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Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

February 1922, 100 Years Ago

Rabbits Imported

Dr. J. A. O’Toole has been notified that he may expect to receive within the next few days, a shipment of 50 cotton tail rabbits for distribution in this section. About 3,600 rabbits were being purchased by the State Game Department of Maryland to replenish the supply which was greatly depleted during the open season just past. They will come by express from Kinsley, Kansas.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 23, 1922

District Meeting

A fairly large number of the citizens of Thurmont and the surrounding district met in the community club room on Friday evening to talk over the matter of changing the name of Mechanicstown District to “Thurmont District.”

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 23, 1922

February 1947, 75 Years Ago

Slow Progress Is Made By Crewmen

Mr. Mantz said in the past, most trouble has been encountered on the Frederick-Middletown line. The [snow] drifts on the Thurmont line are considered the worst in the history of that branch.

                                          – Frederick Post, February 26, 1947

Normal Traffic Is Restored On H. & F. Thurmont Line as Pennsy Plow Removes Drifts

Normal traffic was resumed Thursday afternoon over the Frederick-Thurmont branch of the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway after an 85-ton Pennsylvania Railroad plow was employed to break the huge drifts that had closed the branch since Monday. Regularly scheduled cars were moving over the branch Thursday night, assuring that early morning mail movements will return to normal here today.

– Frederick Post, February 28, 1947

February 1972, 50 Years Ago

Winter Festival Draws Over 5,000 Visitors To Park

Over five thousand visitors to Round Meadow Camp in the Catoctin Mountain Park made the first Winter Weekend Festival, sponsored by the Catoctin Mountain Tourist Council and the Park, a huge success Sunday, February 6. Outdoor enthusiasts from a wide radius, including Frederick, Washington, Baltimore, neighboring counties, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, crowded into the area.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 11, 1972

Fort Ritchie Invites Public To Theatre

We’re off to see the Wizard! The public is invited to join the Fort Ritchie Children’s Theatre Company as it embarks on its first production, “The Wizard Of Oz.”

Saturday matinees on February 19 and 26 will be staged at the post Teen Club (Building 160) at 2 p.m.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 17, 1972

February 1997, 25 Years Ago

Fire At Creekside Apartments Forces Evacuation of 12 Families

Residents of the Creekside Apartments in Emmitsburg were forced to evacuate their building early Sunday evening, January 26, by a fire that caused an estimated $125,000 damage.

The fire started in a basement utility room where an electrical short in a circuit breaker panel ignited framing inside a wall. Flames quickly spread up the three floors of the 12-unit building and into the attic.

Firefighters from nine companies in Adams, Frederick, and Carroll counties responded to the alarm at 100 Creekside Drive. “It was the first multiple alarm in Emmitsburg for some years,” said Wayne Powell, Public Information Officer of the Vigilant Hose Company.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1997

Four Points Bridge Restoration Okayed

The Frederick County Board of Commissioners voted at its January 14 meeting to continue with the restoration of the troubled Four Points Bridge.

The commissioners accepted by a 4 to 1 vote the recommendations of the staff of the Department of Public Works. The dissenting vote cast by Commissioner Rhoderick was principally aimed at giving one more opportunity to be heard to citizens who could not attend the 8:00 a.m. meeting.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1997

Once Upon A Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

January 1922, 100 Years Ago

Amrs Broken

Last Friday Leslie W. Fox, of Rocky Ridge, sustained a compound fracture of the left forearm, a broken bone in the left hand, right forearm broken, right hand badly bruised and contusions on both legs. He was in the employ of the Emmitsburg R. R. Co., and was helping to load a barrel of molasses on the Emmitsburg car. The plank slipped from the floor of the car throwing Mr. Fox to the ground and the barrel on top of him. He said, “I landed flat on my back and saw the barrel coming for my head and threw up both hands. It struck on my stomach and my hands under it and from there it rolled down my legs and off my feet.”

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, January 9, 1922

Annan Residence of Emmitsburg Destroyed By Fire

“Craggystone” the beautiful residence of Mr. Isaac M. Annan, at upper West Main street, with the exception of the four stone walls, was completely destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning.

Smoke and flames were noticed coming from the roof by some of the help around the Annan place and immediately a hurried call was put in for the fire company. The women help around the Hotel Slagle rushed one of the fire reels that has been stationed in the Hotel garage to the scene of the fire but before the firemen could get the hose in order the flames had made considerable headway. It was not long before the entire population of the community was on hand to give assistance and some good work was done in saving some of the furniture and household goods especially on the first floor. The fire had eaten in too far on the second and third floors to save little or anything.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, January 26, 1922

January 1947, 75 Years Ago

At Tractor School

Frank Long, Thurmont and Arthur Graham, Walkersville, will today enter the four-day, tractor maintenance school held annually at College Park. The two Frederick County 4-H Club youths were selected for the intensive training on upkeep of vital farm machinery because of outstanding interests displayed by them in this field. Skilled mechanics of an oil company will conduct the training of 4-H County leaders, assisted by instructors from the University of Maryland Extension service.

                                          – Frederick Post, January 23, 1947

To Install Meters

Installation of parking meters in Thurmont has been authorized by the town board, Mayor Omer J. Dubel announced. Approximately 75 meters will be ordered and will be installed within 10 days in all four directions from the square. The move was taken by the board to relieve parking conditions. The meters are similar to those ordered for Brunswick and there will be no cash outlay for them. They are installed on a pay-as-you-go basis on nine-months’ trial.

                                          – Frederick News, January 20, 1947

January 1972, 50 Years Ago

Early Mail Pickup Stops In Square

Effective Saturday, January 8, 1972, the early morning pick-up of mail from the collection box on the Square in Emmitsburg, will be discontinued.

This service was initiated many years ago, when the Post Office Department used Railway and Highway Post Office conveyances, and therefore many dispatches were made during the day and night.

With reorganization, the new United States Postal Service discontinued the Highway Post Offices and also many Railway Post Offices, reduced the number of dispatches per day, uses faster transportation between Sectional Centers and uses better mail processing techniques.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 6, 1972

Carroll Newcomer First Native In Town To Receive Boy Scout Eagle Award

Carroll E. “Skip” Newcomer, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll E. Newcomer, North Seton Avenue, will be presented with the Eagle Scout Award on Sunday, January 16. Skip is the first Emmitsburg native from Troop 284 ever to receive this distinction.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 13, 1972

January 1997, 25 Years Ago

Floodproofing Plan to be Presented at Town Meeting

The Town Council will hear a report of the county’s floodproofing protection plan for Emmitsburg at the town meeting on Monday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m., at the town office.

Alan Hudak, bureau chief of Frederick County’s highways and transportation, will discuss proposed county recommendations to help protect the Emmitsburg area from floodwaters. The floodproofing plan comes after severe flooding occurred in the area in June and a task force was formed to look at ways to avoid future problems.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1997

No Plastic in Our Town!

This season the lovely traditional decorations appeared again as if by magic on the lamp posts along Main Street, complimenting the charm of Emmitsburg. In their usual efficient manner the annual gathering of the “Christmas Elves,” under the admonition—“There shall be no plastic in our town”—made quick work of assembling the swags of evergreens and bright red bows. Bless them all…every one.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1997

Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

December 1921, 100 Years Ago

Lookout Tower At Pen-Mar

The joint contract between the Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake and Potomac Company of Maryland and the forestry departments of the two States for the equipment and use of Mt. Quirauk, near Pen-Mar Park, as an observation forest fire tower and for the connecting of the two telephone systems mentioned has been signed and an order given to the Waynesboro exchange to proceed at once with the line construction.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, December 1, 1921

Want New State Road

Residents of Hauvers and Mechanicstown districts want the State Roads Commission to take over the road running from Thurmont to Blue Ridge Summit. Delegations from these districts appeared before the Board of County Commissioners yesterday and urged the members to use their influence in having the road made into a state highway.

Dr. Morris Birely, Thurmont, and Dr. Victor Cullen, of the State Sanitarium, Sabillasville, spokesmen for the delegation, urged upon the commissioners the importance of the highway. It is part of the main highway from Washington and Baltimore to Pen-Mar and also to the State Sanitarium, it was shown. It is used very largely, especially during the summer months, by tourists from Washington and Baltimore traveling to and from Pen-Mar or the State Sanitarium, is was claimed.                                         

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, December 15, 1921

December 1946, 75 Years Ago

2 Gunmen Stage County Holdup

Two gunmen held up the Grand View service station about midway between Thurmont and Emmitsburg, around 11 o’clock Friday night and escaped with approximately $40 in cash. State Police were informed.

                                          – Frederick Post, December 23, 1946

Dog Bites Boy

Little Joey Harbaugh, young son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Harbaugh, Thurmont, had the misfortune to be bitten in the eye by a neighborhood dog while visiting his aunt, Mrs. Louise C. Kelly, recently. He was given immediate first aid by Mrs. Kelly while awaiting the arrival of Dr. M. F. Birely. It was found that the sight was not injured, but several stitches were necessary to close the wound around the eye.

                                          – Frederick Post, December 16, 1946

December 1971, 50 Years Ago

Cub Scouts Sing For Senior Citizens

Cub Scouts from Den One and Den Two had a fun-filled evening on Tuesday as they sang Christmas carols to local residents and then stopped for a visit at the Senior Citizens Center, where the traditional holiday dinner was under way. As the Senior Citizens continued to enjoy their delicious meal, the young Cubs sang some of their Christmas favorites.                                            

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, December 21, 1971

Tourist Council Discusses Program

The Catoctin Mountain Tourist Council held its monthly membership meeting at Charnita on December 16. After a very delightful meal, Council President Don Currier called the meeting to order. Mr. Currier’s main topic of discussion was the Council’s proposed program for 1972.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, December 30, 1971

December 1996, 25 Years Ago

Streets and Transportation Committee Presses for Solution to Intersection Hazards

State Highway Administration representative John Concannon met with the Streets and Transportation Committee November 20 to discuss the results of the recent SHA traffic survey and steps to a solution to the perceived hazards at the Silo Hill Road and Route 140 intersection.

According to Concannon, traffic volume through the intersection only partially meets the SHA mandated criteria for the installation of a traffic signal.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, December 1996

Residents Give Commissioners an Earful at Town Meeting

“I think it’s ludicrous” and “You’re opening a can of worms” were some of the phrases heard at Monday night’s Town Meeting during the spirited discussion concerning the proposed Noise Ordinance 96-11.

…

Following the discussion, Mayor Carr said he felt the mandate was clear and recommended the council withdraw the ordinance. The commissioners voted 3-0 in favor of withdrawing it. Commissioner Gingell abstained. He told the council he was sorry he ever brought up the idea of a noise ordinance, which he hoped would help curtail truck and vehicle noise. “We started 5 years ago and we haven’t gotten anywhere with it. Truck and vehicle noise is not even mentioned in this latest ordinance.”

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, December 1996

Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

November 1921, 100 Years Ago

All Hallows’ Eve Party

Mrs. Luther Rouzer, Mrs. William Stoner and Mrs. Wm. M. Martin gave a surprise party Tuesday evening at the home of Mrs. Stoner for Mrs. E. B. Sefton, who will leave in a few days for her new home in Hagerstown. The spacious rooms were beautifully decorated with ferns, pumpkins, lanterns and candelabra, and the ghosts of departed spirits floating around were very much in evidence. The witches, too, were abroad and used their brooms to good advantage. The ladies were all in costume suitable for an evening spent with the prince of darkness, his imps and the spirits of the visible and invisible worlds, and this added much to the mysteries and weirdness of the occasion.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, November 3, 1921

New Engine

The new oil burning engine for the electric power plant is being placed in position. The transfer of the engine from the railroad to the power house was a well executed piece of work. It weighs ten tons, and it was taken from the car, loaded on a truck, hauled to the power house and deposited on the ground in three hours without the slightest mishap or near-accident. The work was done by Mr. Chas. A. Collins of Frederick City, who furnished the truck and superintended the moving, with the help of seven men.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, November 3, 1921

November 1946, 75 Years Ago

Gray Brothers Have Bad Week-End Along Highway

It was a bad week-end for Roger and Martin Luther Gray, brothers of near Thurmont.

Roger, said by State Police to have been slightly intoxicated, wandered onto Route 15 near Hoover’s cabins, south of Thurmont, about 8:30 o’clock Saturday. Brought to the Frederick City Hospital with scalp injuries and a possible skull fracture, he was discharged Sunday to return home.

Sunday night, brother Martin Luther Gray was treated at the hospital for a scalp injury and placed in jail to await trial on drunken driving and failing to keep to the right of the highway charges.

