Straight from the digital files of The Evening Sentinel, courtesy of The Lower Naugatuck Valley History Archives, this week we go back to 1911.
The U.S. Senate approved a resolution proposing the 17th Amendment, which mandated the direct election of senators by the people. The amendment aimed to reduce corruption and increase democratic representation. The Morton Salt Company began adding magnesium carbonate to its product, which stopped the salt from caking during damp or humid temperatures. Hence their tagline, “When it rains, it pours.” Crisco shortening was invented by Proctor and Gamble.
Here is what was happening in our Valley!
Thursday, April 13, 1911
Aldermen Turn Down Trolley Co’s Petition
ANSONIA – As was expected, the Board of Aldermen last night turned down the petition of the trolley company asking permission to double track its line on Main Street, between Division and Liberty streets. In fact, the aldermen could do little else if their action were to be guided by the prevailing sentiment at the public hearing given the petition on Tuesday evening.
New Bill On Tuesday
DERBY – The new bill at the Sterling Theater today promises to be a most pleasing one, as the acts of vaudeville which have been engaged have enviable reputations.
The Hughes Musical Trio, playing selections on the banjos, cornets and saxophones have a very neat act, and one that is bound to please. Mr. McCord will have a new song for today, and in keeping with the seasons, will be on tomorrow and Saturday with “The Holy City.” The photoplays for tonight are “A Night of Terror,” “The Old Family Bible,” “Rocky Caves of France” and “The Curse of the Redman.”
Hearing On New County
SEYMOUR – Senator Charles H. Lounsbury stated this morning that the hearing on the proposed Waterbury county will be held at the capitol on next Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. This is an announcement that has been expected for several weeks. Long ago, Seymour decidedly made up her mind that she did not wish to be included in Waterbury county, which the Waterbury county bill proposed without consulting the wishes of anyone in Seymour.
May Locate Here
SHELTON –There seems to be a very good probability that within a very short time the paper mill, formerly run by the U.B.B. & P. Co., will once more be placed in operation, as parties who have had long experience in this business are considering the advisability of securing and reopening these mills.
Friday, April 14, 1911
New Post Office For Ansonia Is No. 152
ANSONIA – Ansonia stands No. 152 on Uncle Sam’s list of proposed new post offices. That is, the government has 151 cities to be given post offices before Ansonia gets hers.
This interesting bit of information is brought to The Sentinel direct by Ansonia’s popular jeweler, George A. Comstock, who, with his wife, returned Wednesday evening from a week’s visit to the national capitol as sightseers.
Besides visiting many points of interest, Mr. Comstock made it his way to personally inquire concerning Ansonia’s prospects for securing the new post office, which has been so long promised.
Hot Cross Bun Sale
DERBY – The hot cross bun business in Derby this Good Friday was as large as usual. Wetherby reports selling 1,800 dozen, or 21,600 buns, and the New England Bakery reports selling 2,200 dozen, or 26,400. It is quite evident that the people in this city must have had all the hot cross buns that they could eat for breakfast.
Dangerous Pastime
SEYMOUR – People who reside in the upper Bank Street neighborhood, would not be surprised to hear of a drowning accident at Beecher’s Pond, unless the children of the neighborhood discontinue a dangerous sport that at present engages their attention.
Possibly inspired by some of the talks by “Uncle Somebody” in a Sunday newspaper, they have rigged up a curious looking raft of logs, loosely bound together, and sitting upon boxes on this frail structure, the would-be Robinson Crusoes paddle about the pond. Every movement threatens the craft will disintegrate, and as the water is fairly high in the pond at present, it is feared that there may be very dangerous results.
Sewer Badly Wanted
SHELTON – A gentleman interested in the building up of Shelton called upon Warden Moulthrop yesterday morning and stated that if the proposed sewer in John Street was laid this season, he would at once commence the erection of a double tenement house in that location, and that others would undoubtedly do the same. This sewer would cost about $1,000 and would be the means of bringing in much more than the interest on the investment, in the shape of taxes within a year’s time,
Saturday, April 15, 1911
Story Of Bold Hold-Up
ANSONIA – According to the story told police this morning, a Russian, whose name was not given, was the victim of a hold-up on lower Main Street late last night. The man who was held up told Chief Ellis he was struck on the side of the head with a stone and robbed of $100 which he had in his pocket. He gave the name of his assailant and the chief started at once to look the accused up. He could not be found, having remained away from home all night. This gave color to the story of the hold-up, but the wife of the accused said the complainant has been bothering her and the assault may be the result.
