once upon a time...
James Rada, Jr.
Note: Newspaper excerpts are as they appeared in their respective issues.
September 1924, 100 Years Ago
Dentist Leaves For Africa For Big Game Hunt
The dream of every hunter, from the boy who takes pot shots at squirrels to the man who hunts moose and bear, will soon be realized by Dr. Bernard Francis O’Toole, of Thurmont, Frederick county, who sailed Saturday from New York to hunt big game in Africa.
His trip will take him to the virtually unexplored parts of the Belgian Congo—to the Mountains of the Moon, along the mysterious Lualaba river, into the Iturea Forest, where the pygmies live. For a year or more, Dr. O’Toole will remain in the heart of the Dark Continent, collecting specimens of insects, mammals and birds..
– Hagerstown Morning Herald, September 15, 1924
Death Accidental, Verdict In Thurmont Investigation
A coroner’s jury which conducted an investigation into the death of Robert Wilhide, 14-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Wilhide, of Thurmont, who was found dead in the woods near Thurmont with a bullet wound in his breast, rendered a verdict of accidental death. The inquest was held this morning at 10 o’clock in the office of Justice Cadow at Thurmont.
Young Wilhide had been missing from his home since Saturday morning, when he shouldered his gun and informed his parents that he was going hunting in the adjacent mountains. Having made previous trips of this nature, consent was given and the lad went on his way.
…Opinions divided over the manner in which the boy met his death. Some seem to think that he met with foul play and others adhere to the theory that young Wilhide stumbled and the falling gun went off, the shot piercing his breast above the heart. The boy’s body was found four miles west of Thurmont..
– Frederick News, September 30, 1924
September 1949, 75 Years Ago
Progress Being Made in Forming New League
A delegation of the Emmitsburg Baseball Assn. met with other representatives of the proposed Mason-Dixon League Monday night in Westminster. Represented at the baseball caucus were Emmitsburg, Taneytown, McSherrystown, Westminster, Reisterstown, Frederick and Hanover. By-laws were drawn up, player limit set, registration deadline set and number of players on rosters determined.
A decision was arrived at on the player roster question when it was agreed to allow a manager to have 25 players listed during any one season. Under the proposed setup clubs can obtain players from any distance as well as the use of college boys. No club can use another player living within five miles of the town he is to play for unless that player is given permission or release by the manager. In case of any disputes over the eligibility of any players or protests, a three-man arbitration.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 2, 1949
Penn-Maryland Baseball League is Reorganized
Seven teams of the Penn-Maryland Baseball League repudiated the Ralph Coe regime Tuesday night at a meeting held in the Firemen’s Hall, and laid the groundwork for the reorganization of the circuit. Delegations were present from Taneytown, Thurmont, Littlestown, Hanover, McSherrystown, Blue Ridge Summit and Emmitsburg. The insurgent body stated hey were thoroughly disgusted with the present setup of the league and appointed Bernard Weaver, Littlestown, as temporary chairman of the group.
The insurrection was created by the Emmitsburg Baseball Association after it became riled when Ralph Coe, ex-president of the league, stripped the local team of all its victories, for no apparent reason. Emmitsburg called the meeting together.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 23, 1949
September 1974, 50 Years Ago
Council Discusses Garbage Problem
The garbage dump vs. sanitary landfill question was again discussed at the Emmitsburg Town Council meeting Monday night. Struggling with what this area will do with garbage and trash after September 30, the commissioners expressed concern as to what will happen to garbage if dumps are not established in the nearby area.
According to Charles Wetzel, major trash hauler locally, the new proposed sanitary landfill near Woodsboro which he is supposed to use starting October 1, does not look as if it will be ready by that date. In addition, he said that he did not know if he would be able to carry some items, such as large tree limbs and discarded appliances, to the new dump.
Town Council reviewed a letter which Wetzel has received from the Environmental Protection Agency Office in Philadelphia. The letter warned that all burning and use of the dump which Wetzel now operates must cease by the end of September.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 12, 1974
VHC Prepares For Fire Safety Week
Forty-two members attended the monthly meeting of the Vigilant Hose Company held
Tuesday evening, Sept. 10 with President James Fitzgerald presiding. Chief Eugene E. Myers reported that twelve calls were answered during the previous month, along with two service calls and one drill.
Crystals have been secured for the four walkie-talkies to be used by the fire place, 300 feet of 3 inch hose has been ordered for use on trucks 51 and 62. A new section has been added to the by-laws under Article V. It will be section V and states “15 members shall constitute a quorum at business meetings.”
Members voted to let the Emmitsburg Lions Clubs hold their meetings in the company’s meeting room each second and fourth Monday.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, September 19, 1974
September 1999, 25 Years Ago
Rosensteel Adds Outdoor Studio
A visit to Bob Rosensteel’s new outdoor studio is similar to a tour of movie scenery stages in miniature. Bob has transformed the backyard of his home at 110 DePaul Street into a wonderland of 30 various settings in which his clients may choose to be photographed.
There is a beach complete with sand and sea grasses; a water fountain cascading into a stone enclosed pond; a weather-beaten porch made from wood of old apple crates featuring an antique whiskey barrel and a milk container; a wagon axle from the 1800s; a graffiti-painted fence announcing the “Class of 2000”; a barn complete with straw piles and many other unique locales. Future plans include an old-fashioned gas station and a waterfront scene. The beach scene, fence, and old porch have proved favorites among the high school seniors while the fountain and pond create stunning backdrops for bridal pictures.
– The Emmitsburg Regional Dispatch, September 1999
Mount Starts Accelerated Degree Program at Frederick Site
Adults who want to finish college now have an exciting new option. Mount St. Mary’s College, a leader in Maryland higher education for more than 190 years, is offering its first accelerated degree program for adult learners at a newly opened site in the 270 Technology Park next to FSK Mall in Frederick. The program is designed for adults, 25 or over, who have some previous college experience and want to complete their undergraduate degrees.
The first classes, leading to a B.S. degree in business, start the week of October 4. Classes meet once a week in the evening and run for either 5-week or 8-week sessions. The first two classes are “Principles of Marketing” and “Business & Society.”
– The Emmitsburg Regional, Dispatch, September 1999