                                          – Frederick Post, November 4, 1946

Thurmont Man Badly Injured

Master Sergeant Edward Maurice Baltzell, of Thurmont, is recuperating at the Army Medical Center, Carlisle, Pa., from serious injuries sustained November 9 when the automobile he was driving was struck by another car about four miles north of Emmitsburg. M Sgt. Baltzell suffered a punctured lung, six broken ribs and multiple cuts and bruises. He will probably be hospitalized two months.

          – Frederick Post, November 19, 1946

November 1971, 50 Years Ago

Thurmont Colts Win League Title

The Thurmont Colts became the Champions of the Mountain Valley Midget Football League last Sunday by beating Ft. Ritchie 6-0 in the Halloween Bowl at Catoctin High School field. Each team had won its respective division title before the playoff. The winner was presented the Dr. Thomas Love Memorial Trophy before a crowd of about 900 people.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, November 4, 1971

Three School Plans Offered For Study

The three plans for the development of the Emmitsburg Elementary School and Community Center site discussed last week by the Citizens Advisory Committee, working with the Frederick County Board of Education, were presented Wednesday at Winchester Hall to the Frederick County Commissioners, the Board of Education and Emmitsburg Commissioners. George Bushey and Jack Burry, Hagerstown architects, presented the plans with estimated costs of each. Plan 3 was estimated at 1.7 million, plans 1 & 2 were estimated at 1.62 million. The advantages and disadvantages were discussed and questions were raised. No decision was reached.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, November 18, 1971

November 1996, 25 Years Ago

Ambulance Company Plans For The Future

The Emmitsburg Ambulance Company is looking at ways to plan for the increased demands for their services.

According to Tom Topper, chief of the company, the number of calls have doubled in the last year, putting more and more miles on their mobile units and requiring the purchase of a new vehicle.

Mandates required by federal agencies, such as changes in procedures and facilities to handle infectious diseases (i.e., shower facilities) must be met, and facilities to accommodate the increasing number of women now serving with the company must be considered.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, November 1996

Former Resident Deputy Returns to Emmitsburg

Emmitsburg has received a new resident deputy from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department. DFC Denny Derry is the town’s new deputy but is familiar to most residents in town because he was assigned to Emmitsburg four years ago. DFC Derry said he wanted to come back to Emmitsburg because he loves the people and the town. DFC Derry replaces DFC Dave Hunter, who was reassigned when promoted to corporal with the Sheriff’s Department.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, November 1996

Once Upon A Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

October 1921, 100 Years Ago

New Ice Machine

Wisotzkey Bros. are installing another ice making and refrigerating machine. …

It is a Frick machine and it will make two tons of ice every twenty-four hours, and at the same time take care of the hardening and cold storage rooms.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, October 27, 1921

Large Pepper

Mrs. H. C. Foreman brought to this office last week a large green pepper. It is formed of three peppers grown together; its largest circumference is fifteen inches and measures five inches from top to bottom.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, October 20, 1921

October 1946, 75 Years Ago

Rites For Admiral Waesche To Be Held Monday Afternoon

Admiral Russell Randolph Waesche, longtime commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, who died Thursday at Bethesda, was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Waesche of Thurmont, where he spent his boyhood days and received his scholastic education in the public schools. He left Thurmont in 1904 to enter the Coast Guard Academy and since has been stationed in many parts of the world.

                                          – Frederick News, October 18, 1946

Better Mail Service For North County

Residents of Emmitsburg, Rocky Ridge and other northern County communities will get better mail service after November 1 it was learned Thursday when Congressman J. Glenn Beall advised that the Postoffice Department extended to Thurmont the star-route from Emmitsburg to Emmitsburg Junction.

          – Frederick News, October 27, 1946

October 1971, 50 Years Ago

Firemen from Emmitsburg, East Berlin and Arendtsville won top trophy awards in the annual Adams County Fire Prevention Day program hosted by the Biglerville Fire Company at their fire hall last Sunday afternoon.

Approximately 500 persons attended the event in which 20 area fire companies participated.

Emmitsburg firemen won the first place trophy in the hook-up contest with the best time of 46 seconds.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 7, 1971

Break Ground For New Store Here

Central Maryland Corporation of Thurmont, Maryland, will break ground today, October 14, for a new High’s Dairy Products Store on Route 97, on the west end of Emmitsburg. The store will be owned by Central Maryland Corporation and operated by High’s, carrying over 2,000 convenience items, and opened from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 14, 1971

October 1996, 25 Years Ago

Town Meetings To Be Held At Community Center

Town Manager Yvette Semler has announced that monthly town meetings will now be held in the medial room at the Community Center on South Seton Avenue rather than the Town Office. This new arrangement begins with the October 7 meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. It was decided to make this move to better accommodate the increasing number of residents attending the meetings.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, October 1996

Renovation Of Community Center About To Begin

Several months ago a report on the Space Requirements and Building Evaluation on the Emmitsburg Community Center was presented to the Frederick County Services Division. The purpose was to identify the need to renovate and reconfigure the center and to plan for full and efficient utilization of the building in the future.

The wheels of government decision-making turn slowly, but now bids for the first phase of renovation will be let in October. Work is expected to begin somewhere around the 1st of February, 1997.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, October 1996

Once Upon A Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

September 1921, 100 Years Ago

Thurmont Wins Pennant

Well, fellows, it’s all over. The pennant race has closed and Thurmont is on top. The last game was played Monday at Middletown and the terrific slugging and excellent field by the Thurmont team brought home the “li’l old rag.”

The boys were in fine form and played a brilliant game. While no hair-raising plays were made, yet the playing was of the kind that demanded and held the interest of the many loyal Thurmont rooters.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, September 8, 1921

New State Road

Monday, the road leading from Lewistown to Creagerstown, which had been under construction for some time was thrown open to the public. The road is 4.88 miles long and is built of concrete.

The dirt shoulders on each side of the road have not been completed and work is still progressing on them but vehicles can now travel on the concrete portion of the highway.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, September 29, 1921

September 1946, 75 Years Ago

Dr. Cullen Quits Post As Head of State Sanitoria

Dr. Victor Francis Cullen, director of the state sanitoria for the tubercular, announced today his resignation effective next Jan. 1, exactly 39 years after he accepted the post.

The announcement was made by Dr. H. Warren Buckler, head of the Maryland Sanatorium Commission.

Dr. Cullen became superintendent of Sabillasville in 1908, when it was the only hospital of its kind in the state.

                                          – Hagerstown Morning Herald, September 7, 1946

Historic Mount Saint Mary’s College Has Largest Enrollment In Its History

Mount St. Mary’s college began its 139th year on Tuesday with the largest enrollment in its history.

A total of 597 students now attending classes at the famous institution has filled every room in its native stone buildings to capacity and has arranged for lodging some 40 of its men in private homes in Emmitsburg.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, September 20, 1946

September 1971, 50 Years Ago

Harry Hays Named Science Advisor

Dr. Harry Hays, brother of Mayor Samuel Hays of Emmitsburg, a U.S. Department of Agriculture expert on pesticides, has been named Science Advisor to Dr. George Irving, Jr., Administrator of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 2, 1971

Mount Has Success With Military Men

The Military Degree Completion Program at Mount Saint Mary’s College began its third semester this month and Academic Dean Bernard S. Kaliss finds its success and popularity most encouraging.

Dean Kaliss, who along with Registrar Guy A. Baker, Jr., founded the program in the spring of 1970, reports that when the program began it had only one participant. There are currently 35 men enrolled in it.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 23, 1971

September 1996, 25 Years Ago

Streets and Transportation Committee to Discuss Removal of Parking Meters

Emmitsburg’s Streets and Transportation Committee, a town organization made up of five residents and Streets Commissioners Rosario Benvengi, discussed a variety of issues at their August meeting. The committee considers topics related to Emmitsburg’s walkways and roadways, then makes recommendations to the Town Council.

Commissioner Benvengi made a suggestion to remove the parking meters downtown and asked the committee to give it some thought.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, September 1996

Park Improvements Continue

According to Parks Commissioner Clifford Sweeney, facilities at Memorial Park will continue to be improved. A new dugout will be started this year and completed in time for next season’s opening games. “We are glad the children are using the new fields and happy that we can help the Little League organization,” said Sweeney.

Work on Phase One of Community Park is in full swing. Pavilions and picnic areas are scheduled to be finished by the end of September. The volleyball court should be completed about the same time.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, September 1996

Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

August 1921, 100 Years Ago

Tied For Second Place

Thurmont easily won Saturday’s game from Emmitsburg by a 11 to 2 score. The visitors drew first blood when they shoved one run across in the second and the locals, in their half of the same inning, retaliated by putting three runs over and from then on it was smooth sailing. Fox, the visitor’s premier pitcher, was touched up for 14 hits, just double the number secured off him on July 4th. Annan’s playing in left field deserves special mention. The main feature of the game was a fast double play by the “three Creeger brothers,” Ed to Roy to John. Thurmont feels that this victory is sweet revenge upon Emmitsburg for their defeat on July 4.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, August 18, 1921

Bridge Afire

The long bridge known as the trestle spanning the second mountain gap above town was set afire early Monday afternoon, supposedly by one of the large locomotives. It was discovered by Dr. Bernard O’Toole, who happened to be passing by.

The Trestle is built of wood and has upon it several barrels filled with water. Dr. O’Toole emptied one barrel on the fire, but to get to the second barrel necessitated his going through the fire. This he did, suffering some slight burns and singed hair. After emptying the contents of the second barrel on the fire without extinguishing it, he went to the night watchman’s shanty, broke open the door and telephoned the train dispatcher in Hagerstown. He was just in time to stop a long freight at Highfield, the first telegraph station west of the bridge.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, August 25, 1921

August 1946, 75 Years Ago

Farmers Field Day And Picnic At Rocky Ridge on August 14

Plans have been completed for the Southern States Cooperative annual meeting and Farmers Field Day and picnic at the Rocky Ridge Park playgrounds on Wednesday evening, August 14. The recreational program will begin at 6 o’clock with the business of the annual meeting set to begin promptly at 8 o’clock.

                                          – The Frederick Post, August 10, 1946

30 Scouts Camping At Weishaar Farm

Thirty members of the Emmitsburg Boy Scout Troop are encamped in a tent village about four miles north of the borough on the Weishaar farm near Fairfield.

Large tents have been constructed for the kitchen and other establishments while smaller tents are being used for the sleeping quarters for the youths.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, August 8, 1946

August 1971, 50 Years Ago

Hagerstown Firm Names As Architect For Remodeling Of Emmitsburg School

At their last meeting, the Frederick County Board of Education appointed the Hagerstown firm of Bushey and Burrey as architects for the new Emmitsburg School. The first has been instructed to commence planning the project immediately with the planning to be completed by July 1, 1972.

The $971,700 project at Emmitsburg involves replacing the oldest section of the building built in 1923 with a new structure and renovation of the present gymnasium wing.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, August 12, 1971

Giant Cabbage Grown Here

Roland Sanders of Lincoln Avenue, Emmitsburg, grew this giant head of cabbage which weighed in at 13 lbs., 2 ounces.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, August 19, 1971

August 1996, 25 Years Ago

Funds Allocated For Flood Damage Repair

The June 19th “Flood of the Century” caused damage extensive enough for federal officials to name three flood-damaged sites around Emmitsburg to be among the first to receive funding for clean-up and repair. Funds from the Emergency Watershed Protection Program will be used to repair the streambanks to protect homes at the intersection of Annandale Road-Hampton Valley Road and Crystal Fountain Road.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, August 1996

Seton Center Day Care Comes Under New Management

After nearly 26 years of service to the children and families in the Emmitsburg area, the Daughters of Charity announced in early July they would no longer be running the Seton Day Care Center. Due to the shortage of Sisters and for economic reasons, the Province has decided to enter into a lease agreement with an outside company for running the Day Care Center. This will ensure the continuation of a service that has proven so valuable to the people of Frederick County.

          Mr. Alfred Opack, owner and operator of three full-service Child Care Centers in Poolesville and Frederick, will assume the responsibility for the Seton Child Care Center as of September 3, 1996. It will be renamed the Emmitsburg Child Care Center.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, August 1996

ONCE UPON A TIME

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by James Rada, Jr.

June 1921, 100 Years Ago

Receivers For Auto Co.

Something of a flurry was created in business circles in the county when it became known last Saturday afternoon that receivers had been appointed by the court to take charge of the assets and affairs of the People’s Garage Company of Emmitsburg.                                

