James H. Hackert and Salvatore Monti, who were in the real estate business together, contracted to purchase, for an undisclosed amount, the Main and Catoonah Street property of Jesse Lee Memorial Methodist Church, the April 18, 1965, Press reported. They had not decided what disposition to make of the church building, not then in use, but they said they would convert the former parsonage adjoining it into a professional building. The new owners said they would move their real estate office into their new building. Mr. Monti described plans for the church as “uncertain.” He said it would be available to any religious organization that might be interested. The stately spired wood-frame church overlooking town hall had been erected in 1841 and “modernized” in 1883.
The town’s commuters using the New Haven Railroad were practically assured of at least 18 more months of continued service when the state governments of New York and Connecticut and the trustees of the bankrupt line agreed on a $4.5-million aid program at a meeting in Gov. Rockefeller’s office in New York City. The federal government was to contribute a total of $43 million for formal approval of the program.
It appeared that Ridgefield’s new junior high school would cost up to a quarter of a million dollars more than the 1963 building committee and its architects had estimated. Morganti Inc. of Ridgefield was the low bidder at $2,559,000. That construction price plus other expenses brought the total school cost up to $3,167,000. The committee had previously estimated $2.8 million.
A self-improvement charm course for teenagers began under the tutelage of Mrs. William Rock of the Americo Charm School at the home of Mrs. C.F. Meffley. Mrs. Rock, a graduate of English schools and London University, began teaching grooming, poise, wardrobe, etiquette, personality development, and self-confidence. The course was designed to help girls make a graceful transition into womanhood.
The Ridgefield Playhouse on Prospect Street featured Becket with Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole.
Marian Anderson’s farewell concert at Carnegie Hall that April was graced by a laurel wreath from another retired star — Geraldine Farrar of Ridgefield. Miss Farrar, the first American soprano ever to be engaged by the Metropolitan Opera Company, retired from the concert stage in 1931 after establishing a reputation as the foremost singer of her day.
Tode’s Inn, now the site of Bernard’s on West Lane, and which touted itself as “Connecticut’s Most Honored Restaurant,” featured a light luncheon special, Blinis à la Reine, for $2. For those seeking a more substantial lunch, it also offered giant Monsa shrimps. A complimentary Swiss fondue was available between 4 and 6 p.m. Additional appetizers included smoked fresh Scottish salmon, fresh Beluga caviar and smoked Colorado trout.
Property transfers recorded by Town Clerk Ruth Herzeler between April 8 and April 16, 1965, included the transfer of 2.670 acres on Main Street by chef John C. and Victoria Scala to the Elms Inn with buildings.
Ridgefield Press cub reporter Chip Landon covered the 6-1 baseball opening season blowout of the Ridgefield High School Tigers to defending WCC champs Joel Barlow. Ridgefield High School pitcher Chip Bliss had to be relieved by Phil Mitchell, and the usual starters, Rick Miller, Mike O’Gorman, Rudy Marconi, Brad Mortensen, Rich Dingee, Rick Karwoski, and Eddie Rosenberg, never found home plate. Ridgefield’s only run was scored by Chip Landon, who made it home on a single by Rick Miller.