The Newtown bee., 1903-02-20
CIRCULATION
OUR NEIGHBORS,
BETHEL.
600 43OO

BETHEL.
 SHADE TREES MAKE POOR SAW MILL
 LOGS.
 For three-Quarters of century or more a pine tree has been growing in the southwest part of Flat Swamp dis trict and had become conspicuous landmark for this locality. The tree stood in the yard near the dwelling house formerly owned by Eliakim tor LieD Crofut, we'll known inhabitant of Newtown. The homestead has re- gently been purchased and improved by the "Doctor", who spends part of the year on the premises. For some reason of his own the "Doctor" cut the old tree and made sawmill logs of the body, which in due time were sent to the Plumtrees sawmill to be saved into lumber. Miller Hurlbutt placed the log on the carriageIand commenced work with his new saw, which went nearly through until it struck slarge spike six inches long and as big as a mans finger, which had been driven into the tree when young and was probably used for attaching Aunt Lois clothes-line years ago. MT Hurlburt backed out and threw off the log and was obliged to quit work until he could rig up with new set of teeth. This makes the second or third time the same trouble has happened. This proves that old Shade trees make ex- pensive sawmill logs.
 The Congregational church has been treated to fresh coat of paint by George Roe. The job has been nicely finished and is striking improvement. The brickwork has been treated to a coat of gray color, which is intended to preserve the walls. The window frames, coping and cornices have been striped with white, which gives the structure fine appearance,
 The sporting men of the town have purchased quail which will be let loose in favorite localities to breed next summer. There are number of flocks of quail scattered about the town which were left over from last fall $ shooting. Report says, ~that Cortez Smith has sold his gun and will pur- chase a new pattern for use next fall. It is remarkable how shortsmen' $ minds change in reference to the weight of sporting guns. Twenty-Five years ago sportsmen used 10 or F bore, weighing 10 pounds or more. The craze last fall was for six pound gun, 16 bore. The old gun is called a cannon nowadays.
 Cornelius Judd trapped very large mink near Ivy Island, last week. The pelt is an unusually fine dark color. Muskrat belts will be in their prime next month and will then bring the best prices.
 Winthrop Bassett and Frank Ferry killed gray fox, last Saturday, near Wolf Swamp. They emptied three barrels before they became sure he was dead fox and not shamming.
 Coal is selling for SS.50 per ton. Wood is still in good demand
 George Pierson is taking orders for peach trees; thinks it's better:than do- ing nothing. He expects there will be good trade for mapped bonnets again next summer.
 The trolley line was stalled Tuesday 0n0nI1nf nf storm.
 Edgar T. Andrews sent man and horse out to clear the sidewalks early Tuesday morning. The snow lay level about the borough.
 MT and Mrs Charles Ridge and fam ily, who have been under the doctors care, are now out of danger and inn proving.
 The Current Events club met with Mrs George A. Shepard, Monday af- ternoOn.
 John Williamson of Cornell college is visiting at his home on Grassy Plain street.
 Mrs Willis Judd and son are visiting in New York and Philadelphia.
 Many of the Bethel teachers will at tend the reception and social to be given by the Danbury Teachers asso- citation, in the Y. M. c. A. parlors, Friday evening.
 Harry Kyle, who has been employed as express messenger on the New York division of the Consolidated road, has returned to Bethel.
 The B. G. L. s. will meet with Miss Edith Barnum, Friday evening.
 William Ohlweiler entertained the roembers of his class at High school,