100 Years Ago This Month

December 1922

December 7

Indian Summer & Squall Winter

Did Friday mark the beginning of Indian Summer? The warm breeze which sprang up on Thanksgiving Day prevailed the entire day. Not once did the official thermometer register freezing temperatures. The lowest for the day was 34E above freezing and for two or three hours the thermometer remained at 59 degrees, or just 11 points below summer heat. Rain fell at times but it was a warm gentle rain rather than those cold rains of early spring.

"It is Indian Summer, all right," said several of those weather wise men. "It always comes just about this time and always follows Squall Winter, and we have certainly been having Squall Winter."

Indian Summer and Squall Winter have their origins with the Indians who claimed that the Great Spirit sent the early cold spell as a warning of the approach of winter and then a warm spell to enable men to prepare for the winter.

Automobile Burned

Last Thursday evening the Ford touring car belonging to Mrs. Emilia Baker took fire which badly damaged the body. The machine was being filled with gasoline at the Thurmont Motor Company‘s supply tank, when it suddenly burst into flames. The supply tank ignited and things began to look serious for a time. The fire alarm was sounded and the chemical apparatus was soon brought to the scene. Within a very few minutes after the stream was turned on the fire ceased. A shot or two at the gas pump and all was over. Just what caused the gas to ignite is not know.

Saint Joseph’s Collage’s Barn Burns

The large barn on the farm belonging to the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s. tenanted by Samuel Cool, burned to the ground last Saturday evening. It is stated that the fire started in an equipment shed close to the barn. Two cows and a horse were burned together with the contents of the barn.

Emmitsburg Bank Admits insolvency

An answer to the petition for a receivership for Emmitsburg’s Annan & Horner Bank was filed in court in which the respondent admitted the insolvency of the firm as alleged and consented to the appointment of a receiver. It is thought that the judge will appoint a receiver this week that will immediately investigate the business of the company. Dr. Jamison, the complainant, alleges that he deposited $645 in the bank in 1921, to bare 4% interest, and that to today none of this amount has been paid.

William Eyler Pardoned

Mr. William Eyler, who 16 years ago killed Howard Miller, in Gettysburg, on Decoration Day, has been pardon. He was first condemned to death, then the sentence was changed to life imprisonment, and for the past six years efforts have been made to secure his pardon. His aged parents are still living near Emmitsburg. Eyler is now about 40 years old, and it said to have been a model prisoner. His wife secured a divorce after the sentence was changed to life imprisonment.

Moving Picture Show On Telephones

A moving picture entertainment was given in Shriners’ Theater, Taneytown, Monday night, showing the development, operation and maintenance, of the modern telephone system, the whole being very instructive. The pitchers demonstrated the remarkable efficiency of telephone service, and how every feature works harmoniously together to the end. Phone users have only to do their part, and the management can be dependent on for the best in service.

Water Supply For Fairfield

Plans for installation of a water supply system for Fairfield have progressed to the point where the Borough Council is prepared to submit the matter to the voters for their approval in the spring. The Borough had preliminary plans drawn up by a firm of consulting engineers in Harrisburg.

It is contemplated that large springs within the Borough limits shall be used as a source of supply. The water will be pumped to an elevated storage tank to secure adequate pressure. Fire pressure will be obtained without the aid of a fire apparatus, as it will be sufficient if the plans are approved by the voters.

The estimated cost of the project will not exceed $15,000 in the opinion of one of the members of the firm who made a preliminary survey of the territory. It is thought that if the loan is approved the town should show growth and would have sufficient facilities to attract new industries to the community. It is also expected that the use of wells in Fairfield would be eliminated once the new water supply system is installed.

Harney School Master To Become Taneytown Postmaster

Harney school patrons and pupils are sorry to learn that their very efficient teacher, Harry Freezer, has been appointed postmaster, at Taneytown, not because they do not wish him success, but owing to his many years of valued service. They are sorry to lose him as a teacher, and they believe that where he to say just what he really thinks, it would be that he would as soon see someone else appointed; because, they believe, that he is as sorry to leave all the children as they are to see him go. They hope however that those in authority will see to it that they get a good teacher to fill his place, so that their school may be kept up to a usual high standard.

