The Newtown bee., 1902-04-11

one so desires can enjoy plunge OF
swim in the river. "LOvers Leap" up
the river to the north, about eight
miles from the Center, is an objective
point for picnics. The wild beetling
craggs overgrown with the primeval
forest and the romantic legend about
the place make it thoroughly attrac-
tive for the lover of romance and ma
ture. Nearer the Center it the Still
river. 1t is reached by a short walk
down the hill to the West and abounds
in picturesque curves and hooks.
Horses and traps are available at rea-
sonable rates and much enjoyment may
be had from exploring the country
either driving or walking.
Only two or three directions are good
for wheeling because Of the many hills,
though many use the bicycle as mode
of transportation both for business and
pleasure. The roads to Danbury and
New Milford are especially favorable
for wheeling.
About two miles from the Centre is
Brooktield proper. 1t is a downward
road all the way, with enchanting views
of the hills to the North and West.
Almost the first object to strike the
eye when the town is reached is an old
mill built in 1749, though it looksquite
modern in coat Of yellow paint.
Here the Still River plunges over a
dam into a rocky chasm and foams and
rushes along out of sight. Once years
ago there we're famous iron works in
Brookfield. Their glory is of the past
and now lime pits form the chief source
Of industry. Passing through
this interesting old village and
turning to the left we go
south through the valley and at
the end of about two miles, after some
deviation from the straight road, the
foot OF Sunset Hill is reached and a
slow ascent is made through leafy
bowers until with sudden glory the
world is spread before us. There is no
more beautiful view than this is in the
whole valley. Descending Sunset
Hill on the other side and turning to
the right and up again a long level
stretch extending for over a mile is
reached. This is known as "Whiscon-
Ter Hill " and gives wonderful view of
the rolling country to the West and
Southland North. Along this road are
the homes of families whose places
have been in the family since before
1850 and where golden weddings are
the rule rather than the exception.
The pupils of the School last season
represented many different states, COM
as far South as North Carolina. They
comprised teachers, professional singers
and pianists of excellent standing who
thoroughly appreciated the advantages
of the school.
From an educational as we'll as social
standpoint the most enjoyable and in
teresting week of the season is the last
when the pupils give their recitals.
This is time OF great excitement in
the school and the town. Gardens are
rifled Of their loveliest blossoms and
the townspeople vie with one another
in pouring flowers upon the students.
The "Opera House" by the end of the
week is glowing with rich colors and
sweet with summer scents. The week
closing with the final concert forms a
able season.
A feature to look forward to each
week is the Saturday afternoon concert,
usually preceded by a lecture. All the
country folk for miles around turn out
to hear the pupils and the especially
engaged artists. Their sympathy and
interest is not only an inspiration to
the performers but of practical value
to the school in affording the students
and artists an audience upon which tC
test their progress.
Following the concert is the sight
singing class which Mr. Greene has in.
stituted for the benefit of the people
of the vicinity as we'll as of the school,
| Another feature of interest is the
choir work. The Congregational and
the Episcopal churches the former un.
der Mr. Greene's personal direction and
the latter under his supervision, in the
hands of his assistant, give excellent
opportunities for practice in chora
singing.
From these and from the sight-sing
ing class are culled the members of the
Brookfield Choral Club, which joins
forces with the members of the schoo
; and adds interest to the final concert