Date: Fri 11-Jul-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

Wilkinson-Hitchcock-Woycik

Full Text:

Wilkinsons Celebrate 60th Wedding Anniversary With Hitchcock Chair Library

Fundraiser

(with photo)

BY DOROTHY EVANS

Where does the time go?

For 60 years, Ken and Heloise Wilkinson have been totally occupied with

raising four children, welcoming grandchildren, pursuing careers in

international marketing and preschool teaching, moving from East Orange, N.J.,

to Long Island, to Rowayton, to Wilton and finally retiring in Newtown in

1983.

So occupied that they've barely had a moment to look at the calendar. No time

to realize all the years that have passed since the day they were married,

June 26, 1937.

But they do remember how it all began.

"We went to the same high school, but we weren't aware of each other until

junior year," recalls Mr Wilkinson.

They went off to separate colleges but were married the year after they

graduated, living in Wayne, N.J., for the next 20 years while they raised

their four children, Kate, Peter, Christie and Ann.

"I thought we'd stay there forever," said Mrs Wilkinson, looking back.

As the years went by, several more moves happened and each place they went,

she started a cooperative nursery school ("there weren't so many of them in

those days"), first teaching and then serving as preschool director.

The Wilkinsons didn't actually retire until 14 years ago when the move into

Newtown took place. Now, they're actively involved in town projects - Mrs

Wilkinson pursuing her quilting hobby and Mr Wilkinson coordinating Meals On

Wheels.

"It's perfect for him because he's so very conscientious," Mrs Wilkinson said.

Library staff member Juanita Fisher was on hand while the Wilkinsons were

interviewed and couldn't resist adding a comment.

"They do so much for the town. They are our heroes," Ms Fisher said.

Asked how they managed to get along so well for 60 years, the Wilkinsons both

answered at once,

"It just happened," "A lucky choice," and "It doesn't seem possible."

Mrs Wilkinson offered a little advice, as well.

"It helps to have younger friends and to be around children."

Hitchcock Chair A Gift

From Their Children

To mark the occasion of their parents' sixtieth anniversary, the four

Wilkinson children have gotten together on a special gift - the latest library

fundraiser idea.

A Hitchcock chair is being made up with scenes of Newtown stencilled on the

back rest and the Wilkinson family has order one with their parents' names and

wedding date inscribed in gold on the back.

On order from the Wilton store, the chair will be delivered in a few weeks,

but when it arrives, it won't go to the Wilkinson's Birch Rise Drive home.

"We're at the stage where we want to get rid of things," Mrs Wilkinson

explained with a laugh.

Instead, the chair will be given to the Cyrenius Booth Library to be used in

the new Art Reading Room where all Newtown residents can enjoy it.

This is exactly what the Wilkinsons want to happen since she is an avid

supporter of the library and has worked on other fund raisers such as the "Two

Stars for Sarah" quilt that will be raffled off at the Labor Day book sale.

Also, by purchasing the special Newtown chair for $499, the Wilkinson family

is giving a portion of that cost directly to the library.

The Hitchcock chairfund raiser was the brain child of Pat Denlinger,

long-standing library board of trustees member.

"Even if people don't give the chair itself, a part of the purchase price will

come back to benefit us," Ms Denlinger said Tuesday.

Library Director Janet Woycik hopes people will call now and order their own

Newtown version of the Hitchcock chairs as gifts.

"It's a great idea. We've already gotten three, but I need six for the Art

Reading Room," Mrs Woycik said.

Anyone wanting further information about ordering a specially engraved

Hitchcock captain's chair with scenes of Newtown stenciled on the back rest,

should call the library at 426-4533.