February 1

Proof Drinking & Dynamite Don’t Mix

A thoroughly inebriated Will Hoffman met with a bad accident while playing with dynamite caps, one exploded in his hands, injuring his left hand so that three fingers and a thumb had to be amputated. We are told that the tips of the fingers on the right hand were badly torn up, and he had a number of cuts about the face. This is another proof that high explosives are very dangerous, and should always be handled with the greatest care, and never taken up as a dare from fellow boozers to see how long one can hold onto a stick of dynamite after lighting the fuse.

Honey As An Antifreeze

In using honey as an antifreeze mixture in automobile radiators, it should be mixed with water, half-and-half. Engine head gaskets and hose connections should be tightened up before using the solution as the honey water will pass through apparently tight connections, causing stickiness. The solution becomes more efficient with evaporation, whereas an alcohol solution loses strength. A dollar a half worth of dark honey, unfit for table use, should last all winter.

Delinquent Taxes In Frederick

A large number of Frederick County tax bills remain unpaid. About a week ago the number was 808. Following the custom of the County, parcels of real estate on which taxes are due, will be advertised a public sale, beginning this week, and if unpaid will be sold at the courthouse door. This course will be pursued until the whole list is disposed of.

Fairfield Raises Taxes … Again

Being enacted and ordained by the Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Fairfield, there is here by levied and assessed upon all real estate, personal property, offices and professions subject to taxation for municipal purposes, within the boundaries of Fairfield, a tax rate of 7 mils. for the general purpose of revenue to run the Borough. - Charles Rife, Burgess.

February 8

Fairfield Fire Company Expands

Indications of the progress being made by the Fairfield Fire Company were seen in the announcement made at a meeting of that body this week that as soon as alterations have been completed on the property recently purchased, the Company will move into its new home.

The two-day festival held by the Company sometime ago, netted sufficient funds to liquidate the debt on the property housing the Company, it was announced by the committee. Over $310 was cleared at the affair.

Arrangements have been made to stage a musical at the Old Fellows Hall in Fairfield for the benefit of the Fire Company, the Gettysburg College Glee Club being engaged for the event.

That the Fairfield Firemen are out to make a record for themselves as one of the most efficient fire companies in the Adams County Firemen’s Association was evident from the report presented by Fairfield Fire Chief S.I. Allison, describing the fire which threaten the home of Harry Sanders there.

"When a blaze broke out in an outbuilding, insufficient means were at hand to stop the spread of the flames, and the dwelling house was soon in danger. By the time a alarm was sound, firemen found the entire property threaten," the Chief, reported.

"The chemical engine purchase sometime ago from the Gettysburg Fire Company was brought into play, and in the short time the danger had passed. This was the first time the engine had been used since his purchase." The Chief took advantage of the occasion to commend the work of members of the Fire Company and the engine.

Roads For Frederick County.

Frederick County Commissioners went to Baltimore on Friday and conferred with the State Road Commission in regard to ‘street road mileage’ for the county for 1924. The Commissioners were informed that this county’s allotment for this year will be five to five and a half miles.

The commissioners were told the county shares of funds for approved road for 1924 would be approximately $233,000. Of this amount, $63,000 has already been set aside for two miles of State Road now being built between Liberty and New Windsor. This will leave about $179,000 for the miles yet to be built.

To obtain the $233,000 for state and federal aid the county must contribute $62,550. The Commissioners will shortly recommend a list of roads, embracing about 12 miles on which the County’s allotment will be spent.

February 15

Cast At Work On Fairfield High School Show

"If I Only Had A Million", a wish that has been made many times and by many an individual, is the title of a play to be given by Fairfield High School students on February 23. The show is said to contain all the elements necessary for a captivating performance and the actors and actresses are striving diligently to put the show across with a bang under the tutelage of Mrs. Ira Henderson.

Annan-Horner Trial To Come Up On Saturday

The trial of Andrew Horner and Edgar Annan, both Emmitsburg bankers, is scheduled in Frederick on Saturday. Horner is indicted for false pretenses and embezzlement, and Annan will stand trial for false pretenses, while both are under join indictment for embezzlement.

The collapse of the banking firm of Annan-Horner is well remembered in that town, and it has been reported that several local persons were caught in the collapse of that bank.

Sale Prices Higher

The range of prices in the first farm sale held in Frederick County for the present year was somewhat higher than those prevailing last year. This was indicated at the sale Thursday of Eugene Connor, near Creagerstown.

Especially was this the case with livestock. The highest cow sold for $101 while the lowest was $23. Cows have sold recently at public sale for as low as one dollar. Horses sold for $150, $135 $125, $120, $80, $80 and $3. A wagon body brought $68. The receipts for the sale totaled $3,430. The cattle sale amounted to $1,550.