The current Taneytown Postmaster, William Burke, who will soon retire, will do so with an excellent record. He has conducted the affairs of the Post Office with general satisfaction to the patrons, and one of the best recommendations of Mr. Burke’s administration is the fact that many Republican patrons would not have raised serious complaints had he been appointed for a third term; but two-term seems to have been established as a limit, for the past 36 years.

Gathering Christmas Greens

This is the season of the year, when property owners, especially along the highways, should exercise the utmost vigilance in protecting their evergreens, holly’s, running pine, laurels and the like. The gathering of Christmas greens became such a serious matter, because of vandalism, that the Legislature of 1918 enacted a special law covering the subject. This law makes it a misdemeanor, with a fine of $25 or 90 days imprisonment, or both, to remove, injure, or destroy any tree or shrub without the written consent of the owner.

Ice Plant For Emmitsburg

There is a strong possibility that Emmitsburg will have a new industry here next year. Several out of town parties were in the neighborhood during the past week looking over the field with a view of establishing an ice manufacturing plant in this section of the County. These people are experts in the ice business and have several plants in other parts of Maryland. The purpose of their visit was not in the nature of looking for investors but to see some of the leading citizens of the town as to the prospects and if such a plant was needed and would be a paying proposition.

December 14

Electric Fly Killer

A new electric fly killer consisting of a panel frame connected to a transformer that is attached to a lightning circuit. Parallel rows of wires, carrying a current a 500 Volts, cross this frame. The frame is placed where flies congregate and as they are attracted to the wires they are killed by the high-voltage. Bug traps along the same lines have been perfected. It is rumored, that some wives of Boozers are experimenting with a version to put them out of their misery as well.

Women Fight Calls For Equality

The National Council of Catholic Women have announced its determination to fight to propose legislation establishing complete legal equality between men and women, which is sponsored by the National Women’s Party. Their opposition is based on the belief that it would endanger the present rights and privileges enjoyed by married woman, the laws for the protection of women and industry, the wife’s legal claim to support from her husband and that it threatens the stability of the home.

The Ku Klux Klan

The Ku Klux Klan is getting a vast amount of free advertising these days. The organization is both commended and condemned, and on both classes of publicity it seems to thrive. So far as this newspaper is concerned, it does not desire to publish comment on the principles of the organization, either for or against, as it is one of the sorts of questions that lead into endless controversy, and in the end, nobody benefits.

As a fraternal organization, this newspaper considers the paid advertising of the Klan as allowable as that of any other, but further than this we do not consider that it is evolving upon us to publish articles, either for, or against. It is one of the class of movements, involving politics, religion and race that occasionally springs up, and instigates strong feelings – some of it news, but most simply opinions.

Unquestionably, the acts of the Klan may be considered as news. The fact that Congressional, and other forms of actions have been publicly urged, and that the Klan has been showing itself as a political power, establishes that. In other ways, it has forced itself before the attention of the public, and apparently it has many adherences, all of which very naturally make it more talked about, and with the result that newspapers large and small have been compelled to recognize it, along with the many other doings of this remarkable country of ours.

While it is considered legitimate enough, by some papers, to run an open forum concerning such subjects, this newspaper has neither the inclination, nor the space, to do so, but in case it becomes necessary to handle KKK news, we prefer to do so in its own way as circumstance may require.

Fined $25 After Auto Accident

As a result of an automobile accident Sunday evening on Emmitsburg Pike near Mount Saint Marys College, Edward Carbaugh, of Catoctin Furnace, was arrested and taken before Justice Stokes of Emmitsburg and find $25 in cost.

Albert Harbaugh, of Highfield said he was driving a car in the direction of Emmitsburg, when he met the machine driven by Carbaugh traveling towards Thurmont. Harbaugh’s automobile was on the right side of the road and the car operated by Carbaugh came across the wrong side of the highway and sideswiped Harbaugh’s machine, breaking the front left wheel, ripping away the running board and damaging both fenders on the left side of the car.

The sheriff’s office was notified and deputies went to Catoctin Furnace and arrested Harbaugh. Rumor has it that Harbaugh was returning from a ‘supply’ run of recently distilled hooch for Boozers in the Emmitsburg area at the time of the accident.

