March 1

The Hikers Hiked

On Sunday, February 21, at exactly 1:30 p.m. (in spite of the remonstrations of their friends), lawyer Blackstone of New York, and Count Victor Reback Piccard left the gay life of psychiatry in Emmitsburg and took a sixteen-mile hike. Both members of the Siberian ancient order of Globetrotters number 871,518,96.25, they swiftly passed by the National Board of Censors under the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. Telegraph and telephone lines were on the go constantly. At one time, rumors were afloat that the pedestrians were hung up on Painesville with a flat tire, a broken front axle and the Johnson hey brake good as new; the statement was shortly afterwards declared unofficial. A well-filled knapsack of good, substantial food was carried along, the contents consisted of seventeen soup beans, one onion, a bottle of Baker's liniment, some Alice Foot Ease, a can opener, three horse radishes, a spool of thread number 60, three balls of yarn, a toothpick, a pair of buttonhole scissors and many other articles too numerous to mention. The pair completed the perilous journey promptly at 6 p.m. amid wild applause, a little tired but highly elated over est modus in rebus of the dum vivimus viamus.

Income Tax Information

The consensus of opinion of those in the Emmitsburg district subject to the income tax is that they were very fortunate to have been assigned by the government a man as efficient and so uniformly courteous as Mr. John Popp. On Monday, the private office of the Chronicle was turned over to the deputy tax collector, who by the way is also an income tax inspector, for his exclusive use. From the hour of Mr. Popp’s arrival until his allotted time there was almost a constant stream of information seekers and taxpayers waiting for a conference with him. It is conceded that tact, diplomacy and knowledge of human nature are as essential as capability in the government service. Mr. Popp proved that he possesses a high degree thereof. The impression he made upon Emmitsburgians is one that reflects credit on government workers and Mr. Popp.

March 8

Creamery Sites Surveyed

The lot on Frederick Street recently bought by the Hanover Creamery Co. has been surveyed and it is expected that building on that site will soon begin. Former Mayor Stokes of Hanover was in Emmitsburg last week completing plans for the erection of a creamery at this point.

Unusual Northern Lights Display

About 10 o'clock last night the sky was resplendent with fiery reflections from one of the most unusual northern lights displays ever seen in Emmitsburg. Towards Gettysburg, the clouds seemed entirely ablaze. Intermittently, intense streaks of reddish hue made their appearances interspersed with scintillating flashes of white, followed by bursts of grotesque light formations resembling furling and unfurling flags, exploding shells and pinwheels. Many were interested. In addition to those who watched the phenomena from their houses, groups of people took in the beautiful spectacle from places of vantage along the streets.

Mrs. Slagle Buys Two Farms

Mrs. Slagle has acquired the Lewis Overholser Farm, adjoining her farm in Liberty Township, from the Pax Riely heirs. The property is known as the Dixon Farm. With these additions, Mrs. Slagle now has a farm of 100 acres. The fact that the land will be cultivated to the fullest extent and made highly productive goes without saying, as Mrs. Slagle is a splendid manager and succeeds in everything she undertakes.

March 15

Hen House Enlarged

On the afternoon of March 11, at 2 p.m., with simple but impressive exercises, the recent addition to the hencoop of Francis Gelwicks poultry farm on Frederick Street was thrown open for service. A large number of delegates were present. In a few well-chosen remarks in chicken dialect, Dr. Gellwicks explained to the fourteen feathered occupants the importance of laying more frequently and has offered a gold medal at the end of three months to the one who has the largest number of eggs to her credit. This speech was met with hearty approval and enthusiasm. So far all have expressed their desire to enter the contest.

Egg Company Versus American Express

The suit of the Blue Ribbon Egg Company of Emmitsburg against the American Express Company came to trial in Frederick on Tuesday, but was compromised. The actual amount of the claim was a little over $1,400, and the plaintiff accepted $1,235, the American Express Co. paying the costs.

Going Up The Ladder

Some years ago R. A. La Grinder, of Emmitsburg, enlisted in the United States Army. After some time he was promoted to Second Lieutenant, then to First Lieutenant, and on his last furlough here he was Captain. His many friends in this vicinity will be glad to hear of his latest promotion to the rank of Major. Major La Grinder is now stationed in Newport News and is in the readiness for the call to go over.

Severe Storm Sweeps Over Emmitsburg

A storm with hurricane-like intensity swept over Emmitsburg and the vicinity on Sunday, un-roofing barns, blowing over outbuildings, leveling fences and uprooting trees. The large chimney on the Zimmerman building on the square was torn to pieces, sending the bricks to the street below. Windowpanes were broken by slamming shutters. Shingles were ripped from rooms, fodder left standing in the field were scattered for miles along the Pike. Telephone and electric wires were damaged by falling limbs. During the storm on Tuesday afternoon the tin roof of the Rottering clothing store on W. Main St. was carried from the building.

Rifle Shot Proves Fatal

John Polley, of Thurmont, was accidentally shot and fatally wounded on Sunday morning between 9 and 10 o'clock by Chester Brenaman, the sixteen-year-old son of William Brenaman of Thurmont. Polley died Tuesday in the Frederick city hospital with a bullet wound in the stomach. The two boys were playmates, and on Sunday morning the Polley youth was at the Brenaman home. Young Brenaman had a 22-caliber rifle that he was cleaning and had just placed a cartridge in the chamber when the Polley boy passed in front of him. In some unknown manner the rifle discharged, the bullet entering the stomach of the youth. At the inquest held in Thurmont on Wednesday, the coroner’s jury returned a verdict that the youth was accidentally killed.

March 22

Buy Smileage Books For Troops

The Committee of War Training Activities has made arrangements with the Brute Counsel, Knights of Columbus in Emmitsburg, to place Smileage books on sale in every business place in Emmitsburg. "Smileage" is the catchy word used to designate the books issued by the United States government - the coupons of which will admit soldiers to the great national theaters erected in each of the cantonments of the War Department. It is expected to raise, by this means, the sum of two million dollars. Every cent of the money derived from the sale of books will accrue to the government. The idea is that people purchase the Smileage books and mail them to their friends in the various Army camps. There is every reason to believe that Emmitsburg, always in the forefront of things - well in this instant, now that the opportunity will be afforded its citizens - again will do itself proud.

Death Of George Frailey

Last Friday this community lost one of its most useful citizens when George Frailey, a member of the firm of Frailey Brothers, died. Mr. Frailey had been ill for several years but his sturdy constitution and intemperate habits at length were overcome by his affliction. Mr. Frailey's place in this community will be hard to fill and his loss keenly felt. As an ironworker and builder, his mechanical skills were appreciated by a wide patronage. A quiet, unobtrusive citizen of high principle, industrious habits, skilled in his trade and gentle in his disposition, his loss makes a vacancy that will be hard to fill. The community can, and does, sympathize with his family.

March 29

Explosive Licenser Named

Mr. A. A. Horner, Notary Public, has been appointed the Explosive Licensor for the Emmitsburg District. Parties desiring to handle explosives—excepting manufacturers, importers and exporters—must first secure the necessary government license. No person is allowed to handle explosives without first obtaining the license. The penalty for violation of the act is severe and the law will be rigidly enforced.

Some Sucker

While fishing in Tom's Creek near Emmitsburg on Thursday, Mr. Robert Topper caught a Sucker that weighed 3 1/2 pounds and measured 21 inches in length. This is the most remarkable catch reported so far this season.

Read Prior '100 Years Ago this Month'