New Britain herald., 1930-12-31
YEAR 1880 PROVES
 EVEN7fUL PERl0D
Many Steps Taken Toward Civic
 Improvement Here
1881 LOOKS PROMISING
Chamber of Commerce Meeting Watch Night Services ill Churches Action Brought Against Local Couple.


 A review Of the year 1880 shows that Plainvillc took great strides for ward by means of many civic im- provements despite the business de- pression that existed here as in other parts of the country. The highlight Of the year was the start Of work on the construction of a s50,000 li- trary building, a long needed ne- cessity in this town.
 The first step towards civic pro- gross was taken early in the year when special town meeting was held to discuss the sanitary sewers with the state health department. A committee of Plainvillc residents made an extensive study of the mat ter. In addition, peddlers' laws were established and a zoning commission appointed by the Selectmen. The town plan commission accepted a large number of streets and estab- llshed many street and veranda lines. A new heating plant was es- tablished in the Broad street school and numerous repairs made during the summer to all the schools. A committee was appointed by the Chamber of Commerce to formulate plans for the organization of a small claims court. Last, but not least. was the organization of q, central unemployment bureau to bring re- lief to the needy of the town. Many ether matters that tended to push the town forward were accom- plished during the year.
 Grand List Increases
 The total Of the grand list was 510.220, 70S, an increase of three per cent over the previous years. As usual the Trumbull Electric Mfg. Co. headed the list, while Henry Trum- bull was the highest individual tax payer on the list.
 Eight Violent Deaths
 During the year there were eight violent deaths, an increase of four over 1929. Three met death through drowning while five other victims were claimed through suicide, alco- holic and gas poisoning, and auto and trolley accidents,
 Many of the towns oldest resi- dents died during the year. A re- view of the vital statistics shows that 45 residents over the age Of 60 years passed away. This was al most half of the entire death list for the year. Many sudden deaths were recorded.
 Among those who passed away were William $. Vance, 43. prom inent Odd Fellow; Norman C.. Sprague, prominent Mason; Theo- dorc Derby, 71, veteran railroad worker; Roma C. Barrett, long asso- Ciatcd with the Odd Fellows and the railroad; Mrs. Emma Woodford, 15; Miss Ann Brock. 90; Laust NJ. Laur- idscn. q; Mrs. Elizabeth B. Eaton. 8l; Mrs. Frances Peck, S9; Frances Ferrero, 33; George |. Andrews, 1O; Mrs. Ella L. Lewis, 62; Mrs. Mary E. Barrett, SY; Stewart Bloodgood, CT; Mrs. Louis A. Ryder, 76: John J. kimmel, former first sclectnan, 60; Mrs. Charles Greene, 80; Mrs. Rosa t. Dart, J3; James W. Hal sted. S5, Civil war veteran; and many other well known residents.
 Although only one death from automobiles occurred here, about 50 rcrsons received more or less serl- ous injuries in accidents. About 20 required hospital attention.
 Two New Clcreymcn
 Two changes were made in the paE- forates of tho local churches dur ing the year. Rev. William r. kil- Coync Of Waterbury Was appointed pastor of the Church of Our Lady Of Mercy 10 succeed Rev. John l.. Fay, At the Ecdccmers A, NJ. F, Zion church Rev. r. L, StaDdifer was chosen pastor to take the place ot Ecv. A. A. Perry.
 Near- Upset In Politics
 The year 19S0 witnessed two stun