Description

by Daniel Cruson

Newtown was founded in 1705 and developed with twin economic engines of agriculture and industry until the 20th century. In this, Newtown is similar to most of Connecticut’s inland towns., but a number of unique citizens made the town distinctive with its own culture that is subtly different from all of the surrounding towns. This book focuses on approximately 80 people who have been instrumental in this distinctive economic and cultural development from the earliest part of its three century history to the present. A over a third of these people were responsible for the modern development of the town.

Each of the portraits have been grouped into areas of accomplishment from those who founded the towns earliest institutions to the agriculturists who gave the town its rural flavor. It also introduces those who were so important to establishing educational and religious institutions, tending to the residents health needs, supplying jobs and providing the necessities of life that could not be made at home even with the populations fabled Yankee ingenuity.

Newtown also became a haven for writers, artists, and performers, especially in the 20th century and many of these contributed to the unique nature of the town. A special section is devoted to these talented people. Another section is devoted to those who talent was manifest in their physical prowess and those who were responsible for developing that prowess. Since every town has its special treasured characters, a final section looks at them.

Overall the book looks at the special talents and accomplishments that makes these people legendary. They will be presented in portrait form or in the context in which their legendary nature emerged. In addition, over 45 vintage photos, many published here for the first time, are included to show how the town served as the setting for the development of legendary locals.