Waterbury Democrat., 1901-08-22
.OAKVILLE HAPPENINGS.
INTERESTING "REMINISCENCES
 OF EARLY oAKvILLE.
The First House Built in the Year 1715-T Thomas Welton Was It's Own er-Died Two Years Later Peach Supper To-night-Locals.

Supper To-night-Locals.
 Editor Democrat:
 Some time ago 1 was engaged in a controversy as to when and by whom was the first house in Oakville erected The opinions on this question appear to differ widely I do not know as I had ever heard q correct answer given, although this portion of the early history of the village ought to be well known by this time. 1 claim that Thomas Welton built and occu- ! pied the first house ever built within the lines of our prosperous little viii lage, and have facts to prove my state ments in the following records as fur nished by the Rev Joseph Anderson of Waterbury,: "The second house built northwest of Waterbury center was erected before 1715 at present Oakville by young Thomas Welton, who was the son of John the planter. l He married in 1715, the record tells us, Hannah Afford, and built house on the north side of Steel's brook, | against the upper end of Ben's mea- dow and southwest of Turkey brook | Ia name which the brook still bearsl i This was at the fork of the Wooster and Seott's mountain roads, and was | a lonely habitation, with the un- | bridged river between it and possible l Succor from the town in time of trial. Here, it is thought, Thomas Welton began the housekeeping with his l young wife for hereabouts lay his l farm and the land .on Turkey brook northeast of his house. where said Melton formerly ploughed,' and here probably occurred the first death in | Oakville, for Thomas died in TIT. | ic fn 1of desolate until the coming of Isaac Cas- tie in 1724, who lived i'll it four years. sold it in 1723 to Deacon Judd, and moved up to Twitch Grass meadow Deacon Judd almost immediately con- veyed it to James Williams, who, in close connection with his brother Dan- iel, built the first mill in Oakville be- fore November of 1729. Thanking you for your space and trusting that this will prove conclusively as to the first settler here, I remain, yours,
 OLD SETTLER.
 Mrs Edward M. Skagen, formerly of Oakville, is making several very I pleasant visits about the town among her old time friends. Rev and Mrs Skagen are now residing at 273 West 136th street, New York. and Mr | Skagen is kept busy with his church work at the Church of the Redeemer. | MT Skagen intends to make a short visit here in the fall.
 Charles Hubbell and Adelma Ther- ault will hold dance and sociable on Evanss dancing pavilion next week Thursday evening. An orchestra has been engaged and all friends from Watertown or Waterbury and else where are cordially invited to attend It is near the terminus of the trolley and convenient to all
 Arrangements are being made by the Oakville Stars for game next Sun day with the Merrimacs.
 Address all local communications for this department care of P. o. box 10, Oakyille.
 Arrangements are being made by Charles Hubbell and Adelma Therault | for a masquerade party, to be held in Judas hall in the near future. Mas querades are big drawing card here.
 A big load of peaches arrived yes terday for the peach supper at the Unon church tonight. This supper has been we'll advertised and many friends of the church are expected. In addition to the peach supper, which, by the way, will not consist entirely of peaches, an entertainment will be given in the church and supper will be served on the lawn from s5:30, the weather permitting. Ice cream, pop corn, peanuts and a Klondike for the children has been arranged. Try your luck in Klondike for a nickel and don't run your chances of freezing to death. A good supper, for which the ladies of Oakville are noted, will be given for 20 cents. Admission cents. If the weather is stormy this afternoon and evening the supper will be given in the parlor of the church.
 John Bennett, clerk at the post office, will return to his home in Wa terbury next week.
 Mrs John Loughlin has recovered her lost dog from Mrs Heyer of North Main street, Waterbury, who found him few days ago.
 Miss Flossie Davis is expected home Monday from Walnut Beach.
 Mrs A. Anderson and her son Earl spent yesterday at the home of Mir and Mrs Philo Newell in Waterbury. q Miss Susie Chambers, teacher in the Newton heights school, has visited the Pan-American exposition during the vacation.