In spite of all the wintry weather people flock to the sale from all parts of the County and adjoining Counties. Men were there from Thurmont, Rocky Ridge, Woodsboro, Johnsville, Frederick, and even from as far away as Loudoun County and Adams County. Competition on the part of the buyers was keen at times and the bidding was brisk.

February 22

Snow Storm

Frederick County is recovering from the most severe snow and sleet storm in recent years. Snow started to fall early Tuesday morning. At 6 o’clock Tuesday evening there were six inches flakes on the ground. The snow then turn to hail, bringing the total for up to 8 1/2 inches. During the night, the temperature rose and there was a steady downpour of rain that did not end until 8 o’clock Wednesday morning.

Despite the unusual heavy precipitation, no lines were reported out of commission by the telephone company. This is believed to be due to the rising temperature which prevented the sleet and rain from freezing much on the wires, and adding materially to their weight.

Taken as a whole, the present week has been the worst of the winter, in the matter of weather. It has contained snow, rain, blizzard, freezing, thawing, wind, & slush -all in a changing pattern.

Controversy Rages Overuse Of History Text In Schools

Books on American history, which are in everyday use in the schools of Adams County, are included among those now under fire in the controversy that is raging over the textbooks in use in all the public schools Pennsylvania.

Dr. Becht, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, is keeping close tabs on a committee of nine Pennsylvania citizens which have been asked to decide whether the heroes and events as described in certain textbooks of American history now in use in the schools are disparaging and presented in a light that makes them unfit for study by students.

"It is a question," said Dr. Becht, "of whether the critical view or the fundamental view of history is to be taught in schools of the state. "There is a school of historians who want to present history from a new viewpoint, believing that many events in heroes of American history are yarns that should never be taught.

"Another group questions the wisdom of this view as improper for the classroom where the textbook must meet with certain requirements deferring from those of the history.

"The ‘moderatist’ view of the type of men who formed the legion of American heroes is severely criticized by defenders of revolutionary lure. They don’t like the way West describes George Washington ‘holding well in hand that fiery temper which still on occasions could make him swear like an angel from heaven.’

"Nor do they favor derogatory statements about John Hancock, Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, as well as other heroes, and they believe these histories went out of the way to expose their faults and conceal their virtues." Said Becht.

Annan-Horner Realty Brings $11,300

The sum of $5,870 was obtained at a public sale held Tuesday at the Frederick County Courthouse of the real estate located in Emmitsburg District, which was sold under power sale contained in a mortgage executed by Anna Horner to the Federal Land Bank of Baltimore, March 16, 1922. The property consisted of 274 acres of land. The purchaser was the Federal Land Bank of Baltimore.

The same bank also purchased the real estate in the same district, which was sold by power of sale contained in a mortgage to the Baltimore bank executed by J. Stewart and Elizabeth Annan. This property consisted of 182 acres more or less. The price obtained for this property was $3,160.

Thurmont Debate Team Victorious

First honors in the senior high school debating league of Frederick County was taken by Thurmont High School, Wednesday night, while Walkersville High School won the debate championship among the smaller high schools. The debate team representing Thurmont High School defeated Frederick High School in Frederick, and Middletown High School at Thurmont.

The Walkersville High School team triumphed over Emmitsburg High School at Walkersville, and over the Liberty High School in Liberty. Liberty also lost its debate with Emmitsburg High School at Emmitsburg.

The team Thurmont sent to Frederick, which carried away the debate honors, was composed of Eloise Weant and Grady Finch. Their team at home was Lucille Eby and John Pryor. Both of Walkersville’s teams were composed of girls. Elizabeth Cramer and Catherine Hahn composed the team that triumphed for Walkersville at Liberty, while the team that won at home was Blanche Rice and Clara Zimmerman.

All seven of the high schools baited: ‘Resolved that the government should own and operated the railroads.’ The home team defending the affirmative side in each case.

Paroled To Get Second Chance On Life

Desiring to afford Richard Staub another opportunity to "make a man of himself," Chief Judge Burner opted not to execute a sentence of two years in the penitentiary on Staub, 21 years old, near Thurmont.

The charges are a result of Staub and George Miller, breaking into the out-buildings on the premise of Colonel Lehman, near Creagerstown on October 28 and stealing a keg of wine containing seven or eight gallons. Miller, who had gave bail failed to appear in court and bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Staub pleaded guilty and some very damaging evidence against him was brought out. According to his own testimony he and Miller got a gallon of wine from Lester Lewis, of near Thurmont and after consuming it, which made them drunk, they proceeded to the farm of Lehman. Here they were given a drink of cider. They asked for more, and this being refused, they carried off a keg of wine. After taking a drink out of the keg Staub and Miller took the remainder home. He admitted that he was drunk.

