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.
Monday, April 1, 1929
Gans Establishment Visited by Trio of Bandits
ANSONIA – Three daring bandits at 10 o’clock Saturday invaded the gasoline station of Abraham Gans on Beaver Street and while one of them covered Louis Gans, son of the proprietor, with a revolver, the other two turned their attention to the cash register. Unable to open the register after endeavoring to do so for a few minutes, the thugs commanded young Gans to take the assignment and while the man with the revolver stood close by waving the weapon in a menacing manner the boy was obliged to open the depository from which the robbers took cash estimated at between $25 and $30.
Easterday Services Brought Throngs to Derby Churches
DERBY – An exceptionally large congregation enjoyed the musical program at the Derby M. E. Church last evening, and the splendid renditions of the quartette and chorus was the topic for considerable praise.
Tuesday, April 2, 1929
Heavy Wind Storm
ANSONIA – Heavy winds roared at mile-a-minute velocity last night after the rainstorm that lasted throughout the day and reached its crescendo in a cloudburst, had spent itself, and trees swayed dangerously and other objects felt the crushing weight of the gale.
Legion Posts Complete Plans For Smoker Thursday
DERBY – Plans were perfected last night at the meeting of the American Legion post, Commander James J. Parker presiding, for the joint smoker with William H. Gordon post of Ansonia to be held Thursday night in the Veterans’ Memorial home. There will be entertainment, boxing bouts and refreshments and all ex-servicemen are invited.
Annual Frolic Given Children
SEYMOUR – In Library hall last evening the annual children’s frolic was held under the auspices of the Women’s club, and the affair was unusually successful. The affair was attended by a large number of youngsters, boys and girls, who always look forward to “the annual” of the well known organisation, knowing they will enjoy a delightful evening.
Wednesday, April 3, 1929
Unlicensed Peddlers
SEYMOUR – Complaints are being made to the town officials about the manner in which out-of-town peddlers are allowed to visit the town to sell articles of clothing. According to the complainants the number of these out-of-town merchants has shown a marked increase during the past two weeks, and the town officials are being urged to have a stop put to it.
Vincent J. Nolan New Exalted Ruler
DERBY – Vincent J. Nolan was duly installed last night as exalted rulers of Derby Lodge of Elks. The ceremonies were held in the lodge rooms in the presence of a big turnout of local and members of New Haven lodge.
Thursday, April 4, 1929
Prohibition Picture
ANSONIA – At the German congregational church Friday evening a five-reel motion picture entitled ‘Lest We Forget’ will be presented under the auspices of the Connecticut Temperance and Anti-Saloon league and is expected to draw a large audience.
Miss Avery Gives Interesting Talk
DERBY – The third and last of the series of addresses by Miss Eunice Avery on current events was held yesterday afternoon in the lecture room of the Methodist church, under the auspices of the Women’s club with a large attendance. Miss Avery gave a most delightful description of the manners and government of the Czechoslovakian people, whom she visited last summer.
Freight Car Goes On Rampage
SEYMOUR – A freight car of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad company that was shunted onto the spur track north of the passenger depot, early yesterday morning, caused considerable damage to the Rimmon shop building, near the upper subway.
Friday, April 5, 1929
Taxi Drivers To Aid State Police
DERBY – Local taxi drivers who have been endeavoring to compel owners of private cars who have been engaged in transporting persons for hire, to take out taxicab and public service car registrations, have retained Attorney John J. O’Connell to take care of their interests in the matter.
Coal Prices At Lowest Ebb Now
DERBY – Local coal dealers are advising their customers to put in their next winter’s supply of fuel now. It may seem a little funny to the average householder to be talking of putting in the 1930 supply before the last of this year’s is completely consumed, yet it appears that there are good sound economic reasons for doing so.
