The Newtown bee., 1895-11-08
BETHEL.
A VETERAN HALTER.

"A IAl len.
John Mcdowell is now in his s9sh year
and is probably the oldest hat maher in
the trade. He was born February Is,
1907, in New York City, at the corner OF
Tester and Mulberry street. His parents
we're both of Irish descent. He says that
the first passenger steamboat that IAN up
and down the North river made her first
"trip the year he was born, 1907. While
schoolboy at home he often saw the
great men of the age and in later years
President Andrew jackson. When lad
at the age of u years he left his home in
the city and came to Norwalk, Conn, on
sailboat or sloop. From thence he
walked to Bethel, then part Of the town
of Danbury. His first home in Bethel
was with hat manufacturer by the
name of Aaron Nichols, who did bust
ness at the North End of Grassy Plain
street. His shop was near the arch
bridge, Aunt Laura his widow, and
the old house which was destroyed by
fire a few years ago and perhaps part
of the old hat shop many of Us remem-
Der. This was the home of John for
four years Or more, where he did chores
for his board and part of the year at.
tended the district school. When he be-
came of proper age to learn a trade he
left Mr. Nichols and hired out to hat
ter, Lewis Taylor, who did business
mapping hats. His shop stood near or on
the ground now occupied by John Reid's
band box factory. Mr. Taylor proved to
be good boss. Johns time was served
out satisfactorily, and at the age of q
years he became journeyman hat max
er, ready to take the road for first
tramp. Most of his life has been spent
at the hat makers trade. Mems mapped
hats went out of date about 1852. Mr.
Mcdowell tried the match making BUSH
ness for short time in the town of Yves.
ton. The venture did not prove to be a
financial success. He soon drifted back
70 the hatter's trade and worked at siz
ing hats until over so years of age. A
few years ago ladies' mapped hats became
style much sought after. The demand
was so great that every old napper in the
land was raked out. A happier set OF
old workmen you rarely find. Old nap
pers were in their right element. The
snap of the bow, the rub dub dub could
be heard from early morning until late
at night in every locality in town. 1t
was the old mems harvest which lasted
about two years before the demand was
supplied for ladies mapped hats. Uncle
John was in his 10th year and was one of
the spryest workmen in the trade. He
and many others laid by penny for
wet day. For once the ladies certainly
proved blessing to the old men of the
trade. AT the present time sizing ma
chimes have taken the place of hand
work. Old time matters are laid off and
young men and boys take their places.
The old nappers have most of them pass.
ed in their checks and have been taken
ON turn in the great workshop of In
known Eternity. Mr. Mcdowell has laid
by his bow pin and badge; his working
days are over. But he is still familiar
person on our streets. He enjoys troll
ley ride to Danbnry and back and takes
an interest in public improvements. He
has held THE office of treasurer in the
Hat Makers Society for over 20 years.
He was good shopmate, of a very joyial
nature. He joined the Odd Fellows lodge
on Redding Ridge about 60 years ago and
is now q member of Samaritan lodge OF
Danbury and for the latter part of his
life he has been member of the Metho-
dist church and was regular attendant
at every meeting as long as his health
would permit. His wife has been remov-
ed by death. He has two sons. Walker
and William, two daughters, Miss Emma
and Mrs John McKorkel, and grandson
and two granddaughter, who are all
great comfort TO him in his declining
years. He has passed through a won
derful progressive age of the world s his
tory. He has lived to see a great change
in the way of public travel, since he left
his home in New York and came to Nor
walk by sail and preferred to come on
foot TO Bethel rather than pay for a ride
on slow old stage coach.
WOLF PITS.
Mrs Seeber and daughter are visiting
in Mt Vernon. N. Y.
Mr. and Mrs Will Hoyt spent Sunday
in New Fairfield.
Miss Sarah Seeber is home on visit.
Andrew Taylorsand family are better.
Ward Leroy is on the gain and is now
able to sit up.
Mrs George Dickens has visited in
Brookfield.
A dwelling house belonging to the es-
tate of the late Patrick Lee was sold st
auction, last Saturday afternoon.
Charles f.. Senior, who has been en-
gagged in the painting business In this
place for number of years, has moved
his business and family to New London.
Frank Porter, son Of Postmaster Por-
ter. who has been travelling through the
West, has returned home on visit.
Mrs 8. s. Dunning, who has had long |
sickness, is much better and probably |
will soon be out again.
Michael DelOhery of Danbury had his |
horse frightened BY the electric car on
Center street. II runaway and damaged !
bis wagon several dollars worth.
Arthur Sherman and family of Salt
Lake CITY have come East to spend the |
winter with his father, Andrew Sherman.
Arthur Sherman has started, this week.
IN 3 business trip west, taking bis father
with him. They expect to be gone about