by James Rada, Jr.
July 1919, 100 Years Ago
Motor Transport Train. Coast To Coast Journey Delayed at Thurmont
The motor transport train which left Washington on Monday of this week got as far as Frederick, Md., on the first day. They remained at Frederick over night, camping on the Fair Grounds.
Early Tuesday morning the journey was resumed, and the main body of transports came to Thurmont about 9:30 o’clock. The small cars and all but three of the heavy trucks proceeded without mishap until the overhead bridge of the Western Maryland railroad bridge was reached. Here the truck carrying the blacksmith shot got stuck, the heavy bridge girders being too low, and a portion of the top was torn from the truck in its efforts to proceed.
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This is said to be the largest motor transport train in the history of any army. The trip from Washington to San Franscisco will be made over the Lincoln Highway, and will take at least 60 days.
The trip is being made under special orders from the War Department, and for the double purpose of giving a demonstration of national preparedness and of showing the need of national highways.
– Catoctin Clarion, July 10, 1919
Date Set For Homecoming
Several months ago a meeting of the citizens of Thurmont was held and an association was formed for the purpose of holding a home-coming welcome in honor of the boys who have been in the service.
A meeting of the association was held on Tuesday evening of this week and Saturday, August 2nd, was the date decided upon for the holding of the celebration.
It has been rather difficult to decide upon a suitable date on account of quite a number of the boys not having returned from abroad. At one time it looked like we might get ready about Just 1st but it was found that so many celebrations of this kind were being held on that date and it was decided to wait a bit longer and at the same time give the boys who are still abroad an opportunity of getting home.
– Catoctin Clarion, July 10, 1919
July 1944, 75 Years Ago
Pfc. Dale M. Ford First Thurmont Man Killed In Invasion
Pfc. Dale M. Ford is the first Thurmont man with the 29th Division to be killed in the invasion. His wife, Mrs. Florence Wireman Ford, has received word from the War Department that Pfc. Ford was killed in action in France on June 13, just one week after D-Day.
– Catoctin Clarion, July 14, 1944
Unnecessary Use Of Water Banned In Thurmont
With much reluctance the Mechanicstown Water Company, which furnishes water to the citizens of Thurmont, has at last been forced to place a ban upon the use water here for other than the most essential services.
According to an announcement in the advertising columns of this paper citizens are warned that effective today (Friday) it will not be permissible to use municipal water for sprinkling for the filling of wading and swimming pools and the replenishing of fish ponds.
– Catoctin Clarion, July 21, 1944
July 1969, 50 Years Ago
Firemen Sign Contract For New Pumper
The regular monthly meeting of the Vigilant Hose Company was held Tuesday evening at the Fire Hall, President James E. Fitzgerald presiding. Chief Guy R. McGlaughin reported that three fire calls and one service call had been answered since the last meeting. Co-chairman James Kittinger announced that $4,010.00 has been collected by the current Fund Drive, meaning that $3,000 is still needed if the $7,000 goal is to be achieved.
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Old business discussed at the meeting included the decision of making a $6,000.00 payment on the building addition mortgage, as well as the signing of a contract with the American Fire Apparatus Company for the body portion of a new pumper in the amount of $21,360. This amount does not include the cost of the chassis which will be an estimated additional cost of $9,000 plus. The pumper is planned for delivery during the spring of 1971.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, July 11, 1969
Con Man Held In Swindle Try
With promises of love and marriage, a Louisiana man attempted to con a Rocky Ridge woman whom he met through a Pen-Pal Club to give him $1,500 and leave with him, State Police said.
Tpr. John W. Reburn said he was notified of the scheme by the Thurmont Bank. Arrested on a charge of conspiracy was Joseph Garciana, 58, of Port Allen and his nephew, Johnny Bareanco, 19, of Baton Rouge, La., was charged with attempted conspiracy. Police said that mode of operation used was to “make contact with the possible victim thru a Lousiana based Pen-Pal Club. After several weeks, the con artist would come and visit his pen-pal with claims of love and marriage.”
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, July 11, 1969
July 1994, 25 Years Ago
Emmitsburg Revels In Old-Fashioned 4th
The clang of horseshoes and the band of fireworks filled the air here Sunday at the 12th annual Community Day, sponsored by the town Lions Club. The day’s events, which were unified under the theme of “Patriotism,” served to unite the town, Lions Club President Jim Wivell said. “It really gets the town together. It brings people together around the Fourth of July and people really appreciate that,” he said.
Mr. Wivell said the day’s activities, which range from horseshoe pitching to a parade, attracted approximately 1,500 people. He predicted that 3,500-5,000 would watch fireworks.
– Frederick News, July 5, 1994
Emmitsburg Smooch
President Clinton gets a kiss from the Emmitsburg, Md., Fire Chief’s dog, Hoser, as volunteer fireman Wayne Powell (right) watches. Clinton was driving through Emmitsburg and stopped to greet the citizens as he was returning from a round of golf Sunday at Carroll Valley Country Club near Fairfield in southern Adams County.
– Gettysburg Times, July 5, 1994
