July 13, 2001

HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER of Steve Paproski

* * * * *

An oversight in the design plans by the architect for the 5/6 school could end up costing the town an estimated $100,000 in additional costs. These added costs are likely to be paid for from the contingency fund for the project. The apparent error by Jeter Cook & Jepson came to light at a recent meeting of the Public Building & Site Committee.

* * * * *

In its annual job performance evaluation of Police Chief Michael Kehoe, Police Commission members laud his leadership of the police department, terming his work as chief “outstanding.”

* * * * *

Throughout life, our paths cross with those of people that have touched our lives and our community. Many times, we meet these people, but most of the time we merely have the chance to enjoy what they have to offer us. Editor/Publisher of The Newtown Bee R. Scudder Smith is one such person that devotes his time and efforts in helping to build the community through the production of the weekly newspaper, as well as beautifying the town with “The Pleasance” garden at 1 Main Street. Never boasting for recognition, his efforts do not go unnoticed. Scudder celebrated 40 years of employment at The Newtown Bee on July 12, 2001.

* * * * *

The Borough Historic District Commission has approved a certificate of appropriateness for a sidewalk construction project in the borough, allowing the stalled project to resume work.

* * * * *

Phillip DiSora and Perry Viselli sold Andrea’s Bake Shop last week, but they don’t intend to retire quite yet.

* * * * *

Two Newtown properties have joined the growing number of residential properties certified by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as Backyard Wildlife Habitat sites. The properties of Dave and Pam Wang of Newtown and Tracy Millander and John Benson of Sandy Hook recently received certification for putting out the welcome mat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife and helping to protect the local environment.

July 9 , 1976

EDITORIAL INK DROPS — JULY FOURTH POTPOURRI: The glorious Fourth of July has come and gone and the country really did itself proud all across the nation with celebrations. Communities had picnics, festivals, fireworks and a parade of ships. All were geared to the marking of our Bicentennial and we have not met anyone yet who did not have a good time over this holiday. However, there is nothing like Tuesday morning and the thought of facing a short week to snap us back into the reality of the business world. The publication of a weekly newspaper is especially cramped, as Monday usually give us a bit of free time to collect ourselves before rushing into the throes of deadlines and printing. Still we seem to make it, light a few pages from the average issue.

* * * * *

In a special emergency meeting Wednesday, June 30, the Board of Education met to decide which teaching positions would be cut or eliminated in response to the recently adopted budget which is nearly seven hundred thousand dollars below the BofEd request. The decisions of the board were not released until after the teachers affected had been notified. The staff reductions for 1976-77 consist of one teaching position eliminated, one staff assignment eliminated, four positions reduced in time, five vacancies which will not be filled and three new positions requested which will not be filled.

* * * * *

The Legislative Council acted, on Town Counsel William Lavery's recommendation, to refer the matter of appointing a charter revision commission to its ordinance committee for discussions with the selectmen. The ordinance committee is to come back to the next council meeting with a recommendation for the groundrules and charges the charter panel would receive from the council. After the ordinance committee returns with its recommendations, advised the Town Counsel, the council will have 30 days from the adoption of an ordinance to appoint members to the panel.

* * * * *

The Bicentennial Committee has been extremely busy with many worthwhile and interesting events. Some of those already held are: the Stitchery Show at the Congregational Church House, the Wagon Train which came through Newtown and had lunch at the Middle School parking lot, and most recently Rochambeau's March. Also held was a successful Heritage Ball, co-chaired by Mrs Flora Lavery and Mrs Betty Wilson, and the showing of the movie "1776" to the school children and citizens of Newtown which was run by Mrs Irene Arfaras. Projects that are presently in progress include the indexing of the Newtown Bee, the time capsule and the plaque for the Town Hall of Newtown's History.

* * * * *

Joanne Risch of Newtown rode the champion junior green hunter, Mountain Valley's "Pierce's Folly" at the AHSA-registered horse show on Sunday, July 4, at Star Lea Farm, Brewster, N.Y. It was the horse's first show.

July 6, 1951

EDITORIAL INK DROPS — NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST: In our opinion, Governor Lodge took the proper course of action, and a somewhat courageous stand, in his veto on Tuesday of the gambling bill which had been passed by both houses of the General Assembly. We respect him for his resistance to pressure, keeping from becoming law this measure, one of the most controversial of the recent legislative session, which would have permitted religious, educational and charitable organizations to conduct raffles and operate games of chance. The purpose behind the bill, in easing the gambling laws of the state, was, of course, to provide a ready means for certain groups to raise needed funds. And yet, in all honesty, there was no consistency in the logic of those who supported the bill. For gambling is still gambling, no matter who turns the wheel, and we are glad that the Governor recognized that fact.

* * * * *

Gathered at Edmond Town Hall last Sunday morning for the first public showing of the new Superior Cadillac ambulance were the officers and other board members of the Newtown Ambulance Association, headed by Harry F. Greenman, president, and the Ambulance Drivers Corps, with its Chief Driver, John McMahon. It made its first run on an errand of mercy on Monday. Its predecessor, after more than ten years of faithful service, is being offered for sale.

