Congregation Surprises Pastor

On Thursday evening the members of the congregation of the Reformed Church surprised their pastor, Rev. Higbee, at his home on West Main Street. Some 50 members, representing almost all the families of the congregation, made up the party. Other denominations of the town were also represented.

It was in part a donation party and a most generous one. Flour, potatoes, sugar, coffee, canned goods of all descriptions, salt, dried corn, eggs, apples, corn meal, chickens, need and even milk tickets in the greatest abundance, made up the bulk of the gifts. Some of the ladies served coffee and ice cream, and some of the gentlemen cigars. Mr. and Mrs. Higbee, altogether surprise, were somewhat embarrassed both by the profusion of the gifts and the generosity shown them.

Fire Near Thurmont

The fire destroyed the tenant stable on the farm of Mr. Carl Gall, above Thurmont, Thursday night. The loss is estimated at $500. An Indian motorcycle, belonging to Calvin Fogle, tenant on the farm, was burned in fire.

Celebrates Golden Wedding

Mass was offered in St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Monday morning to honor the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Saffer, of Green Street, and to "Thank God" in the words of Mrs. Saffer, for "his blessings and also for his crosses."

The 50-year-old bride and groom, of whom the weight of time has rested lightly, marched up the aisle to the strains of the wedding march. The couple has lived in Emmitsburg for 49 years and have been active members of the church. Twelve children have blessed the union, of which five are living. One son, Mr. John Saffer, of this place, was the only one able to be present. Despite the inclemency of the weather, many of their friends attended the mass and called during the day to offer their congratulations. Mr. and Mrs. Saffer wish to thank all who helped to make this day one long to be remembered.

February 12

No Full Moon This Month

Due to the fact that full moons follow one another at intervals of, approximately, 29 and a half days, and as January had the rare good fortunes to scheduled two full moons. One on the first and another on the 30th, poor little February will be deprived of what she should justly have. February, because it contains fewer days, is the only month that is ever slighted in this way.

The last time a February passed without a full moon-in America, at least, was 1847. 1885 Europe had no full moon during February, but the full moon was visible before midnight on the last day of the month in this country because of the five hours difference in time. Next month, March will have two full moons, but after that each month will only have one full moon for some years.

Emmitsburgins Erect Wireless

Russell Sommers and Guy Baker, have installed a wireless telegraph apparatus that works perfectly. Messages can be sent from the instrument, which they constructed themselves, as far as the Virginia line, and messages from the government station at Arlington Virginia have been received over it.

Quiet Weddings

Two quiet weddings took place this week in town. On Monday morning at six o'clock, Miss Mary Elder became the bride of Mr. Bernard Ott. After the ceremony the bridal party was taken by automobile to the home of the groom where breakfast was served and later in the day a dinner at which only the immediate families were present. Mr. and Mrs. Ott will reside with the groom's parents near town.

On Wednesday morning, Miss. Mary Beam and Mr. Robert Gillelan were quietly married at the home of the bride. Only the immediate families and a few friends were present. Following the congratulations refreshments, Mr. and Mrs. Gillelan left by automobile for Thurmont, where they took the train for Baltimore. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gillelan are popular young people of Emmitsburg. They will make their home in Emmitsburg.

It Is Settled Now

Gray-haired farmers and their wives journeyed for miles last Saturday to hear and to participate in a debate on the woman suffrage movement. The debate was held under the auspices of the Emmitsburg Grange, the members of which are made up of thoughtful farmers and their wives. The judges decided, correctly we must say, that "Women should not be allowed to vote as women do not have the mental faculties to understand the complex issues men are asked to address when they step into a polling booth."

Report of the Librarian

During the year 1914 there were added to the library 61 books, classified as; essays, one; history and biography, two; juveniles, seven; fiction, 51. Of these 52 were purchased and nine donated. Four books were discarded; one was lost and paid for, one loss and replace. There are now 790 books in the library. The average weekly circulation was 36. The number of annual borrowers was 42. The library was moved from its former quarters in Mr. Henry Stokes house to the storeroom of Miss Fanny Eyster shop on Tuesday.

February 19

Former-Former Boozers Protest Lack of Full Moon

At their monthly meeting at the New Sagle’s Hotels saloon the Emmitsburg Former Former Boozers Association approved a motion to submit a letter of complaint to the American Astronomical Association for failing to schedule a full moon in February.

Boozers’ President Dr. John Glass told the Chronicle reporter: "Most ‘shine’ made on the mountain is moved on full moon nights. The fact no one scheduled a full moon in February is outrageous."

According to Dr. Glass, "It’s hard enough to move ‘shine’ in full moon light after you sufficiently verified its quality by taste testing, I can’t imagine what it will be like to move it in the dark. The people in charge of scheduling full moons are just asking for hard working men to get hurt. One just has to look at how many of our members get hurt every night falling down on their way home from the bar to see what I mean. "

Dr. Glass said "Not having a full moon is just plain un-American and said he would not be surprise if the Women’s Prohibition Movement was behind the canceling of the February Full Moon."

Another Organ Dedicated

The new $1,200 pipe organ of the Union Church of Rocky Ridge was dedicated on Sunday. The church is used by the Lutheran and reformed congregations, their pastors being respectively: Rev. Royer and Rev. Heimer. The new organ is of the Molar make. Andrew Carnegie gave $600 towards the cost and the remaining half was raised by the congregations. Esther Heimer, daughter of Rev. Heimer, played on the new organ for the combined congregations. Mrs. Heimer will give an organ recital in the church next Sunday.

Dr. Foreman to Become Postmaster

Last Thursday the state central committee met to chose a new postmaster for Emmitsburg. The vote resulted in three votes for Dr. Foreman and two for Mr. Frazzel. The committee then made the majority vote unanimous and the recommendation were mailed to Congressman Lewis. It is expected that the nomination will be sent to President Wilson before the end of the week.

Thurmont Boy Missing

William Blickenstaff, of Thurmont, has not yet received any word from his son, Wilbur, who ran away last Thursday. Mr. Blickenstaff is not making any special effort to locate his son, feeling that he will come back when he gets tired of "trying life out in the world." The father did notify the Hagerstown police, but no word has been received from that city. There is a likelihood that the Blickenstaff boy is still in Washington County.

February 26

Light from Private Electric Plant

Musselman Brothers, of Orrtanna, are planning to have the towns of Orrtanna, Fairfield and Cashtown illuminated with electric lights. Work will begin in a few weeks on installing the plant at Orrtanna. Already about 40 residents in Orrtanna have contracted to have their homes lighted with electricity from this plant and it is the intention of furnishing power for house lighting in the other two towns also.

Fine Weather

Many people have taken advantage of the beautiful spring weather of the past week to build fences and do other repairs to their properties. Many automobiles from Frederick, Thurmont and other nearby towns passed through Emmitsburg on Sunday.

Improvements

Mr. Zimmerman is erecting, for the use of his motorcar Company, an office in the spare room adjoining the garage on Frederick Street. Electric lights have been installed in the residence of Mr. Robert Annan, the Craggy House, and the Emmitsburg public school. A new roof is being put on the Opera House.

Accidents

While cranking his new automobile Monday morning, Dr. Sefton fractured his right arm in two places. The fracture was set by Dr. Jamison. Rumor has it that Dr. Sefton has put the automobile up for sale and will return to making his house calls in his trusty horse and buggy.