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, June 23, 1921

Fingers Mashed

Early Monday morning, the little baby girl of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Shaver accidentally got her right hand in the cloths wringer. Two fingers were injured very badly. At the time of the accident, both Dr. Birely and Dr. Kefauver were out of town and the father took the little child to Emmitsburg to have the wounds dressed.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, June 23, 1921

June 1946, 75 Years Ago

Man Near Exhaustion Saved From Flood Water Sunday

Caught in rising flood waters on the Monocacy River Sunday afternoon on his farm between Creagerstown and Rocky Ridge, Frank Warner, retired Washington plumbing contractor, nearly lost his life, it was learned Tuesday.

He was rescued from a tree, to which he had clung for four hours, when a boat and motor were brought from Thurmont after his son made a frantic search of that section of the County for a boat.

                                          – The Frederick Post, June 5, 1946

President Spends Week-End In County Mountain Retreat

President Harry S. Truman spent the week-end in Frederick County on what was to be a secret jaunt. The secrecy was short lived however, as the Chief Executive was quickly trailed to the annual Alfalfa Club outing on the estate of Joseph H. Himes, near this city, and later to the late President Roosevelt’s wartime retreat, “Shangri-La,” on the Catoctin Recreational Area west of Thurmont.

                                          – The Frederick Post, June 24, 1946

June 1971, 50 Years Ago

Mount Goes Coed This Fall

Mount Saint Mary’s College, an all-male institution since its founding 163 years ago, will go coed on a non-resident basis next September, and on a resident basis in September 1972.

The move was announced after a meeting of the Mount’s Board of Trustees Tuesday.

The announcement by Mount Saint Mary’s College follows by two months the announcement that neighboring Saint Joseph College for women is to close in June 1973.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, June 4, 1971

Dr. J. Dillon Appointed First Lay President of Mt. St. Mary’s College

Dr. John J. Dillon, Jr. has been appointed President of Mount Saint Mary’s College, succeeding Rev. Msgr. Hugh J. Phillips, who has been named President Emeritus.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, June 4, 1971

June 1996, 25 Years Ago

New Streets and Transportation Committee Meets

Members of the newly formed streets and transportation committee met for the first time on April 11. Commissioners Rosario Benvengi convened the meeting and conducted the election of officers. Brian Brotherton was elected president; Jim Hoover, vice president; and Patrick M. Sullivan, Sr., secretary. Other members of the committee are Denise Warthen and Kenneth Howard. The committee will meet the third Wednesday of the month.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, June 1996

Sweeney Sworn In As New Commissioner; Copenhaver Elected President of Town Council

As the first order of business at the May 6 town meeting, Clifford Sweeney was sworn in as the new commissioner. He defeated incumbent Christopher Weaver in the April election. David Copenhaver, “a veteran of Emmitsburg politics” according to Mayor Carr, was elected president of the council. Tom Gingell will continue as treasurer.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, June 1996

Once Upon A Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

May 1921, 100 Years Ago

Alleged Holdup Man Caught

Charged with being one of four men who held up the Republican Club in Baltimore City several weeks ago, Ernest Myers of Baltimore, was arrested two weeks ago at the home of his aunt, Mrs. J. L. Whisner, near Mt. St. Mary’s, this county, by Detectives Porter and Quirk of Baltimore, and Deputy Sheriff Roscoe Mackley of the Sheriff’s office, Frederick. The arrest was made on the day the man charged with burglary at Hanover was being chased through the mountains west of Thurmont, and when it became known that an arrest was made in this section, many persons thought it was the supposed burglar that was caught.                                     

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, May 12, 1921

Mosquitoes By The Millions

With the warm wave of Sunday and Monday last came a swarm of millions of mosquitoes in the vicinity. Sitting on porches meant to be in agony. The air was full of them during the evening hours and to walk through the grass or shake a bush mean about the same as disturbing a hornet’s nest. The cool weather Tuesday gave some relief.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, May 26, 1921

May 1946, 75 Years Ago

Convention of Fireman Is Set

The annual convention of the Frederick County Volunteer Firemen’s Association will be held at Thurmont on August 1 and 2. This was decided at the quarterly session held on Thursday night at Independent Hall, this city, with 11 of 13 companies of the County Association represented.

The convention will coincide with the annual carnival of the Guardian Hose Company, of Thurmont, which is scheduled for July 29, 30, 31, and August 1, 2, and 3. Invitation to hold the County Association’s 1946 convention there this year was officially extended by D. Sayler Weybright, who is also president of the county group and who presided at last night’s meeting. Feature of the convention will be the parade on August 2.

                                          – The Frederick Post, May 3, 1946

Cadets Triumph In Field Meet

Frederick High School, with a total of 33 points including five first, Thursday won the first annual Boys and Girls Week, field and track meet, sponsored by the local Rotary and Jaycees clubs.

Only Thurmont High School was represented from outside the City. Marks set yesterday at Bjorlee Field will hold as records until next year, or until surpassed.

                                          – The Frederick Post, May 10, 1946

May 1971, 50 Years Ago

Bronze Star Medal Awarded Local Sailor

Thomas W. Humerick, Gunners Mate Second Class, United States Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Humerick, West Main Street, Emmitsburg, was recently presented with the Bronze Star Medal “for meritorious service while serving in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong Communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1969 to June 1970.”

“Petty Officer Humerick, while serving as a crew member on a river patrol boat participated in two hundred sixty combat patrols, engaging the enemy in eleven fire fights. Humerick, while acting as boat gunner on October 4, 1969 on a five boat patrol on a small canal off the Ong Doc River, maintained a heavy volume of fire which aided the patrol in clearing the canal when coming upon an intense enemy attack.”

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, May 14, 1971

Wildflower Festival At Catoctin Mt. Park

At Catoctin Mountain Park, a recreation area of the National Park System near Thurmont, Md., final arrangements are being made for the season’s first great influx of visitors. The occasion is the 8th Annual Catoctin Mountain Spring Wildflower Festival, May 14, 15, and 16.

Park Superintendent Frank Mentzer reports, “recent April showers and warm May days are bringing the bloom out in profusion. We are bracing for an all-time high in Wildflower Weekend attendance.”

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, May 14, 1971

May 1996, 25 Years Ago

Commissioners OK Water Plant Upgrade

Emmitsburg Commissioners voted to proceed with improvements to the town’s water supply system at a public workshop held April 29. The plan as proposed by the Smith Engineering Report calls for making use of ground water and existing supply wells, in conjunction with surface water from Rainbow Lake.

– The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, May 1996

Citizens’ Petition Over Road Use Discussed

At the April town meeting, commissioners heard from a delegation of concerned citizens from Northgate who oppose a connecting road between their subdivision and the adjoining Emmit Ridge II subdivision under construction. Developers have been using Provincial Parkway and cutting through Northgate subdivision since they do not have an entrance yet to Emmit Ridge II.

The Northgate Homeowners Association went on record as opposing the connecting road when they presented a petition to the Planning and Zoning Committee in March. The foremost concern was for the safety of the children who have to cross the road to get to the playground. It was felt that the connecting road will adversely affect the quality of life, decrease property values, and destroy the uniqueness of Northgate with increased noise, traffic, and litter.

– The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, May 1996

Once Upon a Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

April 1921, 100 Years Ago

New Milk Dealer

Along with April 1st came new enterprises in many places. Mr. J. Hooker Lewis of Thurmont has embarked in the milk business and has been delivering milk since April 1st. It is reported that Mr. Lewis has purchased the C. W. Lidie property on Water Street and will, in course of time, conduct a business at that place. Mr. Lewis is selling milk at 8 cents per quart–two cents lower than other dealers in Thurmont.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, April 7, 1921

Make A Find

While Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dorsey were walking around the lot in the rear of their home in this place, Mr. Dorsey found a knife. Looking around he found several more knives, several flashlights, and a gold watch. It is supposed these articles were stolen along with other goods and left there by the thief. The articles were all rusted and showed they had been there for some time.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, April 7, 1921

April 1946, 75 Years Ago

Red Cross Fund “Over the Top” in Emmitsburg

Emmitsburg has gone over the top in the annual fundraising drive for the Red Cross, Mrs. John R. Kerr, chairman of the drive in the borough announced today.

Quota for the community was $800, while donations to date are $848.66, Mrs. Kerr added. In order to complete the drive, Mrs. Kerr asked that all persons who may have been missed in the house to house canvass or who wish to make additional contributions to make the gifts now so that a complete report may be made on the drive.

                                          – The Gettysburg Times, April 4, 1946

Mount Has Largest Freshman Class

The freshman class at Mt. St. Mary’s college numbers 120, the largest in the history of the Emmitsburg institution, John Roddy, Jr., registrar of the college, announced today.

A total of 225 students in all classes have been enrolled for the semester which began Monday, Roddy added. Of the students, the majority are recently returned World War II veterans, he added.

                                          – The Gettysburg Times, April 4, 1946

April 1971, 50 Years Ago

Charles Arthur Elder, Chronicle Elder, Succumbs Wednesday

Charles Arthur Elder died at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 7, 1971, in the Annie M. Warner Hospital, Gettysburg, Pa. Mr. Elder, 57, had been in declining health for more than a year.

A prominent figure in Emmitsburg, Frederick County, and the State of Maryland, the area he served practically all his life. Mr. Elder became an institution in the community as Editor and Publisher of The Emmitsburg Chronicle, a militant and popular newspaper widely circulated in Frederick County under his leadership from September 1948 until his death.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, April 9, 1971

St. Joseph College Closing In 2 Years

St. Joseph College will close its doors at the end of the 1972-73 academic year, two years from this June.

Sister Margaret Dougherty, president of St. Joseph College, announced the closing of the Catholic women’s college at a hastily called meeting of the student body Monday at 11 a.m.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, April 23, 1971

April 1996, 25 Years Ago

By George! Emmitsburgian Rewrites History of Pearl Harbor

A story by Eric Gregory filed in the Honolulu Advertiser tells of how four historians have teamed up to correct at least 50 mistakes at the “Remembrance Exhibit” on the shore of the Arizona Memorial Visitors Center in Hawaii.

Thirty of the 34 porcelain panels that list deaths in Japan’s Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor contain misspelled names, wrong ranks, and incorrect duty stations.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, April 1996

Recycling Brings Residents Lower Fees

According to town office bookkeeper Donna Thompson, Emmitsburgians will pay the lowest first quarter garbage collection rate ever. Because of recycling the tipping fee for the first-quarter was $7.81 per household compared to the expected fee that normally ranges from $11-$15.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, April 1996

Once Upon A time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

March 1921, 100 Years Ago

Will Institute Lodge

To-night, March 31, a Rebekah Lodge, an organization growing out of the I. O. O. F., will be instituted in Thurmont. This organization is composed principally of ladies–wives, sisters and mothers of Odd Fellows. Girls over 18 years of age and not of Odd Fellow parentage are also admitted. Samaritan Rebekah Lodge of Frederick will come to Thurmont by special car to confer the degrees. The work will be given in Town Hall. The President and Secretary of the Rebekah Assembly of Baltimore will be present and perhaps several Grand Lodge officers of the I. O. O. F.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, March 31, 1921

March 1946, 75 Years Ago

Break Ground For New Shoe Factory Today

Construction of a new $65,000 shoe plant in Emmitsburg is scheduled to start within the next few weeks, L. E. Beaudin, owner of the establishment, announced today.

The plant, which was brought to Emmitsburg through the efforts of the Emmitsburg Lions Club, will be the third Beaudin branch to be constructed, with other plants previously located at Hanover and Fairfield. The Emmitsburg branch will employ “between 225 and 250 people,” the Hanover manufacturer said.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, March 21, 1946

March 1971, 50 Years Ago

County Commissioners Okay School Addition Here

The Frederick County Commissioners revealed this week that the $4.5 million bonding authority they have requested for school construction in fiscal 1972 will be used to finance at least five school construction projects, including full funding of the Emmitsburg addition and renovation.

Funds for construction of this project were not included in the school superintendent’s construction request presented to the school board last week, and Dr. John L. Carnochan told the commissioners that funding of the Middletown Elementary School is considered a higher priority item than the Emmitsburg School in his opinion.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 12, 1971

March 1996, 25 Years Ago

Water Talks Between Mount Saint Mary’s and Emmitsburg

The supply and distribution of water in the town has been a nagging problem for the past several years. The limited number of available water taps has curtailed growth and development in some parts of the town.

