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Show Connecticut Village Gives ld Settler' Party, Town's Key NORTH STAMFORD, Conn.-The community of North Stamford turned out recently to celebrate Old Settlers Day and to pay honor to "Uncle John" Saunders, 88-year-old proprietor of the general store and one of the few remaining old settlers. set-tlers. People came from far and wide to wish "Uncle John" good luck. But for the old merchant It was business as usual during the morning. morn-ing. In the afternoon he closed shop and joined the festivities. In the evening the front porch of the store was converted to a stage for speeches and the presentation of the key to North Stamford to "Uncle John." The square in front of the store was roped off for the ceremonies and square dancing. Proceeds of the Old Settlers Fair were set aside for the repair of the North Stamford community house which was erected in 1926 by Charles D. Lockwood in memory of his parents. A $5,000 endowment had been insufficient to meet the cost of the building's upkeep. The dancing modern and square with two bands, lasted until mlcf night. A chicken barbecue was the suppertime highlight. "Uncle John," blinking at the electric lights in the square, commented com-mented "It was just like Times Square." He had boarded up the front of his store to protect the place, just in case things got out of hand. Residents of North Stamford and area had contributed home-made cakes, vegetables, flowers and other items for the booths in the community hall. As for the dancing, "Uncle John" wasn't much interested. "Dancing was different in my day," he said. "We came with our boots well polished and when we put our arms around our partner, our hands were covered with a silk handkerchief handker-chief so as not to soil her gown." Most of the 26 descendents of the town's original settlers were on hand for the festivities. |