100 Years Ago This Month

April 1924

April 4

April Fools Snow

There surely was an April Fool for everyone on Tuesday morning, April 1, when they open their doors and found snow.

The snow broke all local records for snow in April, it was also the heaviest fall of the season. Starting about 3:30 in the morning the snow fell steadily until nearly 6 o’clock in the evening, registering a depth of 9 and 3/4 inches. At times a slight wind blew, but not enough to drift roads or interfere with highways or railroad traffic. No damage was reported to telegraph or telephone lines.

The snow was a genuine April Fool’s joke. It crept up from the Gulf States undercover of Spring like weather, but the temperature changed suddenly, white clouds covering the sky, and then the snow sit in. At 3:15 stars were shining and a 3:20 snow was blowing in every direction. It melted at first almost as fast as it fell, but after an hour or two a foundation was laid upon which nearly 10 inches of white finally rested. It was reported that from 10 to 12 inches of snow fell in the northern part of the county.

Unlike the snow and sleet of two weeks ago, which resulted in widespread damage, the snow this time was light and fluffy. In some sections the wind blew, however only a few county roads, which were in bad conditions before the storm, or interfered with

Buys Cow For A Bull

Squire Eckert, of near town, was awarded the brown derby at the Neel sale on Thursday. As everyone knows, the Squire, can and will talk on every subject under the sun. As the story goes, a cow was led into the ring, and bidding was started, but before being sold, the animal broke away, and about that time a bull was also brought into the ring. Then the Squire started bidding – and talking. The missing cow was finally knocked down to E.L. and apparently everyone was satisfied. However, when the bull in the ring was put up, the Squire found that he had bought the cow that had broken loose instead of the bull he thought he was bidding on. A compromise was affected, and the cow was awarded to the next highest bidder. The affair was too much for the Squire’s nerves, and he proceeded home "bull-less.’

Less Newspapers In 1924

Papers are being published in 81 less towns in 1924 then was the case at the beginning of last year, a loss of 8/10th of one percent. There are 9,999 towns in the United States and territories were papers are being published. Of these towns 2,938 are county seats, one less county is said to have a paper than in 1923. Daily newspapers show a net decrease of five, and only fortnightly, monthly, by-monthly and quarterly publications showed increases.

The new year starts with the roster for the United States, and territories of 2,366 dailies, 84 tri-weekly, 485 semi-weekly, 13,323 weeklys (of which about 11,500 are weekly newspapers), 10 fortnightly papers, 285 semi monthly, 3,415 monthly, 163 by-monthly, 395 quarterlies, and 75 listed as miscellaneous. The American total is 20,699 publications.

Treatment Of Horses

The farmer works with his horses, they are his partners, his faithful helpers in all work. With them, day after day, and year after year, he goes out to tend the fields, or to bring home the fruits of his labors, and so working with them season after season, he and they grow close to each other and come after a while to work together with a confidence and an understanding the few human partnerships ever know. The good farmer, and the good horse, come not only to understand, and to appreciate each other, but even to love each other.

I have seen big mares in the pastures, pick up their ears at the sound of their owners voice, and come up to be petted and then to wait contently around, grazing near him until he left the field. I have seen the faithful and dependable old buggy horse with children all over his back, and two or three about and under his feet, walking with unwonted slowness and carefulness under and among them, and accepting with patient gentleness to all their pullings and poundings.

I have seen the heavy-loaded team, take the wagons up to long steep hill while the farmer walked behind, speaking, never a word to them, but leaving them stop and start it as they wished. I have seen the farmer, at the top of the hill, take time to lift the collars and rub the noses and stroke the necks of his sturdy helpers, while they took deep breaths, and waited for him to climb on the wagon that they might go again.

I have seen the strong farmer with tears in his eyes, bending over the horse he had raised from a colt, when that horse, grown aged and feeble, was waiting the end that must comes to all that live.

Remembering these things I have seen, and remembering the days, when as a barefooted boy, I rode and drove and clamored about the big, fat, steady, mares with clear eyes and glossy coat, full of confidence that they would do what I ask, and yield to the slightest turning of my hand. I have known that there was a very real affection in all these relations, and that the partnership between the farmer and his horses is a partnership not only a fellow workers, but also a friends.

Anti-Japanese Immigration Bill Passes

The Senate is face-to-face with a momentous decisions – whether the Japanese exclusion policy passed by the House should be written in law. The house bill would exclude immigration of Japanese into the United States do to ‘negative’ effect they have in western states.

A protest by the Japanese government had no effect upon the vote of the house, which passed the immigration bill with its exclusion provision by a margin of more than 4 to 1.

The Senate answered Japanese Ambassador’s protest against Japanese exclusion legislation today by voting 76 to 6 against recognition of a gentleman agreement with Japan on limiting immigration of all Asiatic peoples.