In order to clarify the situation, the town council commissioned Smith Engineering Technologies to study the water problems and recommend plans of action. The study was based on estimated water demand over the next 20 years for both the town and Mount Saint Mary’s.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, March 1996

Once Upon A Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

February 1921, 100 Years Ago

Stolen Articles Recovered

A number of thefts in Frederick City and the looting of the meat houses of Edward Deweese of near Thurmont and Arthur Wilhide near Deerfield, during the past two weeks, has given Sheriff Wm. O. Wertenbrker (sic) and Deputy Sheriff Charles Klipp all the work they cared for on short notice.

In some manner, the sheriff got on the track of the meat thieves, and the trail led to the home of David H. Reesman, located on the mountain road leading from Thurmont to Eyler’s Valley, and probably a mile to the west of Zentz’s Mills, four miles north of Thurmont. The sheriff had with him deputy Klipp and Ed. Deweese, and when they stopped near the house, the inmates were terribly excited. Percy Reesman and his sister sought hiding places, a friend, Paul Kline took to the road, while Pa and Ma Reesman tried to protect the home from being searched.

After telling their business and producing a search warrant, the Reesman’s told the officers to proceed. After looking around, deputy Klipp uncovered meat that corresponded to that stolen from Deweese, and found also pudding, sausage and backbone meat, such as was taken from Wilhilde. The officers state that four revolvers, a shotgun, rifle and blackjack were found, also numerous pieces of jewelry, silverware, aluminum ware, harness, four kits of tools, fancy dishes, a dozen or more pocket books, one of which contained a Western Maryland pass made to Hubert Joy of Graceham dated 1917, and many other articles.

The elder Reesman and his son Percy and Paci Kline were arrested and brot (sic) to Thurmont, the hams and shoulders supposed to belong to Mr. Deweese, a set of harness, a set of brace and bits, and some other articles being brought along.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 3, 1921

February 1946, 75 Years Ago

Emmitsburg’s First English Bride Arrives

Mrs. Frank Dubel, one of the first English brides to arrive in the United States, has arrived at her new home in Emmitsburg, thrilled beyond measure at her new homeland but still much confused by the mysterious qualities of American money.

The former Miss Dorothy Wilcox, daughter of Frank Wilcox, Salisbury, England, married the then Pfc. Frank Dubel, September 25, 1943, when the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dubel, DePaul street, Emmitburg, was stationed in England.

They were separated when Pfc. Dubel went with the 29th Division into France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The Emmitsburg soldier returned with his division to the United States to be discharged from the service after the war ended and Mrs. Dubel was seeking a way to the United States.

She had the opporturnity to join her husband when the first group of English brides came to the U.S. on the “Argentina,” which docked in New York, Sunday.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, February 7, 1946

February 1971, 50 Years Ago

VFW Studies Plan For New Ambulance

The VFW ambulance of Emmitsburg was called out 15 times during the period from January 6 through February 3. There were 10 emergency calls handled and 5 non-emergency calls. The vehicle traveled 571 miles and 35 man-hours were used by ambulance personnel.

During a recent Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting, a committee was formed to investigate the possibilities of purchasing a new ambulance that will better serve the community of Emmitsburg. Heading the committee is Leo M. Boyle, ambulance chairman, and helping in an advisory capacity will be Donald Byard, George W. Green, Lumen F. Norris, Roger I. Zurgable, and James Kittinger.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 12, 1971

February 1996, 25 Years Ago

New Shopping Center Expected to Open in March

Silo Hill Village, the new commercial center located adjacent to the Jubilee food store, is slated for opening in six to eight weeks, according to Ed Galligan, local pharmacist and spokesman for the management company, the St. Mary’s Group.

Businesses which will be located in the center include Medicine Plus Pharmacy, Town Video, a tanning salon, and a pizza/Italian restaurant. Three other businesses, a flower/gift shop, a beer/wine store, and a dry cleaner’s are pending.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1996

Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

January 1921, 100 Years Ago

John H. Bentzell Killed

Mr. John H. Bentzell, another prosperous and well known farmer of near Thurmont, came to his death Thursday morning, January 6th. Mr. Bentzell, along with his other work  operates a small chopping mill at his home, the same being run by a gasoline engine. On this occasion he was grinding corn. In the same building, a board partition dividng, he keeps his automobile. His son Earl was doing some work on the auto, and noticed the engine and chopper running not as it should. Going to the other side to see what was the trouble, he found his father lying on the ground in a pool of blood, dead.

It is presumed Mr. Bentzell got too close and a wheel on the engine caught his sweater and an under blouse and whirled him round, his head striking the truck axle. The backs of the sweater and blouse were torn out, his left arm broken in several places and his head more or less crushed.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, January 13, 1921

Association Growing

A meeting of the Thurmont School Improvement Association was held in the High School Auditorium Monday evening of this week. At this meeting fourteen new names were added to the list of members, making a total of 108. Matters pertaining to the betterment of the school were brought up and discussed, the principal topic being drainage. While the school ground generally is dry, yet the portion used as a ball ground and for other sports serves as sort of a trough to carry off the surface water of the high ground on virtually three sides of the plat.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, January 20, 1921

January 1946, 75 Years Ago

Emmitsburg Is Ready To Take Steps Forward

Emmitsburg is all ready to move ahead.

As soon as wartime restrictions are lifted the town is scheduled to make more progress within a short time than has been made during the last decade.

That at least is the impression of the borough received by a visitor who returned to Emmitsburg after the absence of several years.

The town has performed considerable “face lifting” during the war years and scheduled improvements will make it one of the most progressive communities in its area.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, January 10, 1946

Grange Formed At Thurmont

Another subordinate Grange will be added to Pomona’s growing list tonight when a Thurmont unit will be organized in the auditorium of the Thurmont High School at 8 o’clock. Officers will be elected by the more than 50 charter members.

Howard U. Quinn, State Organizer, and Tobias E. Zimmerman, Master of Pomona Grange, will officiate at the organization meeting. All interested persons will be welcome, they say.

                                          – The Frederick Post, January 16, 1946

January 1971, 50 Years Ago

Dam Plans Appear Setback

It looks like there will be no Sixes Bridge Dam authorization this year.

The dam, proposed for construction near Emmitsburg, has been approved on an omnibus bill passed by the U.S. Senate.

But it is in difficulty because the House version of the Rivers and Harbors bill carries no authorization for the proposed dam on the Monocacy a few miles southeast of here.

The Potomac River Center in Washington has reported some sources believe there won’t be a bill this year, that time will run out before a conference committee can iron out the disagreements between the Senate and House bills.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 1, 1971

Band Changes Practice Date

The Emmitsburg Municipal Band has changed its night for practice from Wednesday nights to Monday nights. This is done in hopes that more members will be able to attend. Therefore, until further notice, practice will be on Monday instead of Wednesday.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 1, 1971

January 1996, 25 Years Ago

Mary Myers Celebrates A Century

Mary Myers is 100 years old—a lady with a wealth of memories and here-and-now attitude.

“I never had any particular plan to live so long,” she said when interviewed at a reception in her honor on Sunday, December 17, at our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Center, Thurmont. “But I do enjoy each day. When I look out my bedroom window in the morning, it doesn’t matter what the weather is. I see that another day has begun.”

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1996

Mount Saint Mary’s Welcomes Mother Teresa

Inside a small, creaky-floored gym on  college campus nestled in the winter-glazed Catoctin Mountains, over two thousand people eagerly awaited the arrival of one of the world’s most famous women, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the eighty-five-year-old missionary and 1979 Nobel Prize winner, visited Mount Saint Mary’s College and Seminary on December 9.

Mother Teresa, a world-renowned figure known for her undying commitment to the most desperate poor, visited the oldest independent Catholic college in the country after receiving an invitation from the Seminary. Her trip to Emmitsburg was part of the missionary’s journey to Washington, D.C., where fifteen members of her order—the Missionaries of Charity—took their final vows. The new sisters will work in AIDS hospices in the District.

Thunderous applause and camera flashes greeted the humble woman whose thirty-minute speech embodied her quiet, powerful presence.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1996

ONCE UPON A TIME

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by James Rada, Jr.

December 1920, 100 Years Ago

Pike Purchased

Yesterday, December 15th, if reports be correct, the last tollgate in the county closed the pike from Woodsboro to Frederick for the last time. After considerable talking and scheming to get rid of this gate, the State Roads Commission finally purchased the pike, 3.26 miles, for the sum of $40,000. The pike begins at Fifth and Market streets in Frederick and runs to the Monocacy bridge at or near Ceresville. The receipts received at this gate in the year 1919 are given as $11,375.99, and for the year 1920 to December 1st, $10,779.51.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, December 16, 1920

Maj. Geo. T. Castle Dead

After an illness[s] of many months, Major George T. Castle, of Thurmont, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. W. W. Zimmerman, W. Main street, about six p.m. Thursday, November 25, 1920.

Major Castle was a veteran of the civil war and was in the service during the four years. He was a member of Company A, of Frederick. On November 26, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of captain, and was made a major August 16, 1865. He was Commander of Jason Damuth Post No. 80, G. A. R. of Thurmont, for the past five years, and was assistant inspector for the Department of Maryland at the time of his death. He was aged 79 years, 2 months and 7 days.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, December 2, 1920

December 1945, 75 Years Ago

Emmitsburg High School Has Orchestra

The Emmitsburg high school orchestra, under the direction of Charles C. T. Stull, has been organized for 1945-46. There are beginners, juniors and seniors. The beginners’ orchestra will be started in the near future.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, December 18, 1945

Thurmont Soldier Smuggles German Dog Home Safely

A Thurmont soldier, Pfc. Ellis Rice, finally succeeded in smuggling home a young German female for the holidays, after various strategy needed to get her across the Atlantic and in a Blue Ridge bus where pups don’t usually find a welcome.

Pfc. Rice, a veteran of the 80th U. S. Infantry, said he found “Mickey” the day she was born in Bamberg, Germany. He rolled the dog into his overcoat to get her aboard the transport that brought him back to this country, sharing his food with her and enlisting the aid of other GI’s to keep her hidden during the crossing.

No one objected to the Dachshund on the troop train to Fort Meade, however, and after some delay in Baltimore, a Blue Ridge driver looked the other way to allow the soldier and his dog to ride home.

                                          – Hagerstown Morning Herald, December 27, 1945

December 1970, 50 Years Ago

Town To Enforce Peddlers’ Ordinance

The possibility of creating a nice ice skating area on Flat Run was discussed at the regular meeting of the Mayor and Commissioners held Monday evening in the Town Office, Chairman of the Board J. N. Flax presiding.

The discussion brought into consideration the sandbagging and backing up of water in Flat Run in East End. This section was recently dredged and cleaned and would provide several hundred feet of good skating area once freezing weather was here to stay.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, December 11, 1970

Slow-Moving Vehicles Must Be Marked

Commissioner of Motor Vehicles Ejner J. Johnson this week reminded owners of slow-moving vehicles that, effective January 1, 1971, their vehicles must be equipped with the uniform slow-moving vehicle symbol in order to operate legally upon the highways of Maryland.

Commissioner Johnson noted that the new law specifies that it is illegal to operate “any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is designed to be and is operated at a speed of 25 miles per hour or less, unless the rear-most vehicle displays a ‘slow-moving vehicle emblem’.”

The emblem is an equilateral triangle 14 inches in height with a red reflective border not less than one and three-quarters inches in width with a fluorescent orange center.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, December 11, 1970

December 1995, 25 Years Ago

Water Distribution Problems Limit Town’s Growth and Development

Continuing problems with the town’s water treatment facility and water distribution system force a moratorium on growth and development within the corporate limits of Emmitsburg. Resolution 95-16, adopted by the town commissioners at the November town meeting, halts expansion while necessary work is completed.

The quality of drinking water is lowered by the presence of rust in older iron distribution lines. Plans and funding are in place to replace 12,400 feet of water lines. As a temporary solution, residents of affected areas have been supplied with water filters until the new lines can be installed.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, December 1995

Up-County To Get New Building

A ground-breaking ceremony for the new home of the Up-County Family Center (UCFC) was held November 20, 1995, at 303 W. Lincoln Avenue in Emmitsburg. The town of Emmitsburg will own the facility which will be leased by the Up-County Family Center and the counseling services of Associated Catholic Charities.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, December 1995

ONCE UPON A TIME

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by James Rada, Jr.

