January 1
Most Likely A Meteorite
Mr. Ronald Hoke, who is spending his Christmas vacation with his parents here, found what to all appearance is a meteorite. The specimen is the shape of a flattened egg; is extremely heavy in proportion to its size; remarkably hard, and the outer covering, copper and yellow in color, show the results of quick cooling from a molten state. Although
one man of science has already expressed his doubts after a superficial examination of the curious object, Mr. Hoke will submit the specimen to the experts of the National Museum at Washington for their judgment.
Six Typewriters In One Day
That Emmitsburg believes in having the best that's made in everything, and that the people of this district will readily take hold of labor saving devices and adopt modern office equipment, is shown by the order book of a typewriter agent who, on Monday, after a hour or two of canvassing, sold six of the latest approved and highest cost machines
on the market.
Christmas & Winter Activities
The intense cold spell immediately preceding Christmas and continuing for several days thereafter, gave local people ample opportunities to fill their icehouses.
For the 42nd year, Mr. James Hospelhorn has tolled the Lutheran bell for midnight services. The service, the annual ‘Watch Night’ service, bidding adieu to the old year and ushering in the new, was very well attended.
Not for many years have the windows in town been so decorated for Christmas as during the present holiday season. Keeping up a custom inaugurated seasons ago, lights were brilliant in almost every household. Christmas trees, garlands of green, and touches of Holly were observable everywhere.
The Christmas carolers were out on Christmas Eve as usual. On the stroke of 12 the joyful strains of Adeste Fideles, were sung by a choir of about 20 and for an hour carols full of Christmas spirit were sung in different parts of the town.
Many of Emmitsburg's finest trotters were on the streets during the last few days showing off. With the streets covered in snow, some very interesting sleigh races were pulled off before admiring crowds. About 20 young people enjoyed a sleigh ride to Thurmont on Monday night.
January 8
Electric Service Satisfactory
The Emmetsburg Electric Co. reports that at the end of the year it had on its books 96 customers representing about 1,900 lamps, 24 electric irons and about 22 horse power of motors.
Out of the entire year, 8,640 hours electricity has been available when there was a demand for it - only 20 hours were absent this new form of power – representing a 99% availability on weekdays. The total interruption of power during the late hours has been gotten better and better since the company has prohibited drinking by it’s night crew.
Users of the company's power service seemed well pleased with it, both as regarding reliability and economy. That electric power is more economical than gasoline is being shown constantly. In 1914 the cost of gasoline alone was just one cent more than twice the cost of electric. The cost of electric service for most homes for a year is $13.
New Year’s Festivities
The Emmit Cornett Band gave a concert Friday night on the Square. The selections were particularly good and every number was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience. The Carrick’s Knob Fife and Drum Corps livened things up the same night marching through the streets playing "It's a long way to Tipperary" "Don’t hit mother with a doormat," and other
popular selections.
New Year's night was ushered in by lively bell ringing, the usual "cannonade,’ and display of fireworks. Quite a number people from Zora, Fairfield and the surrounding districts visited Emmitsburg Friday evening and welcome in 1915 with glee and singing.
Heavy Rains
Every creek and stream in this vicinity overflowed its banks during Tuesday night's storm and many streams were piled high with floating ice. During an unusual downpour Wednesday night, Flat Run creek was so swollen that a six horse wagon loaded with ice standing near the Willows above the bridge on the Gettysburg Road was carried downstream under
the bridge, and for a distance of about 300 feet.
January 15
Railroad Requires "Dry Cashing of Pay Checks"
When the employees of the Emmitsburg Rail Road received their paychecks this week they found inside a notice to the effect that the checks must not be cashed at salons or any place where intoxicating liquors were sold. The notice warns employees that they will not be retained in the service of the company if their checks were cashed at places were
liquor is sold.
Contracts Signed for Gettysburg Rd.
The State Road Commission awarded a contract to construct a one and quarter mile road of macadam to a Hagerstown firm on Tuesday. The road will run from Emmitsburg to the state line. News of the cost of the winning bid, $13,282, was met with disgust in the District. Most felt the state is overpaying for the road and that had a local firm been
chosen, the road could have easily been built for under $2,000. "Why anyone would pay more then $1,500 a mile for a new road is beyond me," said Emmitsburg Mayor Schuff. "I can guarantee you the citizens of Emmitsburg will never pay ransom like that. Ever!"
Two Robberies In Thurmont
Some time last Friday night thieves entered the Western Maryland Freight Station and the general merchandise store of C. E. Walter at Thurmont. At the freight station, the framework of a window and several panes of glass were broken in and a bag of coffee and other groceries were stolen.
