September 9, 1983

In an attempt to alleviate problems at the flagpole, the Board of Police Commissioners is considering a proposal to install six poles with six pedestrian and 12 vehicular traffic lights at the famous intersection. Under the proposal, a 10-foot island with signal heads would be designed around the flagpole. West Street would be widened, under this proposal, into a two-way street when the Newtown Congregational Church is moved to another location.

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Despite 90-degree plus summer-like weather, the Newtown schools opened Tuesday, September 6, and the day, according to superintendent of schools John Reed, was “predictable and successful.” There are over 4,000 students in the Newtown schools. Some of the schools are bulging, or at least appear to be; exact enrollment figures will not be available for a few days because registration is still going on.

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Before Eaton Centers’ application for an 11,200-square-foot addition is approved, the Planning and Zoning Commission wants planning and traffic studies done on Queen Street and Church Hill Road. Eaton Centers, the landlord for the Grand Union and the owners of the surrounding property would like to build an addition which would house two or three stores between the Grand Union and Union Trust buildings on Queen Street, said Borough Zoning Officer Jean St Jean.

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The Newtown Bowling Lanes Wednesday Night Ladies Duckpin League will start its season on September 7. There are still openings for teams and individuals. The league meets at 7:30 pm at the alleys located on Mile Hill Road.

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Curtis Packaging came to an agreement with the Planning and Zoning Commission which will allow the carton and box company to build a 12,000 square foot addition to their Sandy Hook based company. Donald Leavitt, one of five Curtis Packaging owners, told the board at their September 1 meeting that he will make sure that work will be done within 30 days on the landscape which commissioners have called a disaster area.

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Newtown residents will have their chance to discuss the Department of Transportation’s five alternatives for Route 25 with Chief of Planning for the DOT John Drake on September 22 in the Middle School auditorium. The DOT came up with their plans while studying Route 25 in the early 1970s. These five alternatives will be studied by the DOT during a nine-month Route 25 feasibility study.

 

September 12, 1958

Dedication exercises for the new St Rose School and Convent, located on Church Street, Newtown, will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 14, at 3:30 o’clock. Most Reverend Lawrence J. Shehan, D.D., Bishop of the Bridgeport Diocese will bless the new school and convents. Priests from neighboring towns have been invited, and of course parishioners and townspeople are cordially invited to attend.

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The group organized to take legal action in support of the state constitution in respect to the issue of the use of private money for the transportation of school children other than those attending public schools, concluded organizational steps at a meeting at Edmond Town Hall Monday evening, September 8. As the question involved is purely legal, according to those attending the meeting, this was stressed in the adoption of a name. It is Citizens for the Connecticut Constitution.

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Acting on a petition, selectmen have called a special town meeting for 8 pm, Thursday, September 18, to consider the resolution that was voted down at last Friday evening’s special town meeting. The resolution was to authorize borrowing of $49,906 to finance the purchase of equipment and property already bought by the town and paid for from the general fund. The petition for the September 18th meeting was drawn by persons who felt that the action of the last town meeting could result in a detrimental fiscal reputation for Newtown.

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Mrs Elizabeth Y. Proctor has been promoted to the position of Assistant Postmaster at the Newtown Post Office. Mrs Proctor started her career November 1, 1935, and has served under two postmasters, P.H. McCarthy and Albert H. Nichols. She served as acting postmaster for nearly four years while the Postmaster was on military leave.

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McCormick Forage Blowers — Special Prices Offered This Month — Binder Twine — Corn Knives — Wagon Unloaders. Complete Line of IHC Tractors, Farm Equipment and Accessories — See Lovell’s For Your Industrial Needs. Lovell’s Farm Equipment, Main Street, Newtown Tel. GArden 6-2541.

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Although the first fire company got started in Newtown in 1803 when Elijah Nichols was appointed as “chimney viewer,” a position comparable to a modern day fire marshal, the Newtown Hook and Ladder Company this year marks its diamond jubilee or 75th anniversary as a state-chartered company. Under the charter the company was limited to 40 members, who, after a certain period of service, were exempt from taxes, and jury and military duty.

 

September 8, 1933

Miss Louise Nichols will open a music studio in the Brick Building, Main Street, Newtown, September 11, 1933. Class instruction, individual lessons, and courses in harmony, rhythmic work, and music appreciation will be given. Classes are held monthly and recitals semi-annually.

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The weatherman successfully dampened the ardor of all but a few hardy golfers at the Newtown Country Club on Monday, Labor Day. But a most enjoyable supper was served at 5 o’clock by Mrs Addie Johnson on the porch of the club house to about 50 club members and guests.

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Miss Sarah Farrell of South Center district will open a private kindergarten at the Brick Building on Main Street, Monday morning, at 9 o’clock. Miss Farrell is a graduate of the Newtown High School and also of the Connecticut Froebel Normal in Bridgeport, and holds a Connecticut State Certificate for kindergarten.

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The clam bake held on the grounds at the residence of Mr and Mrs F. Joseph Budd, Saturday evening, was a great success. The ladies of Trinity Guild wish to thank Mr Budd and the committee for the generous donations toward the rectory repair fund. Mr Budd did much of the work himself in preparing the bake. And to him they are eternally grateful.

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Sixty-five patients from the Connecticut State Hospital, Middletown, were received at the Fairfield State Hospital, last week. There are now about 325 patients at the Fairfield State Hospital.

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The Pines Inn at Botsford is specializing in chicken dinners at $1 and is also serving steak dinners and has always the popular chicken and waffles dinner. J.H. Solen, the proprietor, has been granted a beer license and is handling the Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

 

September 11, 1908

Grand Juror Charles F. Beardsley has signed a warrant for the arrest of Constable Henry Burhans, for an alleged assault on the person of Mrs Joseph Brenner. According to Mr and Mrs Brenner, the latter couple went to Mr Burhans’ boarding place on the Boulevard to collect a bill for clothing. Mr Brenner says Burhans seized his wife by the throat and later put on the handcuffs. If the facts are as the Brenners allege it is a most brutal and viscous case of assault and there should be a rigid inquiry.

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Christian’s Laxative Cereal Flakes are just the thing for constipated people as well as those who enjoy good health and Morris, the grocer, has ’em. Call and get a package.

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Newton Curtis has picked and marketed a crop of 3,000 baskets of peaches at his orchards on Curtis Hill. They are now about gone, save about 25 baskets or so that will be ready in a few days.

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One of the best ball games of the year was that played on Labor Day at the Fairgrounds between the Newtown and Criterion clubs. It was a 10-inning contest and the Criterions were defeated 8 to 7. Had it not been for two wild throws, letting in four runs, the game would have been finished in nine innings. Manager Lillis expects to have the best amateur club in the state, next season.

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The high school opened, Tuesday, with an enrollment of 82 pupils, the largest number in its history. At the opening exercises, Tuesday morning, brief speeches were made by Rev J.H. George, Rev O.O. Wright, Mrs Wallace Mitchell, Allison P. Smith, and others.