January 2

Christmas in Emmitsburg

Probably no community of this size had a holiday more thoroughly enjoyed that Emmitsburg. A few days before Christmas the schools presented formal programs of entertainment that were exceedingly interesting and in keeping with the spirit of the approaching festival. The decorations were essentially Christmasy and candy and fruits were abundantly distributed to the scholars.

Nearly every household in the town graciously responded to the suggestion about placing lights in the windows, and, in consequence the streets presented a cheerful and friendly aspect, greens and brilliant lights were in evidence everywhere.

Bullets Flying

Around midnight on New Year's Eve someone shot a bullet through a large window on the second floor of Mr. Alan Patterson's house on West Main Street. All the members of the family were at church at the time, it was not known whether the ball was discharged through recklessness or by intention.

Another Man Loses His Right Arm

John Fisher, age 21, son of Cornelius Fischer, of Rocky Ridge had his right arm torn into pieces while operating a fodder shredder, Tuesday afternoon. He, along with a number of other young men, were working at the farm of Mr. Harvey Ogle, of Loy’s Station. Dr. Maurice Birely, of Thurmont, was summoned and amputated the injured arm. This is the second unfortunate accident that has befallen Mr. Fischer, his left hand having been severely injured two years ago.

Two Holdups On ‘Black Bridge’ On Gettysburg Road

Within the past 10 days there have been two holdups at what is known as ‘Black Bridge’, on the Gettysburg Road about a mile and a half from Emmitsburg. Charles Hardegon, who lives near Fairplay, was stopped in the bridge early in the morning about a week ago and was relieved of all the money he had on his person, a sum of $1.60. It was extremely dark and in the covered structure Mr. Hardegon was unable to see who his assailants were.

The second person to be stopped with the evident purpose of being robbed was Mr. Allen Planck, who driving to Emmitsburg for a doctor around seven o'clock Sunday night was commanded to stop. Mr. Planck urged his trusty horse ‘Luke’ on, and continued on to town. He reported the occurrence and secured a revolver. Returning to his home around nine, just as he approached the bridge, the bridle of his horse was seized. He discharged the weapon on either side of the horse's head and escaped.

There is a very strong suspicion as to the culprits, who are thought to have been the same in both instances.

January 9

Electric Light in Emmitsburg

The long expected electric lighting and power service of the Emmitsburg Electric Company was inaugurated on December 30, and the streetlights were switched on on the evening of New Year’s Day.

The street lighting service now in operation covers only a portion of the town and consists of 25 forty candlepower tungsten lamps. The extension of the lighting system to include the outlying portions of the town, which are as yet still relying on old oil lights, is contemplated at an early date. At this writing several private customers are connected up and more are being reached as the service lines are extending.

Electric power for lighting and other purposes is now offered in being sold in Emmitsburg at 11.6 cents a kilowatt hour or about one third of a cent an hour for a common 20 candlepower lamp. It is hope that now that cheep and constant power is available small manufacturing industries may be located here, and that the improvements usual to the taking of a forward step of this kind will come to benefit of the old town.

Trash Receptacles

The Civic League of Emmitsburg is to be commended and congratulated on the move it has just made to free the streets from rubbish. The receptacles for waste placed at convenient distances throughout the town, under the league’s offices, fill all long felt want and their introduction meet of approval of the residents of this community. Nothing is more unsightly than paper littered streets and sidewalks; nothing is more dangerous than fruit skins in the path of the pedestrian. There is now no excuse for either. All one has to do is exercise a little thoughtfulness.

Death of Isaac Fisher

Mr. Isaac Fischer of Motter’s Station died Monday from Bright's disease, he was 61. Mr. Fisher was at one time tax collector for Frederick County. Shortly after he retired from that office he was paralyzed, and this left him somewhat crippled for the remainder of his life. Notwithstanding his handicap Mr. Fischer for many years conducted a grain and feed business, and general store at Motter’s Station in Rocky Ridge. He was regarded as one of the heaviest shippers of the County.

January 16

Cold Wave

A cold wave accompanied by high winds saw the thermometer dropped to two below. 10 inches of snow fell in the Eyler’s Valley. Nearby creeks are in splendid condition for skating and large parties have been out every night this week. Prohibitionists agitators have done their best to stop any drinking, but thankfully, the men of town, who have intelligently prevented women from getting right to vote, have ensured that the constable spend his time doing more important tasks then breaking up a man’s right to enjoy himself.

The cutting of ice on the creeks is in high gear, and by Wednesday, several tons of ice had been hauled always and stored in local ice houses.

Equal Suffrage League

The Equal Suffrage League held its regular meeting at the home of Mrs. Annan on Friday. According to the women the program was very interesting. According to their husbands gathered at the Hotel's Slagle’s bar, the pool tournament was more interesting.

January 23

St. Joseph's Adopts Electric Lighting

When viewing the interior of St. Joseph's Church last Sunday morning one could hardly realize that at one time was lighted by coal oil lamps. Feeling that these were inadequate, acetylene lights were installed. Upon the introduction of electric lights in Emmitsburg, Rev. Hayden decided that some improvement was needed.

The old gas fixtures were remodeled for the electric current and reinstalled so as to give a perfect distribution of light. The system includes a switchboard that gives control of all the lights. At present there are almost 100 bulbs in service including the concealed bulbs which illuminate the painting behind the main altar. The current was tried out last Saturday evening and everything found in perfect condition. The official turning on took place Sunday morning at high mass.

January 30

Trash Cans Removed

The receptacles for waste paper recently put up by the Civic League of Emmitsburg have been removed by the order of the Burgess who considers them a nuisance. The cans were ‘arrested’ and taken to the jail until a final decision could be made on their fate. Members of the Civic League expressed outrage and asked if the cans can be bailed out? Or will they be fine for misdemeanors whilst other cases are passed by, such as rowdyism on the streets, not to mention men who ‘fail’ to get into their vehicles at midnight, and swearing and quarreling in front of women and children. The civic league noted that the cans were only placed on the streets after the town fathers approved them. Yet no notice or justification was given the Civic League for their removal.

Runaway

There was an exciting runaway on West Main St., Saturday night. A young’s spirited horse took fright at a passing automobile, broke loose from the hitching post and returned to the home of its owner several miles in the country. The owner, being jollified by autocar owning friends, turned the tables on them when he offered $50 to any owner who’s car could make it home by itself. "Everyone knows a drunk man with a car will always find himself in a ditch. However a drunk man with a loyal horse will always find himself safely home."

Town Authorizes More Electric Street Light

There have been more people on the streets at night for the past week then many old timers can recall. Apparently the brightness of the new electric streetlights are drawing people out to enjoy the crisp evening air.

The favorable public reception to electric lights has led the town to authorize the purchase of 14 additional streetlights which will be equally divided to extend the lighting of both West and East Main Street.

Several contracts have been signed this week for the wiring of houses for electric lights. There are four contractors operating in town and all seemed to be busy.