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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

Once Upon a Time

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By James Rada, Jr.

May 1919, 100 Years Ago

Smith Escapes From Jail

Ross Smith, one of the two Smith brothers who was arrested for stealing meat at Thurmont, and was sent to Frederick County jail because he could not furnish bail, escaped from prison Tuesday night. Another prisoner, Horace Johnson, a negro, escaped with Smith, and the two are still at large.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, May 1, 1919

Must Attend School

No little commotion was caused last week among patrons of Catoctin Furnace and Blue Mountain public schools when 20 or more families were  summoned to appear before Justice Cadow of this place, on complaint made by school attendance officer, Franklin Harshman.

The reports sent to the School Board by Miss Edith Brown, teacher at Blue Mountain School, and by Mr. Howard Bussard and Miss Lillian Kelly, teachers at Catoctin, showed that many children enrolled were not attending school, one being present but 18 days during the school year to April 1st.

Under the law, every child is requested to make at least 100 days if its health permits.

It is well known that due to the Flu schools were closed last fall, but since January 1st there has been no epidemic of special reason for children staying away from school.

Some of the reasons given by parents for their children not being in school were, that the teacher told their child to go home and stay home, some had to help wash, some pasture cattle, some were sick or had sick brothers or sisters, some no clothes and several fathers had no excuse whatever.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, May 1, 1919

May 1944, 75 Years Ago

Thurmont Firemen Will Purchase New Equipment

At a recent meeting of the Guardian Hose Company, approval was given by the members for the purchase of a booster tank that would carry a sufficient amount of water to put out a fire where there was not stream or plug to draw from.

Several months ago, when the firemen had to stand by, helplessly, and watch the home of Raymond Putman, near Creagerstown, burn to the ground because the water supply gave out at a critical point, they realized how handicapped they were and how badly they needed a tank that would carry more water, and immediately they began an investigation for a new pumper.

The pumper, which the firemen feel would meet their needs, would be mounted on a ton and a half truck, with a tank that would carry 500 gallons of water, together with two 250-foot lengths of 3/4 –inch highly tested hose, with two nozzles or guns.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, May 12, 1944

Thurmont Future Farmers Win Paper Drive Contest

The Thurmont Chapter of the Future Farmers of America won first prize in the scrap paper collection contest, sponsored by the Frederick County Salvage Committee, in which they participated. They will receive a cash award of $20, as announced by the chairman, Dr. David G. Everhart.

The chapter collected a total of 12,170 pounds during the month of April. Two weeks ago, a house to house collection was made by the boys at which time they gathered 5,070 pounds and previously they had brought in 7,100 pounds, which gave each member an average of over 500 pounds.

Emmitsburg school won second prize in the contest, collecting 9,555 pounds, and will be awarded $15. Other winners were Elm street school, Frederick, 7,075 pounds, and Johnsville, 3,615 pounds. They will receive prizes of $10 and $5, respectively.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, May 12, 1944

May 1969, 50 Years Ago

Firemen Spend Busy Week

Efforts of a group of men to prevent a forest fire led to the Vigilant Hose Co. being summoned to a field and brush conflagration Friday afternoon at 4:08.

Friday afternoon a committee of men visited the camp site preparatory to a group of boys being brought there for an outing. In order to avoid any spread of flames when a large campfire was ignited for the boys, the group of men determined to burn off the grass in the area where they planned to have the bonfire.

Chief McGlaughlin said the effort was proceeding well when a “a gust of wind came along and the fire scattered all over the place.”

The Emmitsburg firemen held the resulting field and brush fire to an area covering an acre.

The blaze was the second in two days for the firemen, who were called Thursday when a lawn mower burst into blaze at the property of Alice Balmer on DePaul St.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, May 2, 1969

Police Dept. Operates Smoothly; Hire New Officer

Emmitsburg’s Police Dept. is now operating at a full complement of two officers.

The Town Council appointed W. Henry Filler as officer last December 20. In recent months, he has been promoted to Chief of Police. Chief Filler is a Korean War veteran and was overseas 18 months. Following his discharge from the military, he served in the classified documents department at Ft. Detrick for several years. His most recent employment was a two-and-a-half year stretch of service with the Thurmont Police Dept.

