Republican farmer., 1919-03-28
GROCERY
 CHANGES OWNERS
Once They Sold "Rum" There, the Old New Eng
 land Kind.
Especial to The Times.)

Stratford, March 27-One of the important business changes which is to take place in this town in the near future is the retirement from business of Miss SaIlie Welles, who has con ducted the WelIes grocery at Hards' corner for a number of years. The business is to be leased by William H. Fryer, who has been the manager Of the store for the past few years and he will conduct it from May 1.
 This store which is one of the old est stores in the town of Stratford, is in a building that is historic The store was conducted at the time of the Revolution as a country grocery store and rum was sold there as was customary in all stores of that kind. Many years ago the upstairs of the building was used by the Masonic lodge as a lodge room and some of the real old members of the order in this section Of thee ountry can re- member the meetings that ere held there when the Master sat in the east.
 The grocery store at this corner ale ways enjoyed a good trade and the proprietors have all prospered. The store was conducted by Edward WelIes for a number of years up to his death when it was taken over by his sister. MT. Welles was one of the leading Democrats of Stratford and was postmaster for a term. r. William Fryer, who is to take over this store, is a lifelong resident of Stratford, a member of the leading fraternities and @ man who has all ways taken a keen interest in the af- fairs, which were for the best in the town. He for a number of years was a member of the library board and of the finance board. All his friends which include the entire town will wish him success in his venture
 Tonight at 8 o'clock the voters who have assembled in the town hall will be called to order for the special town meeting to decide as to whether or not a. special tax is laid to pay for the building of extra, feet of concrete on Barnum avenue will be called to or der by Town Clerk Harold Lowell As there seems to be an added interest in the affairs of the town by the average voter a large attendance is expected at this meeting. The opinion about town seems to be that the extra tax for this work will be voted but not without the usual discussion over the condi- ton of the streets of the town in gen. eraI-
 
 Sented to the voters is to add an ex- tTa three feet on each side of Barnurn avenue from the top of the hill to the Bridgeport line which will make a width of concrete of F feet, the state highway department putting in nine feet. This will make if the proposed curb line is made a distance from the outer trolley rail to the gutter of 16 feet, giving ample room for two auto mobiles to pass at the side of Q. trolley car Only one foot extra on each side Is to be asked from the top of the hill to Main street and no curb line is to be established east of the top of the hill
 It is also expected that Rarn1In, avenue will be widened at Main street so that a sidewalk can be built.
 Captain Frank Coley gave a very interesting, talk o41 the formation of rocks at the truck house Tuesday af- ternoon. Captain CoIey who has prob ably travelled about the world more i than any other man in Stratford is very well versed in matters of all kinds and when some discussions arise among the firemen he is usually asked to give his opinion. His talk on the. formation of rocks Tuesday was worthy of a much larger audience. Constable Edward Manchester. who was among those who listened to the talk of the captain, told of the big gest thing in a church which was appreciated by all and added to the entertainment of the afternoon. Chief of Police William Nichols motored to Danbury on Tuesday. Mrs. E. H. Churchill has returne ed | to her home on Long Brook avenue after Q visit with relatives at Hart 1 ford.
 1 Leon Osborn of F'airview avenue. l spent Tuesday in New York city. Harry Hull of Beardsley avenue. i who has been confined to his homo 1 for a week with illness is now able to 1 get out of doors.
 Miss Esther Beck Of Brooklyn. has l been visiting Mrs. Henry Reed of l Lewis street.