August 6, 1993

Police Commission members August 3 discussed plans to install a pedestrian controlled traffic signal directly in front of Edmond Town Hall. The traffic signal will enhance pedestrian safety, said commission chairman Richard Sturdevant. Members William Meyer and Robert Connor, however, questioned how effective the signal would be. The signal should be installed both for improved pedestrian and vehicular travel, Mr Meyer said. State Department of Transportation officials met with town officials recently to work out details for the pedestrian-controlled red-yellow-green traffic signal. Requested by the town hall Board of Managers, the signal will be timed to allow pedestrians enough time to safely cross the street. But the state officials warned that along with some solutions to traffic problems would come some new problems. They pointed out the loss of parking in front of the building, illumination would have to be installed, and there probably would be more rear-end accidents.

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State Police said they arrested a Garner Correctional Institution inmate on August 2, charging him with possession of heroin with intent to sell. Police said the State Department of Correction officials found 11 packets of what is suspected to be heroin on the person of Robert J. Witham, 36. Police said Mr Witham consumed an unknown quantity of the substance and was brought to Danbury Hospital to be treated for an overdose.

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The Osborne Hill neighborhood is the site of a number of social activities throughout the year, but no event is as popular as the Osborne Hill Clambake, which took place at Ron and Sue Stockman's house on Osborne Hill Road. This year at least 75 neighbors showed up for a summer feast of clams, sausage, chicken, ice cream, and refreshments around the pool. One feature of the evening entertainment was singing, thanks to Rick Mazzeriello, who brought along a Karaoke machine.

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With just one month to go to the Newtown Labor Day Parade, the parade committee this week announced that fundraising efforts have fallen short. The $11,000 cost of staging the annual parade includes fees paid to some marching units, expenses for trophies, decorations, clean-up, and the cost of the townwide mailing that took place in the spring. By August 1 the committee had raised $9,816. This week they were still hoping for more donations. The committee welcomes support from businesses, organizations, and individuals.

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A fire at 43 Spring Trail in Sandy Hook at about 7 am on July 30 caused an estimated $30,000 in damage, said Fire Chief William Halstead. Gasoline which had leaked from a motorcycle parked in the basement trickled under a freezer. When the freezer went on, the fire started, Chief Halstead said. Members of the Desrochers family, who live there, weren't injured. The family had to move out until repairs could be made. Firemen rescued two cats from the smoke-filled home.

August 9, 1968

Lou Iaseillo has again captured the championship of the Newtown Country Club. He defeated Emmy Farrell, 1967 club champ. The climax came in the 72nd hole when Iasiello sank a putt for the birdie and the win. Iasiello, also senior club champion in Newtown Country Club, was winner of the 1966 tournament and has been club champion on several occasions in the past year. Sixty-four members played in the 72-hole medal play-low gross tournament. Iasiello scored a total of 282 to Emmy Farrell's 283 in the championship flight.

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It has long been recognized that Newtown's Main Street is one of the most valued assets. Its residential nature has endured for many years, though it would have disappeared long ago if it had not had the protection of borough zoning, which preceded zoning in the town by 27 years. Back in 1958, the original Plan of Development prepared by Gates & Ford specified that no more business facilities should be provided on Main Street. And the Planning and Zoning Commission in 1967 approved certain revision in the Gates & Ford plan. They also reinforced the ban on more businesses on Main Street. It is disturbing, therefore, that an application is now being made by Joseph and Charlotte Chase and the Newtown Savings Bank to change the classification of the former Trinity Parish House and the southerly part of the bank's property from residential to commercial. We hope we have made our point clear after talking at length with each party that, once the classification of the properties is changed and made available for business, there is no telling what building or commercial enterprises might occupy the site at some future date.

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The final step before the actual groundbreaking for the addition to the Hook and Ladder Fire Company fire house was accomplished Tuesday evening when the contracts were signed with contractor John Stefanko. It is hoped that ground will be broken next week and that the four-bay structure, two up and two down, will be ready soon. Also incorporated into the addition will be storage space for all spare equipment which will be purchased by the Board of Fire Commissioners and available to all town companies.

