January 5, 1996

Sand Hill Limited Partnership has sold Sand Hill Plaza, the town’s biggest retail property, to a real estate investment organization for $20 million. D.D. Newtown Partners, a limited partnership chartered in the state of Delaware bought the shopping center through its financial arm, DRA Advisors, Inc of Manhattan... the company hopes to open a planned expansion wing this year.

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Paul Head, meteorologist at the National Weather Service Center in Taunton, Mass., says that this winter, the winter of 1996, is bound to be a doozie. He’s been studying weather pattern and discovered that every nine years, since 1960, there has been a severe winter in much of New England. In addition to the nine year cycle, Mr Head believes there is a 180-year cycle for bad winters, as well, which also falls this year... So far this winter season, 32 to 36 inches of snow has fallen in the greater Danbury area, which is about 25 inches above normal.

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“Team Defense” has always been the hue and cry thus far of the Newtown High School boys’ basketball team this season, and on Thursday night, December 28, this stingy unit held Bunnell to only eight points in the third quarter and held firmly to a three-basket lead en route to a 58-53 victory in the championship game of the Stratford Holiday Tournament.

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An effort to bring one of Newtown’s former favorite restaurants back to the popularity of its heyday is underway at 160 South Main Street. Restaurateurs Glen Davis, Bob Tyman, and Tim Murphy have established the Olde Newtown Tavern at the site of the defunct Tom Sawyer’s Restaurant. Their focus is on serving “fantastic food in a casual atmosphere at affordable prices” in a style reminiscent of the popular Newtown Inn, which operated there from 1952-1985.

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Tuesday’s cancellation of schools was the fourth of the year, pushing the school calendar back even further in June. The final day of school is now slated for June 19.

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Although they are not crusty and fresh like the bagels they bake, Bagelman owners Terry and Eunice Laverty do resemble their product in one way — upon encountering one, you’re greeted by a warmth that radiates from within... Open just two months, the Bagelman is already a “message center” for parents to leave word for children who will be coming in for a snack after school, or after religious education classes.

January 1, 1971

Members of the parish of Christ the King Lutheran Church plan their annual Twelfth Night party for January 5, starting about 7:30 pm. It will be on the church grounds, Route 6 at Tory Lane, and members of the community are invited. There will be skating, a bonfire, cocoa, and cookies. The traditional burning of the Christmas trees is still in the planning stage, because of the state regulation of outdoor burning. Those who wish are invited to bring their trees along.

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Charles Chamberlin, Newtown’s recreation director, has announced that Town Park Pavilion is now open for ice skating for all Newtown residents from 8 am to 9 pm. The Pavilion is lit up for night skating. In case of poor skating conditions, there will be a “No Skating” sign posted. Ice skating lessons are planned.

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A modern-day Santa Claus came to Shady Rest, Sandy Hook, on Christmas Eve, riding a 60-mile-per-hour snowmobile. Santa delivered 82 gifts to happy boys and girls.

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Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Company responded to a call Tuesday morning, at 11:15 am, at the home of Mr and Mrs Dick Hinds on Valley Field Road in Sandy Hook. Mr Hinds is well known as “Dagmar” and theatrical fame... Mr and Mrs Hind were not injured, but oxygen was administered for smoke inhalation... Cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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Jaycee Project Chairmen Ray Craven and Jim Dubuque report that plans for the upcoming Jaycee Week festivities, January 16 through 23, indicate an outstanding week of activities. A tentative schedule calls for a Battle of the Bands for teenagers, a skating party for preteens, a special activity at Fairfield Hills Hospital, a prayer breakfast, and a basketball game between the Jaycees and Fairfield Hills. All the above are to be culminated by a banquet, at which time the “Outstanding Young Man of the Year” award will be given.

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Newtown’s flagpole flies the stars and stripes night and day intentionally... It all began some time ago when President Nixon gave his hearty approval to flying the lighted flag night and day in all weather. [Paul Cullens, Warden of the Borough] set out to make this a reality for Newtown’s flag, getting approval from the Borough Burgesses, the Selectmen, and police — more than 100 percent approval... It was first reported to Mr Cullens that a spotlight could not be used; however, a special electrician was consulted and with permission of Joseph T. Chase, a big “spot” was rigged on the Chase Building, set automatically to come on as darkness falls. Frozen ropes? Could be, but ice or no, the flag flies 24 hours a day.

December 28, 1945

Beginning January 1st, the drive for used clothing will take place throughout the town. Charles F. Hawley, acting chairman, wishes to stress the need for a large collection of clothes to be sent to the war-torn countries in Europe. All clothes must be clean and serviceable, and shoes should also be in usable condition. Any articles not considered by the committee to be of any use will be discarded.

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A large group of young people went about the center of town Sunday evening singing carols, which were much enjoyed by those who heard them. They also sang from the Congregational church, over the amplifying system which was used to broadcast Christmas music several evenings last week between five and six o’clock.

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Last Thursday evening a small group gathered in the social room of the Congregational Church and listened to Handel’s great “Messiah.” Those who were there had scores and were thus assisted in the full enjoyment of the inspiring Christmas music. Many thanks go to “Ted” Hamlin for providing both records and Victrola and for doing the necessary technical work.

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Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of the State of Connecticut will hold a hearing on Monday, January 7, 1946, in the Court Room at the Edmond Town Hall at 10:30 am to consider the application of Walter Richards for a certificate of approval for the establishment of a used car dealer and repair business on Route 6 between Newtown and Sandy Hook.

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S-1-c Betty Burr, daughter of Mr and Mrs Willis Burr of Botsford, received her honorable discharge from the WAVES on December 6th. S-1-c Burr began her boot training at Hunter College the 29th of May and from there was sent to Washington, DC, where she did clerical work at a receiving station. She was formerly employed as cost accountant and paymaster at Plastic Molding Corp, Sandy Hook.

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The recent ruling of Col Elmer S. Watson, Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, which requires all vehicles to have and use chains in stormy weather and during icy conditions will receive full cooperation from the State Police. Two storms have created highway conditions that made the use of chains necessary for safe travel. In spite of frequent and timely warnings many drivers did not use chains and as a result numerous tie-ups occurred on the hills of Connecticut. Many accidents resulted and dangerous conditions were created.

December 17, 1920

The grand jury convened in Bridgeport, Tuesday, to consider the cases of persons accused of murder, returned true bills, charging murder in the first degree against Joseph Roach of Danbury and Max Kranz of Bridgeport. The Superior court immediately issued bench warrants for the men, who are held without bail, for trial... Roach and Kranz are accused of the murder of Arthur V. Donahue, of New York in Newtown on the night of November 6, while they were engaged in stealing gasoline. Donahue discovered their automobile standing, apparently abandoned, beside the road, and moved it a short distance away, where it would be out of the direct line of traffic. Roach and Kranz came up and after some words, Donahue was shot in the back as he was hurrying away from the men.

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A Christmas pageant will be given, Sunday night, by the Church school of the Congregational church to begin at 7:30 pm. It will be a community service. In the absence of Rev E.O. Grisbrook, Rev J.L. Lasher will give the invocation and benediction.

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GRINDING! Bring On Your Grist! Have just installed new bulkhead and mill race and will grind every day. SANDY HOOK GRIST MILL, James Campbell, Prop., Tel 37-2, Sandy Hook, Conn.

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WANTED TO BUY — All kinds of farm produce, chickens and eggs, paper, rags, books and rubbers. Will pay highest market prices for cows, calves, etc. GOOSMAN BROS. Palestine Dist. Newtown, Conn. Tel 23-2.

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