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100 Years Ago This Month

April 1924

April 4

April Fools Snow

There surely was an April Fool for everyone on Tuesday morning, April 1, when they open their doors and found snow.

The snow broke all local records for snow in April, it was also the heaviest fall of the season. Starting about 3:30 in the morning the snow fell steadily until nearly 6 o’clock in the evening, registering a depth of 9 and 3/4 inches. At times a slight wind blew, but not enough to drift roads or interfere with highways or railroad traffic. No damage was reported to telegraph or telephone lines.

The snow was a genuine April Fool’s joke. It crept up from the Gulf States undercover of Spring like weather, but the temperature changed suddenly, white clouds covering the sky, and then the snow sit in. At 3:15 stars were shining and a 3:20 snow was blowing in every direction. It melted at first almost as fast as it fell, but after an hour or two a foundation was laid upon which nearly 10 inches of white finally rested. It was reported that from 10 to 12 inches of snow fell in the northern part of the county.

Unlike the snow and sleet of two weeks ago, which resulted in widespread damage, the snow this time was light and fluffy. In some sections the wind blew, however only a few county roads, which were in bad conditions before the storm, or interfered with

Buys Cow For A Bull

Squire Eckert, of near town, was awarded the brown derby at the Neel sale on Thursday. As everyone knows, the Squire, can and will talk on every subject under the sun. As the story goes, a cow was led into the ring, and bidding was started, but before being sold, the animal broke away, and about that time a bull was also brought into the ring. Then the Squire started bidding – and talking. The missing cow was finally knocked down to E.L. and apparently everyone was satisfied. However, when the bull in the ring was put up, the Squire found that he had bought the cow that had broken loose instead of the bull he thought he was bidding on. A compromise was affected, and the cow was awarded to the next highest bidder. The affair was too much for the Squire’s nerves, and he proceeded home "bull-less.’

New Minister Moves Into Taneytown Church

The Reverend and Mrs. Walter Garnett are now occupying the Taneytown Lutheran parsonage, having arrived on Thursday. Their personal effects were moved on Tuesday, the event being a strenuous experience for the truckmen. Members of the congregation left Taneytown at 11 o’clock Monday night on the 118 mile run to Middleborough, Penna., beyond Harrisburg, which made it about six hours from Taneytown. After loading, the return trip was started at 11:15 Tuesday morning, arriving in Taneytown in the evening around 7 o’clock.

The trip was anything but a pleasant joint, due to the heavy snow and cold, and the danger from skidding. But all is well that ends well. The trip was made without accident, and the good safely housed in the parsonage, with a help of a few more members of the congregation.

The Reverend and his wife arrived on Thursday afternoon, a day, late, due to the drifted conditions of the roads, and with the help of members of the church, they are now getting fixed up and hope soon to be at home to callers. Their moving to Taneytown, and especially the big April snow, will be a long time remembrance, if not, and altogether agreeable one.

Less Newspapers In 1924

Papers are being published in 81 less towns in 1924 then was the case at the beginning of last year, a loss of 8/10th of one percent. There are 9,999 towns in the United States and territories were papers are being published. Of these towns 2,938 are county seats, one less county is said to have a paper than in 1923. Daily newspapers show a net decrease of five, and only fortnightly, monthly, by-monthly and quarterly publications showed increases.

The new year starts with the roster for the United States, and territories of 2,366 dailies, 84 tri-weekly, 485 semi-weekly, 13,323 weeklys (of which about 11,500 are weekly newspapers), 10 fortnightly papers, 285 semi monthly, 3,415 monthly, 163 by-monthly, 395 quarterlies, and 75 listed as miscellaneous. The American total is 20,699 publications.

Treatment Of Horses

The farmer works with his horses, they are his partners, his faithful helpers in all work. With them, day after day, and year after year, he goes out to tend the fields, or to bring home the fruits of his labors, and so working with them season after season, he and they grow close to each other and come after a while to work together with a confidence and an understanding the few human partnerships ever know. The good farmer, and the good horse, come not only to understand, and to appreciate each other, but even to love each other.