Chief Filler resides at Mt. Manor Motel and plans to take a police review course sometime in the future.

The newest addition to the Police Dept. is Thomas F. Colliflower, Jr., 22, Frederick. Colliflower accepted employment on May 6.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, May 14, 1969

May 1994, 25 Years Ago

Emmitsburg Jumpers

The Emmitsburg Elementary School held Jump Rope for Heart on March 10. The children raised nearly $4,700 for the American Heart Association. Over 100 children, parents and faculty jumped rope for 180 minutes. Refreshements were provided by the Emmitsburg Jubilee. Fifteen children individually raised over $100 each, with Ying Li raising the most, $500.

                                          – The Frederick News, May 7, 1994

Group Seeks Cullen Probe

A citizens’ group has asked Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-6th, to launch a federal inquiry into Victor Cullen Academy, a reform school for boys that opened in September 1992.

Concerned Citizens, Inc. has fought having the school here since it was proposed in 1992, and at one point sued the state Department of Juvenile Services, attempting to close the facility.

The suit was rejected by a circuit court judge last year, and according to Dr. Bartlett’s press secretary, the latest assault by Concerned Citizens is also in trouble.

                                                – The Frederick Post, May 25, 1994

Once Upon a Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

April 1919, 100 Years Ago

Capt. Sterling Galt Again In Casualties

The mailed first of the war god has fallen on a relative by marriage of Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, Captain Sterling Galt Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Galt Sr., Emmitsburg. He was wounded and gassed. Captain Galt’s father was a brother of Mrs. Wilson’s dead husband.

In yesterday afternoon’s overseas casualty list, Captain Galt was reported as slightly wounded in action. His father, interviewed last night, stated that he had received word from the War Department recently, stating that his son had been slightly wounded in action on October 18.

The letter stated that he Captain Galt had been wounded on the Verdun front on October 18 by shrapnel. His wound, he said, was slight and was in his leg. At the time of his writing, he was convalescing at Nice.                                         

                                          – The Frederick Post, April 11, 1919

New Phone Rates

The C. & P. Telephone Company announce that the rates heretofore charged subscribers do not pay for the upkeep of their property, and hence rates must go up.

The raise in rates take effect May 1st, and almost every person having a phone or wishing to talk over a phone will be touched up for the privilege, the increase being from 5 to 20 cents and 5 cents additional war tax.

After May 1st, to talk to Frederick, we pay 15c plus 5c tax, total 20 cents.

A charge of 10 cents will be made to Emmitsburg and Walkersville from Thurmont, no War Tax added.

To talk from Emmitsburg to Frederick will cost 20 cents plus 5 cents tax, or 25 cents.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, April 17, 1919

April 1944, 75 Years Ago

Thurmont Selected for Experiment

Thurmont has been selected as one of three Maryland communities where an early attempt will be made to look after the interests of returned members of the armed forces. At a recent meeting in the library of the Thurmont School, it was decided to affiliate with the town committee already set up with the purpose of attempting to secure employment for men from that community when they return from the armed forces.

Dr. R. Floyd Cromwell, Supervisor of Guidance for the State of Maryland, explained that Thurmont was selected with two other communities in the state, in an attempt to give guidance to returning young men that they may find employment upon their return, or secure information that will lead to employment. This would be done through a counselor, to be appointed, who would be familiar with all the opportunities that would be open to men upon their return, as well as for those who have been employed in civil war work.

It was explained that the belief is that twenty or twenty-five per cent of the population will need some sort of employment adjustment after the war.

                                          – The Frederick Post, April 10, 1944

167 Pints of Blood Given

Navy V-12 boys in training at Mt. St. Mary’s College gave the major portion of 167 pints of blood secured at the college on Monday through the cooperation of the Frederick County Red Cross Blood Donor Service and Mobile Unit 2 of the Baltimore service.              

Lieut. R. J. Richards, of the Navy staff had arranged for the visit and in addition to a great many of his boys, three State Police and about 25 other civilian volunteers had been line up as volunteers by Mrs. Harry S. Boyle, who did the recruiting in town.

It was the most successful engagement yet in Emmitsburg.