November 1920, 100 Years Ago

Paid $1.00 Fine

In a hurry, he left his car stand near the Square corner in Thurmont, and attended to some business. On returning he found a tag on the car stating something about $1.00 fine for parking in a restricted area. Mayor Rouzer’s name appeared on the card. Mr. P. N. Hammaker took his dollar to Mayor Rouzer and explained, but the mayor knew not what it all meant. The joke cost Hammaker $1.00, and he says he is glad the mayor kept the money. Somebody may find a tag on their car in the future.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, November 4, 1920

Game Plenty

The hunting season opened a(t) daybreak yesterday morning with a bang, bang, in every direction. Rabbits seemed to be plentiful, and from what we saw, Pap, the dog, and the whole family were out after them. Thus far, we shot one, saw four others, some of which we shot at and some we didn’t. This one stands us in money $1.25, and about two hours’ time.

One hunter reports that after a rabbit had been shot at five times it stopped, fell over dead, apparently exhausted, and he got it.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, November 11, 1920

November 1945, 75 Years Ago

Speculation is Rife Already Over Elections

Tuesday, November 6, is the last day on which new residents of Maryland can declare their intentions to become prospective voters in order to be eligible to cast ballots in next year’s election. With this date in mind, speculation has become rife as to prospective candidates.

          …

          The name of Donald J. Gardner, Sabillasville, recently discharged from military service, has been mentioned as a Democratic possibility for House of Delegates and that of John Derr, Monrovia, still in the Coast Guard, has been spoken of as a possible Republican candidate for Register of Wills.

                                          – The Frederick Post, November 3, 1945

Severely Bitten By Dog

While rescuing a dog from a trap which someone had set on his land near Thurmont, Michael F. Wilhide was severely bitten in the right wrist by the dog. Mr. Wilhide found the animal, half-starved, in a large double spring trap which was large enough and strong enough to catch and hold a deer, he said. The setting of such a trap is an unlawful act, it was learned.

                                          – The Frederick Post, November 10, 1945

November 1970, 50 Years Ago

Local School Improvements Are Sought

In an effort to have conditions at the Emmitsburg Middle School up-graded to what was felt would be an acceptable level, the PTA of the Emmitsburg Middle School recently sent a letter of request to the Frederick County Board of Education, asking for four steps to be taken which would put the local school on a satisfactory comparison with those of other sections of the county.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, November 6, 1970

Town Offered New Water Supply; Council Studies Offer

Emmitsburg might possibly have accessible another source of fresh water supply under a plan submitted by Charnita, Inc., at the regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Commissioners, held Monday evening in the Town Office, J. Norman Flax, chairman of the Board, presiding.

Bernard Syndor, representing Charnita, was present at the meeting and discussed the possibility of constructing a large fresh water lake in the Tract Road area, which the Town of Emmitsburg might possibly put to use during any water shortage it might experience. Mr. Syndor also discussed the erection of a sewerage treatment plant on Charnita’s ground and asked the Town’s capabilities as to handling additional sewerage. The Council is taking the matter under advisement.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, November 6, 1970

November 1995, 25 Years Ago

Town Remains Fiscally Healthy, Debt Reduced, Taxes Stable

An audit report of Emmitsburg’s 1994 budget was presented to the town council at their October meeting by the town’s accountant Ted Gregory, CPA, of Linton, Schaffer and Company, P.A. Gregory’s report focused on the overall management of Emmitsburg’s fiscal resources and included some remarks regarding areas of fiscal concern. Gregory said that comparison of expenditures with the budget showed the planning to be on target and the General Fund amount shows the town is fiscally healthy.

Commenting on the fiscal health, Mayor Carr said, “Debt was reduced by 3% and no further debt was acquired.” He said that “presently the town’s 1994-1995 budget is on target and the prospects of adhering closely to this budget are good.”

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, November 1995

Up-County To Get New Building

The Up-County Family Support Center is moving to a new building, which should be built and opened by the spring of 1996. The Center will continue to offer classes in adult basic education, computer literacy, employability, childbirth, formal and informal parenting, and will provide certain services in individuals’ homes. The services provided will continue to be free to those who are expecting children or have children through the age of three.

The new facility should enable the Center to provide better services for the community. It will have a child development area which will occupy one-fourth of the building, a computer facility, an educational classroom, and a commercial kitchen. There will be a space for toddlers, as well as a quiet area for those who need a rest. The larger-sized facility will enable the Center to open its doors to anyone at any time.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, November 1995

Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

October 1920, 100 Years Ago

Water Main Bursts

Last week one of the joints of wooden pipe that carries water from the dam to the Electric Light and power Plant at this place burst, the break occurring at a point where the pipe line crosses Hunting Creek. Repairs have been made and water is again turning the wheels that makes the juice that makes the light for Thurmont. The water, however, is low and at times it is necessary to hit on to the Security line.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, October 21, 1920

School Improvement Association Organized

In response to a call for a meeting at the Thurmont High School Building on Monday evening of this week, a hundred or more people gathered in the auditorium to learn what Prof. F. X. Day and Faculty had to present.

The object of this meeting was to form a School Improvement Association, Prof. Day spoke briefly, and mentioned a number of subjects along which improvement could be made, but not without the assistance and cooperation of parents and patrols of the schools. The real purpose of the association is to create a more intimate relation and better cooperation between patrons and teachers.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, October 30, 1920

October 1945, 75 Years Ago

Thurmont Handed Defeat

Shafer held Thurmont’s sluggers to five hits and shut them out 5 to 0 Sunday before a good crowd at Middleburg as the home team evened the Penn-Maryland League play-off series at 1-all. The Middleburg hurler not only checked the invading hitters but blasted three hits, including a triple, to aid the winning cause.

The rivals meet in the deciding game next Sunday at Middleburg, the latter club having won the toss Sunday afternoon. The winner will then tangle with the champion Blue Ridge Summit nine in a final series.

                                          – The Frederick Post, October 1, 1945

Roosevelt’s ‘Hide-Out’ Near Thurmont may Become Shrine

When the late President Roosevelt selected the Catoctin Recreational area west of Thurmont for the one place that he could get away from it all during the most trying days of World War II, he but followed in the footsteps of hundreds of lovers of forest and stream who for generations had found the greatest joys in the solitude of its precincts, even before it was made into a Federal park. And he probably never gave a thought to the fact that he was dropping almost into the lap of the quiet little town the possible making of a national shrine to commemorate the momentous decisions that were made there.

                                          – The Frederick Post, October 26, 1945

October 1970, 50 Years Ago

100-Acre Hunting Club Opens Here

Pheasant Meadows Shooting Preserve, a new concept in sporting preserves, will offer the beleaguered sportsmen in this area the chance to get away for some hunting and fishing this fall without having to join an expedition to do so. Only one hour from the Washington and Baltimore areas, Pheasant Meadows’ 1,000 acres of rolling meadows, wooded mountainsides, stocked fishing ponds, and a freshwater stream, will open near Emmitsburg on Saturday, Oct. 3, to provide both the hunter and fisherman a natural site to pursue their sporting pleasures.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 2, 1970

Bishop To Visit Parish Here Over Weekend

This weekend, St. Joseph’s Parish will be visited by His Excellency T. Austin Murphy, vicar general of the archdiocese. The bishop will celebrate the 7:30 Mass on Saturday evening and will deliver the homily at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday.

The main purpose of his visit will be to get to know the members of the parish, and for the members of the parish to meet him. A parish meeting will be held on Sunday evening at 7:30, at which time he will be available to answer any questions the parishioners care to ask.

The bishop will visit St. Joseph’s High School and Mother Seton School on Monday, Oct. 5.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 2, 1970

October 1995, 25 Years Ago

Emmitsburg Joins Chesapeake Bay Project

Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Christopher Weaver and the advisory committee responded enthusiastically when the Chesapeake Bay Foundation announced their Save the Bay project. They proposed a two-pronged local program: (1) to prevent continuing erosion of Willow Rill’s banks by planting more trees along the rill; and (2) to initiate the marking of storm drains as a reminder to keep our waterways clean. The Emmitsburg Town Council approved the suggestions.

With the assistance of John L. Harris and the Frederick County Baywatchers volunteers, the Emmitsburg volunteers will stencil warning signs on the storm drains around the square. The signs will remind residents and business people that the water that runs along our streets goes through the drainage systems into Willow Run, Flat Run, and Toms Creek, then the Monocacy, and eventually reaching the Chesapeake Bay by way of the Potomac.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, October 1995

Mount Makes Money

Mount Saint Mary’s College is featured in a select list in the 1996 issue of Money Magazine’s “Money Guide: Your Best College Buys Now.”

The Mount is included among the 25 “Top Academic Religious Schools,” a group that is topped by St. Olaf College of Minnesota and also includes Villanova, the University of Scranton, and about 10 other Catholic institutions.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, October 1995

Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr

September 1920, 100 Years Ago

Held For Throwing Stone

Clarence Oland, age 17 years, of Emmitsburg, was arrested on a charge of throwing a stone from ambush along the Emmitsburg-Taneytown road. The stone struck Mrs. James Boyle of Baltimore as she was passing in an automobile, and caused her much suffering.

After considerable investigation, Sheriff Wertenbaker arrested Clarence and his brother Guy Oland. At a hearing before Justice Henry Stokes, at Emmitsburg, fines were imposed on the two boys with costs amounting to $21. The recent grand jury took up the case and indicted Clarence Oland. His father gave bail in the sum of $100 for his son’s appearance at trial when the criminal docket is taken up.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, September 23, 1920

Many Women Register

The ladies of Mechanicstown election district, including the towns of Thurmont, Graceham, Catoctin Furnace, and Franklinville, exercised their right of suffrage and turned out and registered in numbers exceeding the expectations of many men who have been taking an active part in politics in the district.

The total number of names placed on the registration books here Tuesday of this week was 201. Of this number, few were men. …The total registration in the district had been about 700. Counting as many women as men, it would appear as though less than one third of the women took advantage of the opportunity to register.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, September 30, 1920

September 1945, 75 Years Ago

County Roads Board is Paid by Government

The Federal government has paid the Frederick County Roads Board $9,950 for damage to roads in the Sabillasville and Emmitsburg areas in 1942 and 1943; it was reported at a regular meeting of the board Monday night.

The Roads Board has been negotiating with the Federal Government for some time in an effort to be indemnified for damage done to roads by army maneuvers in the northern section of the county.

Rural roads across the northern section were used in the earlier days of the war for army vehicle maneuvers. Some roads were considerably damaged, and claims were filed with the Federal government.

                                          – The Frederick Post, September 11, 1945

Truck Crashes Into Coal Firm’s Shed

Seized with a fainting spell while operating a soft-drink truck on East Street, Robert Fitez, Rocky Ridge, was taken to the Frederick City Hospital in an unconscious condition about 4 o’clock, Tuesday afternoon, after his truck plunged out of control, through a coal shed belonging to the Baker Coal Co., this city.

Employed only two days by a bottling firm headed by Roy L. Leatherman, Fitez said last night he did not know what happened. His employer quoted him as saying he had never had a loss of consciousness before. He previously had driven a school bus for some time and held a chauffeur’s license.

Leatherman said the man regained consciousness yesterday evening but could not explain losing control of the truck or crashing the coal shed. Damage to the truck was only a cracked windshield. Leatherman said his firm is fully insured to cover costs or damages of the accident.

                                          – The Frederick Post, September 26, 1945

September 1970, 50 Years Ago

Fort Detrick to Lay Off 300 Employees

The Army plans to proceed with a planned reduction of 295 personnel spaces at Fort Detrick which was announced last March, Senator Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., and Rep. J. Glenn Beall, Jr., announced this week.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 4, 1970

Killed In Action

Word has been received here of the death of Joseph F. Keeney, U.S. Army.

Young Kenney, 18 years old, was reported as killed in action in Vietnam on Friday, Sept. 18. For a number of years, he made his home here residing at the home of Miss Elizabeth Neck.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 25, 1970

September 1995, 25 Years Ago

Gone Fishin’

Sunday, August 13, Rainbow Lake, Hampton Valley Road. A beautiful Sunday morning in a tranquil setting. The lake is bordered by kids—small groups, individuals, and kids with parents—intently concentrating on the task at hand: fishing. This much quiet concentration is not what one would expect from such a large group, but there is purpose here: not to miss a bite or nibble.

The day’s fishing expedition is sponsored by the Emmitsburg Youth Activities League consisting of deputies Horner and Hunter, Code Enforcer Bob Koontz, parents, grandparents, and merchants.

Every fisherman was a prize winner. The following were the ones whose deeds matched the tales: 1st prize, Dicky Cool; 2nd Prize, Joe Gentile; 3rd prize, Tammy Cool; 4th prize, Kenny Gentile. 1st fish, Michelle Messner.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, September 1995

People in the News

Local surveyor Robert F. Gauss has been elected president of the Maryland Society of Surveyors. MSS is a state-wide organization of over 500 members.