I have seen big mares in the pastures, pick up their ears at the sound of their owners voice, and come up to be petted and then to wait contently around, grazing near him until he left the field. I have seen the faithful and dependable old buggy horse with children all over his back, and two or three about and under his feet, walking with unwonted slowness and carefulness under and among them, and accepting with patient gentleness to all their pullings and poundings.

I have seen the heavy-loaded team, take the wagons up to long steep hill while the farmer walked behind, speaking, never a word to them, but leaving them stop and start it as they wished. I have seen the farmer, at the top of the hill, take time to lift the collars and rub the noses and stroke the necks of his sturdy helpers, while they took deep breaths, and waited for him to climb on the wagon that they might go again.

I have seen the strong farmer with tears in his eyes, bending over the horse he had raised from a colt, when that horse, grown aged and feeble, was waiting the end that must comes to all that live.

Remembering these things I have seen, and remembering the days, when as a barefooted boy, I rode and drove and clamored about the big, fat, steady, mares with clear eyes and glossy coat, full of confidence that they would do what I ask, and yield to the slightest turning of my hand. I have known that there was a very real affection in all these relations, and that the partnership between the farmer and his horses is a partnership not only a fellow workers, but also a friends.

Harney Quilt Maker

We noticed in one of the local papers that someone had pieced together a quilt that had 2,100 pieces in it. Mrs. Cora Sappington of Harney has pieced together a star quilt that has 14 squares and each square has 200 pieces. After the quilt was finished it had 3,272 pieces.

Navy To Explore Airstrip In Taneytown

A party of aviation engineers from the U.S. Navy where in Taneytown on Wednesday, and are now reported to have a very favorable view of George Sauble’s field, adjoining the baseball grounds, for an aviation station, for the summer. They left with the expectation of returning soon, and may try to arrange for the use of the location.

Property Transfers

Herbert Gingell and William Rowe have purchased the Mountain View Cemetery from the estate of the late Sterling Galt.

William Shank, of Harrisonburg, Va., has purchased the Gingell Mill just outside of Zora. Mr. Shank will take possession on April 10.

Workman have begun to tear down the old brick building on the corner of West Main and Church street, in Thurmont, known as the Osler property. On this site the Citizen’s Saving Bank will erect a modern banking house.

April 11

Fire in Taneytown

Last Sunday morning the fire bell sounded for a fire in the incubator building of the Reindollar Brothers Co. building on Baltimore St.. The fortune discovery of the fire, and the prompt response of the fire company prevented the destruction of the plant, and perhaps a very disastrous fire in what is the most dangerous section of the town for fires, due to the many frame buildings closely built together.

The fire was confined largely to one end of the building, only slight damage being done to the egg incubators and other contents. At the time of the fire there were about 12,000 eggs in the plant undergoing various stages of incubation, but they are thought to be uninjured. The ceiling was also pretty badly charred. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but may have been due to some defect in the wiring. Current was installed a year ago both from the town system and the emergency Delco plant.

Struck By Train

He didn’t hear or see it coming – of course not – but Mr. Winton Ridenour, of near Thurmont, who is driving west in his Paige automobile, and a Western Maryland eastbound passenger train tried to occupy a road crossing at the same time Monday morning. The Paige being the lighter vehicle was knocked from the crossing some distance. Mr. Ridenour stuck to the wheel until the car landed. It is stated the car can scarcely be classified as junk, so badly was it demolished. Strange enough, with the exception of a broken nose, Mr. Ridenour received only a few minor bruises – a miraculous escape.

Wet Weather

The continuous wet weather is greatly against the growing of wheat, especially in low or very low fields. It is feared that already some spots have been drowned out.

If there is to be a "dry spell", later, to equalize the present "wet spell", then we can look ahead for something to be concerned about; but, it never pays to invite worry.

Some remarkable stories are being told of mud holes in the unimproved roads. "Axle deep" is a common expression, while some hold that horses going in far that only their "ears stick out."