                                          – The Fredrick News Post, April 18, 1944

April 1969, 50 Years Ago

Cable TV Proposed at Thurmont

Cable television for Thurmont was proposed at the Wednesday night town meeting. Lynn I. Decker, president, and John Hanly, vice president, of the American Telecable Services, Inc. of Silver Spring discussed installation of cable service here.

The company would install cable service for the entire corporate limits, plus areas outside the town where a population density of twenty houses per mile exists. Hanly told the town council there would be no installation charge at first, with charges being established as the service grows.

Monthly rates would be $495 and a competent company lineman would be brought to Thurmont by the company to install and maintain equipment, Hanly said.

                                          – The Frederick News Post, April 3, 1969

Graceham Firemen Are Idle As Thurmont Fights Fires

A fire company traveled more than eight miles to several brush fire scenes on Monday, while another company with three pieces of apparatus sat in an engine house less than two miles from the first due company and approximately six miles from the fire scenes.

Harry O. Miller, chief of the Thurmont Fire Company, said Monday evening that the reason the Graceham Fire Company was not called in for the Thurmont fire alarm was a lack of manpower. Miller noted that Thurmont has four pieces of apparatus, three pumpers and a tank wagon, which can handle most alarms in the area, however, when a second alarm is sounded manpower is usually the most important request.

Emmitsburg, which is second due, the second company called, if needed, on almost all Thurmont area fires, has the highest average turnout for volunteer firemen in the area, according to Miller. In 1969, the Emmitsburg unit averaged 30 men per fire call.

Graceham is not due on any fire calls for which Thurmont is first due, although the station houses are two and one-half miles apart and the town limits are a mile apart.

                                          – The Frederick News Post, April 29, 1969

April 1994, 25 Years Ago

Emmitsburg Takes Out Loan to Fix Spillway

Town commissioners Monday agreed to establish a $100,000, three-year line of credit with Farmers and Mechanics National Bank.

The commissioners said they need money to finance Rainbow Lake spillway renovation and for well development. Repair for the concrete spillway has been mandated by the state Department of Natural Resources. Work will begin April 18.

                                          – The Frederick News Post, April 5, 1994

Youth Charged in Fire

A 16-year-old from Victor Cullen Academy was charged with malicious burning in connection with a fire Monday night in his dormitory room, officials at the school said.

The youth, who suffered smoke inhalation, was taken to Washington County Hospital, Hagerstown, for treatement, officials said.

He allegedly lit a roll of toilet paper and placed it under a heater, officials said.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Jim Woods charged the youth with the misdemeanor and referred the case to the Department of Juvenile Services, officials said.

                                          – The Frederick News Post, April 8, 1994

Once Upon A Time…

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by James Rada, Jr.

Four Club Meetings Today

At Emmitsburg two clubs have merged, the Catholic School Club and the Protestant School Club. The two organizations will alternate in meetings, one being held in the Catholic school one week and the next in the Protestant school.

About 40 members have already enrolled for club work for the coming season.

                                          – The Frederick Post, March 24, 1919

Making Road Survey

A corps of engineers began the work of making a survey of the public road leading from Thurmont, through Graceham, Rocky Ridge, Union Bridge and New Windsor to Westminster on Monday of this week.

It will be recalled that at the last session of the Legislature a bill was passed authorizing the survey of this road its entire distance between Hagerstown and Westminster. Thurmont is about half way between the two cities, the distance to Hagerstown by railroad being 28 miles and that to Westminster by rail 25 miles.

The engineers are now working from Thurmont to Westminster. Probably another corps will survey the road from Thurmont to Foxville, Smithburg (sic) on to Hagerstown.

The benefits from this road, if built, will be many. To the east of us it would take farmers out of the mud and place them on solid ground and to the west it would give the mountain people a good smooth road over which to bring their produce to railroad points.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, March 27, 1919

Red Cross Asks Emmitsburg For $1,111.70 Quota

Emmitsburg’s quota in the Red Cross War Relief campaign started Wednesday is $1,110.70, it was announced today by George L. Wilhide and A. L. Leary, co-chairmen for the borough.