Bob Gauss is president of R.F. Gauss & Associates, an Emmitsburg-based firm doing professional land surveying in central and western counties of Maryland for the past 15 years. Previously, he was chief of survey for D.K. Sutcliffe & Associates for 22 years. He has been licensed as a professional land surveyor since 1975 and associated with the Maryland Society of Surveyors since 1960, and as a member for 20 years. He served as chapter chair for 8 years and director at large for 4 years.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, September 1995

ONCE UPON A TIME

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by James Rada, Jr

August 1920, 100 Years Ago

Famous Men In Fruit World Will Visit Nearby Orchards

A party of nationally known fruit and orcharding authorities are now on an automobile tour that will carry them thru the great orchard districts of our state.

The object of the tour is to become acquainted with the men responsible for the magnificent orchards that are one of the glories of this and adjoining counties and to see with their own eyes the orchards that are the pride of their owners.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, August 5, 1920

Another Freight Wreck

The Western Maryland railroad wreck crews and section men were kept busy Wednesday of this week clearing up a wreck that occurred about one mile east of Graceham at a point where the Graceham-Rocky Ridge public road crosses the railroad.

The wreck occurred soon after seven o’clock, and was caused by the heating and breaking of a wheel on the front truck of the thirteenth car of a train of forty, all loaded with soft coal. After the wheel broke, the truck left the rail and ran about 700 feet before the final crash came. Fourteen cars were derailed, smashed and twisted into junk, just west of the crossing, and coal blocked the public road. For a considerable distance, nothing but ballast remained, the ties and rails being broken and shoved along under the cars. It was estimated that 300 new ties and 16 rails would be needed to replace the track.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, August 12, 1920

August 1945, 75 Years Ago

Emmitsburg Grange and Women’s Club Will Sponsor Community Show In Fall

Emmitsburg housewives will have an opportunity to display their choicest home canned and fresh fruits and vegetables, garden flowers, pies, rolls, and cakes at a Community Show to be sponsored jointly by the Emmitsburg Grange and the Women’s club the first week in October at the American Legion hall.

Those fortunate enough to have the most beautiful and tempting foods and flowers according to the judges, will be awarded a share of the $200 offered as prizes.

                                          – The Gettysburg Times, August 2, 1945

Break Ground For High School in Emmitsburg

On Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, ground was blessed and broken for the new St. Joseph’s high school at Emmitsburg. The ground is located next to St. Joseph’s rectory on Green street. The Rev. Francis J. Dodd, C.M., director of the Community of the Daughters of Charity and president of St. Joseph’s College, blessed the ground. Sister Isabelle Toohey, sister visitatrix of the province, broke the ground. The provincial treasurer, Sister Mary Loretta, turned the second spade full.

                                          – The Gettysburg Times, August 2, 1945

August 1970, 50 Years Ago

Request Action For Relief From Floods

Twenty Emmitsburg citizens appeared at the meeting of the Burgess and Commissioners August 3 to support a petition for immediate relief from flooding conditions.

The formal petition complains that during recent storms, many Emmitsburg houses, especially in Emmit Gardens and along DePaul St., experienced severe flooding and backing up sewers.

Emmitsburg’s officials agreed with the citizens and said corrective action has been started.                                     

                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, August 14, 1970

Husband of Former Local Woman Found Dead From Gunshot

David R. Gebhart, 27, Gettysburg R5, husband of Sarah Springer Gebhart, formerly of Emmitsburg, suffered a fatal gunshot wound at 2:25 a.m. Sunday while seated in his car on S. Franklin St., Gettysburg, just south of the W. High St. corner. Dr. Robert S. Lefever, deputy county coroner, said Gebhart’s death was instantaneous from a shotgun wound of the neck and a compound fracture of cervical vertebrae.

According to police, Gebhart’s body was found slumped in his 1965 Chevrolet coupe by a passerby shortly after a loud “explosion noise” like a gunshot was heard in the neighborhood.

At 1 o’clock Sunday morning, police said they had been called to the front of the Dorsey Stanton American Legion Post home, W. High St., where Gebhart has been involved in a fracas.

According to police, Gebhart was shot in the left side of the neck, apparently by an assailant who aimed a weapon through the victim’s open car window on the driver’s side of the car. The shot was fired at close range, police said.

Two Gettysburg men were committed to the county prison by borough police Tuesday evening, and a third was committed Wednesday morning in connection with the shotgun slaying.

                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, August 14, 1970

August 1995, 25 Years Ago

Babes In Arms…

Karl and Katie Lorenz of Carroll Valley, with more than a loving armful of triplets, issued a call for help. They appealed for “extra hands” in the St. Anthony Parish church bulletin, and ten volunteer “rockers” now share time to hold, feed, and rock the children. Volunteers have come from Emmitsburg, Thurmont, and Gettysburg. “People have been so nice,” Katie said.

          The boys Kieran and Nicholas weighed 4 pounds and 15 ounces at birth. Maria weighed only 2 pounds and 13 ounces. Maria required some developmental time in the hospital, and now she is home with her brothers.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, August 1995

Rosensteel Wedding Photo Wins Award

Local photographer Bob Rosensteel won an Award of Merit for a wedding photograph during the Annual International Competition held by the Wedding and Portrait Photographer International in Los Angeles recently.

“It’s nice to be able to say your work is among the best – awful nice,” said Rosensteel.

“To have your photograph hung in the convention gallery, the photograph must be awarded a score of over 70 points,” said Rosensteel. Scoring depends upon a myriad of small details other than exposure: background, balance, finish, even the title is important. This year it took 9 ½ hours to judge the entries. “The control judge was Monte Zucker, an internationally renowned wedding photographer who is one of the best…if not the best,” said Rosensteel.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, August 1995

Once Upon A Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

Note: “Once Upon A Time” had been planned for April’s issue before COVID-19 shut things down.

April 1920, 100 Years Ago

Body Of Drowned Girl Not Yet Recovered

Miss Lillie Spielman, aged about 17 years, and residing in Frederick County and near Detour, fell from a foot bridge that was placed across Double Pipe Creek at Detour, after water had destroyed the road bridge last month, and was drowned in the swift running water in the stream.

The accident occurred Good Friday afternoon about 4 o’clock, Miss Spielman being on her way to the post office to mail an Easter package to her brother Harry in Washington.

It is stated that a man watering his horse near the bridge, and three little girls who were playing nearby, saw the unfortunate girl’s feet come to the surface twice and her hands once. She was carried along too rapidly by the current for any attempt at rescue to be made.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, April 8, 1920

Truck Upsets On Buggy

Mrs. Elmer Lenhart, who resided with her mother, Mrs. Sunday, near Jimtown, and her son and daughter, are at Frederick City Hospital suffering from severe cuts and bruises caused by a heavy truck crashing into the buggy in which they were riding, smashing the vehicle and upsetting the truck. Mrs. Lenhart was pinned under the wreck.

The accident occurred last Saturday when the family was moving to Baltimore, the buggy in which Mrs. Lenhart and the children were riding being tied to the truck, which was leading the furniture. Ascending a hill near Ridgeville the brakes refused to work when the engine stopped, and the truck backed into the buggy. The buggy was pushed over an embankment and demolished, and the truck followed, upset, and partly landed on the buggy. Much of the furniture and dishes were broken. The injured were removed to the hospital in a passing automobile.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, April 8, 1920

April 1945, 75 Years Ago

Thurmont Flyer Is Awarded Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster

Technical Sergeant Harvey Eiler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Newton E. Eiler, of near Thurmont, has been awarded the Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal for “meritorious achievement” during Eighth Air Force bombing attacks on vital German industries and military installations.

The official citation accompanying the award of the Oak Leaf Cluster commented on the “courage, coolness and skill displayed by Sgt. Eiler upon these occasions” as reflecting “great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.”

Sgt. Eiler is a radio operator and gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He entered the Army Air Forces in March 1943, and received his gunner’s wings in March 1944, at Fort Myers, Fla. He was a student at the Frederick High School before entering the service. He is 19 years old.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, April 6, 1945

No Parking Zone Established Here

The State Roads Commission, this week, approved the establishing of a “No Parking Zone” on the east side of Route 15 through Thurmont from Water Street on the south end to the Western Maryland Railway Bridge on the north end, and signs have been erected which prohibit parking on that side at any time.

Local authorities and Maryland State Police will enforce this zoning. Persons who deface the signs in any way will also be dealt with according to the law.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, April 13, 1945

April 1970, 50 Years Ago

“Teach-In” Set For April 22

“Earth Day,” the nationwide student effort to educate the public to the problems of human ecology, will be observed in northern Frederick County on Wednesday, April 22, by an “Environmental Teach-In” sponsored jointly by the student governments of St. Joseph and Mt. St. Mary’s Colleges.

Several programs are planned throughout the day on both campuses, culminating in a panel discussion at the Mount at 8 p.m. in the Coad Science Hall.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, April 17, 1970

Gas Explodes, Employe (sic) Hurt

An employe (sic) of the Sheff Market on Baugher Road was injured yesterday afternoon when a liquid petroleum gas tank exploded in a smoking shed next to the market.

Wayne Shriner of Rocky Ridge was taken to Annie Warner Hospital in Gettysburg for treatment of first, second and third degree burns of the face and arms, according to Corporal Carl Harbaugh, the investigating officer.

The explosion occurred at 2:10 p.m. when the gas tank Shriner was using was ignited by the heat from the furnace used to smoke the meat kept in the shed.

                          – Frederick Post, April 8, 1970

April 1995, 25 Years Ago

Vigilant Hose Company Holds Dedication

On Sunday, April 2, 1995, over two hundred people gathered at the Emmitsburg fire hall for the Vigilant Hose Company’s dedication ceremony for the newly expanded and renovated fire station and the new aerial truck. The dedication capped the volunteer fire company’s eighteen-month campaign to raise nearly one million dollars for the new truck and fire station addition.

“It’s amazing what one small community can do,” said A. Don Manno as he looked around at the shiny new 46-foot-long aerial truck with its 100-foot platform that was parked in the new engine bay recently completed to house the truck. Mr. Manno was guest speaker at the dedication and is superintendent of the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, Florida.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, April 1995

The Passing of an Era—Emmitsburg’s Farm Supply Store Closes

A large crowd came to the auction at Reynold’s Supply Company on Saturday, March 25, to bid on farm, home, and garden supplies. Reynold’s had been in business since 1988 and closed its doors this winter. The building is now for rent.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, April 1995

Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

March 1920, 100 Years Ago

Fire At E. C. Creeger’s Garage

On Saturday, March 13th, at 7 P. M., I am going to have a large fire in the rear of my Garage for the purpose of demonstrating the ANTI-PYRO FIRE EXTINGUISHER. Be sure to see this test of the WORLD’S GREATEST FIRE KILLER and you will be convinced that it will pay you to protect your Home, Store, Automobile or Garage against your worst enemy, FIRE, with this absolute Fire Protection.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, March 11, 1920

Pen-Mar To Have Big Hotel

A dispatch from Waynesboro says: Plans have been drawn for a large modern hotel at Pen-Mar to contain 100 rooms and to have all the appointments of an up-to-date summer resort. A large lot has been secured at Pen-Mar road and Monterey avenue.

The syndicate back of the proposition is composed of leading capitalists at Hagerstown, Waynesboro and Baltimore. The money has all been subscribed. It is intended to proceed with the building operation this season if the lumber can be secured. The plans and specifications are now in the hands of William Wingert, Hagerstown, president of the Pen-Mar Improvement Association.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, March 11, 1920

March 1945, 75 Years Ago

Local Youth Hostel Receives Charter

“Crow’s Nest,” Youth Hostel, here, today received the official AYH Charter for the current year from the National Headquarters of American Youth Hostels at Northfield, Massachusetts.

The charter was received by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gernand who will present it for the 6th time to the hostel. The houseparents are Mrs. J. E. Well and her brother, Joseph Gernand.

Open the year round, the hostel has accommodations for 6 girls and 6 boys in separate bunk rooms. Cooking is provided for with an ample supply of pots and pans as well as a cook stove. Hostelers come by bike or on foot and travel for fun, for health, and for a knowledge of the country–its people, its agriculture and its industries.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, March 16, 1945

Board of Education Urges New School Bond Issue

Thurmont must have a new school building at the earliest possible moment, according to a decision by the Frederick County Board of Education, which this week sent representatives before the Board of Frederick County Commissioners urging them to request State Senator John B. Funk to introduce into the current session of the Maryland Legislature an enabling act, authorizing the County to issue bonds for the purpose as soon as construction becomes practical.

