once upon a time...
James Rada, Jr.
Note: Newspaper excerpts are as they appeared in their respective issues.
October 1924, 100 Years Ago
Annual Convention of Pythian Sisters
The fourth annual convention of Pythian Sisters of District No. 2, of Maryland, was held in Thurmont Monday afternoon and night with 82 delegates present from the six temples comprising the district, and many visitors, Grand Chief Rebecca Russell, of Hagerstown, and District Deputy Nate Sterner, were present. Mrs. Viola Sutter, Brunswick. District Deputy, presided at the afternoon meeting, which was occupied with routine business.
– Frederick News, October 7, 1924
Another “Bootie” Gets Six Months Term In Prison
“Things are not obtained easily in this world and success comes only through hard work,” Associate Judge Robert B. Peter told Harry Hewitt, about 35, of near Thurmont, this morning when he sentenced him to six months in the House of Correction after he had pleaded guilty to selling liquor.
“The only way to break up the liquor traffic is by prison sentences,” said Judge Peter, who added that “fines will never stop it.”
Four separate charges were docketed against Hewitt, but upon entering the plea of guilty on one charge, State’s Attorney Storm requested that the remaining cases be settled.
– Frederick News, October 9, 1924
October 1949, 75 Years Ago
Funeral Services For Merchant Held Tuesday
One of Emmitsburg’s most well-known merchants died suddenly Saturday evening. J. Edward Houck, owner and operator of the Emmitsburg Quality Shop succumbed to a heart attack at his home on the Square about 5 o’clock Saturday evening. Mr. Houck had been ill for the past few months. The deceased was aged 63 years and was the son of the late George and Mary (Elder) Houck.
Prior to his entering business here, Mr. Houck was associated for many years with the Airtight Steel Tank Company, Pittsburgh, and later opened a business establishment in Baltimore. Coming to Emmitsburg about 25 years ago, Mr. Houck founded the present clothing concern and operated it until the time of his demise.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 7, 1949
Mrs. Rial Deeds Roddy Quarry To Mt. St. Mary’s
Mrs. Marie Gloninger Rial, St. Anthony’s, has transferred to the President and Council of Mt. St. Mary’s College what is known as the old Roddy quarry, near the College, according to a deed recorded in the clerk’s office, Frederick. Certain easements are also included.
The President and the college agree to tuitional scholarship Mary’s Seminary to be known as the Marie Gloninger Rial scholarship and also make certain other covenants. The deed recites that in appreciation and support of the traditional work carried on by the college for nearly 150 years, the transfer of property, embracing about 1.95 acres, is made. A right of way is given oversuch part of the Clairvaux farm, also owned by Mrs. Rial, as shall provide a direct and convenient approach for a water line to the college, together with a right of way over land extending six feet on each side of the water line. All improvements at the quarry are included, along with the right to maintain a pole and power lines in the place in which equipment is now located or such suitable place as the college may find expedient for the purpose bringing power to the pumps the quarry.
The grantor reserves full noncommercial swimming, fishing and boating privileges in the quarry to the extent that they will not interfere with the grantee (College’s) rights.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 7, 1949
October 1974, 50 Years Ago
Construction Is Under Way on the New Wing for Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary
The Mount Seminary stands out today as one of the few seminaries in the country operating beyond full capacity. It is now accommodating a record enrollment of 164 students and has had to turn 30 applicants away this year.
“With this new addition, every seminarian will be able to have his own room,” says the Rev. Harry J. Flynn, Rector of the Seminary. “Having a private room is absolutely essential, for the spiritual and personal development of young men studying for the priesthood.”
The $375,000 wing, which is at the building site of the being financed by Mount Saint Mary’s current capital campaign, Achievement II, is expected to be completed by April 1, 1975. It will include 42 private rooms for students, six guest rooms and three priest suites. Construction is being done by Roy Kirby & Sons of Baltimore.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 3, 1974
Three Students Receive Notice
Three seniors at Catoctin High School have been named Merit Program Commended students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Principal Harper Long announced that the following students have received Letters of Commendation: William J. Gray, Warren H. Keefer, and Steven B. Love. These students are among the 38,000 Commended students named on the basis of their high performance on the 1973 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Commended students are in the upper 2 percent of those who are expected to graduate from high school in 1975. Although the Commended students ranked high on the test, their scores were just below those of the 15,000 Semifinalists who were announced in September by NMSC.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, October 3, 1974
October 1999, 25 Years Ago
Community Harassed by Thoughtless Teens
At the September town meeting Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputy Willie Ollie reported that one adult woman, age 18, and three juveniles, ages 14-16, were charged with breaking and entering into a West Main Street house on Friday, September 9. Deputy Ollie said all four were Emmitsburg residents and that he felt these individuals have been responsible for 90% of the recent vandalism in the parks and several burglaries and thefts.
The youths were caught when Thurmont police answered a call from a resident witnessing the break-in. The owners of the home, having experienced several breakins recently, had just installed a 24-hour surveillance cameras which caught the youths breaking into a basement door.
All four were charged with first degree burglary and destruction of property.
– The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, October 1999
Global Anesthesia Systems to Build in Emmitsburg
On the outskirts of Emmitsburg, not far from Route 15, lies an empty plot of land across from the Industrial Park. For most people, this grassy area goes unnoticed, as it has for years.
However, two physicians have sought out this lot as a place to expand their bustling business. Dr. Judy Hutchinson and Dr. Jeffrey Haugh, anesthesiologists who head the Global Anesthesia Systems, are the developers of a new Office/Retail Park located at the corner of Route 15 and Creamery Road.
Global Anesthesia Systems provides office anesthesia services to patients having procedures done in their doctor’s office or in a surgicenter. They also offer all of the anesthesia services at Hanover Hospital. Dr. Hutchinson and Dr. Haugh travel with their equipment to meet patients throughout the week in such locations as Hagerstown, Annapolis, and Baltimore.
– The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, October 1999