Mr. Wilhide, cashier of the Emmitsburg State bank, and Mr. Leary, principal of the Emmitsburg schools, said today that the new quota is not much higher than the amount turned in by Emmitsburg during last year’s campaign when they oversubscriber (sic) their quota by $153.20. The total given by residents of Emmitsburg last year to help the Red Cross in its services to the men and women of the armed forces and their families was $1,013.20. Mr. Wilhide, who was manager of last year’s campaign, said today.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, March 2, 1944

Sabillasville Soldier Congratulates Friend

Tech. Sgt. Joseph H. Dingle, of Sabillasville, Md. received congratulations from an old home-town friend, First Sgt. Harry L. Bittner, following the former’s completion of his 25th mission over Nazi Europe as engineer and top turret gunner on a Flying Squadron.

Bittner, who is First Sergeant of a station complement squadron, and Dingle happened to meet recently in a town near here and discovered that both were stationed at this heavy bombardment base. Both are natives of Sabillasville where Sergeant Bittner’s father, S. P. Bittner, and Dingle’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin R. Dingle, are good friends.

                                          – Frederick News, March 27, 1944

Fight Mountain Fire Near College

Emmitsburg firemen walked over a half a mile through wooded area early Thursday evening to put out a fire that destroyed over an acre of woods on a mountain about a mile from the Mt. St. Mary’s College campus.

Fire Chief Guy McGlaughlin said the blaze was apparently caused by carelessness. Armed with portable fire fighting equipment several firemen made their way on foot up the steep mountain to the fire scene.

Later, firemen were able get additional men to the fire by means of a truck after they opened a closed road leading to an old qarry.

The fire, Chief McGlaughlin said, was in the same wooded area where they had fought a blaze a few days ago.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, March 21, 1969

New 1969 Ambulance Arrives

The American Legion Ambulance Service, Inc. proudly announces the arrival of its brand new 1969 Cadillac ambulance.

The red and white, four-patient, air-conditioned “vehicle of mercy” replaces the 1963 Cadillac ambulance which has faithfully served the community for the past five years. During the past year, over 150 cases were handled by the drivers and assistants who are all on a voluntary and non-paid basis.

The new ambulance will be housed as its predecessors were, in the American Legion building. The drivers and assistants are all members of the Legion. Membership in this organization is divided in three categories, Regular, Associate, and Social membership.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, March 7, 1969

Emmitsburg Fire Company Auxiliary Pledges $100,000 to Capital Program

The Emmitsburg, Md., Vigilant Hose Company kicked off a major capital campaign recently and received its first significant pledge from the VHC Auxiliary, a pledge of $100,000.

The Auxiliary has made its first payment on the pledge when it presented a check for $30,000 to VHC officers at the Company’s annual dinner and awards program recently.

The capital campaign is being conducted to raise $650,000 to help the fire company purchase a 100 foot ladder truck and to build an addition to the fire station on West Main Street in Emmitsburg.

The total cost of the project, according to VHC campaign co-chairmen Gabe Baker and Steve Hollinger, is estimated to be about $990,000.

“This represents the largest investment the Vigilant Host Company has ever made in its 110 years of service to our community,” the noted “And, it’s certainly the largest capital campaign ever conducted in our community.”

                                          – Gettysburg Times, March 2, 1994

Emmitsburg readies Easter Sunrise Service

Christians of all denominations will gather on the mountainside above Mount Saint Mary’s College again this year for the annual Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 3.

The service, sponsored by the Emmitsburg Council of Churches, has drawn more than 1,000 worshippers in good weather, when visitors can stroll among early spring flowers and visit the Italian mosaics of the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross.

The service will begin at 6:30 am and Msgr. Hugh. Phillips, chaplain of the Grotto, will extend greetings, and Rev. Dennis Schulze, pastor of Tom’s Creek Methodist Church, will deliver the sermon.

Music will be provided by the Emmtisburg Community Chorus, directed by Gary Schwartz.

                                          – Gettysburg Times, March 22, 1994

Once Upon A Time…

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By James Rada, Jr.

February 1919, 100 Years Ago

Homecoming Association Organized

In order to form some definite plan for welcoming home the boys who enlisted or were drafted into military service by Uncle Sam and who have seen service overseas or been in camps in this country, a call was made last week for representatives from all the churches, lodges and other organizations in Mechanicstown District to meet in the Club Room, Thurmont Bank Building, Tuesday evening of this week.

In response to the request 35 person assembled. Rev. E. O. Pritchett called the meeting to order, after some discussion it was determined to make a permanent organization to formulate plans for the home-coming celebration.