According to Layman and Bruce Hauck, who works for Layman, Staub and Miller came to the Layman farm and ask for some wine. Being refused Miller is said to have handled young Hauck roughly and kicked over a lantern in the barn were 16 head of cattle were being shelters. Later they broke into an out building and stole a keg of wine.

A day or two later the keg, filled with scrap suds, was found at the home of a brother of Miller. Staub testified that the door of the building, where the wine was kept, was unlocked and standing partially open. The testimony of Lehman and Hauck’s showed that the door was locked and they broke into the building.

Testimony also showed that Staub did not have the best reputation in the community in which he lived, although two witnesses testified that he worked from time to time and was not considered dishonest. At the conclusion of the testimony all the charges except statutory breaking where withdrawal, and as he pleaded guilty in the beginning of the trial, the court passed a sentence of two years in the penitentiary but refrain from putting a sentence into execution.

Paroling the young man, the judge informed him, was to give him another opportunity to make good. The Judge told him that he must "abstain from intoxicants, avoid evil companions and led a straight, orderly, decent and industrious life. If he violated any of these injunctions or in any way misbehaves he would be brought before the court and the penitentiary sentence would be carried out." The judge warned Staub’s that everything depended upon his mode of living in the future. Staub promised the court to head the warning and was allowed to go.

February 29

Accidents

Harvey Frock fell while helping to unload a gasoline engine, and injured his head. After an examination at Frederick Hospital, he returned home and his believe not to have been seriously hurt. Harvey’s wife said she was not worried, as he didn’t have much in his head to hurt to start with.

Harry Dern, of Keysville, had his right leg taken off above the knee, at Frederick Hospital, on Thursday. About six months ago he fell into a posthole, the bruise from the fall causing tubercular trouble.

John Brown of near Thurmont, met with an accident on Monday that put him in the hospital. Mr. Brown was falling a tree and while attempting to evade it as it fell, his feet became entangled in the underbrush, which threw him to the ground. The tree fell on him, breaking his right leg above the knee. Dr. Birley rendered surgical aid and had Brown removed to the Frederick City Hospital.

Walter Spaulding, also of Thurmont, got two fingers of his right hand caught in a planer at the Thurmont Manufacturing Company. The ends of his fingers were badly squeezed, causing a severe but not serious injury.

Taneytown Fireman Supper

The Washington Birthday Supper for the benefit of the Fire Company was quite a success. The weather was favorable and the attendance was good, the tables being filled from 5 o’clock until nearly 8 o’clock. Financially, it was very satisfactory. Over $200 being cleared, which has been added to the sum already set aside for improved equipment in the future. 700 feet of new hose, which has been ordered to replace some that is no longer serviceable, will be received in a short time.

The members of the Company are grateful to all who contributed in anyway to the success of the supper. Especially are they thankful to the ladies who worked so faithfully and did so much to help.

There are a few dishes, jars, &c., that could not be returned, as the owners were not known. They are at the Fireman’s building, and can be gotten if the owner’s will call for them. Should there be any bills that are out, or that the committee overlooked, please present them that they may be paid.

Ladies Groundhog Social

The Harney Ladies’ Groundhog Social, held on the evening of Groundhog Day, was a success in every way, and was largely attended. The carpet rug balls brought good prices. The ladies placed their names on the inside of the balls and the lady whose name was found in the ball was supposed to give the gentleman who presented it his supper. That feature of the social was both profitable and amusing. The ball had to be unwrapped to see whom you were to eat supper with. The supper balls made a profit of $36.39.

Hogs that had been sent out all over the country to be fattened and returned the evening of the social, were put in a large pen where they were auctioned off, the proceeds were $101. The ladies wish to extend their many thanks to all those who fattened pigs, as well as those who helped make the social a success.

Emmitsburg Postmaster Dies At Age Of 67

James Elder, age 67, a descendent of Emmitsburg‘s oldest families and well-known citizen, died at his home in Emmitsburg, Tuesday afternoon, after an illness of five months. He was 67 years old and a native of Emmitsburg, being the son of the late Doctor James Elder, who was one of the leading lights in Democratic politics years ago and was once Postmaster of Emmitsburg, as were his grandfather and father.

Snake Found In Snow, Harbinger Of Approaching Spring

A black snake, a foot and a half and length, was found alive Tuesday morning by David Weddle, an employee of the Potomac Edison Company. Weddle was walking along a high-tension line when he saw the snake lying in the snow. After picking the reptile up, he traced its track back and found that the snake had crawled out of a chestnut tree stump. Weddle put the snake back into the trunk.

It is very unusual for a black snake to be out at this time of the year, it is said, and its appearance is considered a harbinger of the coming of spring.

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