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100 Years Ago This Month

September 1918

September 6

Aged Man Lost

A search party of 25 men from Blue Ridge Summit scoured the mountains last Saturday in the region of the Old Forge in an effort to locate Smith Flohr, who strayed away from the home of his son on Tuesday, August 20. Since then, members of his family have heard nothing of him. Mr. Flohr holds the opinion that his father has either been picked up or carried to some distant place by an automobile party, or else he's strayed away into the mountains and perished.

Pastor Leaves Amid Rumor Of Affair

Reverend L. B. Hensley of the Presbyterian Church of Emmitsburg has severed his connection with that church. Rumors are rampant in town that he was having an affair with one of his parishioners. Reverend Hensley has left Emmitsburg and has taken a position in Frederick not associated with the Presbyterian Church.

Thurmont Moravian Church Closes

On account of the decrease in membership, Rev. William Strohmeier, by the authority of the Provincial Elders Conference, has closed the Moravian Church in Thurmont. The members of that church will transfer their membership to the Graceham Moravian Church. The property of the Thurmont Moravian congregation will be sold.

Women Approved To Deliver Mail

The first woman letter carrier of the Post Office was appointed today in Frederick over the objection of male letter carriers. The appointment was the first evidence of the recently announced determination to put women letter carriers at work to meet war conditions. Several months ago the city Post Office put two women letter carriers to work, but after a two-week trial the women were withdrawn. According to the male carriers, the women were fired because they spent too much time gabbing and not enough time doing real work.

September 13

Soldiers Steal Car To Visit Girlfriends

Two soldiers from Camp Colt in Gettysburg were arrested in Thurmont for the theft of a Dodge touring car. Charles Frey was the victim of the theft, instead of Guy Hollinger, because the soldiers could not start Hollinger’s car, which was standing next to Frey’s machine. Additional charges may grow out of the car theft as it is claimed that the soldiers also got away with gasoline at several garages as they frolicked around the county, including one such garage in Emmitsburg. The soldiers apparently would drive up for gas and would then order oil. While the attendant was getting the oil, the soldiers would drive away without paying for the gas. The soldiers, it is said, take the whole affair as a frolic, saying they were out of funds and took the car so they could visit their girlfriends.

William Florence Dies

William Florence, a well-known resident of Emmitsburg, died at his home Friday morning of Dropsy and Bight’s disease. He had been ill for some months. Mr. Florence was a carpenter by trade and had spent his entire life in and near Emmitsburg. He had resided at his last home for 45 years. He had two sons, Andrew and George Florence, who are in the American Expeditionary Force in France. His youngest son, Vincent Florence is at Camp Greenleaf; George is awaiting his transfer to Europe.

Civil War Veteran Dies

Edward Reese, veteran of the Civil War, and one of the oldest residents of the western section of Adams County, died from infirmities at his home in Hamiltonban Township near Iron Springs. He was aged 88 years. Mr. Reese was born at Fountaindale and spent his entire life in Hamiltonban Township. He followed the occupation of farming until advancing years made it necessary for him to retire. For five years he was a Supervisor of Hamiltonban. During the Civil War Mr. Reese served with the 165th and the 210th Pennsylvania Infantry regiments. He was a member of the James Dixon Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Fairfield. Interment will be in the Union Cemetery, Fairfield.

Work Begun On Emmitsburg Road

Pennsylvania has begun work on the State Road between Emmitsburg and Gettysburg. The present surface is torn up to a depth of four inches. Crushed stones will be laid on the road and after it has been rolled, a top dressing will be added. When the road is finished it will receive a coating of oil.

Thrift Club Opening

A Thrift Club will open in Luther Creager’s storeroom on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for the purpose of accommodating the public in bringing the goods that they wish to sell. On Friday and Saturday nights, the goods will be sold. The Thrift Club will sell anything that has value, including household goods, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, farm and garden implements, etc. Goods may be new or secondhand. The rules of the club are: everything must be clean and in good condition. The money is to be used to buy Thrift Stamps or Liberty Bonds, and thus help the government and, in turn, yourself.

September 20

Boozers Protest Women Mail Carriers

Members of the Former-Former Boozers Association protested outside the Emmitsburg Post Office to resist the plans by the Post Office to hire women mail carriers. John Shorb reflected the views of many when he said that the work was too complex for the feeble brains of women folk. "My wife can barely get my evening vittles right," Shorb said, "I can’t imagine her trying to figure out how to sort mail and get it to the right person." Newly elected Boozer President Dr. Brokow pointed out that the job would require them to drive autocars, noting that over the past twelve months he "had to shoot fourteen cars because of inept women drivers." "How many more cars will I be forced to shoot if we unleash female carriers on rural mail routes? Autocars deserve better," Brokow said as the roars of the drunks assembled.

Oldest Resident Of Adams County Dies

On Monday, Miss Barbara Kredy, one of the oldest inhabitants of Adams County died at her home in Fairfield. She was well known in the area, having moved to Fairfield with her parents nearly 100 years ago.

Big Fire At "Auburn"

Early Wednesday morning, "Auburn," the historic home of the late Dr. McPherson located near Catoctin Furnace was discovered to be on fire. The Blaze started at the north end of the building in the kitchen and gradually made its way to the main portion of the large dwelling. Help from Catoctin Furnace rushed to the fire, but since water was so scarce and too far to carry, very little could be done to reduce the flames. Word came to Thurmont for aid, and the chemical outfit of the fire department was sent out as quickly as possible. It is stated that the family arose from their slumber when the fire was discovered. All furniture, except that in the kitchen and dining room was saved. While the main part of the building was saved from destruction, the kitchen and adjoining section were destroyed.

September 27

Neely House To Be Auctioned

The J. U. Neely house, located on West Main Street in Fairfield, will be auctioned on Oct 5. The house sits on a double lot with a frontage of 120 feet and 240 feet in depth, improved with a house of 20 feet by 6 feet, containing a large hall, eight rooms, bath and toilet; also a large kitchen and pantry are attached. The house contains these conveniences: hot and cold water both upstairs and downstairs, a hot water heating system, and acetylene lights. On the rear is a new carriage house, all in good condition. The house will be sold to the highest bidder.

Army And Mount Team Up

About 75 men have already been enrolled at Mt. St. Mary’s College for the student-training unit in line with the plan of free college education for a commitment to serve in the Army upon graduation. The unit, when filled, will consist of 200 men. Any person who is between 18 and 45 years of age is eligible to enter the unit. The only necessity is that the men have been in or completed their fourth year of high school and that they be physically fit. It’s a wonderful opportunity for every man to get a college education without a cent of cost to himself. It was pointed out that those who enter the unit are liable to stay until their college courses are completed. Of course, if a man enters who is found to be good officer material, he will, in due time, be transferred to the Officer’s Training School.

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