The fact that the man who claims to have been robbed did not report the matter until this morning is regarded as strange.
Grass Coming Through
DERBY – The old grass on the green is doing its best to push its way up through the covering of loam that has been put on, and if the sun gets in a chance to do its good work, it is believed that the old grass will make a fine showing. The grass seeds that were sown have not had time to make a start yet, but that is sure to come along in fine shape after a few days. People who feared that the green has been ruined for this summer at least are beginning to take heart.
Dirty Looking Street
SEYMOUR – By the appearance of Third Street, one would judge that a few refuse cans might be of use in that section. The door yards do not present so untidy an appearance as do the highways. The gutters are full of papers and other rubbish, and possibly a few cans might catch some of the refuse that is at present thrown into the street.
200 Tons Crushed Stone
SEYMOUR – Selectman Divine has received word that two hundred tons of crushed stone will be shipped here for use on the state roads. It will be applied to the new gravel roads on North Main and North streets, recently completed. The use of crushed stone on gravel roads has been found to be about the best treatment that can be given them, effecting a great saving as to wear.
Sunday, April 16, 1911
The Evening Sentinel didn’t publish on Sundays
Monday, April 17, 1911
Many Paid Taxes Saturday
ANSONIA – Saturday was a big day for the tax office. The shops being closed, many people found it convenient to call and settle their property tax or personal dues. The office was kept open during the evening, but the callers were few. This week, the collector will be at his office on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
Patrolman’s Feet Hurt
DERBY – Patrolman Antonio Urbano is laid up with a lame foot. Saturday shortly after dinner, a horse owned by Luigi Celone fell on Main Street and the officer helped get it upon its feet. As it got up, it stepped upon the right side of his right foot and in a few minutes, he was unable to walk. Officer Ryan has been taking his place as patrolman since the accident.
Part Of Ceiling Fell And House Set Afire
SEYMOUR – A large piece of plastering— falling from the kitchen ceiling at the home of Henry Dick on West Street Saturday, upset a lamp and set fire to the room, ruining the furniture and damaging the premises. Mrs. John Reeves, who with her infant child, was alone in the house at the time of the fire, rescued her baby from a very perilous position just in time to save it from injury.
New Grocery Store
SHELTON – The section bounded by Hill and Maltby streets and Coram and Division avenues, is to be provided with a neighborhood grocery store. A suitable building is to be placed on a lot owned by O.L. Beardsley on Division Avenue, and it will be stocked by Irving Hawkes. A feature of the new institution will be the sale of homemade bread and cake baked by Mrs. Whiteny and Mrs. Hawkes.
Tuesday, April 18, 1911
Fourth Ward Fire Club Dance
ANSONIA – A merry and good-sized gathering assembled at the Opera House last night to take part in the first annual dance and sociable given by the Fourth Ward Fire Club. The occasion was a pleasant one, and the new fire laddies succeeded well in the entertainment of their guests. Dancing was taken up shortly after 9 o’clock and from the opening to the concluding waltz, every number of the program was entered into with keen enjoyment.
Celebrated Water Day
DERBY – The Polish people in this city celebrated what is called Water Day yesterday. One of the customs of the people on this day is to throw water on those who are unlucky enough to go near the throwers. In some of the houses on Battle Row, people remained at the windows all day and soaked with water those who went beneath. Strange to say, a number of them seemed to enjoy the wetting.
County Hearing On
SEYMOUR – This morning, Seymour’s delegation of opponents to the bill which includes Seymour as part of the proposed Waterbury county, left town for Hartford, where a hearing will be held by the committee on new counties and county seats at the capitol this afternoon.
Cross Walk Wanted
SHELTON – The construction of cross walks in many places of this borough is hailed with pleasure by all the people and at the same time is causing requests for more to be made. One place where such a walk is needed and being loudly asked for is at the south side of Maltby Street, across Prospect Avenue. The walks in Howe Avenue and Center Street are nearly completed and are recognized as big improvements.