* * * * *

Requests from outside sources, plus last-minute interest in the golden jubilee exhibition of The American Ten, now current at Addision M. Metcalf's North Main Street gallery, At the Sign of the Fluer-de-Lys, has prompted him to hold the show over through July 18. Originally it was scheduled to close July 9. As word of the exhibit has spread, interest has grown. This is the first showing of The Ten in 40 years, and many persons from other parts of Connecticut, as well as those from out of state, have made the trip to Newtown to see it. Arranged to commemorate an era in American painting that is now gone, it comes down to the present and to Newtown particularly by being a non-profit show, with all proceeds going to the Bobby Clark Memorial Fund, a foundation for cancer research that had its inception here.

* * * * *

Anticipating the 175th anniversary of the independence of the United States, the Declaration of Independence was read at the Monday meeting of the Newtown Rotary Club. Nathan Avery, maintenance manager of the Southbury Training School, gave the reading along with remarks and a brief history of the epoch-making document and its authorship.

* * * * *

During the absence this week of Judge Edward S. Pitzschler, on vacation with Mrs Pitzschler, Miss Trudie Ray, a member of The Bee staff, has been acting during her evenings as staff correspondent for the Bridgeport Post-Telegram. Miss Ray, a graduate of Newtown High School, has completed her sophomore year at Long Island University, Brooklyn, N.Y., where she is studying journalism.

July 9, 1926

The former Gibson homestead, Sandy Hook, owned by the estate of the late Edward C. Riley, of Stamford, has been sold to the First Presbyterian church, Old First University place and Madison Square foundation, New York City, it was announced today. The reported sale price was $20,000. The property will be used for a girls’ camp, the church taking immediate possession. The church was founded in 1716 and is the oldest Presbyterian church in New York City. … The estate was owned by the Gibson family for over a generation and was considered one of the finest old New England estates in Connecticut. The late Henry Ward Beecher, who was a guest at the home many times, once described it as “an Arcadian spot.”

* * * * *

The Fourth at the Newtown Country Club was a very pleasant occasion. There were many visitors in town who were there and the home folks had a very pleasant time renewing old acquaintances. The dinner, under the able management of Mrs Irving Jones, was a complete success.

* * * * *

The Sunday services at St John’s and Trinity were remarkably well attended. At St John’s the class recently confirmed made their first communions, as also at Trinity, where Bishop Frederick Foote Johnson was celebrant at the Holy Communion. The rector, Rev Dr Gesner, preached on “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.”

* * * * *

Those unfortunate beings who were unable to attend the baseball game, last Saturday, missed the pleasure of seeing the Newtown team slam the offerings of the Reynolds’ Bridge pitcher to all corners of the lot. The final score was: Newtown 10, Reynolds’ Bridge 2; and it was a pleasure to watch the fine support given D. Griscom and Conger while they were on the mound.

* * * * *

The Sunrise Hotel had 150 guests over the week end and was obliged to turn away many. Paul Tversky, the popular proprietor, is looking forward to a big year. The hotel has been redecorated and presents a very attractive appearance. One of the many features, this year, will be special music for dancing.

July 12, 1901

There will be general regret over the announcement that Newtown is shortly to lose one of its most estimable families, Mr and Mrs S.J. Botsford, who remove to New Haven early in October. Mr Botsford is influenced in taking this step largely because of the imperfect local educational facilities. One of his daughters is attending the Normal school in the Elm City and one son is learning the plumbers’ trade there.

* * * * *

Palestine district had something of a contest at its annual school meeting held a week ago Saturday night. More than 20 voters were present, which is unusual for that district. Several nominations were made for chairman, but declinations followed. Finally Mrs A.B. Goodsell was named and she accepted the place.

* * * * *

AT ST ROSE’S: Father Smith, recently appointed assistant to Father Cronan at New Milford, has been transferred to East Hartford, where he is temporarily assisting Father Gleason. Father Smith was in town on Monday. Father Early of New Britain is now assisting Father Cronan at New Milford.

* * * * *

THE NEWTOWN FAIR FOR 1901: The Fair directors held a meeting, Monday night, to make preparations for the fair of 1901. It was voted to put up the same amount for speed purses as offered for the past two years. The Newtown fair has always been very liberal with the horsemen and in return generally secures a big list of entries. It was voted to give the printing of the premium list to The Bee Publishing Co.

* * * * *

The New York and New Haven road are putting in a new bridge above Hawleyville on the Pond brook to take the place of the iron culvert. It was at this point (and not at Taunton lake as The Bee stated) that Alva Longstreet sustained his injury in bathing, while endeavoring to dredge out the bottom of the brook with one of his feet. The Bee is glad to make this correction for Mr Longstreet’s benefit.

=====

Do you have photographs of people or places in town from a bygone era? The Way We Were is the perfect landing spot so that your photographs can be enjoyed by readers of The Newtown Bee. Images can be e-mailed as attachments to shannon@thebee.com, subject line: Way We Were photo. When submitting photographs, please identify as many people as possible, the location, and the approximate date. If you live locally and would like to loan a photo/photos, please give us a call (203-426-3141) to let us know when you will be visiting.