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OCTOBER 2017 | Vol. 22 | Issue 10 | Mail Run: 8,472 | Total Print Run: 12,500

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The Histor y and Myster y

of McAf ee F alls by Deb Abraham Spalding

The McAfee recreation.”
family (pronounced Wireman wrote in
Mack-a-Fee), his book, Gateway
originally from to the Mountains,
the Island of Bute, “On September 15,
Scotland, settled first Photo by Deb Abraham Spalding 1888, Archibald
in Adams County, McAfee’s widow
Pennsylvania, had sale and the
and then staked property including
a homestead in the Falls was
Frederick County purchased by
around 1774 on land her grandson
that is now known Reuben McAfee,
as Cunningham who maintained
Falls. Daniel McAfee ownership until
was the original the property
settler of this land, Reuben McAfee, grandson of Archibald McAfee, stands at the top of Robert McAfee (front), grandson of Reuben McAfee, stands at top of “McAfee was acquired
and transferred the “McAfee Falls”. The original foundation of the McAfee homestead still Falls” on July 15, 2017. Pictured from left: Jeff, Ashley, and Justin McAfee, by the Federal
ownership to his stands, not far from this site. Bob and Robin Portner, Pauline McAfee, and Barbara and Jerry Grove. Government
son, David McAfee, the falls, and the original foundation workers with the Works Progress in 1935, as
in 1799. According to Professor of the homestead still stands. The Administration and Civilian part of the Catoctin Recreation
John Means in the 1995 printing family owned the land until it was Conservation Corps transformed Demonstration Area. Later, the
of his book, Maryland’s Catoctin acquired by the Federal government the area for recreational use. This State of Maryland acquired an
Mountain Parks, “‘Cunningham in 1935.” area was, according to Thurmont’s additional 250 acres of land from
Falls’ and 350 acres surrounding it The purchase of the land by late official historian, George W. the McAfees. This made a total
were purchased on September 16, the Federal government was part Wireman III, “…one of 33 nation- of 750 acres which the McAfees
1807, by Archibald McAfee, Sr. The of President Franklin Delano wide federal demonstrations surrendered for park use. At one
McAfee family lived near the top of Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” where of submarginal land for public … Story continued on page 3 0

Photo by Deb Abraham Spalding Photo by Shelby Maly Photo by Deb Abraham Spalding Photo by Shelby Maly

Stephanie Moreland was named A martial arts demonstration was provided by Gateway Candyland and Liquors purchased the Competition was tough and fun during the
Catoctin’s 2017-2018 FFA Ambassador. Thurmont Academy of Self Defense students. Youth Grand Champion Cake. Kiddie Tractor Pull.
The 61 Annual Thurmont &
st
Emmitsburg Community Show
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E D D M
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Read about this year’s Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, the
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area’s best on display! Find out Community Show results and see additional
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