Maj. Geo. T. Castle, a veteran of the Civil War, was nominated and unanimously chosen president of the association. Mr. L. Birely and Rev. E. O. Pritchett were elected vice-presidents; H. D. Beachley, Secretary; J. Roscoe Mackley assistant secretary, and Rev. C. E. Wolfe Treasurer.

The official title of the organization is “The Thurmont Home-Coming Association.”

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 6, 1919

Fire At Graceham

Last Saturday at about 6:30 p.m., the cry of fire was heard on the streets of Graceham, and in a few minutes, the barn of Mr. George Fox was in a blaze. Mr. Fox had just gone to the village store. He rushed to the barn just in time to save the two horses that were already surrounded by fire. It was too late to rescue two pigs, and the buggy was badly damaged by the fire when it was pulled out. The fire extinguisher, kept in the barn of Adam Zentz, was rushed to the scene, but it was too late to save the barn so a stream was turned on the summer house at the home of Mrs. Agnes Colliflower and Miss Ella Weller, as also upon the woodshed. These buildings were only about 20 feet from the fire and were covered with shingle roofs. It was due to the fact that the wind was blowing from the north and also to the heroic efforts of the men of the village who kept pouring water upon these buildings that the same were saved as they caught fire several times but the blaze was at once put out. If the fire had gone to these buildings it would have been impossible to save the home.

The origin of the fire will no doubt remain a mystery. There was only $75.00 insurance on the barn. A good many tools were destroyed which Mr. Fox had stored in the barn for the erection of a blacksmith shop. He also suffered the loss of grain and fodder in the barn and a stack of hay on the outside.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 13, 1919

February 1944, 75 Years Ago

Thurmont District Over the Top In War Bond Sales

A total of $53,050 in War Bonds has been purchased in Thurmont during this Fourth War Loan Drive, according to a report given out Wednesday by Thomas E. Steffey, cashier of the Thurmont Bank.

Of the total amount, $20,700 worth were sold by nineteen members of the senior class of Thurmont High School. These seniors solicited sales throughout the town and the splendid result shows the fine patriotic spirit which prompted them in serving their country.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, February 11, 1944

Received Pumper From OCD

A pumper was received from the Office of Civilian Defense last week and has been tested by the firemen with very satisfactory results. The pumper, which pumps 500 gallons per minute, is mounted on a trailer and will be attached to a truck which the firemen have purchased for that purpose. It can be used any time it is needed, OCD Headquarters announced and not alone in the event of an enemy attack.

The firemen now have first aid kits, lanterns, helmets, gas masks, 400 feet of 2 ½-inch hose, a 34-foot extension ladder and various other necessary items. A number of other items are yet to come from the OCD.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, February 11, 1944

February 1969, 50 Years Ago

Commissioners Refuse Funds For Renovations

Gloom has fallen here. The County Commissioners have refused to grant the funds for the renovation of the high school which will soon be vacated by the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades when they move to Catoctin High.

Heralded by the Board of Education as “necessary physical structure in the concept of modern education,” the new middle school would have housed 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The original plans for the project were presented to the commission November 29, 1967. At that time they gave approval for architect’s fees of $6,000 to plan and execute renovation which was estimated to cost $100,000. Since that time, the estimated cost of renovation has ballooned to $850,840, according to a recent estimate. The Commissioners said that since Catoctin High School, which will house students from both Thurmont and Emmitsburg, is due to open February 10, they felt steps to create a middle school should wait.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, February 7, 1969.

Miss Heatherly Is “Homemaker Of Tomorrow”

Charlotte Heatherly has been named 1969 Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow for Thurmont High School because she achieved the highest score in a homemaking knowledge and attitude test which she took along with other senior class girls in her school December 3, it has been announced. She will be awarded a special Betty Crocker silver charm.

Also, her paper has been entered with those of other school winners in the state in competition for the title, State Homemaker of Tomorrow. The winner of this honor will be granted a $1,500 scholarship from General Mills, Inc., sponsor of the annual program and her school will be awarded a complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica by Encylopedia Britannica, Inc. The state runners up will be granted $500 scholarships.

                                          – Catoctin Enterprise, February 14, 1969