The situation at the local school, under which teachers have been laboring, has now become critical. Prospects are that inauguration of the new, enlarged school program in the Fall, which will create automatically the need for more teachers and more class rooms, and which will greatly increase attendance because of the extra class to be added, will create an overflow which simply cannot be cared for with existing facilities.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, March 16, 1945

March 1970, 50 Years Ago

Eclipse Due Here Tomorrow

Serious damage to vision can result for any person who looks directly at the March 7 eclipse of the sun, cautioned the Maryland State Dept. of Health this week.

The danger of this particular eclipse is multiplied because it we (sic) on a Saturday and more people will likely watch it.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 6, 1970

Community Egg Hunt Set For Sunday

The annual Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Memorial Post 6658, Veterans of Foreign Wars, will take place this Sunday afternoon. Commander Thomas F. Sayler says the hunt will be held at Community Field as usual, and that children will be divided into age groups in an effort to give all an equal opportunity to find their share.

                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, March 27, 1970

March 1995, 25 Years Ago

Don Byard Humanitarian Award Created

Jack Hoke, president of the Emmitsburg Ambulance Company, announced at their annual award banquet in February the creation of a new President’s Award. The award is named in honor of Donald B. Byard who, Hoke said, “has unselfishingly served this community for many, many years.”

In presenting the award Hoke said, “Don Byard, for your many acts of charity and humanitarian ways to your community, it is with great pride and honor and a lasting friendship that I present you with the Donald B. Byard Humanitarian Award. It is a tribute to you and the work you have done. Thank you for all you have accomplished.”

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, March 1995

Hall Of Fame

Marcus, the only Olympic Gold Medal winner in these parts, now resides quietly in the Emmitsburg area as he has done for the past six years. He spends his golden years meandering in the meadows and although he doesn’t talk about it, as most of us probably would, he thinks back on his glory days as an Olympic athlete.

Marcus Aurelius is his given name—a noble name for a noble destiny. Despite his small stature Marcus possessed amazing strength and stamina that let him run and jump with the best, even better than most. His feisty and independent spirit coupled with his physical abilities carried him and owner Mary Anne Tauskey to a team gold medal in the Three Day Event as part of the United States Equestrian Team competing at Bromont, Canada, during the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, March 1995

Once Upon A Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

February 1920, 100 Years Ago

Big Snow Storm

Rain began falling in this vicinity early Tuesday night, the temperature being low enough to cause sleet to form. This continued all during the night, and Wednesday morning snow began falling and a brisk wind set in. This kind of weather prevailed all day and late into the night. At times the snow fall was very heavy. Considerable rain prevented drifting to any great extent. Blinded by the snow, the Jitney driver ran his car into a culvert head about a mile north of town Wednesday morning. Sleet caused an electric wire to break, but this was soon repaired. The H. & F. trolley line was tied up this morning (Thursday), cars being unable to get out of Frederick city.

The snow is about eight inches on the level, and is covered with a fairly heavy crust of ice due to rain falling this morning.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 5, 1920

Auto Slips From Road

On Monday last while traveling the State Road, Mr. Peter N. Hammaker accidentally got his Franklin limousine against a tree. The road was very icy and the wheels began to slip and before a stop could be made the side of the car struck a tree. A fender was damaged and one of the front glasses broken.

It is said that the matter of giving part of the road to a passing car is very dangerous because of the wheels skidding on the ice.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 5, 1920

February 1945, 75 Years Ago

“Brown-Out” Taken Too Seriously Here

Co-Operating with the “Brown-Out” orders of the WPB by turning off all outside lights, State Theatre was the subject of a rumor all last week that the theatre was forced to close from lack of fuel.

Noticing on Thursday night, when the order went into effect, that there were no lights outside at the theatre, some persons began speculating on the cause and since there was a lack of coal in some places, jumped to the conclusion that they had no coal at the theatre and had had to close.

Of course, such was not the case, for the theatre is operating on schedule as usual.

Business places all over town are co-operating with the “Brown-Out” order by eliminating all unnecessary lighting effects.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, February 9, 1945

Emmitsburg Woman Awarded $2,050 For Injuries

Mrs. Ida Pauline Stambaugh, of near Emmitsburg, was awarded a verdict of $2,050 by a jury in Circuit Court last Thursday afternoon for injuries sustained last March 31 when struck by the automobile of Ralph C. Putman, in Emmitsburg. A verdict of $231.50 was given her husband, Samuel E. Stambaugh, for medical expenses and loss of services.              

Mrs. Stambaugh, who sought $5,000 damages, contended through her attorney, William M. Storm, that she had crossed a street near the square in Emmitsburg and had one foot on the curb when she was struck by the car driven by Putman. She says she sustained a broken limb, bruises and abrasions, and was in a hospital for eight days and in bed and on crutches for months. The claim was made that she was thrown a distance of 40 feet after being hit and that Putman’s car skidded 20 feet before it could be stopped. The husband sued for $2,000.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, February 23, 1945

February 1970, 50 Years Ago

Council Votes Use Of Machinery To Local Residents

The local Library was given permission to erect a sidewalk book return box at the regular meeting of the Burgess and Commissioners of Emmitsburg held Monday evening in the Town Office. Chairman of the Board J. Ralph McDonnell presided with all members in attendance.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 6, 1970

Mount Teacher Trainees Observe Their Work On Television

Mount Saint Mary’s College students studying to be teachers are now seeing themselves as others see them, thanks to new television equipment obtained under a matching grant from the U.S. Office of Education. Student-teachers are videotaped while practice teaching in an electronic teaching laboratory. One camera is focused on the student-teacher. The other is aimed at the student audience. Afterwards, the student-teacher reads written evaluations from his fellows and compares them with what he sees and hears of himself and his audience in action on the TV monitor during a playback of the videotape.

                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 20, 1970

February 1995, 25 Years Ago

Spotlight On Local Student

Emmitsburg’s Marianne Martin, the student representative to the Frederick County Board of Education, said in a recent interview with the Dispatch that she wants “to be a voice” during her term of office on the county school board. The Catoctin High School senior, selected last fall from among 13 applicants for the position, says she has written to the principals of each high school and middle school in the county asking to meet with a random sampling (two from each grade) of students. She feels this will give her a better understanding of what is on the minds of the students which will help her articulate their concerns and interests to the board.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1995

Hall Of Fame

Mount Saint Mary’s College and Seminary will induct six alumni into its Sports Hall of Fame for outstanding career achievements as students and coaches.

The awards will be presented at the Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 18, as part of Winter Homecoming festivities. The honorees are: Dr. Christine Anderson Curley, C’84 (track and cross country); Rev. James Delaney, C’57 (women’s basketball coach); Richard Dohler, C’69 (basketball); William Harkins (posthumously), C’42 (basketball); Mark Landis, C’78 (track); and Joseph Reedy, C’84 (basketball).

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1995

ONCE UPON A TIME

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by James Rada, Jr.

January 1920, 100 Years Ago

Fine Auto Smashed

Last Friday night about 2 o’clock a,m a large Paige Touring Car, said to be about as complete as ever seen in this section of the county, smashed into the concrete side of the bridge over Owen’s creek on the State Road at Franklinville two miles north of Thurmont.

From what could be learned, the car belong to some party in Brunswick, everything done to conceal the identity of the owner. It is stated that there were three men in the car at the time of the accident, and all were injured.

A car following close was forced to turn from the road and plow its way through a bed of large stones near the bridge to avoid trouble.

From reports of those who live near and visited the scene, considerable blood was found in the car, and hat pins, hair pins, quart bottles, and other articles found in and about the wreck.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, January 1, 1920

Death Still A Mystery

During the past week officers of Carroll county have been trying to solve the cause of the death of Miss Mertle Marie Staub whose body was found along the B. & O. railroad at Sykesville, Carroll county, Md., on Wednesday morning of last week, her head and right arm being severed from her body.

Miss Staub for the last several months had been employed as a domestic to the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Hughes of Sykesville. It is stated that the girl was in very good humor all the day previous.

On Wednesday morning when the Hughes family arose they found that the girl was not about the house, and on going to her room found that she had not occupied her bed during the night.

Sometime later her body was found along the railroad.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, January 1, 1920

January 1945, 75 Years Ago

Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Hobbs Married 50 Years

Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Hobbs celebrated their golden wedding day last Saturday, Dec. 30, at their home on Water street.

The day was spent quietly with their children present throughout the day. In the evening the three-tier bride’s cake was served, with other refreshments to the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs received sixty cards and many beautiful and useful gifts as well as gifts of flowers and money.

Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs were married in Emmitsburg at St. Joseph’s rectory by Father White, and lived on a farm at Tom’s Creek until 1920 when Mr. Hobbs retired from farming and moved with his family to Thurmont.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, January 5, 1945

Severely Injured 12-Year-Old Girl

Janet, 12-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin S. Lohr, north of town, is suffering from a severely lacerated scalp, sustained last Thursday morning in a sledding accident.

Janet and Betty Ross Smith were sledding back of the Smith home, on a crust almost as smooth as glass, when Janet’s sled headed for the turkey pen. Because of the speed which she was traveling and the smoothness of the ice, she was unable to guide her sled and she ran under the pen. As she did so, her head struck a plank above, which cut a gash across her scalp. Eleven stitches were required to close the wound.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, January 5, 1945

January 1970, 50 Years Ago

12-Inch Snow Paralyzes Area

Frederick County Saturday began the Herculean task of digging out a snowbound populace and several hundreds of miles of primary and secondary roads, some of which had drifted shut by a 50-mile-an-hour wind that piled up snow in some places 12 feet high. One-way traffic was maintained for several days on sections of county and state roads.

All state and county owned equipment was brought into service and several private firms were engaged to complete the task of digging out. One break in the “blizzard” was that power lines and telephone service remained practically intact.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 2, 1970

Four Homeless After Fire

A fire left four members of an Emmitsburg area family homeless late Saturday, when their two-story dwelling on Bull Frog Rd., four and a half miles east of Emmitsburg, was extensively damaged.

They were Douglas Soper, his wife, 12-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son. Soper rented the house from Archie Sipe of Kensington, Md.

Approximately 60 firemen, led by the Vigilant Hose Co. of Emmitsburg, assisted by Harney and Taneytown fire companies, responded at 4:40 Saturday afternoon with eight pieces of equipment.                                      

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 1970

January 1995, 25 Years Ago

Tower Truck Arrives

Fire service in the Emmitsburg area has been enhanced with the addition of the new tower truck recently purchased by the Vigilant Hose Company. Chief Frank Davis and several company members went to Wisconsin to bring the truck home.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1995

Multi-Service Center Planned for Emmitsburg

The Town of Emmitsburg, Up-County Family Center, and the Frederick Community Action Agency are working together to build and operate a new Emmitsburg Multi-Service Center in downtown Emmitsburg, MD. Construction for this new building will begin this summer.

This facility will be built and operated by the Town of Emmitsburg. It will house a variety of nonprofit human service agencies including Up-County Family Center, Catholic Charities, an outreach office for the Frederick Community Action Agency, and others. The new Multi-Service Center will offer “one-stop shopping” for families. It will be the center of a wide range of services that address crises and emergencies. There will also be facilities for teaching preventative skills, adult education, and job training.

                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1995

Once Upon A Time

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by James Rada, Jr.

October 1919, 100 Years Ago

Killed on Railroad

Delman and Charles Rice, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Rice, of near Creagerstown, this county, were caught on the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge over the Monocacy river between Harmony Grove and Walkersville, on Wednesday of last week. Charles was hurled from the bridge and thrown into the water and drowned, and Delman thrown from the bridge and landed on the bank. The train was stopped, the crew picking up the boy and hurried him to Frederick City Hospital. It is reported that he is improving and will soon be able to go home.

The body of Delman, aged 6 years, was recovered from the river, and it was found that he had an ugly cut across the top of his head.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, October 30, 1919

Thurmont Holds Homecoming Program On Behalf of Boys Who Served In Army and Navy

After many weeks of preparation for the celebration of the homecoming of the soldier and sailor boys who participated in the defeat of the Huns in this country and abroad, the event was finally staged on Saturday of last week. That the weather was good and gave us one of the grandest days for the occasion is now well known, and this in a great measure aided in making the celebration a most glorious one.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, October 18, 1919

October 1944, 75 Years Ago

Soldier Wounded For Second Time

Pvt. Richard H. Rosensteel, 31, was slightly wounded in action in France September 18, for the second time, a war department telegram informed his wife, Mrs. Pauline Rosensteel, Emmitsburg, this morning.

