Date: Fri 14-Mar-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Josephine-Holcomb-bequest

Full Text:

Josephine Holcomlbe's Bequest Aids Local Groups

B Y S TEVE B IGHAM

When longtime Newtown resident and philanthropist Josephine H. Holcolmbe died

this past January, she left several thousands of dollars to local, state and

national organizations, as well as millions to family and friends.

Mrs Holcolmbe lived off Great Hill Road at Newtown's highest point, 830 feet

above sea level. From her house, Mrs Holcolmbe had a picturesque 360-degree

view of the countryside.

Mrs Holcolmbe was the wife of the late William Holcolmbe, Newtown's first

selectman during the 1940s. She died leaving a $23 million estate behind.

Over the years, the Holcolmbes contributed more than 70 acres of land to the

Newtown Forest Association (mostly around Great Hill and Birch Hill roads). In

death, they continue to support the forest association, leaving $25,000,

80-plus acres on the Great Hill Road property and the houses on it, and all

the Holcolmbe's farm equipment.

Doug Rogers, an honorary board member of the Newtown Forest Association and

one who watches over the Holcolmbe estate, said Mrs Holcolmbe's charitable

actions are helping Newtown much the way the Hawleys, Booths, Nettletons and

others did.

"What Mrs Holcolmbe is doing for the Newtown Forest Association in giving us

this third parcel puts the forest association in high gear," he said.

With many Newtown residents concerned about recent development trends taking

away the town's quality of life, Mrs Holcolmbe has helped conserve open space

for the future.

Mr Rogers said many area towns are increasing taxes to buy up open space to

avoid over-development.

"Newtown is very fortunate to have people like Mrs Holcolmbe," he said.

"Mrs Holcolmbe has been extremely generous to us and has just been wonderful,"

said Newtown Forest Association President Bill Watts.

Mrs Holcolmbe also left $5,000 to the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, $5,000 to the

Cullens Youth Association, and $5,000 to the Newtown Historical Society.

Out of town, she left $25,000 to the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut,

$25,000 to the Newington Children's Hospital, $10,000 to the American Society

for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, $5,000 to the Connecticut Humane

Society, and $5,000 to the Planned Parenthood Foundation of America.

In addition to leaving money to family and friends all over the world, Mrs

Holcolmbe also forgave certain debts owed to her by Newtown residents.