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This week we take a look back at 1952, when the phrase “The greatest thing since sliced bread!” became a thing made famous by entertainer Red Skelton, some 24 years after sliced bread was invented.
It was also the year that Tony the Tiger started telling people that Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes were “Gr-r-reat!”
Fun fact: Thurl Ravenscroft is best known for supplying the voice of Tony and was the same guy who sang “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” in the original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” TV special (although many people mistakenly think it was narrator Boris Karloff).
Here’s what was happening in the lower Valley, according to Evening Sentinel mircrofilm (available at public libraries in Derby and Seymour).
Monday, May 12, 1952
Ansonia Garage Gets Contract For Police Cars
ANSONIA – The contract for furnishing two new patrol cars for the Ansonia Police Department was given to the Ansonia Garage, Inc. by the Board of Police Commissioners at a meeting Saturday afternoon. The bid of the Ansonia Garage for two new Studebakers, including turning in of two Chevrolets, was $1,267.98. The price of the two new cars was $3,517.98 and trade-in value of the two police cars was $2,250, leaving a balance of $1,267.98.
Hospital Has Had 97,851 Patients Since Opening
DERBY – The statistics report of the Griffin Hospital for the month of April follows:
Number of patients in hospital April 1, 92. Number admitted, 359. Number discharged, 366. Number of babies born, 85 (male, 38, female, 47). Number of medical cases admitted, 136. Number of surgical cases admitted, 136. Number of emergency cases, 226. Number of radiological examinations, 860. Number of laboratory examinations, 2,935. Average number of patients per day, 91. Total number of patients treated at hospital up and including May 1, 1952, 97,851.
Little Leaguers Getting In Shape For the 1952 Season
SEYMOUR – Little League squads held long practice sessions at French Memorial Park Field Saturday afternoon in an effort to determine the abilities of the various players in the field and at the plate. The boys were put through infield and outfield drills and finished up with an intra-squad game.
No definite team lineups have been announced by any of the team managers, and all boys are requested to attend every practice session so as not to hinder their chances of making the team.
Sisters Meet After Twenty-Five Years
SHELTON – Mrs. Michael Hopkins was given a surprise late Saturday night when her sister, Mrs. Arthur Cormier of Woonsocket, R.I. , whom she hadn’t seen in 25 years, walked into her home. The two sisters spent Sunday, Mother’s Day, visiting their mother, Mrs. Mary Archault in New Haven.
Mrs. Hopkins said that she last saw her sister 25 years ago when the family lived in Shelton, and she left to go to Minneapolis, Minn. Mrs. Cormier lived in Minnesota up to five months ago when she moved to Woonsocket.
Tuesday, May 13, 1952
Aldermen Authorize $100,000 For Remodeling Willis School
ANSONIA – The Board of Aldermen on a roll call vote of 9 yes and 4 no voted to authorize the Board of Apportionment and Taxation to make available to the Board of Education funds from the fire insurance fund, the capital reserve or municipal fund, or from the balance of the last permanent improvement bond issue, not to exceed a total of $100,000 for remodeling the Willis School as recommended by the school board.
Damage to Incinerator Officially Placed at $23,000 After Meeting
DERBY – Mayor Anthony Dirienzo announced this morning that the damage to the incinerator building caused by fire Sunday morning amounted to $23,000. This figure was reached, Mayor Dirienzo said, after a meeting with Frank Spargo of New Haven, engineer for the insurance company and Fred S. Smith, local contractor, who constructed the building.
Mayor Dirienzo said that it was agreed that the third floor of the building would be completely rebuilt at an approximate cost of $23,000. Another $1,500 will be needed to replace the electrical equipment that was damaged.
Shelton Moose Lodge Bean Supper Tonight
SHELTON – Shelton Lodge, Order of Moose, will conduct a bean supper tonight at 8 o’clock in the lodge hall on Center Street. All members and their friends are invited. There will be a program of movies after the supper.
Mahoney’s Store Changes Ownership
SHELTON – Mahoney’s Corner Drug Store, at the corner of Howe Avenue and White Street, has been sold to Charles B. MacIninch, of New Haven and William J. Persak of New Haven by Mrs. Margaret Ahern, according to deeds filed today at the office of the town clerk. Mr. McIninch is the present druggist at the store and he and Mr. Persak plan to conduct business under its trade name, Mahoney’s Corner Drug Store.
Wednesday, May 14, 1952
Neptune To Reign At Prom Friday Night
ANSONIA – The Ansonia High School gymnasium is expected to be filled to capacity Friday night at the annual senior promenade of the Ansonia High and Pine Manual Training Schools. The interior of the gym will portray an underwater scene with a background of fish net and seaweed. Painted fish, coral and seashells will add to the effect of Neptune’s court.
