New Parking Law

The new parking law established by the Board of Commissioners of Thurmont is being fairly well observed by all persons coming to town in teams. Saturday night, the usual number of machines and buggies were on the streets. Some drivers had to be shown by Mayor Lidie, who took the task of directing traffic upon himself. However, by leaving a hitching post in the restricted area, the Commissioners, in a way, induced a violation of their own law. While mingling with the crowds on the streets, we heard a general remark that the parking law was the best decision the Commissioners have made in many years.

More Eggs Stolen

The egg thieves who have been stealing at will in Emmitsburg are back on the job once more. The latest victim is Harry Harner of Four Points, who had 450 dozen eggs, worth $180, stolen on Monday night. Mr. Harner discovered his loss on Tuesday morning when he went to the wagon shed to take the eggs to the railroad station. 100 pounds of butter and several coops of chickens were not touched. There were 15 cases of eggs with 30 dozen in each for 5,400 eggs. Tracks of a four-wheeled vehicle leading from the wagon shed to the state road were found. It is believed that three men operated within the party. The proprietors of the Blue Ribbon Egg Company in Emmitsburg have been robbed of eggs three different times. None of the thieves have been caught.

August 9

Lightning Destroys Barn

The drought of the past month ended early Monday morning when a heavy thunderstorm passed over this section of the county. About 10 o'clock Sunday morning, lightning flashed across the sky. The strikes became more and more frequent, and rain began to fall around twelve thirty. The storm reached its full force around one o'clock. Soon, a bright light appeared to the east indicating that a building had been struck by one of the flashes of lightning. The area, the property of William Fleagle near Rocky Ridge, was lit up by the fire for miles around. Three horses and two calves perished in the blaze. 65 tons of hay and 30 barrels of corn were also destroyed. The horses that were in the barn were rescued, but it was impossible to save the rest of the animals.

Keep To The Right

Thurmont has posted a sign bearing the words "Keep to the Right" in the center of the public square. The post was placed for the benefit of those traveling in teams and automobiles, and as a warning to those who do not pay attention to traffic rules. An American flag was placed on top of the post. "To knock down the post means to knock down the flag, and we are sure no one will want to desecrate the flag," said the Mayor. The driver of one car on Sunday was so impressed with the sign that he kept looking at it after passing and his car struck the telephone pole at the corner of the square.

August 16

Concert

Each Wednesday morning during the summer months, the younger schoolchildren of Thurmont receive instructions in vocal music from Miss Lillian Kefauver. The rehearsals have been held in the high school auditorium, and, despite the extreme warm weather, much interest has been manifested. A concert is scheduled for Thursday evening at the town hall. Adult singers and players will assist the children, and the concert will doubtlessly prove very pleasing. An admission of $0.15 will be charged and the proceeds will be given to the Red Cross.

Three Auto Accidents

Three big automobiles were put out of business Saturday within a few miles of town. Two were rammed into a culvert, and the third sideswiped a telephone pole near Catoctin Furnace. One of the autos, damaged at Franklinville, was taken to Emmitsburg; the left front wheel was smashed, and the axle was bent and otherwise damaged. The other car was too badly damaged to repair, and Dr. Brokaw was called out to shoot it. The car damaged near Catoctin Furnace evidently misjudged the distance between the car in the telephone pole in rounding a curve on the State Road and the left rear wheel hooked the pole. The rear axle was damaged and the casing over the transmission was broken. Apparently the woman driving was putting on makeup when the accident happened – "one more reason not to allow women to drive," Mayor Annan said.

August 23

Congress Proposes Tax On Whiskey

When Congress reassembles after their summer break, prohibitionists will insist on the prohibition of the sale of liquor for the duration of the war. Whether prohibition is made mandatory or not, there is little doubt of the act coming to pass. If the Revenue Bill, as proposed, is enacted into law, a tax of eight dollars on a gallon of whiskey and the doubling of the tax on beer would put three fourths of the saloons out of business, for notwithstanding the great increase in wages, the average working man will not feel inclined to pay as much as $0.50 for a drink of liquor or as much as $0.15 for a glass of beer. There is no way for dealers to escape the tax.

Little Wounded In The War

Among the names published in the casualty list this week appears the name of Thomas Little of Emmitsburg, who is listed as being severely wounded.

Water Supply Low

Due to the prolonged dry spell, streams in the vicinity are very low and the water supply is short. The Thurmont Water Company sent notice to all persons using water from the company to discontinue using water for sprinkling gardens, ponds or clearing streets until the supply in the reservoir has materially increased. Considerable rain must fall before the shortage is relieved.

Mount To Train Army Officers

Mount St. Mary’s College has been chosen to be used as a Student Army Training Corps school. An Army instructor will be sent there and the boys will be furnished with uniforms and equipment similar to those used in Gettysburg.

August 30

Must Not Use Gasoline

The Fuel Administration called upon the public in the states to cease using all classes of automobiles, with a few named exceptions on Sundays, until further notice as a gasoline conservation measure. Only voluntary compliance with a letter and spirit of the request will prevent the issuance of a mandatory order prohibiting the use of gasoline on Sunday.

Motor vehicles to which the restrictions do not apply include tractors and motor trucks employed in actual transportation of freight, vehicles of physicians, used in performance of professional duties, ambulances, fire apparatus, police wagons and undertaker conveyances used for funerals. In addition, motor vehicles on errands of necessity in rural communities where transportation by steam or electricity is not available are also excluded from the prohibition.

This action by the Fuel Administration was taken to meet a threatened shortage of gasoline for shipment overseas, created by increased domestic demand and extensive military operations in France. The appeal is made, therefore, to the people of the United States during the next few weeks as a necessity and practical act of patriotism.

Milk Prices Soaring

Effective September 1, the price of milk to consumers will be advanced from $0.10-$0.12 per quart. High prices of feed and supplies pertaining to the production of milk have caused the increased.

Hooch For Fuel?

Dr. Brokaw, newly elected President of the Former Former Boozers Association, has sent a letter to Congress recommending that the Government drop its proposed tax on whiskey and instead promote ‘White Lightning’ as a replacement for gasoline. "Anyone who has ever tasted the hooch coming off the mountain knows it carries more punch than gasoline," Dr. Brokow stated. "On more than one occasion when I needed to get to an emergency call, I would pour some of my stock into my trusty runabout and it would race down the road like a Boozer running from a deranged wife out to get his hard-earned money. Given the number of stills in the mountain, we could produce enough fuel for all of our needs, and still have enough for hard-working men seeking to escape nagging wives to enjoy."

Read Prior '100 Years Ago this Month'