Fairfield Divided Over Water Project

"To be or not to be" as applied to the question of a town water supply to supplement the system of private wells, has created a sharp line or division in the community of Fairfield. Opinions and recommendations have been banded about following the announcement of the project last week.

The Town Council of Fairfield first considered the proposal about six months ago and voted for the plan by an overwhelming majority. A number of town people, however, have apposed the project on the ground that taxes would be increased, and they feared that if an adequate water supply were piped to the town, the state Board of Health will condemn all private wells.

On the other hand, supporters of the plan claim that the wells are out of date and unsanitary, and that a pipe water supply would be a convenience and would furnish a more adequate supply for firefighting. In addition, it would be an improvement, which would attract industry to the town, and with thus benefit the town more than the cost would amount to.

The question now rests with the voters of the town, who will have an opportunity to express themselves on the subject this spring. The town Council said that if the voters do not ratify the proposition by at least a 2/3rds vote it will be impossible for the town to put in the water as a community project. In that case, a franchise will be granted to some outside concern, who will then own and operate the plant.

December 21

Eyler Released

Milliam Eyler, who was pardon from a life sentence in the Eastern Penitentiary, was brought to his home near Emmitsburg last Friday, by Dr. Bowman, one of the instructors at the institution. This was Eyler‘s first ride in an automobile, and he became quite sick on the way, caused by the car’s motion, something on the order of seasickness.

Dr. Bowman told a remarkable story of the farewell Eyler was given at the penitentiary. He left the place Wednesday but on the request of a large body of prisoners he returned Thursday morning to say goodbye to every one of the 1,709 prisoners. It required five hours and their farewell was most touching, many of the long term men declaring that they take greater delight in seeing Eyler given his freedom then if they themselves were to be released.

He was generally loved by all in the place, and the Board of Prisons inspectors made up a purse of $50 for him, while a church society gave him a complete outfit of clothing. Presidents of two large manufacturing concerns in Emmitsburg informed Dr. Bowman that they would give Eyler employment. He learned secretarial work while he was in prison and will not be without employment for any length of time it is expected.

Annan-Horner Bank Receiver Appointed

Reno Harp has been appointed receiver for the banking firm of Annan-Horner of Emmitsburg. It is understood that an accountant will be employed to investigate the conditions in the business of the institution, with a view of settling up the partnership for the benefit of its creditors.

The court order, naming the receiver, directed the latter to take possession of all the property of the partnership of every kind and description, wherever situated, and all money coming into the hands shall be applied first to the payment of cost of the receivership and bonds, then to the satisfaction and payment of the indebtedness to the compliant and all other creditors of the partnership, and the residue, if any, to be distributed among the members of the partnership.

Mr. Harp, stated that he would proceed to sell the real estate of the bank and to collect all notes and other assets of the firm for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the bank. The petition of Dr. Jamison placed a liability to the partnership at $110,000, but no estimate was made of the assets.

Edgar Annan, named in a petition as one of the members of the partnership, has filed a paper in court denying that he has a partner in the firm and asked to be dismissed from the proceedings.

Christmas Vacation

The Christmas vacation of Mount Saint Mary’s College will begin Saturday morning, December 16 and will last until January 3 when classes will be resumed. St. Joseph’s does not have as long of vacation. The holidays do not begin at this college until Tuesday, December 19 and will end on the morning of January 3.

The town of Emmitsburg and the village of Saint Anthony’s will be ghosts towns for the next three weeks for the student bodies of the two colleges unquestionably make up a large portion of the population of these north county centers.

Says Girls Should Play More

Girls require more opportunities for play then they get and boys should share domestic tasks with girls, in the opinion of Dr. Hammer of the London School of Medicine. He has come to the conclusion that schoolgirls have too much work to do and that as a consequences they suffer more than boys from defective vision, heart disease, and spinal curvatures. "These can all be traced to the same set of causes," he said, "less opportunity for play then boys, less time spent in the open air, the performance of household duties, and, in regard to school, a different curriculum."

December 28

Churches Overflowing

The attendance at the Christmas services in the churches where usually large this year in every town. Over 200 people weren’t able to get seats in the Lutheran Church In Emmitsburg on Sunday evening and were forced to return home.

