Once Upon A Time
by James Rada, Jr.
January 1923, 100 Years Ago
Typewriters Stolen
On Monday night thieves forced an entrance into the office of the H. M. Spahr Breeding Estate, on the State Road, a few miles south of Thurmont, and took there from three typewriters.
Nothing else about the building was disturbed. The machines were No. 10 Royal, their numbers were X188572, X272745 and X 242191. No clue was left whereby identification might be brought about.
– Catoctin Clarion, January 25, 1923
Hunger Strike
Four hundred students of Western Maryland College, Westminster, went on a “hunger strike” recently. The cause of the trouble was dissatisfaction with the “grub.” The last straw was added on Saturday evening, January 13, when “pickled souse” was served at supper. The students claimed that the “cooking” was not up to the mark, and that the menu read better than it tasted. The differences have been adjusted, however, and everybody eats and is happy.
– Catoctin Clarion, January 25, 1923
January 1948, 75 Years Ago
Eyler Real Estate Sold for $17,750
Three parcels of land in the Thurmont district, totaling less than 100 acres and including three dwellings were sold at auction Friday noon for $17,750. Calvin Lohr, agent for O. Ruth, Joseph H., Charles William Eyler and Mary Jane Diffenderfer, announced last night through John W. Null, auctioneer.
– Frederick Post, January 3, 1948
Dr. Swearingen Wounds Self at Thurmont
Dr. Frank V. Swearingen, prominent Thurmont dentist was in a serious condition at Frederick Memorial Hospital from gunshot wounds Sunday night as State Police and County authorities began an investigation.
Dr. Swearingen was removed to the hospital early Sunday morning after he was said to have shot himself in the abdomen with a shot gun at his residence.
– Frederick Post, January 12, 1948
January 1973, 50 Years Ago
New Pastor for St. Anthony’s
The Rev. Edward T. Sargus, Pastor for the last ten years of St. Stephen’s Church, Bradshaw, Maryland, has been appointed by His Eminence Lawrence Cardinal Shehan as Pastor of St. Anthony’s Shrine, Emmitsburg, succeeding the Rev. Vincent J. Tomalski, who is retiring after 18 years as Pastor of St. Anthony’s.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 11, 1973
Town to Have New Signal Lights
The Council discussed parking problems, the need for more stop signs and problems concerning the parking meters. Plans from the Traffic Division concerning new traffic lights to be installed in the town were discussed. The State has agreed to pay for these lights at a cost of $11,000.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, January 14, 1973
January 1998, 25 Years Ago
EBPA Calls for Participants in Planning Fall Festival
A small group from the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Assoc. met recently to begin the planning for the new Mason-Dixon Fall Festival scheduled for Oct. 3 and 4, 1998.
“We are inviting all who reside in and around the historic Emmitsburg area to participate in the planning of the festival,” said EBPA president Bob Gauss. “We’ll be meeting Jan. 14, 7 p.m., at the Gourmet Grill and urge individuals or groups who want to participate to bring their creative ideas and energy.”
– The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1998
Proposed Crossing for Tom’s Creek
The Frederick County Commissioners asked the Department of Public Works to investigate the need for a low-water crossing of Tom’s Creek that would accommodate large farm equipment. A low-water crossing at Dern Road was proposed at that time..
– The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, January 1998
