The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1937-01-01
Greatest New Years
Eve Celebration In
History OF Waterbury
Thousands Throng City's Street. Giving Vent to
Exnberance as Chimes Announce the Passing Of
Old Year-Numerous Parties Add to Gaiety

Waterbury ushered out the old
year and welcomed In the new year
at midnight last night in a tradi-
tional and enthusiastic manner.
Amidst the blowing Of horns, the
shouts Of welcome, the music Of
dance bands, the city saw a new and
brighter year ushered In and greeted
1t heartily although, at the same
time, giving the expiring 1885 credit
for being a much happier one than
many Of its preceding Brethren.
The year 1887 Is looked to on an
even more optimistic basis.
IL O'Clock!
Hundreds Of Waterburians
tramped through the central streets
Of the city at midnight last night
las the hour that passed out the old
year and marked the beginning Of
q new one arrived. Automobile horns
footed, factory whistles blew, the
chimes in st. Johns steeple sounded.
Everybody stood still for q minute
and then gave way to wave Of
hilarity.
This was also the order Of the
minute and the hour in every hotel
and inn In and near Waterbury. AS
the midnight hour arrived everybody
stood, drank a toast to the "old man
1895" and welcomed "kid 1897. Ho-
tells and inns In this vicinity re-
ported capacity business last
night. In many instances 1t was
necessary TO turn down requests for
reservations.
Today stores, banks and public
buildings were closed in observance
Of New Years day. Factories were
running practically as usual.
House Parties
Many house parties were enjoyed
last night. In addition many frater-
nal and veterans organizations
marked the arrival Of the New Year
with appropriate programs. Sheri-
dan council, Knights Of Columbus,
sponsored party at the club rooms
on North Main street. The grand
march was led by Charles J. Ban
non and Miss Anna Kennedy. The
committee on arrangements includ-
ed Frank Butler, Raymond Lyman,
John McKenna, Earl Colson, Edward
Green. Joseph Robinson, Nicholas
Rinaldi, Chris Hanley, Joseph Caro-
Ian, Thomas Scadden, George DAILY.
Walter Pitcavage. Thomas Egan,
jeremiah Kenney, John p. Martin,
Charles J. Bannon, Thomas Phelan
and James j. Kelly.
Lord Kitchener post, British War
Veterans, held open house at its
headquarters on Bank street. A pro-
gram OF entertainment was pre-
sented by Mrs. Nellie Eyeman, Miss
Jean Marshall, Walter Lilliot, David
Gowans, the post Glee club and
others.
Excursion
A total Of 1923 Waterburians
went to New York on the excursion
train Of the New Haven road and
arrived back In Waterbury early this
morning. They reported that they
had an ideal time.
Midnight shows were also heavily
patronized last night and the Con.
necticut Railway and Lighting COM
pany cooperated by keeping special
buses on duty after the usual mid
night hour to carry the patrons OF
the theaters back home. Today
Sunday schedules were In effect on
all local lines.
Many churches last night con-
Quoted special midnight services.
This morning thousands and thou
sands Of Waterburians attended
masses In all Of the local Catholic
churches.
Moose Lodge
Dictator and Mrs. Harry T.
Hubert led the procession at the
annual New Years Eve party Of
the Moose lodge last night In Moose
hall. Vincent Palladino sang sew
eral vocal selections.