At the store of Mr. Walter, which is located in the central part of town, two large glasses in the front window were smashed, and two valuable revolvers, along with a half-dozen mouth organs and several packages of ammunition were taken.
It is thought both robberies were committed by the same party, for in each case windows were smashed. Railroad detectives are working on the case, as well as other officers.
Complaining of Phone Rates
Local farmers have alleged discrimination by the Chesapeake and Ohio Telephone Company against the residents of the county and in favor of the residents of towns. The farmers charge that while residents of the county have to pay a surcharge of five cents to phone another section of the county, while residents of towns can call any part of the
county without this surcharge.
The farmers also express frustration that in most cases there are too many subscribers on party lines, there've been as many as 12 subscribers on one party line in many instances.
January 22
Boozers Threaten Boycotts
Members of the Emmitsburg Former Former Boozers Association threatened to boycott local businesses that are prohibiting drinking at work. "Preventing a man from drinking while he is at labor is just plain unnatural." Said Professor Shorb. "If they can get away with this, what next? Prohibiting drinking in church?"
"This is what happens when womenfolk meddle in the affairs of men." Added Dr. Dan Glass. "They are unhappy that a man can be happy at work, so the prohibitionist rabble rousers want to make our lives as miserable as theirs! Too that I have only one thing to say to women– stopped drinking tea during your breaks and start drinking ‘shine.’"
Also at the meeting, Andrew Annan of the Banking House Annan Horner said the bank would open a temporary branch at the Hotel Slagel’s saloon on Fridays to allow railroad employees to cash their checks in safety at the ‘saloon branch’ of the bank. "This will ensure the hard working men don’t get caught by wives before they can spend their paychecks
on what they want. Everyone knows women just waste money on useless stuff. This is why men should always be in charge of the household finances. " Said Annan, the town’s leading banker, to the applause of all assembled.
Runaways
A double-team belonging to Mr. Matthews, hitched near the square, ran off Saturday afternoon and were caught near the New Slagle Hotel by Howard Johnson. No injury was done to either vehicle or horses.
Another runaway occurred on Monday afternoon around five o'clock when a horse owned by Mr. Meade Patterson broke loose from its hitch at the New Hotel Slagle. As it struck the crossing at Hoke’s store the rear wheels of the wagon became detached, and the vehicle was completely upset, injuring a calf that was being brought to town and doing other
small damage. The horse, dragging the front wheels of the wagon, was caught at the lower East end of town, again, by Howard Johnson.
Dr. A. M. Kalbach Dead
Dr. A. M. Kalbach, a well-known lumberman, died yesterday morning at his home in Lancaster. Some years ago Dr. Kalbach purchase the Emmit House which he improved extensively a year or two ago when it became the New Slagle Hotel.
Motion Pictures Tonight
There will be a rare treat offered the patrons of the "movies" as St. Euphemia’s this evening in the presentation of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night". This one feature alone should be sufficient to attract a large audience; but there are other reels that cannot fail to interest and instruct. A vivid portrayal of the life of the city firemen will be
given under the title "Los Angeles Fire Department." "Black Diamonds" will also be shown. "Coke Industry" will unfold the manner in which this well-known and indisputable commodity is produced, distributed, and used.
January 29
New Organ for Lutheran Church
Workman have been busy all this week tearing out the old organ, erected 25 years ago in the choir loft of the Elias Lutheran Church, and installing a new organ. The new instrument is it $2,000 Mohler make of the latest design. It has two manuals and a full number of stops. The finish is natural quarter oak, decorated in gold.
The new organ is about 2 feet wider than its predecessor and has a greater depth, but no alteration was necessary in the gallery of the church. A new Ross water motor will be installed to pump the instrument. The church secured $579 from the Carnegie Foundation towards purchasing the new organ.
Cuts Thumb
Mr. Krise, of Freedom Township, and well known in Emmitsburg, had the thumb of his left hand nearly severed while he was slicing meat at the butchering. The meat, which he was cutting, rested on a slab and when that slipped his thumb came in contact with a knife giving him a painful cut. Dr. Stone was summoned and dressed the wound.
Injured at Thurmont substation
The third accident to happen at the substation of the Thurmont railway station took place Wednesday evening when Mr. Charles Dellaplane was on night duty at the time. He raised his right hand to calculate how high a wire screen that was to be installed should be, and as he did so the electric current jumped from a heavily charged wire to his arm,
a foot or more way. He was knocked to the floor but had sufficient strength to crawl to the door of the depot. His right-hand was badly burned and his feet also. The imprint of his shoes were burned on the concrete floor. Dr. Barely was summoned and rendered aid, and ordered the injured man to be moved to the Frederick Hospital.
