once upon a time...

by James Rada, Jr.

February 1924, 100 Years Ago

Collided With Policeman

Miss Clara Landers, of Thurmont, who is spending the winter in Brooklyn with her sister, Mrs. R. J. Royer, met with a serious accident last Wednesday. She was walking rather fast to attend a session of “lip reading” school, when she collided with a policeman and was knocked to the pavement. She was taken to the school, and, when found she had sustained serious injury, was sent home in a cab. Her collar bone was broken.

                                – Frederick Daily News, February 19, 1924

Thurmont Lands First Place in School Debates

First honors in the senior high school debating league of Frederick county were taken by Thurmont high school, Wednesday night, while Walkersville high school won the debate championship among the smaller high schools. Debating teams representing Thurmont high school defeated Frederick high school in Frederick and Middletown high school in Thurmont.

The Walkersville high school team triumphed over the Emmitsburg high school at Walkersville and over the Liberty high school team at Liberty. Liberty also lost a debate with Emmitsburg high school at Emmitsburg.

                                – Frederick Daily News, February 4, 1924

February 1949, 75 Years Ago

Story Discloses Nine Churches Held Lotteries

The effort to provide pari-mutuel betting at race meets at the Frederick Fair Grounds has aroused opposition among a number of church groups. It is interesting to note, in reviewing the events of history how moral standards regarding gambling have changed with the passing years. Many churches and schools resorted to lotteries in the early days, and it was not until shortly before the War between the States that this method of raising funds for worthwhile purposes was abandoned.

It may surprise some younger residents to learn that the Seminary buildings on East Church St. or Winchester Hall, Frederick, as they are sometimes called, were built largely from the proceeds of legalized lotteries. These twin buildings with the handsome white columns are now owned by Frederick County.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 4, 1949

Dr. D. L. Beegle to Head Local Baseball Assn.

 At the Firemen’s Hall last Sunday afternoon at 2:30, the people of Emmitsburg voted and elected twelve directors of the Emmitsburg Baseball Assn. who will direct the local hall team’s activities this year. More than 35 ardents fans attended.

The nominating committee of five submitted twenty-five nominees and there was one write-in on the ballot. When the voting had been tallied, it showed Dr. D. L. Beegle, Charles Bollinger, Bernard Boyle, John White, Norman Flax, Arthur Elder, Floyd Miller, Carroll Frock, Thomas Gingell, Edward Lingg, George Rosensteel and Edward Stull as being elected.

Leonard Zimmerman, temporary chairman, had charge of the meeting until after the election of directors. Herbert Rogers read last year’s treasurer’s report which gave a balance of $357.10.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 11, 1949

February 1974, 50 Years Ago

Council Makes Plans To Obtain School

A community center for recreation and activities may soon be more than a dream if the town council wins approval of plans discussed at its monthly meeting Monday night. The hope of the council members is that local groups and organizations will support the town’s purchase of the old elementary school, which has been declared surplus property by the Frederick County School Board.

Council voted to send a “letter of intent” to the school board notifying them of the town’s interest in the building and property. The site, according to Commissioner Eugene Myers, will hopefully be available sometime in September.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 7, 1974

Daughters of Charity to Observe Seton Bicentennial

“Mother Seton: Pioneer in Group Care,” is the theme a one-day conference for Daughters of Charity active in group care work to be held February 12 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Emmitsburg.

The theme highlights the Emmitsburg Provinces’ observance of the Seton Bicentennial Year in 1974 through a series of events commemorating the birth of the foundress of the American Sisters of Charity, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Thirty sisters associated with institutions in Maryland and Virginia are expected to attend according to Sister Genevieve Kureth, provincial councillor (sic) for social services. They will be coming from St. Ann’s Infant Home, Hyattsville, St. Vincent’s Infant Home and Villa Louise, Timonium, St. Joseph’s Villa and Seton House, Richmond, Va., and St. Francis Center, Staunton, Va.

                                – Emmitsburg Chronicle, February 7, 1974

February 1999, 25 Years Ago

VHC Loan Paid In Full

Vigilant Hose Company treasurer Steve Hollinger announced at the annual VHC banquet held January 9 that the $1.2 million loan for the purchase of an aerial ladder truck and renovation of the fire station is now paid in full. The announcement came following the presentation of a check for $50,000 to Art Damuth, past president, and Tim Clarke, president, by VHC auxiliary president, Dot Davis.

Mr. Hollinger told the gathering that the company had planned to pay off the loan from the Farmers & Mechanics Bank in 10 years, but with the help from the auxiliary and tip jars placed in local taverns the debt to F&M bank was paid in full in four years.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1999

Catoctin High Groundbreaking

Frederick County Public School Board celebrated additions and renovations scheduled to begin at Catoctin High this year in a groundbreaking ceremony at the school’s gymnasium on Thursday, Jan. 28.

The school’s capacity will increase by 367 seats to accommodate a total of 1,200 students. Included in plans are a new gymnasium and renovation of the old gym, 18 additional classrooms, a new performing arts space, renovation of the media center, addition and renovation of science and art areas, and upgraded technology wiring throughout the building. Additions will add 51,630 gross square feet to the high school. Another 51,480 gross square feet will be renovated.

Completion of additions is expected in May 2000, with renovations slated for competition by September 2000. Principal Marlene Tarr, employed with Frederick County Public Schools since 1978, eagerly awaits increased capacity and improved facilities at the high school.

Proffitt and Pryor Architects PC designed the Catoctin High additions and renovations, and the project will be managed by Reynolds Construction Management, Inc.

                                – The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, February 1999