Mrs. Victoria Kapusta Get Telegram From Son In Germany On Mother’s Day
DERBY – Mrs. Victoria Kapusta of Caroline Street was pleasantly surprised Sunday when she received a telegram wishing her a happy Mother’s Day from her son, PFC Francis W. Kapusta, who is stationed in Germany. PFC Kapusta also sent a telegram to Mrs. Mary Ewen of, mother of his fiancée.
Tomorrow Is Last Day For Tax Payment
SEYMOUR – Tax Collector and Town Clerk Richard R. Pearson today issued a reminder to all property owners in the Town of Seymour that Thursday is the final day for payment of the first installment of property taxes on the grand list of 1951. After tomorrow, interest of one half of one percent will be charged on all unpaid taxes.
The total amount to be raised by taxation is $478,842.20, with $239,421.10 to be collected during the first installment.
Open House Thursday At Pat’s New Barber Shop
SHELTON – Pat Velleco’s new barber shop located in the building recently completed at 538 Howe Avenue will be opened Thursday morning. An “open house” will be held by the veteran barber in his new shop, which is equipped with all the modern furnishings, including club chairs and a hobby horse for the little tots. Mr. Velleco has been in the barbering business for 28 years. He is assisted by his brother, John, a veteran of World War II.
Thursday, May 15, 1952
Complete Basic Training
ANSONIA – Marine Privates First-Class Michael J. Kennedy and Edwin Parzyck recently completed their basic training at Parris Island, S.C., and received a promotion to their present ranks. Both young men won the silver badge of marine marksman with the Garand rifle.
Early Crowds On Streets For Opening Of Three Days’ Sale
DERBY – Crowds of shoppers, many of them from out of town, were on the street early this morning for the opening of the three days’ Derby Value Days sale being conducted by Derby merchants. Stores displaying street and window banners are participating in the sale, one of the biggest ever conducted by local merchants. Despite this morning’s rainy weather, there were early crowds out which augers well for the success of the sale.
Legion Auxiliary Plans Card Party
SEYMOUR – A public card party will be sponsored by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of Emil Senger Post No. 10, American Legion, in the post rooms on Bank Street on Tuesday, May 20 at 8 p.m. Mrs. Frances Teveliet is chairman of the committee in charge of arrangements. All popular games will be played, and attractive prizes will be awarded.
Junior Class Prom Friday At School
SHELTON – The junior class of Shelton High School will conduct its annual junior promenade Friday night at 9 o’clock in the Shelton High School auditorium. The feature of the program during the night will be the choosing of a prom queen from the bevy of junior class beauties. The Rhythm Makers’ orchestra will furnish the music for dancing. Refreshments will be served during the evening. More than 90 couples will be present.
Friday, May 16, 1952
Two Local Boys Enlist In Navy
ANSONIA – Michael D’Alessio of Prospect Street and Neil Josephson of North Westwood Road have enlisted in the United States Navy. D’Alessio has orders to report for duty May 20 while Josephson is at present undergoing basic training at Bainbridge, Md.
Phil’s Beauty Salon Boasts New Look
ANSONIA – Phil’s Beauty Salon at 84 Main St. has had its face lifted and patrons of the shop are now enjoying one of the Naugatuck Valley’s most modern and attractive beauty salons. The interior of the shop has been completely renovated and the latest in equipment to help make Milady more beautiful has been installed.
The new decorating scheme carries out a spring-like jungle effect, from the cool-looking bamboo shades to the fern-patterned wallpaper which covers a portion of one wall. The ceiling is painted in a chocolate brown, providing an attractive background for the chartreuse, plastic quilted partitions between the booths and the rose-colored chairs under the new dryers. Gray marbleized linoleum covers the entire floor.
Derby Value Days Attract Shopping Throng
DERBY – Crowds of shoppers invaded the local business district on Thursday morning and afternoon for the opening of the big Derby Value Days’ sales event. The sale continued today with many more shoppers here and will continue until closing at 9 o’clock tonight. The sale will continue all day Saturday and will close at closing time Saturday night.
Free parking on Main and Elizabeth streets was taken advantage of by many shoppers. The asme free parking will be in vogue all day Saturday.
Lafayette P.T.A. 30th Birthday
SHELTON – The Lafayette P.T.A. will observe its 30th birthday at a party Tuesday night, May 27, at the school meeting rooms. Former members and friends of the P.T.A. are invited to join with members of the organization for an “open house” from 8 to 10 p.m. The committee in charge of arrangements has made a full effort to make this a festive affair.
