100 Years Ago This Month

July, 2010

July 1

The Fourth Of July In Emmitsburg

The press, of late, has laid great stress on the Fourth of July. Editorials galore have teamed with advice as to how the date should be spent, cautions aplenty have been disseminated in regard to the use of explosives and the danger attending the discharge of toy pistols and with one accord the newspapers of the country have suggested a "safe in saying Fourth."

The large cities and also many towns, both large and small, have wisely determined to do away with a senseless and barbarous diversion that used to be deemed indispensable on this date in to devote the day to observations in accordance with the spirit of this essentially American anniversary, giving over a part of the time to outdoor diversions in which all can join and all can enjoy.

In Emmitsburg, the preparations have been completed for the great Fireman’s Picnic on Monday and included in these preparations are several innovations that will add greatly to the convenience and pleasure of the guests.

To the country people and those who would drive to the picnic, the various stables of town will afford ample accommodation for their horses and vehicles. Nothing that can be done to add to the pleasure of the occasion has been forgotten. All ages of people had been thought of, and the assurance of absolute order should lead our people to make this a big family gathering. Everyone is invited and everyone invited is expected to attend.

At night, the grounds would be brilliantly lighted with powerful lamps. The dancing floor will be in excellent condition and the musicians have promised to never get tired. For those who come to spend the day, and all are expected to do so, you’ll not need to make any preparation for meals. A bountifully supplied lunch counter in competent hands will minister to the inner man, woman or child.

July 8

Banner Firemen’s Picnic Day

Monday was a glorious Fourth indeed. Light rain on Sunday and pleasant breezes the day after made the day ideal for picnic. Such a combination is often hoped for but rarely realized. Everywhere on the streets the flags and bunting, evidences of the patriotism of our citizens, invited people to take part in the Fireman’s entertainment, and they did.

Shortly after the parade the first game of ball was called. It was between the "Ashbarrels" and the "Sebolders." The "Ashbarrels" were minus the ashes this time, the Captain, Mr. Herbert Ashbaugh, being engaged with the Emmitt Cornet Band. This was a battle of former heroes of the diamond, the old-time giants of local baseball history. Time has left its mark on these players, and some of those whose memory carries back many years, shed tears when error after error was credited to those erstwhile faultless players.

In the evening, the grounds were crowded especially at the dancing floor and the various stands did a tremendous business. The music for the occasion was furnished by the Emmit Cornet Band, which acquitted itself with credit and their music was one of the very enjoyable features of the day.

Electric Service Is Coming

The coming of an electric service for Emmitsburg seems to be an assured fact. Now that the time has come when the proposition of a locally owned and controlled electric company is before the public, it is of general interest to review what has been done. A franchise has been obtained which gives the exclusive right for selling electricity in Emmitsburg, but grants the town the right to buy the plant and business anytime after three years. A canvass for lighting customers has been made which has already more than 50 names and covers over 350 lights connected.

What remains to be done - construct a powerhouse and distribution lines; install the wiring in private houses; complete the plant and turn on the current. The time required to build a plant should not be more than 60 to 90 days. In other words, by the first of November an electric service should be in place in Emmitsburg.

July 15

Celebrated 90th Birthday

On Saturday, a congenial party of friends gathered at the home of Mrs. Rebecca Grimes, in Fairfield, to celebrate her 90th birthday. Although the day was intensely warm, the time passed rapidly. Mrs. Grimes was enabled to converse easily with her friends by means of the speaking tube, and this fact added much to her pleasure for she has long been extremely hard of hearing. She could hear and enjoy the voices of her little grandniece, who would put her lips to the mouthpiece and jabber away to the dear old lady.

Ordinance Number 120 And 121

Be it enacted and ordained by the Burgess and commissioners of Emmitsburg that it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to dig up or across any of the public streets within the corporate limits of said town, without first having obtained a permit from the Burgess, who will grant same upon payment of one dollar. All persons digging into or across said streets to replace same in as good condition as previously found. Any person violating this ordinance shall be fined not less than two dollars and cost.

July 22

Ghost Party At Rose Hill

The grounds of Rose Hill, the beautiful home of the Mrs. Beam was tastefully decorated on Friday night, the occasion being a ghost party given in honor of their many friends. In all, about fifty persons were delightfully entertained in a very unique and pleasing manner. All the guests were grabbed as ghosts. After a grand march masks were withdrawn, and the remainder of the evening spent dancing together.

July 31

Local Airship Built

Prof. Jake Turner and Dr. Dan Shorb are at work on an air ship which is destined to revolutionize aerial navigation. The apparatus is 130 feet long and 16 feet wide and carries two auto-magnetobi-sparking generators, a cogless centripedal concussion plane and three wireless rudders. The engines built at the Friends Creek Foundary, are 87 horsepower and the fuel used is horse mint oil. The first flight of the machine will take place next week at two O’clock from Carrick’s Knob, Count Caughupski, Professor of Aeronautics in Moscow University, and Major John Glass, of Emmitsburg, will accompany the inventors on this, the initial, and most likely, the final trip.

Automobile Collides With Team

Mrs. H. G. Beam of "Rose Hill," near Emmitsburg, and two children were in a serious accident on Thursday. They were on their way to Pen Mar in a surrey driven by Martin Keller. At a sharp turn in the road an automobile rushed headlong into the team, breaking the leg of "Old Ike," on of the horses drawing the vehicle, and so injuring him that it was necessary to put him down.

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