

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Henry G. Curtis is having good success in his new industry at Berkshire, making paper boxes. He is now employing a half dozen hands and has put in the most up-to-date machinery. Men of Mr Curtis’ calibre are what this town needs for its industrial development.

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Harry Curtis of North Haven passed Sunday with his parents, Mr and Mrs Henry G. Curtis, in Berkshire.

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Mrs T.J. Lynch and children of Passaic, N.J., are passing the summer at Patrick Kelly’s on Mile Hill. Mrs Lynch is a daughter of Mr Kelly.

Do you have photographs of people or places in town from a bygone era? The Way We Were is the perfect landing spot so that your photographs can be enjoyed by readers of The Newtown Bee. Images can be e-mailed as attachments to shannon@thebee.com, subject line: Way We Were photo. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date. If you live locally and would like to loan a photo/photos, please give us a call (203-426-3141) to let us know when you will be visiting.