Schools

Contest to Commemorate 75th Anniversary of Southbury Saying No to Nazis

Essay contest open to middle and high school students.

The committee formed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Southbury saying no to the Nazi-German American Bund has announced an essay contest open to middle and high school students.

2012 marks the 75th anniversary of the town of Southbury putting a halt to the establishment of a Nazi training camp in Kettletown.  In 1937, the German- American Bund bought 178 acres in the Kettletown section of Southbury to use as a retreat and training camp.

Leaders and residents of the small 1,200-person town were outraged. Led by two pastors, residents organized and protested, and the town passed its first zoning law, outlawing use of land in Southbury for paramilitary training. Stories about the Bund’s defeat in Southbury received national attention.

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To commemorate this event local students are encouraged to write an essay on the importance of civic action in our society today.

The essay should be between 500 – 750 words, typed and double spaced. The essay should include a cover sheet with the student’s name, grade, school and contact information.  The student’s name should not appear anywhere on the essay.

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Submissions must arrive at the Selectman’s Office by Thursday, Nov. 1. Submission should be sent to:

The Commemoration Committee Essay Contest
c/o The First Selectman’s Office
501 Main Street South
Southbury, CT 06488 

Winners will be notified on Monday, Nov. 12. All winning students will be recognized during the 75th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Nov. 18 at the Heritage Hotel & Conference Center.


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