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Hawleyville Post office is having a “coming out” party this Saturday May 5, and patrons and other townspeople are invited to stop by and visit the historic little building which once was the hub of a thriving village. “Post offices are requested to have an open house at least once a year so customers can see how their mail is processed,” Postmaster Virginia Dolan said. The Hawleyville station was established on March 27, 1844, with Glover Hawley as the postmaster. The branch was discontinued for a brief period on July 16, 1846, but reestablished in June, 1847. For many years the post office was located in the building next door. On April 9, 1981, the facility moved into its present quarters. According to an account book found at the “new” site, the post office was in the building around 1901 when Edmund C. Platt was postmaster.

* * *

Newtown residents will be able to buy wine from the farm its produced on if the Planning and Zoning Commission approves plans. Plans for the winery, which would cover 160 acres, were conceived when Bruce and Taffy McLaughlin decided to grow grapes on the land. For the last six years, McLaughlin Vineyards has been growing grapes on the property. Once the winery is in operation, wine will be bottled and tasted at the Albert’s Hill Road site.

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The Newtown Board of Education is considering an updated policy on homework for the Newtown schools. The first draft, unlike the present policy, is more specific and intended to make homework more consistent throughout the school system. In the draft, homework is recognized as an “integral part of the schools’ educational program.”

 

May 8, 1959

A last-minute write-in campaign caused an upset in the usual cut and dried annual Borough election Tuesday afternoon. Regular candidate Richard Hibbard was defeated by a write-in vote for Willard L. Christensen for the office of member of the Borough zoning board of appeals for a five-year term.

* * *

Because the previous bidder for purchase of the old Sandy Hook School did not complete the purchase, the Board of Education has placed a legal notice in this issue of The Bee, calling for a public auction in the Selectmen’s Office at the Edmond Town Hall on Monday, May 25, at 10 am, to sell the land and building.

* * *

Dr Thomas F. Draper, associated with Dr Martin F. Randolph in the practice of pediatrics in Danbury, has purchased the Mitchell house on Main Street for residence and part-time office. After some renovation which included an office and waiting room, Dr Draper opened his practice here last week.

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Joseph Low of Eden Hill Road, the noted artist and illustrator, has done the illustrating for the new edition of Walter de la Mare’s immortal classic, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” published recently by Alfred A . Knopf, Inc of New York City. This edition is a unique retelling by Mr de la Mare of this favorite fairy tale and Mr Low’s graphic illustrations add immeasurable to the story.

May 4, 1934

The members of the Chamber of Commerce held a meeting at the Parker House, Thursday night, full of interest and with a good number present. The president, Mr Smith, reviewed the history of the Chamber. Three selections were rendered by a quartet. The speaker of the evening was State Comptroller Anson Keeler of Norwalk, who charmed all by his interesting and timely address.

* * *

Al Bevans, local salesman for the Bethel Garage, will have in front of the Edmond Town Hall on next Monday, May 7, between 1 and 3 pm, a new stream-lined De Soto to show prospective buyers. The De Soto, this year, is showing something new in stream-lines, and the public are invited to inspect this car.

* * *

Stephen J. Keane, a highly esteemed resident of Zoar, fractured three ribs, one day last week. He was thrown from a road machine, while working in Walker’s Farms district. Dr Edward L. Kingman took him to the Danbury hospital for a X-ray picture and returned him to his home.

* * *

About 100 were in attendance at the meeting of the Newtown PTA, Tuesday night, held in the Assembly room of the Hawley High School. The address of the evening was by Francis Harrington of Hartford, executive secretary of the State Teachers’ Association, whose theme was ‘The Educational Crisis.” There has been no depression in the schools, said Mr Harrington, so far as the product or attendance is concerned. The depression has put an increased enrollment in the schools.

 

May 7, 1909

M.F. Crowe has started a new button shop in a building on his place north of Botsford Station and has already commenced the manufacture of buttons. Mr Crowe will employ from eight to 10 hands to start with. New machinery has been installed and steam power will be used. Mr Crowe’s many friends will wish him success in his new venture.

* * *

The king bolt to one of the Union Pacific Tea Co’s wagons broke near Mrs Ida Hawley’s, which set the forward truck free. With this the horses started to run. When they reached Hawleyville, finding a freight train across the road they took the north track of the Highland road toward Danbury. They were run into by the 8 o’clock train from Hartford, which overtook them near Hobarts, killing one and setting the other free. This horse was so badly injured that it was necessary to kill it.

* * *

Thomas Doolan, Jr, of Bridgeport, a boy of 15 years, who was working for H.M. Greenman on his Cold Spring farm, confessed to Officer Arnold to the poisoning of seven cows and three horses for Mr Greenman, the first of last week. Two of the cows died from eating the Paris Green the boy put in the feed and mangers. He also scattered it near the brook where the animals drank. It would seem as if the youngster were mentally irresponsible.

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The automobile season has opened up auspiciously in the local field. W.W. Wakeley has been busy demonstrating with the Knox. He has put in a complete line for automobile supplies, and will be able to supply all demands in this line.