Republican leaders regarded the Japanese letter as of veiled threat, and declare that in the face of that threat. They were blunt and outspoken in their declaration that immigration is a domestic question and outside power should have any effect on our decision to allow, or disallow, immigrants into the country.

April 11

Wet Weather

The continuous wet weather is greatly against the growing of wheat, especially in low or very low fields. It is feared that already some spots have been drowned out.

If there is to be a "dry spell", later, to equalize the present "wet spell", then we can look ahead for something to be concerned about; but, it never pays to invite worry.

Some remarkable stories are being told of mud holes in the unimproved roads. "Axle deep" is a common expression, while some hold that horses going in far that only their "ears stick out."

Walkersville Home Damaged By Fire

The large frame house on the Oyster Farm, near Walkersville, was badly damaged by fire Monday afternoon. A considerable portion of the furniture was also damaged. The loss is estimated at $2,500, fully covered by insurance.

The fire was discovered by Mr. Pallister about 2:30. He was near the barn when he noticed smoke issuing from the second floor. An investigation revealed that the flames were in the partition, having been started, it is thought, by defective electrical wiring. In a short time the fire spread from one room to another, and while the furniture was being removed an alarm of fire was sounded.

The alarm brought out the Walkersville Fire Department, which rendered good service, and soon had the fire under control. Water to douse the fire was drawn from a pond on the property. One end of a fire hose was placed in the pond, and the Walkersville engine pumper pumped the water to a hose truck near the house, which then sprayed the water onto the fire.

It was necessary to flood the home with water and both floors were badly damaged. Persons who arrived on scene early removed most of the furniture. The blaze attracted a large number of persons to the scene.

Petition Filed For New Creagerstown Road

Frank Gaver has filed a petition to meet with County Commissioners on April 21, for the opening of a public road at least 30 feet wide in Creagerstown, beginning from the point where the lane leading from the building now occupied by Charles Kolo intersects the public road leading from Creagerstown to Rocky Ridge and running then in a westerly direction through the lands of Isaac Hankey, Frank Garver and Russell Hockensmith , connecting with the old Woodsboro and Creagerstown Pike at a point a short distance north of the lane used as an outlet from the John Ahalt farm and others.

April 18

Residents Disagree Over Proposed Creagerstown Road

As an aftermath of a long-standing dispute concerning A right away in Creagerstown a large delegation, consisting of two factions, appeared Monday afternoon before the Board of County Commissioners, relative to the establishing of a road, the necessity of which was disputed.

One faction presented a petition to the Commissioners asking that a road be built from the road leading from Creagerstown towards the Rocky Ridge Road. The opposing faction presented a petition opposing the construction of the road

The entire proceedings was the aftermath of lengthy on-going disputes concerning the right away through the property of Russell Hockensmith. It is understood that Frank Gaver has been having a dispute with Hockensmith concerning the right of way, and the road such as it was, was desired by one faction to settle the dispute it was stated. The Commissioners, however, made no promises, but suggest Garvey and Hockersmith get together and settle the dispute in their own way.

One Commissioner suggested the two ‘duke it out’ in public, with the winner getting his way. "Given how much trouble you’ve cause the community, I’m sure alot of your neighbors would enjoy seeing you ‘knock the lights’ out of each other."

Walkersville Church Dedication

The dedication of the enlarged and beautiful Walkersville Lutheran Church, will be held Sunday, May 11 at a morning and evening service. A fine program is being arranged preliminary to the dedication and including the dedication itself. It will include some of the outstanding leaders, preachers, and educators in the Lutheran Church.

The old original church has undergone a complete renovation. To the east side of the church there has been added a Sunday school room, a new vestry room, a deeper chapel, and a new organ room. An entirely new front has been added, including a 50-foot bell tower. The new and enlarger building so artistically design makes a beautiful appearance and is a real credit to this community.

Latest Weather Forecast

The necessity of obtaining the latest weather forecast cannot be too strongly emphasized. In a climate where weather changes are as rapid as in Maryland, the entire outlook may change in a few hours. Forecasts are issued by the Weather Bureau every 12 hours. The morning forecast, issued about 10 a.m., is broadcast by many radio stations at noon or even before that hour. This is the forecast that appears in the afternoon edition of the newspapers. The evening forecast, issued at about 9:30 p.m., is broadcast about 10 p.m. on the same date.

Radio is an excellent way for farmers, fruit growers, and others living in rural districts to obtain the forecast, although it may be necessary for you to bring this matter to your nearest broadcast station, requesting that the weather forecast be sent out at stated intervals.

