This week in history!
From the digital files of The Evening Sentinel, courtesy of The Ansonia Historical Commission.
Note: the summaries are paraphrased from the original Sentinel articles if parts of the original were unreadable.
Friday, March 11, 1927
Testing Traffic Light
ANSONIA — The new traffic signal at Main and Water streets, installed this week by workmen of the Derby Gas & Electric Co., was expected to be tested this afternoon. Mayor Cook, President McCarthy of the public works and Chief O’Donnell of the police department were booked to observe the test. The light was expected today to be placed into operation tomorrow or Monday if the test proved satisfactory.
Fire Dept. Improvements
DERBY — The work of repairing the roof and cornices on the Storm Engine company’s house on Elizabeth Street is being pushed to completion by E.J. Reilly, local roofing contractor. Two new fire sirens have been ordered by Fire Commissioner Joseph Purcella and are expected to arrive here soon.
Riding On sidewalks
DERBY — A number of boys riding at cut rate speed down the sidewalks of Elizabeth Street yesterday afternoon afforded a great deal of annoyance to pedestrians and shoppers. A complaint about them was registered at the police headquarters and if the boys persist in the practice, summary action will be taken by the authorities.
Brief Town Items
SEYMOUR — Chester Blake is confined to his home with the grip.
Rev. Herbert K. Robinson, pastor of the First Methodist Church, Watertown, was the preacher at the second Lenten service at the Methodist Church last night.
Saturday, March 12, 1927
Is Rum Buried on Wakelee Avenue?
ANSONIA — West siders are considerably stirred up over a story that on Wakelee Avenue, or close to that thoroughfare, stands a tree at the bottom of which is buried a gallon jug containing Jamaica rum. According to the legend, the rum was placed under the tree when it was planted by an old time Ansonian who has long since passed away. At least one man is still living who helped to plant the tree and he says the story of the buried treasure is true. Whether the rum is still in the jug is the question.
Meeting Tonight Causes Interest
DERBY — Some speculation has been heard about the city relative to the meeting of all members of the police department, including regular and supernumerary officers, and which has been called for this evening at 6 o’clock in the city court room in the city hall. The call for the meeting was issued by Police Commissioners Joseph V. Casey and Edwin H. Victory and it is understood at the insistence of Mayor Frank J. Conway. The police commissioners have refused to divulge the purpose of the meeting.
Seymour Loses Again
SEYMOUR — Seymour High School basketeers got another trouncing last night when Shelton took them into camp 28 – 12 in Shelton. Earlier in the season, Seymour downed Shelton, so they have an even break for the Housatonic League season.
Monday, March 14, 1927
Auto Mishap
ANSONIA — A four-year old boy, whose name was given as Hill, was knocked down near his home at 417 Main Street Sunday by an automobile operated by William J. Lewis of 1223 Howard Avenue, Bridgeport. The youngster was not much hurt.
Struck By Fallen Glass
ANSONIA — Mrs. Edmund Buswell, of Howard Avenue, is under the care of Dr. William H. Conklin for an injury to her shoulder as a result of being struck by a drinking glass. Mrs. Buswell, it is said, was standing looking in one of the show windows of the Boston store last Thursday when the vessel fell from one of the sills of the upper stories of the building, and struck her a painful blow to the shoulder. The falling glass missed striking Mrs. Buswell on the head only by a scant inch or two.
Many Cars Out Sunday
DERBY — The fine weather of yesterday caused many motorists to take out their cars and the traffic officers report the heaviest motor traffic of the year. New Haven Avenue was a busy scene all yesterday afternoon and well into the evening with a steady line of cars both leaving and approaching the city.
A Taxi For Seymour
SEYMOUR — Bert Millard of Winsted, who conducted an auto livery business here a year ago, returned to town today to resume his business. Mr. Millard now has a seven-passenger Nash sedan for public hire and will soon have another one of his cars in Seymour.
Tuesday, March 15, 1927
Italian-American Meeting
DERBY — The Italian-American Club will meet tonight in its rooms in the Emma building on Main Street. The committee is charge of the St. Patrick’s Day entertainment has been especially urged to be present. It is expected that the club will discuss baseball at tonight’s session.
Outdoor Photo Season On
DERBY — Local drug stores which specialize in developing films report that there was heavy business Monday morning because of the fact that a large number who went walking and motoring Sunday took photographs.
Postponed Bowling Match
SEYMOUR — The Congregational Men’s Club bowling team and that of St. Augustine’s Church will lead off their postponed match Wednesday evening at the Woodford Memorial alleys. Captain Karrmann’s pin busters have been doing some real bowling as of late and intend to take three straight tomorrow night.
Wednesday, March 16
Moose Dance
ANSONIA — The Loyal Order of Moose will have an old time Irish dance St. Patrick’s night. Several novel features are being arranged for the event, and all those attending are assured a very enjoyable time.
For St. Patrick’s Day
DERBY — A number of stores have their windows appropriately decorated with green for St. Patrick’s Day which comes tomorrow and many of them have on sale cards and favors in keeping with the holiday.
Baseball To Start
DERBY — The Silver Stars of St. Mary’s School, who last year enjoyed a splendid season, will report for opening practice Friday night on Smith Street. A big season is looked forward to.
Hash And Pancakes
SEYMOUR — The Ladies Aid Society of Congregational Church will serve a hash and pancakes supper in the dining room of the church tomorrow. A large patronage is expected. It was previously announced that this affair would be held Friday night.
