The Newtown bee., 1901-07-05
LOCAL AFFAIRS.
PICTURESQUE NEWTOWN.

| LONAL AFFAlKO.
 PICTURESQUE VIEWPOINT.
 l ITS MANY BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND LANDSCAPES.-SOME FITTING OF INTER- EST ALSO REGARDING ITS CHURCH IFS AND PASTORS, ITS SCHOOLS AND ITS | LIBRARY.-OTHER FEATURES OF IN TEREsT.
 NeWtOWn is a charming summer re- sort, unsurpassed for picturesque scen- cry, pure and invigorating air and TO- mantle drives, and is situated on the Berkshire division of the New York New Haven and Hartford railroad, only two hours ride from New York, city. It is but 28 miles from New Haven and 19 miles from Bridgeport. It's natural advantages make it an ideal place for a sOjourn during the summer months. Located high up on the hills, it commands most superb view of the surrounding country, while it's wonderfully invigorating air and it's diversified scenery charm and re- fresh those whose good fortune it is to visit it. Newtown is remarkable in a number of respects. It is not only deliRhtfully situated, but 1t is also exceptionally fine in the matter of it's houses, and the care and pride which l its citizens take in making it still more l beautiful by the attention and labor paid to it's lawns and gardens. Central avenue, on which are the principal residences, is very handsome and wide street, with d wealth Of adorn- ment in lawns, elm and maple trees picture of surpassing beauty. In the center of the town and directly oppo- site the Grand Central hotel, the Episcopal church is located. It is a large and costly editice built of stone. Many of Newtown's most influential citizens are numbered among it's mem- bers.@ Rev George T. LinSley, the rector, is much esteemed for his excel lent traits of mind and heart, and under his ministration this church is in a fiourishing condition. On the northwest corner, opposite the Grand Central, is the old Congregational church, which was built in 1908. It is a good sized building, and, despite its and ''up to date' in the matters of ap- pearance and comfort. The bell of this church, which calls the good peo- pie of the town to it's services, pealed forth the impressive news of the Dec- laration of Independence, that was when the first church editice was stand ing. Later this same bell tOlled on the occasion of the death of General Washington. The Rev MT Barker, the present pastor of the church, is man who has endeared himself to his par ishioners by his fidelity to his princi- ples and untiring zeal in his church work. AS result of his labors he has a large congregation and his church is in a prosperous condition. Other Ob- jects of interest in the town are RO- nald Castle, a large house built Of stone situated at the top of hill about half a mile west of the center of the town. The drive to the Castle is one of the attractions which draw crowds thither each season. Still further to the vest ward of the Castle, at the distance of about half mile, is Taunton Lake, a fine sheet of water, which abOundS in bass, perch and pickerel. To the southeast of the town is the famous Pootatuck brock, which is the property of a number of gentlemen who keep It for trOuting purposes, and at the right season much enjoyment is'atfOrded the anglers who successfully WOO the speck- led beauties from the stream:
 There are two good schools and an academy in Newtown, also a public li- UEdIH, Ullc 1dUUCl UllO lCOulU oA Ul1O 6SA ous gift of Miss Beach, coupled with the enterprise of the people of the town. Next to the Episcopal church is the fine residence of Charles H. Peck, one of NewtOwn's we'll known citi- zens. MT Peck has held number of offices of trust and is esteemed by all who have known him. In his house he has a large number of curiOsities which would make the fortune of some enterprising snowman. Among l the collection are household goods which are indeed "quaint and curi- Ous;" also implements of warfare used by the Indians, and hundreds of other ancient things, some of which would seem to indicate prehistoric age. 1t l is needless to state that MT Peck in vites all who have taste for the mar
 velous to inspect this rare and inter-
 ing collection.
 ] We should not omit mentioning the 1 Newtown Savings bank, an institution
 which is we'll known throughout the
 state as "solid" and "gilt edged" Its
 president is Aaron Sanford, d gentle
 man we'll known and respected as an
 able business man. one whose "wOrd is
 as good as his bond" The secretary
 and treasurer is Arthur T. Nettleton
 g young man of sterling worth and in
 tegrity.
 body knows, the literary luminary o1
 the town whose bright beams not on
 ly enlighten and cheer Newtown, but
 shed .:their: cheering. rays over much
 territory 'throughout the state. It is
 lon the crest of the wave" of prosper
 ity, and from year to year it increases
 We hope it's genial owners will con- l time to OrOSDer.
 Newtown is blessed with two excel
 lent hotels, the Grand Central and the 1 Newtown Inn. The Grand Central is
 one of the most substantial structures
 in this state. It was built with refer
 ence to comfort and convenience, anC
 it's cost and furnishings aggregated
 the sum of twenty-six thousand dollars
 It is in every respect model hotel
 It's rooms are large and airy and every
 thing connected with this house con duces to the, happiness of it's guests
 The cuisine is exceptionally fine anC ! l,:r al,