Straight from the digital files of The Evening Sentinel, courtesy of The Lower Naugatuck Valley History Archives, this week we take a look back at 1922. The New York Yankees played their last regular season games in the Polo Grounds before moving to Yankee Stadium in 1923. The Yanks swept a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics in front of a capacity crowd, as an estimated 25,000 fans had to be turned away at the gate. Sid Caesar, an American comedian and actor, was born in Yonkers, NY. A new house cost about $4,000, a gallon of gas cost $0.25/gallon and a loaf of bread cost $0.09.
Here’s what was happening in our Valley!
Thursday, Sept. 7, 1922
Car Hits Pole
ANSONIA – A Studebaker coupe with bent axles, which prevented the machine from being moved, attracted much attention on Wakelee Avenue this morning. The machine, it was said, was owned by a Waterbury lawyer.
The machine came to grief at 2 o’clock this morning while going north. The car skidded on the trolley tracks near Dwight Street and banged into a pole. The car occupants were unhurt, but the car was quite badly wrecked.
Getting Ready
DERBY – The Board of Health and the janitors of the city schools are working and getting the rooms in several buildings in readiness for the fall opening. Everything will be spick and span on opening day. For weeks the janitors have been putting in considerable time getting their part of the work completed for the fall term.
Hairy Athletes
SEYMOUR – The House of David baseball team of Benton Harbor, Michigan, will play the local Top Notch team in Beacon Falls, Thursday evening at 5:15 o’clock.
This team is renowned as baseball’s greatest curio. The players never shave or have their hair cut. They play the game whiskers and all.
The greatest crowd of the season is expected at the Top Notch grounds as the attraction is quite a novelty.
Heavy Damage Caused By Storm
SHELTON – Reports were coming in all day today of damage to property and crops in all sections of Shelton by the heavy wind which swept over this section late yesterday afternoon with cyclonic fury. The damage is estimated at several thousands of dollars. No damage from electricity is reported here although the lightning was sharp.
Friday, Sept. 8, 1922
Hearing Sept. 18
ANSONIA – The public utilities commission has fixed Monday Sept. 18 as the date for hearing the application of the Ansonia Water Company for a readjustment of water rates. The hearing will be held in the Office of the Commission at the Capitol, Hartford.
The application for a more equitable adjustment of rates was made by the water company. The city will oppose the application for a revision of water rates which increases the price to householders.
City Briefs
DERBY – Kenneth Andrews, who has been clerking in Salvin’s shoe store during the summer season, has left to enter the Trade School in Bridgeport where he is taking a course in drafting.
*Meetings of the Boy Scouts Troop 3 of the Second Congregational Church will be resumed on Monday evening of next week in the recreation rooms of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
*Mrs. Annie Fuller, who has been the chaperone at the recreation camp on the Housatonic River during the summer season, has resumed her duties as school nurse in Shelton.
*A meeting of the Falcons’ football team is called for this evening in the rooms on lower Main Street and all candidates are asked to report.
Dance Note
SEYMOUR – There were well over a hundred at the Thursday night dance at Georges’ Hall last night, and this savors well for the future of these dances with Brinckman’s orchestra playing. Visitors from all the neighboring towns were in attendance.
Saturday, Sept. 9, 1922
New Supernumerary
ANSONIA – Mayor Mead yesterday afternoon announced the name of John P. McGrath of Forest Avenue as a supernumerary police officer. The nomination will come up at the September meeting of the aldermen Monday evening.
Moved To New Mill
ANSONIA – The American Brass Co. moved to the new wire mill today. Sixteen die machines were installed, and the plant will be in running order in 10 days. The new rod mill has taken about a year to build, and it is a modern mill in every detail. Well lighted, ventilated and with the latest appliances of every kind, it is an honor the efficiency of the contractors.
Public Schools Reopen Monday
DERBY – Public schools in Derby will open Monday and it is expected that the registration will be the largest in the history of the city and the lower grades will be crowded as will other higher grades. Double sessions will again be in order, although the situation will be relieved to some extent when the Lincoln School opens, probably after the Christmas vacation.