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THE ONE! In the small hours of Thursday morning, August 8, Richard Nixon topped the 667 figure necessary to win the GOP nomination for Presidency. The decision came with the Wisconsin vote on the first ballot. With Minnesota leading the way, the choice was made unanimous.

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Roger Treat is recuperating at home after serious surgery at Danbury Hospital. He has greatly enjoyed the many cards and messages from his friends and is sorry that he is not yet well enough to see them.

August 13, 1943

A sale of herbs, Juniper tea, and herb-flavored vinegars will take place at the Knapp & Trull's Store on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday August 26-28, and is the opportunity so many people have been waiting for, to buy herbs prepared for many uses. There is a blend ready for stews and sauces and fish; another for salads, eggs, and cheese. The tea (called Juniper Hill's after dinner tea) is a delightful extender for regular teas. These fine herb seasonings, fresh from the House of Herbs, are said to turn cooks into artists. Commonplace foods are transformed into masterpieces.

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Newtown participated with other towns in the state in the daylight air raid test held on Sunday afternoon. Signals from the Danbury Report Center were received without difficulty and alarms promptly given to the Air Raid Wardens and other civilian defense services. The entire test throughout the state was considered a success.

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Sixty-three people from Newtown donated blood at the Red Cross Blood Bank last Friday at the Monroe Consolidated School. A total of 152 pints of blood were contributed from the towns of Monroe, Stepney, Long Hill, and Newtown. Several Red Cross workers from Newtown assisted with the critical work. Friday's visit to the blood bank was considered very successful.

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Paying high tribute to the flying records of former Boy Scouts and stating that seventeen of them were with General Doolittle's Tokyo raid party, General H.H. Arnold, Commanding General of the Air Force, has asked the Boy Scouts to do "a good turn" for the Army Air Forces by placing five million "Keep 'em Flying" posters in public places throughout the nation. Boy Scouts of the Pomperaug Council which is responsible for towns including Newtown, are taking an active part in the general's request.

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The Newtown Fish and Game Club will hold its annual meeting in the Newtown Fire House on Saturday evening, September 4, for the purpose of electing officers for the coming year and acting upon other business such as may be brought up for attention by members. During the evening there will be a drawing for a $50 War Bond, and $10 and $5 in War Stamps, which the club will award to fortunate winners.

August 9, 1918

V.G. Hard received a letter from James W. Crick, who is in Camp Joe Johnston, Jacksonville, Fla. He reports he is enjoying good health and expects to go to France soon.

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Watch for C.F. Beardsley's description of 11 acres of wood and timber land in Newtown in next week's Bee. Has not been cut in 80 years. This weather reminds you to be on the lookout for your next winter's wood. The sale will take place August 24. Don't forget it.

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The Bee staff was delighted Friday last, to receive a call from that army surgeon and fellow townsman, Lieutenant Col Dr Charles Peck. Dr Peck has been appointed to the surgical advisory board. Dr Peck is the son of the late Albert Peck of Newtown, whose death occurred April 9, 1918, while the doctor was in France. He was one of the first to volunteer his service to his country going from Roosevelt hospital in New York. On the first hospital ship to sail to the other side Dr Peck was one of its passengers. The ship carried 65 nurses, 50 men of hospital corps and 25 officers. This ship was the first to land forces of a base hospital on French soil.

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Michael Mahoney will go to Danbury Saturday to bring home his baby, now a little miss of five years. The little girl has been kindly cared for by an uncle since the time of Mrs Mahoney was obliged to go to the Connecticut hospital five years ago. Mr Mahoney has bravely kept his little family together and deserves a lot of credit.

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Mento Guntzler has sold his fast Packard to parties in Ansonia.Please consider sharing your old photographs of people and places from Newtown or Sandy Hook with The Newtown Bee readers. Images can be e-mailed to kendra@thebee.com, or brought to the office at 5 Church Hill Road to be scanned. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date.