October 11, 1991

On October 5 the State Capitol's spacious lawn was thronged by thousands of people who protested against the state income tax and vented their anger toward Governor Lowell Weicker. People held signs such as "Cut Government Fat, Start with Lowell Weicker," "Impeach The Lying Geek," and "Weicker and Your 93 Legislators, Go Burn In Hell." Other signs linked the governor with Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein. When the Governor unexpectedly walked into the crowd, he was jostled, cursed, and spat at. State Representative Julia Wassermann didn't speak at the rally, but she attended.

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Frustration found its voice in Connecticut last Saturday as 40,000 or more angry, new income tax payers converged on the state capitol to cheer the income tax repeal movement leaders and to boo, hiss, and spit at Lowell Weicker, Jr. We know the cause of the rally - the imposition of an income tax by a willful governor who had been elected at least in part because of his opposition to such a task. We do not know what the effects of the rally will be. There will probably be a special session and a vote to repeal, but by all objective accounts, overriding a certain Weicker veto of any repeal measure is a long shot.

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The Board of Selectmen decided October 7 to ask the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve the transfer of a small parcel of land between Route 25 and Tinkerfield Road from the state to the town. For years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post has wanted to make improvements on this land near its post. State officials have indicated they would be willing to transfer the land to the town, and the VFW would then be free to use the property.

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When it comes to playing Newtown -especially if the boot trophy is at stake - New Milford is like the guy who receives a deed to an exclusive parcel of land from his favorite uncle, and then when he flies out to look it over gets taken for a $12 cab fare on a one-mile ride and discovers that he owns a three-acre swamp. Since The Bee began sponsoring the Boot in 1987, Newtown's won four of the five games, and now three in a row after last Saturday's 27-0 rout.

September 30, 1966

The meeting room in the Cyrenius Booth Library was full to overflowing on Monday evening when members of the Newtown Historical Society and guests gathered to hear J. Fletcher Lewis tell the "Story of the Housatonic River and Valley." Mr Lewis knows the river not only from its navigable waters standpoint, but also its history going back to the days of the Indians. The entire Housatonic Valley is 160 miles long, running from above Pittsfield to Long Island Sound.

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Use of the ambulance by residents, as set forth in the Newtown Ambulance Association by-laws, is limited to those times when it is requested by: any doctor, fire company officer, local or state policeman, or visiting nurse. The ambulance's operation and expense is entirely financed by voluntary contributions of Newtown residents. There is no charge to anyone for use of the ambulance.

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Newtown tax payers are reminded that tax lists of personal property as of October 1 must be filed on or before November 1, 1966, with the board of assessors, to prevent incurring a ten percent penalty. Details will appear next week.

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The Newtown High School football team lost its second game of the year Saturday to St Luke's School in New Canaan, 8-0. According to coach Pete Kohut, it was a frustrating afternoon. St Luke's scored midway through the second period on a 60-yard pass and added two points on a fake kick-pass play. Despite frustrations, Newtown racked up 14 first downs to St Luke's 8; total Newtown yardage was 279 against 179 for St Luke.

September 26, 1941

A horse-pulling contest, sponsored by the Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company, will be held on Sunday, September 28, in the Hawley field next to the fire house. Several teams have been entered and other farmers wishing to take part in this event are reminded to enter their horses at once, or at the gate on Sunday.

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There is much satisfaction about town in the success of the campaign to raise funds for a Newtown ambulance. The necessary cash is in hand and the vehicle is ordered. Delivery will be mid-November and from then on, residents will have at their disposal a very necessary and helpful service, not only in cases of accident or emergency, but serious illness as well.

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The Newtown Bowling League got off to a good start with the Swans taking over the Owls two out of three games Monday evening. Bill Kayfus, captain of the Owls, rolled high for the evening with a score of 337. Herman Parker, captain of the Swans, was not far behind with 332.

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"Lady, will you please get off my foot!"

"Why don't you put your foot where it belongs?"

"Don't tempt me lady, don't tempt me."

September 29, 1916

Fred B. Lake of Lake's Hill on the state road from Newtown to Danbury, had a fine sorrel mare stolen from the pasture lot next to his house on Tuesday night. The mare was 12 years old and weighed in the neighborhood of 1,100 pounds. She had a white spot on her shoulder, where the collar in by-gone days, had rubbed her. Mr Lake feels the loss keenly for the mare was a valuable horse and he had gotten attached to her. He offers a reward for her return or any information that will lead to her recovery.

***On Wednesday afternoon the editor paid a visit the Premier Manufacturing Co. plant at Sandy Hook and had a pleasant interview with Treasurer Charles Cole. Beginning less than two years ago, the company now has one of the best equipped machinery plants in New England. By courtesy of Mr Cole, the editor was taken through the entire plant and amazed at its comprehensive scope. They are now employing from 55 to 60 hands and have had 90 on their payroll at one time. As will be noticed in our advertising columns, the company has an opening at once for 15 young men as apprentices to work the lathes, drill presses, milling machines, etc.

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A.L. Peck and Joe, a Polish citizen in the employ of Mamert Woicehowski, had their wagon turn over near the Methodist church Sunday night. Joe had his shoulder injured and was bleeding from one ear. He was taken to Dr Kiernan's office and later sent to the hospital. Mr Peck was very badly bruised up about the face.

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C.R. Waterbury, who has leased the Hawleyville creamery for several years, is to stop receiving milk there as of October 1, to the regret of all the milk producers. Mr Waterbury has been prompt with his payments and has treated the dairymen fairly. The creamery is owned by James Lee of Brookfield.

Please consider sharing your old photographs of people and places from Newtown or Sandy Hook with readers of The Newtown Bee. 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.