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.
Also, we’re stuck in the roaring twenties because that’s what’s available online.
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 1929
Death Claims W.F. Scully President of School Board
ANSONIA — William F. Scully, president of the Board of Education, who underwent an operation at St. Raphael’s Hospital, New Haven, yesterday, died at an early hour this morning. Mr. Scully’s condition was reported yesterday as serious, and while he appeared to have rallied well from the operation, his strength was not sufficient to carry him through the ordeal, and at four o’clock this morning the end came.
Derby Follies Drew Packed House at Hull
DERBY — The Derby Follies opened its week’s engagement at the Commodore Hull theater last night playing to a packed house by which by its applause left no room for doubt that it enjoyed the offering. A number of local girls took part in the presentation. Six members of the Derby Turner’s gymnastic team lead by Gus Meyer presented exhibition that also went over big.
Picture on Exhibit
DERBY — The picture of the past season’s football team of the Derby High School is on exhibition in the Harding Drug store window on Elizabeth Street.
Good Skating Promised
SEYMOUR — The lovers of ice skating and other sports on the ice are promised another season, and last night many were at Hoadley’s pond. According to reports from there today, the ice is three and one-half inches thick, and it is expected that the continuous cold nights will cause it to thicken greatly.
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 1929
January Grass Fires Call Dept. Twice Yesterday
ANSONIA — Grass fires in January are unusual but the fire department was summoned twice yesterday to extinguish brush fires. Shortly after 3 o’clock an alarm was sounded from box 74 Howard Avenue and Short Street for a brush fire. The firemen promptly responded but the blaze was not a serious one and was quickly extinguished. Earlier in the day the Eagles were called to an alarm on a grass fire in the Rockwood Avenue section. This was also easily taken care of.
Yudkin Chosen to Captain Debaters
DERBY — Harold B. Yudkin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Yudkin of Seymour Avenue, was recently elected captain of the freshman debating team of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. Yudkin, while a student at the Derby High School, won the New York Time oratorical contest with his speech “Lincoln and the Constitution.” He was a member of the undefeated Derby High School debating team a few years ago.
Seymour Furniture Display
SEYMOUR — In the window of the Seymour Furniture Company has been placed on display a bedroom suite being a copy of Berkey & Gay which caused many favorable comments being noted for workmanship, style and beauty.
Thursday, Jan. 24, 1929
Fire at Dump
ANSONIA — The firemen were called twice late yesterday afternoon to put out a blaze at the dump in the rear of the Standard Oil property at Main and Division streets. Burning rubbish made such a blaze that it was feared adjoining property would be damaged and a call was sent in from box 314, Main and Columbia streets. The Eagles and Websters responded.
Birthday Fete
ANSONIA — Miss Dorothy Tomlinson entertained a number of her friends at her home on Platt Street Tuesday afternoon, the occasion being the seventh anniversary of her natal day. About a dozen young guests were in attendance and the afternoon was happily spent with games and singing. An appetizing repast was served, the festive board being adorned with a large birthday cake with seven lighted candles which graced the center.
Milk Ordinance Effective Feb. 1
DERBY — A new ordinance regulating the production and sale of milk and cream in this city will become effective February 1. The ordinance was passed by the Board of Aldermen some months ago and it provides that all milk and cream offered for sale in this city must be produced from tuberculin-tested cows, or from an accredited herd or be pasteurized.
Friday, Jan. 25, 1929
Court Battle Tonight
ANSONIA —A good-sized crowd is expected to witness the basketball between the Ansonia and the Wilby high schools tonight at the YMCA gym. The contest will start at 8 15 o’clock and promises to be an interesting and well played one.
$127,781.06 was Required for Operation of Schools Last Year
DERBY — It cost $127,781.06 to operate the schools last year, according to a financial report prepared by City Clerk James S. Donahue and submitted to the Board of Education at its January meeting held last night in the city court room in the city hall.
Ten Tables Used
DERBY —Ten tables were used at the card party of the Veterans of Foreign Wars held last night in the Vets’ headquarters on Main Street and a number of handsome prizes were awarded the winners.
Concordia’s Annual
SEYMOUR — The 46th annual concert and masquerade ball of the Concordia Singing Society will take place tonight at the Concordia Hall and a big time is promised. The advance sale of tickets and other indications point to the usual large crowd. The music for the affair is to be provided by Timme Crowe’s musicians and a concert is to start at 8 15 o’clock. The grand march will be formed at 9 o’clock and dancing will continue until 2 o’clock.
Saturday, Jan. 26, 1929
Y Boys Food Sale
ANSONIA — A cake sale is being held today at the Bristol Drug Co. by the junior leader of the YMCA. Quite a supply of appetizing edibles has been laid by the “Y” boys, who look forward to doing a fine business among those who like delicious homemade pastry. Proceeds from the sale will be used in helping to defray the expenses of the boys’ annual trip to New York.
Many Attend Dance
DERBY — A big crowd attended the dance last night at the high school auditorium by the Two Pals. A prize fox trot was won by Miss Annette D’Aiuto, high school senior, and Dominick Colonese. Dancing was enjoyed until a late hour.
No Opposition
DERBY — No opposition was voiced at a hearing held in the city hall by Mayor Riordan last night on the petition of the Standard Oil Company for a transfer of the license to it from the People’s Gas filling station on Derby Avenue.
Father and Son Banquet
SEYMOUR — The annual Father and Son banquet of the members of the Immanuel Lutheran Church has been fixed for February 7. With the date now decided upon, arrangements will go on accordingly and from the interest shown thus early, a large attendance is assured.