Seth Beecher Is Up For Assessor
SEYMOUR – Seth Beecher, who has served two terms as a state representative from this district, the second of which expires with the selection of his successor next January, announced yesterday that he would be a candidate for assessor for the nomination on the Republican ticket at the Monday night caucus.
Motorboat Regatta To Be Held Today
SHELTON – With pleasant weather, the Naugatuck Valley Motorboat Club will revive the old motorboat races for the Col. Watson J. Miller cup this afternoon. Ten boats are entered in the race which is to be the first held in four years. The course is about 10 miles commencing at the boathouse.
Sunday, Sept. 10, 1922
The Evening Sentinel didn’t publish on Sundays
Monday, Sept. 11, 1922
Eagles Hold Outing
ANSONIA – There was a large attendance of active and honorary members of the Eagle Hose Co. at the Canoe Club up the Housatonic River Saturday, when the annual outing of the company was held. Most of the members made the trip by automobile and were on the ground by noon.
The afternoon was spent swimming, athletic events and a baseball game, which furnished plenty of fun.
New Sign Placed On Memorial Field
DERBY – Baseball fans who attended the game at Buddies’ field yesterday saw a new sign which has just been completed and placed on top of the bleachers. It reads “Buddies’ Memorial Field” and 15 gold stars for the Derby boys who died in service are above and below the words.
Tingue Clambake
SEYMOUR – The clambake held by the employees of the office, shipping and finishing department of the Tingue Mfg. Co. Sunday afternoon at the Duck farm was a big success. The bake was provided by Charles Wheeler. Everything was done to a turn, and all present did full justice to the spread. About 50 were present, the affair being stag.
Chief On Vacation
SHELTON – Chief of Police William Donovan began his vacation of two weeks this morning. In his absence, Lt. Barnes will serve as acting chief. The night patrolman work, which is done by Lt. Barnes, will be in charge of John Donovan.
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 1922
Sells Six Lots
ANSONIA – The Rosedale Land Co. of New Jersey has sold six building lots on North Main Street on the Ansonia side to Ignus Valonis of Seymour, who intends to build on the property. One house has already been staked out. This marks the opening of all the Morgenstern land, which has been lying idle for a long time.
State Police To Inspect Theater
DERBY – A state police officer will come here within a few days to make another inspection of the Sterling Theater. Having waited since last June to hear something from Derby in regard to the erection of a new theater, Robert T. Hurley, of the state police department, has decided that it is time to know what the situation is and has informed Mayor James R. Atwater that the inspection will be made soon.
When the state police came into town late last fall and closed the Sterling Theater on the grounds that it was not safe, it was admitted by about everyone concerned that they had known it all along. It will be remembered that a community club show had to be suddenly shifted to the Capitol Theater in Ansonia, and for a time, the theater was closed.
Seymour Theater Is To Be Closed For A While
SEYMOUR – After tonight’s performance, the Seymour Theater will close its doors, owing to the fact that it is about to change management and during shutdown the entire place will be repaired and decorated.
Both the theater and Georges’ Hall will undergo a complete change and when the building reopens under the management of W. A Moore, it is expected to prove to be one of the most pleasing and comfortable places of its kind and size in the state.
The proposed work on the lobby will give the theater and dance hall a beautiful entrance and ample space is being provided for the display of photographs and advertising matter for coming attractions.
Three Buildings Destroyed By Fire
SHELTON – Fire breaking out yesterday afternoon in the barn of James Loverin in the Walnut Tree district near the old fairgrounds, destroyed the structure and also the stable and silo, and also threatened the other buildings on the property. The barn was burning furiously when discovered and a hurried call to the Huntington Fire Co. brought the members and the chemical truck, but the barn and stable and silo were practically enveloped in flames. The firemen continued themselves with saving the house and nearby buildings. Fortunately, there was no livestock in either building but the barn was well filled with grain and hay. Spontaneous combustion is believed to have been the cause of the blaze.