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100 Years Ago This Month

August 1914

August 7

Preparing for Booster Week

Plans are being rapidly formulated for Emmitsburg’s big Booster Week, September 14, 15, and16 and interest being manifested by several executive committees is positive assurance that this will be a success in every way.

The instructive features of the three days entertainment will be interspersed by high-class amusements in the nature of musical numbers by the best talent in the country; by concerts by such organizations as the Metropolitan Glee Club and Trombone Quartet, the Swiss Bell Ringers, and by performances given by magicians, vocalist and humorist. In other words, there will be something going on all the time of interest to the old, the middle-aged, the youth, the child and even the baby.

On the first day it is proposed to have a monster parade. This term is used advisedly, for according to plans there will be floats emblematic of every industry in the district. There will be automobiles gaily decorated, there will be horseman galore, a children's division, a roughriders squad, and many other features diversified and entertaining; while on the grounds outside the big tent there will be tournament riding, baseball games, and contest of various kinds. There will be a merry-go-round for children and other amusements yet to be provided. There will be a baby show and a prize will be offered for the prettiest baby in the show. The judges will be persons not acquainted with Emmitsburg people so that the verdict will be absolutely impartial.

It is the intention of those in charge of the childrens’ part of the big affair not to overlook, but to have something exclusively for, the boys. Accordingly it has been decided to form a Boy Scout company, and all the boys in Emmitsburg and the district are encouraged to join the marching practice.

Automobiles

Those who have purchased automobiles from the Emmitsburg Motor Car Company recently are the following: Harry Springer, a Ford; Charlie Walters of Thurmont, a Ford; Robert Long, a Pullman; Elmer Valentine, a Ford; Harvey Valentine, a Ford; and George McLachlan, of Fairfield, a Overland.

Every car in Emmitsburg, public and private was in use Wednesday accommodating the great number of Emmitsburg people who travel to Thurmont to watch our boys trash the Thurmont team.

August 14

Lady Hikers Journey to Harney

"We are not suffragettes but hikers." Was the comment of Misses. Ruth and Rhonda Gillelan last Thursday morning as they started for Harney on foot. It was their idea not to accept a ride, but to walk the entire distance. Strange to relate although they passed several teams, going and coming, they were headed in the opposite direction. The young ladies reached Harney about noon and saw what was remarkable to them - a number of men pitching horseshoes on the square. Their trip consumed four days and while away they visited "Camps Welcome and Idle While."

Storm Does Much Damage

The storm that passed over Emmitsburg and the surrounding country on Saturday evening did considerable damage to crops and fruit trees of various farms. The chimney on the post office was struck by lightning but no serious damage was done. Many trees on the grounds of St. Joseph's Academy and Mount St. Mary's College were blown down.

A sign on Mr. Zacharias’ store was blown off. A portion of the fence around the premises of Mr. Eckenrode, of near town, was also blown down by the heavy wind which accompanied the storm. A cow, calf, heifer, and sheep belonging to Mr. Robert McNair, of near town, was struck by lightning and instantly killed. A horse belonging to Mr. Jerry Overholser was also struck by lightning during the storm and died from the effects the following day.

Among the most heavily damaged farms were those in Harney. The farms were those of Richard Hill, Judson Hill, Hiltebrecht Hill, Shoemaker Farm, Snider Farm, and Shriver Farm. It is reported that hail fell in Harney to the depth of about 5 inches.

Former Former Boozers’ Association Debate Name Change

After the ruckus caused by the Former Former Boozers ‘appropriating’ the horse that was supposed to pull the Suffergets float in the Forth of July parade, the organizers of Boosters Week have notified the Former Former Boozers that they will not be allowed to march – "or crawl" – remarked Mrs. Annan, head of the Emmitbsurg Suffragette movement - in the monster parade.

Following the decision, members of the Former Former Boozers’ Association retired to the Hotel Slagel’s Bar to debate changing the name of the Association. "It’s important that visitors to the festival see that men in Emmitsburg have a clear vision of the future – and that future has no role for women folk voting." Remarked one Boozer, who requested his name not be used least his wife stop cooking him dinner.

Many members were for shorting the name to simply "Boozers’ Association." While other wanted to change it to reflect the true nature of the Association – ‘keeping women in their proper place.’

The debate was hard fought, with many breaks to cool off hot tempers with beer and liquor bought on the Association’s tab. Unfortunately, not a single Boozer could recall the outcome of the debate the next morning. The Boozers have agreed to continue the debate every Friday night until a decision is made or the Association runs out of money for booze.

August 21

William Joseph Wivell

After a short illness of two weeks, Mr. William Wivell died Monday at the home of his son, Anthony, on Gettysburg Street of acute nephritis. Mr. Wivell was born in Carroll County in 1831 and for nearly 60 years was a resident of Emmitsburg. He was a mason by trade and he erected several buildings at St. Joseph's Academy and other houses in town. He is survived by one daughter Anne, and in two sons Anthony and Joseph, all of this place.

Automobiles

Automobiles from California, Vermont, New Hampshire, Florida and Georgia were in Emmitsburg during the past week.

Harrison Palmer Released

Harrison Palmer, the fleet footed Negro, who escaped from officer Hoffman, and was later captured in Emmitsburg, prevented a wholesale delivery of prisoners in the Frederick jail, by informing Sheriff Conrad of a plan by some to saw the iron bars of the jail and escape. The sheriff caught Jim Slim, a Negro, who was in jail on a charge of larceny, sawing one of the heavy iron bars on the window on the lower floor of the jail. As a reward for notifying the sheriff, Palmer was given his freedom.

Contract For New Thurmont School

A contract for the erection of the new Thurmont school building has been awarded. The winning bid was for $32,000. The building will contain 13 rooms.

August 28

Creagerstown Rebuilding

Saturday morning marked the beginning of Creagerstown’s rebuilding of the area destroyed by fire. The first building was the barn of George Stevens. By noon Saturday the heavy oak timbers of the barn, 46 feet by 80 feet in size, had been placed in position as well as the rafters. During the evening the weatherboarding was put on, and by night the barn was almost completed. About 75 men assisted Saturday morning in the raising.

The Foundation is about completed for the new Clarence Valentine Hotel, which will occupy a ground space of 30 feet by 90 feet, and will be three stories high. Robert Ogle is pushing work upon the foundations of his new residence and store building and George Stevens will soon begin work on his residence. It is the general opinion that within a short time no trace of the work of the fire will be seen.

Telephone Office To Move

Workmen have been busy this week installing apparatus for the changing of the C & P telephone exchange next Monday from the home of Mrs. Welty to the home of Mr. Felix on West Main Street.

Improvements at Mount St. Mary's

A new stone wing has been added to the powerhouse at Mount St. Mary's College to make room for additional boilers and machinery. Stones are also being quarried for the new Juniors’ building. It is expected that ground will soon be broken for the foundations.

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