Once upon a time

by James Rada, Jr.

Note: Newspaper excerpts are as they appeared in their respective issues.

February 1923, 100 Years Ago

Another Piece Gone

Last Thursday Mr. Ross Eigenbrode got the index finger of his left hand in the way of a running saw at the plant of the Thurmont Manufacturing Company and was relieved of a part of the first joint. Some few months ago the jointer at the same factory, and on the same hand, amputated the first joint of his little finger.

Mr. Eigenbrode says that he hopes to become accustomed to these operations in time. If he does become so, he is liable to form the habit and by the time he had finished his span of mortal life he will have been pretty thoroughly pruned.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 1, 1923

New Bowling Alley

Mr. D. R. Rouzer has started work on the foundation of a building in which will be placed a bowling alley. The structure will occupy the entire driveway between the Mackley Building and Mr. Rouzer’s property now occupied by Mr. R. A. Tyson.

          The building will be one story in height, the front to contain the shaving parlor of Mr. Quinn J. Florence, and the bowling alley in the rear.

                                          – Catoctin Clarion, February 1, 1923

February 1948, 75 Years Ago

Final Rites For Soldiers At Thurmont

Final services for Sgt. Hanson S. Sauble and Pfc Austin C. Reed who died in action in the siege of St. Lo, and whose bodies arrived home this week for re-interment, were held at the funeral home in Thurmont, Thursday afternoon.

                                          – Frederick News, February 20, 1948

Traffic Is Stalled By Icy Roads

…The star route mail truck between Baltimore and Thurmont, which transfers mail for Frederick to Hagerstown and Frederick to the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway at Thurmont, slid from the road near New Windsor and post office officials here had no idea at mid-morning when the mail might reach here. The trolley service to Thurmont was maintained without interruption.            

                                          – Frederick News, February 12, 1948

February 1973, 50 Years Ago

Town Drops Property Ownership Requirement

According to the resolution unanimously passed by the Burgess and Commissioners Monday night, persons wishing to run for election as town officials will no longer be required to own property in the town. (The full text of the resolution appears elsewhere in this paper). According to the Town Attorney, Frederick J. Bower, the new regulation brings the town into line with recent court decisions prohibiting such requirements. Those wishing to be elected to town offices must have been a resident for one year prior to their election and must reside inside town boundaries during their terms of office.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 8, 1973

Thousands Brave Cold To Attend Winter Festival

Nearly 10,000 visitors braved the below-freezing temperatures Saturday and Sunday to attend the Winter Festival. Sponsored by the Catoctin Mountain Tourist Council and Catoctin Mountain Park, the Festival was highly successful in spite of the small amount of snow.

                                          – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 15, 1973

February 1998, 25 Years Ago

VHC Bids Farewell To Colleague

On West Main Street, Towers 6 and 1 formed an Aerial Arch under which the funeral procession of Greg Hollinger passed as the bell on Tower 6 tolled in respect. Greg, age 43, an active member of the Vigilant Hose Company for 24 years, died Jan. 20, at his home.

“The outpouring of support from both the community and the emergency services throughout the region was simply outstanding,” said Wayne Powell, VHC Information Officer. “Greg was well-liked and committed to the safety and well-being of those he served in the greater Emmitsburg Community.”

                                          – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1998

Emmitsburg Election Set For April 21

At the January town meeting Commissioner Phil Postelle announced that the elections for mayor (currently held by William H. Carr) and commissioners’ seats (currently held by Rosario Benvengi and Christopher Weaver) will be held April 21, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the town office.

Residents wishing to file for candidacy must do so in writing at the town office before 12:00 noon on April 9, 1998.

                                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1998