Petition Filed For New Creagerstown Road

Frank Gaver has filed a petition to meet with County Commissioners on April 21, for the opening of a public road at least 30 feet wide in Creagerstown, beginning from the point where the lane leading from the building now occupied by Charles Kolo intersects the public road leading from Creagerstown to Rocky Ridge and running then in a westerly direction through the lands of Isaac Hankey, Frank Garver and Russell Hockensmith , connecting with the old Woodsboro and Creagerstown Pike at a point a short distance north of the lane used as an outlet from the John Ahalt farm and others.

April 18

Residents Disagree Over Proposed Creagerstown Road

As an aftermath of a long-standing dispute concerning A right away in Creagerstown a large delegation, consisting of two factions, appeared Monday afternoon before the Board of County Commissioners, relative to the establishing of a road, the necessity of which was disputed.

One faction presented a petition to the Commissioners asking that a road be built from the road leading from Creagerstown towards the Rocky Ridge Road. The opposing faction presented a petition opposing the construction of the road

The entire proceedings was the aftermath of lengthy on-going disputes concerning the right away through the property of Russell Hockensmith. It is understood that Frank Gaver has been having a dispute with Hockensmith concerning the right of way, and the road such as it was, was desired by one faction to settle the dispute it was stated. The Commissioners, however, made no promises, but suggest Garvey and Hockersmith get together and settle the dispute in their own way.

One Commissioner suggested the two ‘duke it out’ in public, with the winner getting his way. "Given how much trouble you’ve cause the community, I’m sure alot of your neighbors would enjoy seeing you ‘knock the lights’ out of each other."

Anti-Japanese Immigration Bill Passes

The Senate is face-to-face with a momentous decisions – whether the Japanese exclusion policy passed by the House should be written in law. The house bill would exclude immigration of Japanese into the United States do to ‘negative’ effect they have in western states.

A protest by the Japanese government had no effect upon the vote of the house, which passed the immigration bill with its exclusion provision by a margin of more than 4 to 1.

The Senate answered Japanese Ambassador’s protest against Japanese exclusion legislation today by voting 76 to 6 against recognition of a gentleman agreement with Japan on limiting immigration of all Asiatic peoples.

Republican leaders regarded the Japanese letter as of veiled threat, and declare that in the face of that threat. They were blunt and outspoken in their declaration that immigration is a domestic question and outside power should have any effect on our decision to allow, or disallow, immigrants into the country.

Latest Weather Forecast

The necessity of obtaining the latest weather forecast cannot be too strongly emphasized. In a climate where weather changes are as rapid as in Maryland, the entire outlook may change in a few hours. Forecasts are issued by the Weather Bureau every 12 hours. The morning forecast, issued about 10 a.m., is broadcast by many radio stations at noon or even before that hour. This is the forecast that appears in the afternoon edition of the newspapers. The evening forecast, issued at about 9:30 p.m., is broadcast about 10 p.m. on the same date.

Radio is an excellent way for farmers, fruit growers, and others living in rural districts to obtain the forecast, although it may be necessary for you to bring this matter to your nearest broadcast station, requesting that the weather forecast be sent out at stated intervals.

In Maryland nearly every County Agent, receives the morning forecast at about 10:30 a.m. and it may be obtained from his office by telephone immediately after that hour. In some towns the postmaster also receives the morning forecast soon after 10 and sends it out by the mail carrier. If, however, rule carriers leave the post office before 11 o’clock, this service cannot be arranged.

And some such service as this is not already established in your section, why not take the matter up with your County Agent or postmaster. A petition to him from a number of farmers may bring results.

Fairfield-Zora Bridge Closed

Following an inspection by the County Commissioners of the old covered bridge on the Fairfield-Zora Road, it was decided that in order to insure the bridge against possible damage by heavy trucks passing over it, certain repairs were necessary. Repairs were also ordered to the bridge over Willoughby Run on the Mummasburg road.

Birth Control Loses At Women’s Conference

Birth control, as a subject of study for the National League Of Women Voters was defeated by a vote of two-to-one on the floor of the convention after a spirited debate.

