Death of John Matthews

Mr. John Matthews died at his home on West Main St., Monday morning. Mr. Matthews has been ill from time to time throughout the past several years but death, resulting from his last attack, was unexpected.

Mr. Matthews was elected Burgess in 1912 and served a year in office. He survived by his wife, who before their marriage, was Miss. Euphemia Tyson, of this place, one brother, Mr. Francis Matthews, and three sisters.

Editor’s note: The love affair between John Mathews and Euphemia Tyson was the subject of a 1912 book called "The Contralto" which can be read in full on Emmitsburg.net

Painful Accident

A very painful but fortunately not a serious accident befell Sheridan Biggs, son of Mrs. Robert Annan, on Tuesday afternoon. He was sent to the cellar on an errand and in his right hand he carried a portable electric light. In some way or another the top became detached from the bulb bringing the current in direct contact with his person. The electric shock knocked him unconscious. In his fall he received a deep gash on his head. His hand was severely burned in several places. Dr. Stone was summoned and rendered medical aid. Sheridan has recovered sufficiently to be out again at his wounds are healing rapidly.

Bishop Murray Returns

Bishop John Murray, of the Episcopal diocese of Maryland, has moved his office to his summer home, "Stonehurst’, of this place, where he will spend the month of August. The Bishop does not expect to go to the city during August, but will be accessible in Emmitsburg by phone and mail for the consideration of all immediate important matters connected with the affairs of the diocese.

Explosion On Main Street

A metal carboy containing charging gas for soda fountains exploded on Friday afternoon in front of Matthews’ Brother Store on Main St.. No damage was done other than the loss of the gas, but quite a crowd was attracted to the place by the explosion and escaping gas.

Meat Sliced by Machinery

The flavor of chipped beef, bacon and boneless ham depends greatly upon the way these meats are cut. Slicing by hand is halfhearted - you may get the proper thickness or thickness or you may not. Slicing by machinery is exact - you get exactly what you want. I have installed the finest meat-slicing machine made. Come in and see it operate. Try some of the sliced product – you’ll never ask for hand sliced meat again. - Robert Annan

August 13

Chicken Thieving Again

Four chicken houses on as many farms in Adams County were visited by thieves during the darkness and rain of Thursday night. Mr. Wenschhof, who resides on a farm in Cumberland Township, about 4 miles south of Gettysburg, was the heaviest loser. The farms of George McDannell, Freedom Township and those of John Weikert and William Eckenrode, both of Cumberland Township, were also robbed. About 190 chickens were taken from Mr. Wenschhof. Mr. Weikert reports about 50 of the best of his poultry are missing and between 50 and 100 are missing from the McDannell farm.

Horse Drowns When Caught In Current

While returning to his home in Fairfield late Thursday night, Roy Musselman was caught in the strong current of Middle Creek not far from the farm of Patterson Brothers, and his horse was drowned. The heavy rains on Thursday had caused the water to become turbulent. Mr. Musselman jumped from the vehicle when he saw it was useless to try and get the horse from the creek, and saved himself from probable death by catching the limb of an overhanging tree. He was dashed about in the water and much of his clothing was torn from his body.

Camp "Tak-it-esy"

Undaunted by the heavy rains of last Wednesday and Thursday, members of the Emmitsburg Former-Former Boozers Association pitch tents on the banks at the confluence of Flat Run and Toms’ Creek in defiance of the predictions concerning Saint Swithin’s Day, Wednesday and by Friday, Camp "Tak-it-esy" was well underway.

Two large waterproof tents provided ample sleeping quarters for the party, and three other tents - the dining, cooking and provisions (liquor) tents served the all the remaining needs. The creek and a rowboat offered pleasure for the devotees of fishing and aquatic sports, but of course, the main attraction was the ability of the members to drink without the incessant nagging of wives.

Evenings were spent in the scholarly pursuit of selecting the best ‘Shine.’ Unfortunately no one bothered to write the winners down, and no one remembered the next morning – which was Ok with the members as that meant they had to repeat the "study" the following night. As the camps name implies everyone took it easy, and all enjoyed to the fullest their little outing.

August 20

Serious Accident Averted

While on his way to George Patterson's on Tuesday morning to secure milk for his customers, Mr. Brown, the dairy man, would have met with a serious accident had he not jump from the wagon in which he was riding. Someone, with malicious intent, it is supposed, had removed the nuts on two wheels on his vehicle causing the wheels to come off while the horse was going at a rapid gate. Although a part of his wagon was injured, neither Mr. Brown nor the horse received serious injury.

New Shipment Of Cars

The Emmitsburg Motorcar Company received another carload of five passenger Ford automobiles on Thursday. The entire consignment had been sold before its arrival.

Concert at St. Anthony's

The unqualified success of the recent card party and dance given at "Hillside," the residents of Mrs. John Corey, has resulted in many requests for repetition of the entertainment. In response Rev. Paul Reynolds has arranged a concert for the evening of August 26, the proceeds to go towards the Organ Fund at St. Anthony's Church. At the conclusion of the musical program they will be dancing on the lawn at "Hillside."

August 27

Enjoyable Corn Bake

Mrs. Gray's Rowe entertained her friends yesterday afternoon at a corn bake, at the scene of the recent Camp "Tak-it-esy". Sixty guests were present and a most enjoyable time was had by everyone. Table cloths were spread on the grass and all sat down to supper, at which the famous roasting ear - although but one of the many items on the menu- claimed the most attention. Those who are fortunate enough to arrive at the scene early took advantage of the fine boating, and a few were still handing the oars as the moon rose.

Road Repairs

The past few weeks have marked a wonderful transformation in the state of the two roads that run into Emmitsburg. The pike between Thurmont and this place that was practically washed away by the heavy rains of a fortnight ago, have been temporarily put in a fine state of repair. In view of the results obtained so quickly and with so little outlay is hard to understand how this important link of roadway was allowed to get in such a deplorable condition before anything was done to save it. A few workmen, a couple loads of stone here and there, and a steamroller, have done wonders to the road in a few days time.

At the same time the Pennsylvania authorities have been busy on their end of the Gettysburg Road. The stretch of the alleged roadway has gotten into such a condition that it was almost abandoned - more circuitous routes being used to avoid it. Its present state however is a revelation. Many curves have been eliminated; the width has been increased in places; grades reduced; side drains open and crushed stone placed where it was needed.

The Reign of St. Swithin Is Over

It may be interesting to know how far the old legend has held good. The period started July 15 with rain, and on 25 days out of the past 40, rain has fallen, sometime only light showers, but in several cases downpours and windstorms.