Currently viewing the tag: "March 1948 – 75 Years Ago"

by James Rada, Jr.

March 1923, 100 Years Ago

Chloroform Destroyed

About 1000 cans of chloroform, seized by Federal agents because it was below standard, were destroyed Saturday by deputies from the office of W. W. Stockman, United States Marshal. The chloroform was said to be valued at approximately $10,000.

The cans were taken to a dump on Ridgely Street, Baltimore, where each can was opened with a hatchet and the contents poured out.

About 700 cans, seized at Hagerstown and other county towns, were destroyed earlier in the week.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, March 29, 1923

Ring Off

We have just come from an attempted conversation over the telephone. **!!?-**!-‘!!

We were receiving information for publication when—bur-r-r goes the phone in our ear, a third party removes the receiver and listens to our very polite “line’s busy.” Mr. Third Party immediately “hangs up” and – bur-r-r-r-r-r- again he hears our polite explanation that the “line’s busy.” T. P. “hangs up” again and immediately—bur-r-r-r-r-

Our explanation of “line’s busy” became less polite as the unwarranted rudeness of Mr. T. P. continued until we finally called a recess of 15 minutes in order to permit the rude and ill-bred Mr. T. P. to inquire the price of bathing suits in Iceland.

The telephone porker is one of the species that is protected by the S. P. C. A. Too bad—too bad!

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, March 29, 1923

March 1948, 75 Years Ago

Charter Night Of Thurmont Lions Is Held

Approximately 150 members and guests were dined and entertained Tuesday evening at the nineteenth charter and ladies’ night of Thurmont Lions Club. Nine charter members were introduced and had a carnation pinned upon them by the wife of the district governor.

                                          – Frederick News, March 10, 1948

Citizens’ Meeting Is Sparsely Attended

Thurmont officials were rather disappointed Tuesday night when but few of the citizens attended a special meeting of the Commissioners, called to discuss matters considered of importance to all of the residents. Citizens in attendance were few and far between, the officials said. The round-table discussion centered largely around the operation of parking meters. Businessmen in attendance expressed the general belief that the meters have benefitted business in the town. Voices were divided as to whether the meter fee should be charged after 6 o’clock in the evening on week-days. The meters are in service now to 8 p.m. on week-days and to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.  

                                          – Frederick News, March 24, 1948

March 1973, 50 Years Ago

Donkey Ball Comes To Catoctin

Donkey Ball, the world’s craziest sport, comes to Catoctin High School on Saturday, March 10. This basketball game played from the backs of trained Donkeys, is re[p]uted to be wilder than a rodeo and funnier than a circus.

For the game the Booster Club has obtained the services of the nationally known Buckey Donkey Ball Co., Columbus, Ohio.

All local riders will be used for the exhibition and the local players have gone into serious training for the big event. The Booster Club, who will compete, have announced that the players are on strict diet of Mothers Oats and raw carrots.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 1, 1973

Resort Development Rumors Confirmed By County Board

Rumors of a resort development in the Emmitsburg area were confirmed by the County Board of Appeals Tuesday. Viking Ventures, whose president is Sheldon G. Erickson, has applied for a permit to construct a building of 250,000 square feet.

The resort will include 325 units or rooms, restaurant, golf course, tennis courts swimming pool and conference rooms.

The proposed $11 million development is on the north side of Hampton Valley Road, a 1,000 acre parcel which adjoins Emmitsburg just north of the Mount and stretches north to Charnita. A public hearing on the proposed development is scheduled for March.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 1, 1973

March 1998, 25 Years Ago

Mayor Carr Seeks Third Term

Emmitsburg Mayor William H. Carr announced this week his intention to seek a third term as mayor of Emmitsburg in the upcoming April town election.

“The town is beginning to ‘turn the corner’ and I would like to see some of the important projects through to completion,” said Carr.

                                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, March 1998

Library Volunteers Recognized for Long and Productive Service

Members of the library staff, library advisory board, and volunteers gathered in February to salute and honor the service of three significant people associated with the Emmitsburg Library: Mary Hoke, Sheila Chatlos, and Francis Smith.

…Mary Hoke is being honored for serving the Emmitsburg library for 68 years of service; as librarian, secretary/treasurer, and treasurer of the Library Board.… Sheila Chatlos became associated with the Library Board in 1961 serving as secretary until her retirement in 1997…. “You have to be careful not to miss meetings,” said retiring president Francis Smith. “Ten years ago, I missed the second meeting of my association with the library and was elected president.”

                                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, March 1998