Sterling Galt Dies

Mr. Sterling Galt died at his home in Emmitsburg, on Thursday evening, following an illness of about a week from pneumonia. For a number of years, Mr. Galt was the editor of the Emmitsburg Chronicle.

Mr. Galt was a man of fine intellectual attainment. He was a member of the State Board of Education, was an active promoter of many local movements for community uplift, and among other things, took active interest in encouraging athletic sports.

Upon taking up his residence in Emmitsburg Mr. Galt became interested in politics. He was a Democrat and exercise considerable influence in his community. He was once a candidate for state senator – the only time he ever aspired to public office – and conducted a vigorous campaign.

His home was visited by President and Mrs. Wilson after the former’s second marriage. Mrs. Wilson was the former Mrs. Edith Galt. Her first husband was the brother of Sterling Galt.

He had been in failing health for the past two years, but for the past six months had apparently been greatly improved, and on the road to full recovery. He was 56 years of age.

Splinter Causes Blood Poison

Harry Clutz, who had the misfortune to run a splinter into his finger, was compelled to endure great pain for nearly a week, when it was taken to the hospital, and an examination by the doctors they pronounced he had blood poison and immediately operated on him. We are informed that it was just in time to prevent serious trouble. After the operation he was greatly relieved, and that this writing is getting along nicely.

A Virginia Horse Advertisement

The following horse ad recently appeared in the Scottsville Virginia News and it said to have brought almost 50 replies, and a quick sale.

"For sale – one male animal, alleged to be a horse. Age unknown, but in all probability was foaled sometime during the present century; 15.3 hands high, incline to be angular. Harness will hang on him anywhere and at any angle. Condition fair to midland; 11 ribs on each side: (you can count them for yourself); the rest of his anatomy is fairly well conceal. Four legs, one of them in excellent shape – better in fact then many that have been in evidence of late. Two eyes, which are normal for a horse of his age, teeth need some repairs and some replacements. Any lady with plenty of time, patience, and a good whip can drive him – and he will stand without hitching. This is probably the best thing he does. Price, with the usual factory guarantees, exceptions as above, $12: price ‘as is.’ Halter extra."

Another Barn Is Burned Down

The latest in a series of barn fires which has occurred in this county broke out shortly before 5 O’clock on Saturday morning in a barn belonging to the Blue Mountain Orchard Co., on the Zora Road between Fairfield in Emmitsburg.

Samuel Long, who occupies the farm and runs it for the banking house of Annan-Horner, which is now in bankruptcy, discovered the blaze as he was getting up this morning. Calling the rest of the family, they rushed out to the flaming structure, but the fire had gained such headway by that time that it was impossible to save more than one horse from the lower part of the barn.

The barn, which was one of the largest in this section of the country, contained 14 calves, seven horses and two mules. One horse was the only animal saved, the rest of them perishing in the flames that swept like wildfire through the doom structure. In a fruitless attempt to rescue the stock, Mr. Long‘s hair was singed by the intense heat.

The fire loss also include a silo and a small shed that adjoined the barn. Hay, grain and farming implements which filled the upper part of the barn were also destroyed. Mr. Long said that he estimates his losses on livestock at $3,500, hay and feed at $1,000 and on the machinery at $800. The insurance carried amounted to $2,700 or less than half of the losses.

Mr. Long said he woke at the usual time in the morning and heard the crackling of flames as he went to the window. The flames where just breaking through the sides of the building and it appeared that the entire upper part of the barn was already ablaze.

Since none of the family had been in the building since Friday evening, and so many hours had a lapse from then until the place was discovered, Mr. Long stated that he believed the fire was incendiary in nature.

His first glance at the doomed structure showed that the flames had progressed too far to save it, so no call for fire engines were sent out. Other buildings were not in danger at any time, as only a light wind was blowing, and that was in the direction away from them.

Several neighbors had reported that they were out and working around their places by 4 o’clock in the morning, and that there were no signs of fire in the Long barn at that time. None of them noticed anything wrong until the alarm was raised by Mr. Long himself.

According to statements of neighbors, there is a reason to believe that Mr. Long had at least one enemy who would be capable of firing the barn. For during the past year, five of his cow have died under mysterious circumstances, all believed to have been poisoned.