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100 Years Ago This Month

June 1912

June 7

Local Police Protection

At last Emmitsburg has actual police protection and law and order that is such in fact. Under the new regime every ordinance is being enforced, and the Corporation is in a fair way to come into possession of that to which it is entitled. No longer may autoist speed at will within the town limits and no longer may the filthy able-to-work-but-won’t tramp loaf around in drunken stupor. Swearing and rowdyism on the streets have had their day, and women and young girls may come and go and not be insulted by the idler or the drunkard.

People are beginning to realize this; a feeling of safety, of protection is theirs. They realize that the law will be enforced and they are glad of it. It is what they pay for; it is what they have a right to expect, to demand.

And seeing the effort being made to uphold their rights-the efforts being exerted to give them what their charter and their ordinances call for, there is but one thing for all the citizens of Emmitsburg to do: cooperate with the authorities to make this community one that all they take pride in all respects as never before.

Officer Dukehart makes a splendid appearance in his new uniform. He’s a very efficient officer and lawbreakers will be wise to avoid.

Thieves at Work

Some person fond on a late luncheon appropriated a ham belonging to Mr. Breighner on Wednesday night around midnight. The kitchen of the Emmit House was the scene of the depredation. Also on Wednesday, thieves attempted to enter the home of the Frailey's, but were frightened off by some of the occupants of the house.

Tramps in Town

They came merrily up the pike Tuesday-three young tramps-and they were ready to make merry in town. Something unusual suddenly arrested their attention. It was the site of two older members of their fraternity digging ditches. Upon inquiring the newcomers discovered that their friends were working out a fine for cussing, drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Realizing at once that Emmitsburg was no place for gentlemen without visible means of support no further stop was made, and Gettysburg or some other towns further on is probably their place of temporary abode.

John White and Patrick West, two gentleman from anywhere and everywhere, drifted into town on Friday last and in addition to obstructing the sidewalk at Hotel Spangler and uncorking a large and diversified assortment of profanity, told Officer Dukehart that they would use their own discretion about moving along, were taken into custody and permitted to rest awhile in the lockup. Saturday they were brought before Burgess Rowe who, as they failed to produce the necessary amount of their fines, gave then the choice of working on the streets or going to jail. They worked until Wednesday evening and took their departure for-somewhere.

June 14

Dances

Last Friday evening a very enjoyable dance was given in Spangler’s upper house. The music was furnished by "Joe," a violinist and his partner, the harpist. Although arranged with a very short notice the dance was well attended. "Joe" and his partner spent the better part of Friday playing open air concerts all about town, accepting contributions for all who found their creations pleasing to the ear. On Monday evening a delightful dance was given by some of the young people of Emmitsburg. The Union Bridge Orchestra furnished music for the occasion.

Auto Kills Dog

"Grant," a large collie dog owned by the Patterson Brothers, of this place, was run over and killed by an automobile. The accident took place on the mountain near Blue Ridge Summit. "Grant" was a very valuable cattle rounder and its owners feel its loss greatly. We fear that this may be the first of many dogs that will die at the hands of autoist who have no respect for others using the road.

Local Company Buys Hays’ Patents on Acetylene Generators

The Emmitsburg Generator Company, incorporated and founded almost exclusively of local businessman, has acquired the patent rights on the Hays’ Acetylene Generators, so long and successfully manufactured by James T. Hayes and Son. This company has made arrangements to build these machines on large-scale and already a force of men is engaged in this pursuit. The factory, under the charge of Mr. Thomas C. Hayes, one of the creators of the generator, at present is located in the Hays’ building on W. Main St. Ground has been purchased for the site of a large factory which will be constructed as soon as the business has been thoroughly organized, and when that time comes employment is promised for these 25 men.

Interesting Sightings

A very interesting gasoline tractor passed through Emmitsburg on its way to Waynesboro. The engine was in International, owned by Joseph Spangler, who is taking it to Waynesboro to pullback a threshing machine. On Friday an automobile from Nebraska passed through town.

Improvements

Mr. Lansinger is repainting his home on East Main Street. Mr. Harry Hopp is having the cellar of his house, also on East Main Street, cemented. The stone crusher began work Wednesday morning and crushed 100 tons of stone the first day. Burgess Rowe intends to have crushed 500 tons, which will be used to repair and resurface the streets.

"Emmit" Strawberries

Mr. Slagenhaup, of Harney, left at the Chronicle office a box of strawberries that were not only delicious as to the taste but prizewinners for size. They were specimens of the now famous "Emmit" strawberry, which, according to legend, were used in the first Strawberry Daiquiri and played a central role in the causing the great fire of 1863 that destroyed half the town. The berries, noted for their flavor, become even more flavorable when mixed generous amounts of dark rum, sugar and crushed ice.

June 21

Death of Daniel Adelsberger

Daniel Adelsberger died at his home in Baltimore on Saturday. He was 82 years old. The remains were brought to Emmitsburg on Monday and taken to the home of Mrs. J. M. Adelsberger. Mr. Adelsberger was well known in Emmitsburg. He was born here, and at one time was the proprietor of the Western Maryland Hotel, now the Hotel Spangler.

Saint Aloysius Society Meets

On Monday last, the boys of the Saint Aloysius Society held their annual picnic on the lawn of the St. Vincent’s House. At noon the members of the society, 55 in number, sat down to a scrumptious dinner, after which they all repaired to the Fireman’s Baseball Field where an exciting game of ball ensued. After the game came the athletic events. Those games and the winners were as follows: 100 yard dash for larger boys, Maurice Baker; 50 yard dash for smaller boys, Clarence Bowers; running high jump, Maurice Baker; running broad jump, Bernard Ott; three-legged race, Roy Gelwicks and Maurice Baker; sack race, Nimrod Fizzle. The days’ program closed with a luncheon served at the scene of the dinner. The day proved to be the most successful in the history the society, and the boys are looking forward to a repetition of it in the near future.

June 28

Painful Accident

James Gelwicks met with a very painful accident on Saturday and for a time was in very serious condition. While working at a sawmill a piece of lumber stuck him violently under the chin causing swelling and pressure on his windpipe that it made it almost impossible for him to breathe. He is slowly recovering.

Killed by Posse in Bank

Three masked men entered the citizens Bank at Mammoth Springs, Arkansas and robbed the bank while two others stood guard outside. The cashier was locked in the vault and the robbers took all the cash inside. For 10 days bank officials have known that an attempt would be made to rob the bank. In preparation the Sheriff had rounded up a posse and was hidden in the back room of the bank when the robbery occurred. As the robbers were leaving, the officers opened fire on them with Winchester rifles. One of the robbers, who was instantly killed, had 22 bullets enter his body. The other robbers were captured uninjured.

Improvements

Work is progressing on the floodwater sewer that is being laid on Frederick Street. Mr. Hoke is having a new cellar put in. The crossing between Mr. Hoke’s property and that of the Patterson Brothers is being repaired. Mr. Warner has had a concrete pavement laid in front of his East Main St. property.

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