Date: Fri 16-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

flagpole-history-traffic

Full Text:

Despite All The Change In Newtown The Flagpole Stands Its Ground

(with cut)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

More than 160 years after it was first raised to the sky, Newtown's famous

flagpole still stands... right in the middle of Main Street.

Despite efforts to have it removed, Newtown's famous landmark has been

protected by those who cherish what it has come to symbolize. As many point

out, you know you are in Newtown when you spot the stars and stripes blowing

in the wind above Main Street.

"The flagpole is our institution and it is the main thing that identifies us

as a community," said Mae Schmidle, a longtime supporter of the landmark.

However, along with its beauty and great symbolism come a few drawbacks,

mainly safety, which, over the years, have threatened the pole's existence.

Some, including the state's Department of Transportation (DOT), wanted the

110-foot pole removed for fear someone might slam into the pole again,

repeating the incident that took place in 1979. On that December night, a man

and woman from Yonkers were killed after they drove directly into the brightly

lit column.

Congestion around the flagpole at rush hour has also annoyed people over the

years. It can be almost impossible to cross Main Street as cars awkwardly

struggle to get around the pole.

For longtime residents, the pole is simply part of the road. They have learned

to live with it. Imagine, however, what it must seem like for a newcomer, who

comes upon the pole for the first time.

The flagpole will never be removed. Mrs Schmidle made sure of that more than

15 years ago as a member of the state's General Assembly. Reacting to DOT

suggestions that the pole be removed, the rookie state representative proposed

legislation that would prohibit the removal of the flagpole from the center of

Main Street. The bill passed easily in the General Assembly, despite

opposition from the DOT. Mrs Schmidle's countless hours of lobbying had paid

off. Remember the "Save the Flagpole" bumper stickers?

In making her proposal, Mrs Schmidle said "some communities are identified for

being insurance centers, some for hatting communities, some towns are famous

for their shorelines, but there is only one town in Connecticut that is

renowned for its flagpole -- Newtown. Without it, part of the culture and

heritage of Newtown would be destroyed. No one would be able to give traveling

instructions."

A copy of a painting of the flagpole, presented by Mrs Schmidle, now hangs in

the governor's office in Hartford. The original was destroyed in a fire at the

artist's house. As Mrs Schmidle points out, Newtown is the only town in the

state that has a flagpole in the middle of the street.

So it's settled. The flagpole is staying right where it is. But will there

ever be a traffic light installed to eliminate the rush hour chaos?

That's what Newtown High School student Keegan Finlayson wants to know. As he

pointed out in a recent letter to The Bee, a light at the intersection (near

the flagpole) might help to alleviate the congestion. He calls it the most

dangerous intersection in town and wondered why people are willing to risk

their own lives in order to preserve the landmark.

"I would just like to know why it's so hard for lights to be installed at this

location. In my opinion, lights would greatly reduce the number of unnecessary

collisions," he said.

Before that happens, however, the state, town and borough must all come to an

agreement. Suggestions to install traffic lights have not gone over well with

town and borough officials, not to mention Newtown residents seeking to

maintain Main Street's historic appeal.

"The problem has been getting an agreement on the best way to go about it,"

explained Public Works Director Fred Hurley. "It's also very complicated when

you talk about putting up a light because West Street is split on either side

of the Meeting House."

Police Chief Jim Lysaght said he expects the bypass road, when completed, will

alleviate the traffic flow on Main Street.

"If the level of traffic ever gets too severe, then you may see a call for

some modifications," Mr Hurley said.

The DOT has also been hesitant about putting up lights for fear that it will

create a line of traffic down Main Street, making it difficult for trucks to

climb up the south to north hill.

The first known pole-raising took place in 1835 when a wood pole was raised to

the sky. However, it is believed that a pole was on Main Street even before

that date. At one time, the flagpole actually stood directly in front of the

Congregational Church. However, the church was moved back about 100 feet

during the early 1800s.

The first metal pole was erected in 1947 by Leak & Nelson of Bridgeport. The

company installed a self-righting pole which consisted of a ball on the bottom

of the pole deep below ground level. This allowed it to stay upright if it was

ever hit.