Private Rosensteel was wounded the first time the latter part of July and his wife received word from the war department in early August that he was convalescing in a hospital in England. No further word was given in the telegram today.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, October 5, 1944

Phone Books In Emmitsburg

Emmitsburg’s new telephone directory is being delivered to more than 400 subscribers, according to a statement made by Melvin W. Ambrose, manager of the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Baltimore.

Information in the directory tells how to make emergency calls, how to get repair service, space for important telephone-numbers, helpful guides in the proper use of the telephone, information on out-of-town calls, and how to use dial telephone.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, October 26, 1944

October 1969, 50 Years Ago

Fire Razes Charnita Home Monday

A pair of Mt. St. Mary’s College students escaped injury when they were forced to jump from a second-story window during a fire at their frame seven-room cottage at Charnita Monday morning.

Fairfield Fire Chief Lawrence Eversole estimated damage to the two-story structure at $25,000. The fire gutted the cottage overlooking a small lake and the Fairfield-Zora Road.

The two students, Mike Maloney and Dennis Mottley, told firemen they were awakened by a “cracking noise downstairs” shortly before 7:45 a.m.

They said they went to the stairway and saw the first floor was engulfed in flames.

Trapped on the second story of the structure, they were forced to jump eight feet to the ground from their bedroom window.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 3, 1969

New Officer Assumes Duties

The newest addition to Emmitsburg’s Police Dept. is Richard V. Etzler. Officer Etzler is 28 years of age and has had five years of service with the Maryland State Police as a dispatcher. He has served at the Waldorf, Rockville and Frederick Barracks.

The new officer is married and presently resides in Walkersville but intends to move to Emmitsburg as soon as he can find adequate accommodations. He is a member of the Maryland National Guard and is assigned to Hagerstown company.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 10, 1969

October 1994, 25 Years Ago

Thurmont Lions Celebrate

 Clement F. Kusiak will be the featured speaker Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Thurmont Lions Club’s 65th charter anniversary celebration at the Cozy Restaurant in Thurmont. The banquet will take place at 7 p.m. and will be preceded by a social period beginning at 6 p.m.

The Thurmont Lions Club was organized on Oct. 23, 1929 and the club was chartered at a meeting on Nov. 1, 1929. The club began with 21 members and was sponsored by the Frederick Lions Club. The Thurmont club currently has 44 members and meets twice monthly at the Cozy Restaurant. Over the years, the club has been instrumental in spearheading and lobbying for major road and recreational improvement projects in the area.

                                          – Frederick News-Post, October 21, 1994

Catoctin Choral Fest

The Vocal Music Dept. of Catoctin High School will present its sixth annual Catoctin Community Choral Fest on Monday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Participating in this event will be the choruses of Emmitsburg, Sabillasville and Thurmont elementary schools, Thurmont Middle, and Catoctin High. All voices will join together in a grand finale “We’re The Future of Tomorrow.”

– Frederick News-Post, October 31, 1994

ONCE UPON A TIME…

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August 1919, 100 Years Ago

Little Girl Killed

On Wednesday morning of this week an accident occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Layton Moser on the State Road south of Thurmont, that resulted in the instant death of their youngest child and daughter Olie, aged about three years.

Mr. Moser had brought home a load of fertilizer, and found it necessary to stop the team in order to remove something in the wagonshed before pulling in the wagon.

 Unconscious of the children being about he started the team and drew the load in the shed, and looking around saw two children just outside the shed, one then already dead, the left rear wheel of the wagon passing over the baby’s head and crushing it. The other child was so near the wheel that some flesh was rubbed from its leg.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, August 14, 1919

Lightning Strikes Barn

Monday afternoon last a heavy thunder, rain and wind storm coming from the west passed over Frederick county and did considerable damage to growing crops and property of various kinds. Reports are that a heavy wind accompanied the rain in a section north of Frederick city, and that the rainfall was very heavy.

The heavy portion of the storm passed to the southeast of Thurmont.

During the storm a large bank barn, with wagonshed and corncrib attached, on the farm of George Houck, near Harmony Grove, tenanted by Harry Green, was struck by lightning and totally destroyed. More than half of this year’s wheat crop, a quantity of hay, springwagon, four horse wagon, carriage, and a lot of farming implements were burned. The loss is estimated between $4,000 and $5,000, partly insured.

No live stock perished in the flames, the 20 head of cattle and 11 head of horses having been turned out to pasture.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, August 10, 1919

August 1944, 75 Years Ago

Charles W. Messner Dies As Result of Terrific Explosion

Thurmont residents were shocked on Wednesday when word was received here of the fatal injury, at Hanover, Pa., of Charles W. Messner, 28-year-old refrigeration engineer, of this place who for about three years past has been employed by the Frick Manufacturing Co., of Waynesboro, Pa.

The accident, the cause of which is undetermined, occurred at the Hanover plant of the R. H. Sheppard Co. where Messner was engaged in installing and inspecting a new refrigeration unit in the test room of the plant. A terrific explosion hurled the young engineer with great force against a wall, fracturing his skull, and at the same time seriously injured three other workmen. He was rushed to Hanover General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, August 4, 1944

Teaching Positions Are Filled

… Discussion of the disposal of the Rocky Ridge school property was also a major item of Board business. A decision was reached to advertise the property for sale at public auction in the near future.

                                          – Frederick News, August 15, 1944

August 1969, 50 Years Ago

Plan To Establish Day Care Center Here

The Community Aide for Emmitsburg has been working for the past four months on organizing low income mothers to work together on a day care center. The purpose of the center would be to give mothers the chance to work and add more to their present income. In the past, a lot of women were unable to pay the fees for babysitting because they would make no more than the minimum wage and could not afford a regular babysitter.

In the past few months there has been a lot of misunderstanding as to what part a day care center would play for Emmitsburg. A lot of people think it would put some people out of work who are babysitters now. The center is for people who want to work and can’t afford the fees of babysitters. Others think mothers can put children in the center just to go shopping or visiting or whatever they want, or to get rid of the children for a few hours.

The center will be set up on a basis to enroll a child to allow the parent to work. Parents will pay on a sliding scale according to what they can make and what they can afford.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, August 1, 1969

Catoctin High Names Principal

The Board of Education has announced the appointment of Harper Long as principal of Catoctin High School, effective Sept. 1.

Long, presently vice-principal at Catoctin High, will succeed Howard Goodrich, who is leaving Aug. 31 to become assistant superintendent of the Burlington, Vermont school system.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, August 29, 1969

August 1994, 25 Years Ago

10-year-olds Fare Well in Thurmont

A team of 10-year-olds from Gettysburg finished at .500 in a recent tournament in Thurmont. The squad defeated Emmitsburg, Md., and the Mighty Gs, and lost to Westminster, Md., and Frederick, Md.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, August 8, 1994

Montgomery Ag Fair Offers a Little Learning for Everyone

… Meanwhile, Polled Hereford beef cattle producers held their state show here on Tuesday. Winning the permier exhibitor banner were the Mullinix Brothers of Woodbine and Grandview Farm of Harwood was the premier breeder. The show was held in honor of Calvin E. Sayler of Thurmont. Mr. Sayler has been breeding Polled Herefords since 1965 and served on the board of directors for more than 20 years, serving as president for four terms and managing the state sale.

Supporting the youth has been a major concern for Mr. Sayler. He started the 4-H sale at the Thurmont-Emmitsburg Community Show and started a heifer project by donating an animal to a deserving youth with the understanding that after three years, an offspring of that animal be donated to another deserving youth.

– Frederick News, August 24, 1994

ONCE UPON A TIME

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by James Rada, Jr.

July 1919, 100 Years Ago

Motor Transport Train. Coast To Coast Journey Delayed at Thurmont

The motor transport train which left Washington on Monday of this week got as far as Frederick, Md., on the first day. They remained at Frederick over night, camping on the Fair Grounds.

Early Tuesday morning the journey was resumed, and the main body of transports came to Thurmont about 9:30 o’clock. The small cars and all but three of the heavy trucks proceeded without mishap until the overhead bridge of the Western Maryland railroad bridge was reached. Here the truck carrying the blacksmith shot got stuck, the heavy bridge girders being too low, and a portion of the top was torn from the truck in its efforts to proceed.

          ***

This is said to be the largest motor transport train in the history of any army. The trip from Washington to San Franscisco will be made over the Lincoln Highway, and will take at least 60 days.

The trip is being made under special orders from the War Department, and for the double purpose of giving a demonstration of national preparedness and of showing the need of national highways.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, July 10, 1919

Date Set For Homecoming

Several months ago a meeting of the citizens of Thurmont was held and an association was formed for the purpose of holding a home-coming welcome in honor of the boys who have been in the service.

A meeting of the association was held on Tuesday evening of this week and Saturday, August 2nd, was the date decided upon for the holding of the celebration.

It has been rather difficult to decide upon a suitable date on account of quite a number of the boys not having returned from abroad. At one time it looked like we might get ready about Just 1st but it was found that so many celebrations of this kind were being held on that date and it was decided to wait a bit longer and at the same time give the boys who are still abroad an opportunity of getting home.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, July 10, 1919

July 1944, 75 Years Ago

Pfc. Dale M. Ford First Thurmont Man Killed In Invasion

Pfc. Dale M. Ford is the first Thurmont man with the 29th Division to be killed in the invasion. His wife, Mrs. Florence Wireman Ford, has received word from the War Department that Pfc. Ford was killed in action in France on June 13, just one week after D-Day.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, July 14, 1944

Unnecessary Use Of Water Banned In Thurmont

With much reluctance the Mechanicstown Water Company, which furnishes water to the citizens of Thurmont, has at last been forced to place a ban upon the use water here for other than the most essential services.

According to an announcement in the advertising columns of this paper citizens are warned that effective today (Friday) it will not be permissible to use municipal water for sprinkling for the filling of wading and swimming pools and the replenishing of fish ponds.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, July 21, 1944

July 1969, 50 Years Ago

Firemen Sign Contract For New Pumper

The regular monthly meeting of the Vigilant Hose Company was held Tuesday evening at the Fire Hall, President James E. Fitzgerald presiding. Chief Guy R. McGlaughin reported that three fire calls and one service call had been answered since the last meeting. Co-chairman James Kittinger announced that $4,010.00 has been collected by the current Fund Drive, meaning that $3,000 is still needed if the $7,000 goal is to be achieved.

          ***

Old business discussed at the meeting included the decision of making a $6,000.00 payment on the building addition mortgage, as well as the signing of a contract with the American Fire Apparatus Company for the body portion of a new pumper in the amount of $21,360. This amount does not include the cost of the chassis which will be an estimated additional cost of $9,000 plus. The pumper is planned for delivery during the spring of 1971.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, July 11, 1969

Con Man Held In Swindle Try

With promises of love and marriage, a Louisiana man attempted to con a Rocky Ridge woman whom he met through a Pen-Pal Club to give him $1,500 and leave with him, State Police said.

          Tpr. John W. Reburn said he was notified of the scheme by the Thurmont Bank. Arrested on a charge of conspiracy was Joseph Garciana, 58, of Port Allen and his nephew, Johnny Bareanco, 19, of Baton Rouge, La., was charged with attempted conspiracy. Police said that mode of operation used was to “make contact with the possible victim thru a Lousiana based Pen-Pal Club. After several weeks, the con artist would come and visit his pen-pal with claims of love and marriage.”

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, July 11, 1969

July 1994, 25 Years Ago

Emmitsburg Revels In Old-Fashioned 4th

The clang of horseshoes and the band of fireworks filled the air here Sunday at the 12th annual Community Day, sponsored by the town Lions Club. The day’s events, which were unified under the theme of “Patriotism,” served to unite the town, Lions Club President Jim Wivell said. “It really gets the town together. It brings people together around the Fourth of July and people really appreciate that,” he said.

          Mr. Wivell said the day’s activities, which range from horseshoe pitching to a parade, attracted approximately 1,500 people. He predicted that 3,500-5,000 would watch fireworks.

                                          – Frederick News, July 5, 1994

Emmitsburg Smooch

President Clinton gets a kiss from the Emmitsburg, Md., Fire Chief’s dog, Hoser, as volunteer fireman Wayne Powell (right) watches. Clinton was driving through Emmitsburg and stopped to greet the citizens as he was returning from a round of golf Sunday at Carroll Valley Country Club near Fairfield in southern Adams County.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, July 5, 1994