once upon a time
James Rada, Jr.
February 1926, 100 Years Ago
Thurmont People Encounter Many Native Countians On Florida Trip
Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Creager, of Thurmont, returned on Tuesday from a two weeks’ trip to Florida, during which time they met a number of persons known in Frederick city and county, and visited many of the famous points of interest in the southern state.
– The (Frederick) News, February 17, 1926
Greenhouse Is Wrecked By Fire
Fire of unknown origin, supposed, however, to have started in the boiler room, destroyed the greenhouse of Robert E. Creager, on the south edge of Thurmont, Tuesday night. A bucket brigade, hastily formed, saved the frame house where Mr. Creager and his family resided. The Independent automobile engine, this city, and a fire truck from Taneytown, were summoned, but the building, all frame, was a wreck before the firemen arrived. The Independent threw water on the ruins.
– The Frederick Post, February 17, 1926
February 1951, 75 Years Ago
Town Citizenry Protests Town Officials’ Action
Three measures redefining existing corporation laws in Thurmont were discussed before the county delegation to the Legislature at a spirited meeting at Frederick YMCA last Saturday. Thurmont officials and the opposition were both assured that residents of the town would be given ample time to reach a mutual understanding before final action was taken.
Three separate bills have been presented by the Thurmont Board of Commissioners to Senator Jacob R. Ramsburg. They have been introduced and referred to committee.
One measure provides for extending the taxation laws throughout the corporate bounds, another authorizes the Commissioners to prescribe certain regulations for the construction of buildings and the planning and sub-division of land; a third authorizes the Commissioners to designate the line, width, and location of all sidewalks and gutters within the limits of the town of Thurmont.
Presented by the Commissioners for the purpose of clarifying powers already possessed by the Board, opponents are understood to have contacted members of the House of Delegates to withhold action pending a hearing. Last Saturday’s meeting was the result. Speaking for the Commissioners, President of the Board D. Sayler Weybright expressed the belief that some misunderstanding exists concerning the three measures. Mr. Weybright emphasized that no additional power, or authority is granted the Commissioners under the proposed new legislation, which simply redefines and clarifies existing regulations.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 2, 1951
School Truancy Causes Arrests
Illegal absence from Emmitsburg High School brought prompt action from Frederick County authorities here in Emmitsburg this week.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Springer were hauled into magistrate’s court Monday on a warrant by Miss Gertrude Smith, director of pupil personnel for the county, and served on he couple by Trooper 1-e Kenneth Bond. After a stiff reprimand from Magistrate Jacob E. Baker, the couple received a suspended sentence and a fine of $5 and costs. The arrest came after repeated absence of the four Springer children from their classes at school.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 2, 1951
February 1976, 50 Years Ago
Mayor Dissolves Citizen Committee
The Burgess and Commissioners of Emmitsburg announced Friday that “Effective immediately. Friday, February 13, 1976, the Citizens Committee of Emmitsburg is hereby dis-solved due to poor attendance of the members, lack of communications, and making decisions without first consulting the town council.
Ramifications of the recent Citizens Committee meeting are still reverberating around town. When asked what she thought about the dissolution of the committee. Mrs. Gail Harris, acting chairperson of the committee said. “I don’t believe Citizens of this community or any community should stop caring about what’s happening, or stop trying to improve their environment whether it’s individually or by committee.”
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 19, 1976
Another Accident on West Main St.
The sixth accident since Christmas to occur on West Main Street near Beegles, took place Sunday evening at 9:27 p.m. A ‘64 Chevrolet convertible operated by Charles Kline of 606 Charles St., Wellsburg, W. Va. was proceeding eastbound on Route 97 when he lost control of his vehicle, struck a parked 1975 Pinto owned by Thomas E. Joy of Emmitsburg, then skidded 22 feet cutting off a wooden light pole.
A passenger in the Kline vehicle, William Morvery, R.D. 1, of Ortanna, Pa.. was transported to Annie Warner Hospital by the VFW Ambulance where he is listed in satisfactory condition. The operator of the vehicle left the scene of the accident and was later apprehended in the parking lot of the Blue Duck.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 26, 1976
February 2001, 25 Years Ago
Local Woodcarver Has Carved More Than 6,000 Birds
Chip Con’s a quiet self-effacing man with a droll sense of humor, enjoys reminiscing about the “Good Old Days.” He has many fond memories of growing up in Emmitsburg. It was a time of innocence at home and violence abroad. World War II was raging and Chip’s father, an Army chaplain, was stationed overseas. During that period, Chip’s family lived with his grandfather who was the then pastor of United Church of the Incarnation.
After graduating from college, Chip came back to Emmitsburg to launch a teaching career. He taught math in the Emmitsburg Middle School and later, at a school in Thurmont. Chip’s fascination with wood crafting came about while he was still teaching. After observing the shop teacher making a duck decoy, Chip decided to try making one himself. He soon dis-covered that it was possible to transform a block of wood into a beautiful work of art. At first, he concentrated on birds (small ones, large ones, shore birds) but later he added a variety of multi-colored fish to his collection. While Chip is far too modest to call himself an artist, after showing me samples of crafts that he had hewn from white pine, I would have to disagree.
– The Dispatch, February 2001
Thurmont Rings in Anniversary Year
On January 3, 2001, at 7:30 p.m., the Commissioners of Thurmont officially declared the Head Start will open its doors in Emmitsburg in February. Made possible by a recent Federal Head Start expansion grant, the Head Start center will be located in the Up-County Family Center at 303 W. Lincoln Avenue. The center can accommodate approximately 17 children and will operate full-day, on a year-round basis.
Frederick County Head Start’s 35-year-old program is managed by Frederick County Government under the Citizens Services Division. The program provides a unique preschool program for three and four-year-old children. The learning environment encourages their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.
– The Dispatch, February 2001