April 25

Father Drinking, Son Driving

Dr. John Winnfield, of Fairfield, was arrested last Sunday afternoon charge with allowing his son, James, age 13 years old, to drive his car without a license. They were brought to Woodsboro and taken before the Justice of the Peace, who fined the son $10 for driving a car without an operators license.

The arrest was made after the police were informed that an automobile, driven in a reckless manner was headed towards Thurmont. As the machine approach Creagerstown it was stopped. After being placed under arrest, Dr. Winnfield omitted that he had taken a few drinks and that was why the youngster was driving the car. Dr. Winfield and his son spent the night in the Woodsboro lockup before proceeding home to Fairfield.

Annan-Horner Creditors Dissatisfied

Entirely dissatisfied with the outcome of the resolution of the affairs of the defunct banking house of Annan-Horner, 50 creditors met last Monday evening in Fireman’s Hall, Emmitsburg to discuss the situation.

A few of the creditors had consulted with attorney, who has already filed objections with the court. This is the first time since the case has appeared before the courts that the creditors have had a private council. Previously, the State Attorney handled the affair entirely.

Four Mount Students Held For Theft Of Automobile

For young men, claiming to be students of Mount Saint Mary’s College, were arrested last night after 11 o’clock charge with attempting to steal an automobile belonging to Lawrence Phobos. They were sent to jail and are being held until the authorities can get in touch with Father Bradley, President of the college.

Two young men on their way home from the American Legion play noticed the men in the automobile, which was parked in front of the home of Phobos and notified a Sheriff’s Deputy who resided in a neighboring home. The Deputy arrived on the scene in time to see the boys driving away with the car. He ran a distance of about 36 feet and caught up with a machine. Three of the boys jumped out and ran away, the driver was caught by the Deputy, who then drove the lone student around until his three accomplices were sighted and arrested.

Emmitsburg Ends Fiscal Year With Balance On Hand.

Emmitsburg is shown to be in good financial conditions according to the report of the Burgess and Commissioners, submitted by Edwin Ohler, treasurer. The following report includes receipts and distributions for the fiscal year ending last Friday, April 25.

General account, receipts: balance, $106.81; collection of taxes, property tax, $1,290; franchise tax, $23.36; County Commissioners Bank Stock tax, $127; fines, $19; total, $1,706.

Disbursements: P.F. Bucket, register and judge of elections, six dollars; J.S Andrew, clerk, one dollar; Chronicle Publishing Company, advertising, $13; Farmer State Bank, interest on demand note, $30.39; J.S Agnew, collecting garbage, $30; Samuel Kugler, work on streets, $3.25; Patterson’s Brothers, crushed stone, $13; Joseph Fraser, wood for fireman, three dollars; Bernard Peters, work, $21.70; James Spangler, work, $23; Boyle Brothers, sewer pipes, $5.50; Ridenhour Brothers, tile, $27.66; Francis Matthews, hauling, $2.50; Frailey Brothers, iron gates, $7.60; Herbert Gingel, crushed stone, $80; interest on $2,600 bonds, first issue, $100; Emmitsburg Water Company, $187.50; Emmitsburg Electric Company, $562; James Stokes, Burgess salary, $25, William Morrison, Commissioner salary, $15; William Morrison, Streets Commissioner, five dollars; C. P. Rotering, Commissioner salary, $15; C.F. Rotering, Clerk to Commissioners, $15; Francis Matthews, Commissioner salary, $15; Peter Burket, tax collector, $46.48; Edwin Ohler, treasurer salary, $15; three $100 bonds, first issue redeem, $200; accrued interest on the above bonds, $4.54; total, $1,577, leaving a balance of $189

Street improvement account; receipts, balance, $1,300; disbursements, Bernard Peters, cement work, $133; Farmer State Bank demand note, $750, balance on hand $117.

Report shows that there is a balance of $496.50 on hand on the interest and sinking fund account, making a total balance on hand on all three accounts of $303.27.

Bonds outstanding; first issue, $1,700, second issue, none; third issue, $6,700, Total, $8,403.

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