once upon a time...
James Rada, Jr.
June 1925, 100 Years Ago
At Thurmont, Man Dies In Hospital
Missing his footing and falling between two cars from a Western Maryland freight train on which he was a brakeman, John P. Vaughn, 32, of Hagerstown, sustained injuries this morning, which resulted in his death a few hours later at the Washington County Hospital.
The mishap occurred about 6 o’clock, as Vaughn left the engine of the train to go back over the freight to make the Inspection which is conducted following each trip made through the mountain. He missed his footing and fell between two cars. His right arm was cut off as was his left foot at the instep. He was dragged for some distance, which caused injuries about the head and hips.
– The News, June 11, 1925
Goods Consigned To Local Merchants Taken By Train Robbers On West. Md.
Merchandise consigned to four Frederick business establishments was stolen when a Western Maryland freight car was broken into and robbed near Edgemont, Washington County, early Sunday morning, It was announced today. The robbery was discovered when the freight train reached Thurmont and the inspection was made. The robbery was effected while the train was in motion officials of the railroad announced. …The booty consisted of hardware, rubber heels and envelopes, it was said.
– The News, June 16, 1925
June 1950, 75 Years Ago
Commissioner Hollinger Resigns Office
In a surprise and unexpected move Tuesday evening, Commissioner John J. Hollinger tendered his resignation from the Town Council. Elected only a little over a year ago to the office, Mr. Hollinger gave as his reason for resigning from the governing board as “pressing business.”
President of the Board of Commissioners Lloyd G. Ohler regretfully accepted the resignation. Immediately and unanimously, the Town Officials presented the name of James T. Hays to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Hollinger. The unexpired portion of the term is about two years’ duration. It is not known at this writing whether Mr. Hays will accept the appointment, as, he declined nomination for re-election in the town election last month. Under the town charter the remaining officials are empowered to appoint in any vacancy any qualified individual to serve the unfinished term, either by resignation or death.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, June 9, 1950
Census Figures Reveal Local Population Diminishing
Frederick County’s population has only increased by 4,840 within the past 10 years. This is indicated in the preliminary announcement this week by Langdon Backus, District Supervisor of the Census Bureau for Garrett, Washington, Frederick, Allegheny, and Montgomery Counties. From his headquarters at Hagerstown, Mr. Backus listed the following population count as compiled by the 1950 censustakers: Frederick County, 62,152; Frederick City, 18,086; Brunswick, 3,744; Thurmont, 1,673; Emmitsburg, 1,255.
Compared with the official 1940 census, Frederick City made the largest proportionate gain. Thurmont had a substantial increase, and the populations of both Brunswick and Emmitsburg slightly declined.
Comparative Figures Population changes in the 1940-50 period were: 1950—Frederick County, 62,152; Frederick City, 18,086; Brunswick, 3,744; Thurmont, 1,673; Emmitsburg, 1,255; 1940—Frederick County, 57,312; Frederick City, 15,802; Brunswick, 3,856; Thurmont, 1,307; Emmitsburg, 1,412.
Considerable interest due to the these census figures due to the basis upon which licenses are issued for the sale of beer, wines, and liquors.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, June 19, 1950
June 1975, 50 Years Ago
Council Likely To Up Water Rates
Plans to increase the water rates for both in town and out-of-town users and the signing of a new refuse contract with Wetzel Brothers, were items before a special meeting of the town council Tuesday night. Also under discussion were the possible uses Emmitsburg might have for the old elementary school building.
Tentative figures for new water rates call for in town residents paying about 10 per cent more on their current water bills, and out-of-town users paying 20 per cent more. However, a different formula also may be used for larger institutional users in order to increase their contribution to town finances. Such increased water rates, if enacted, would amount to about $1.25 more per quarter or town residents and about $3.25 more for others. It would result in increased town revenue of about $5,200 a year.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, June 5, 1975
Board Of Ed. Warns Of Phony Census
Local Board of Education officials are concerned about reports from citizens who have been approached by persons claiming to be taking a census for the local school board. No census is being conducted by the local board at the present time and people who come to the door claiming they represent the Board of Education should be reported to the police, a Board spokesman said.
The typical approach to residents has been to ask them if there are school age children living in the home while claiming that the survey is being taken for Board of Education purposes. Exactly what the purpose of these individuals is not clear at the moment. Prompt reporting of the individuals to the police will break up this practice, school officials emphasized. If someone wants to double check before phoning police, they can reach the Fredrick County Board of Education at 662-9200, ext. 226.
– Emmitsburg Chronicle, June 12, 1975
June 2000, 25 Years Ago
New Engine-Tanker To Be Dedicated
Proud members of this community’s local fire and rescue department, the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC), will formally dedicate and then place into service, new “Engine-Tanker 64” this coming Sunday, June 4th. Special ceremonies marking the occasion will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the fire station located at 25 West Main Street.
This long-awaited and much-anticipated pated addition to the Vigilant Hose Company fleet of fire and rescue apparatus has been several years in the planning, fundraising, and design phases.
– The Dispatch, June 2000
FEMA Director James Witt Visits Emmitsburg
Generally, when James Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, visits small towns there’s been big trouble—really big trouble, usually on the order of a national emergency. Yet here he was recently, right in our midst on a family outing visiting Emmitsburg along with his wife Lea, son Michael – a firefighter from Arkansas, and grandson Carter. They dined at the fire academy, visited the Vigilant Hose Company, and watched demonstrations of Emmitsburg’s fire-fighting might: Tower 6 and the newly acquired Pumper/Tanker 64.
– The Dispatch, June 2000