In Maryland nearly every County Agent, receives the morning forecast at about 10:30 a.m. and it may be obtained from his office by telephone immediately after that hour. In some towns the postmaster also receives the morning forecast soon after 10 and sends it out by the mail carrier. If, however, rule carriers leave the post office before 11 o’clock, this service cannot be arranged.

And some such service as this is not already established in your section, why not take the matter up with your County Agent or postmaster. A petition to him from a number of farmers may bring results.

Serious Fire Adverted in Johnsville

What might have been a very serious fire occurred Wednesday afternoon when the two large engines of Thomas, Bennett & Hunter of Westminster, passed the farm of Vernon Grossnickle, near Johnsville. One of the engines threw sparks on a straw stack, setting it on fire.

Owing to the fact that Mr. Grossnickle was home and the crew of the engine being right on hand no doubt save the farm buildings from a total loss. Prompt service and water being in the barnyard saved Mr. Grossnickle from any damage to his house, as the fire was soon under control. A number of people gathered in a short time to help control the flames.

Vagrant Held At County Jail

A man, who gave his name as George Hailey, 74 years old, claiming to be from Boston, was arrested Wednesday afternoon by the Deputy Sheriff near Woodsboro and brought to the jail. While no charges have been placed against him he will be held for a few days to investigate his case.

It is stated that the man was observed walking up and down Woodsboro Pike aimlessly. Word was sent to the Sheriff who sent a Deputy Sheriff out to arrest the man and bring him to jail. At times he acted in a manner that indicated that his mind was impaired. He had very little to say except that he was from Boston.

He said he had been sleeping in barns at night and roaming about during the day. His clothing was filled with vermin and his condition and general appearance was very much uncapped. He did not say what brought him to Woodsboro, or how he got there. The Sheriff said he will keep him until the medical authorities can evaluate his mental state. In the meantime, they will get him cleaned up and fed.

Man Lays Down Plow And Kills Himself

Leaving his home early Wednesday morning, ostensibly to plow, William Shuff, about 51, of Johnsville, was found lying dead in a field about 9 o’clock, having committed suicide by shooting himself through the head.

When he left home Shuff left his family under the impression that he was going to a field to plow. He then borrowed a 12-gauge shotgun from a neighbor, telling him that he wanted to shoot a hog.

Shortly there after, Eugene Stottlemyer, a son-in-law of Shuff, who farms a property adjacent to that of Shuff, heard a shot. Fearing that something was wrong, Stottlemyer, investigated and found Snuff lying dead under an apple tree. A fork stick was lying beside the gun and as the load of shock tore its way through Shuff’s chin and came out the top of his head, it was evident that Shuff had placed his chin on the muscle of the gun and used the fork stick to press the trigger.

According to reports, Shuff had been depressed. There was no idea, however, that he had contemplated suicide, it was stated. Shuff is survived by his wife and eight children, the youngest of which is about five or six years old.

Birth Control Loses At Women’s Conference

Birth control, as a subject of study for the National League Of Women Voters was defeated by a vote of two-to-one on the floor of the convention after a spirited debate.

April 25

Father Drinking, Son Driving

Dr. John Winnfield, of Fairfield, was arrested last Sunday afternoon charge with allowing his son, James, age 13 years old, to drive his car without a license. They were brought to Woodsboro and taken before the Justice of the Peace, who fined the son $10 for driving a car without an operators license.

The arrest was made after the police were informed that an automobile, driven in a reckless manner was headed towards Thurmont. As the machine approach Creagerstown it was stopped. After being placed under arrest, Dr. Winnfield omitted that he had taken a few drinks and that was why the youngster was driving the car. Dr. Winfield and his son spent the night in the Woodsboro lockup before proceeding home to Fairfield.

Windstorm

The windstorm of last Sunday afternoon and evening, caused numerous small losses in rural areas, among them being damages to the doors and roofs of the barns along the Woodsboro and Emmitsburg Pikes.

For Public Playgrounds

An important meeting of the New Midway playground improvement association will be held in the New Midway Public School building on Friday evening. At this meeting Navin Smith, Principal of the school, will outline the program and tell what has been accomplished. A literary a musical program has been prepared for the occasion.

The playground movement was launched last Fall and considerable money has been raised for these purposes. The fact that public playgrounds have been an operation in Walkersville for some years and has been growing steadily in popularity has added stimulus to the movement at New Midway.

Fireman Save Home From Destruction

Fireman made a quick run of eight miles to Lewistown Monday afternoon, and saved the house, barn, garage and other buildings of Maxine Hill from destruction by fire. A bucket brigade, made up of neighbors, worked heroically and held the fire partly in check until the firemen arrive. By the use of chemicals and a line of hoses stretching from a fishpond in a field, the firemen soon extinguished the flames.

The fire was discovered shortly before 3:30 in the afternoon in the home by Mrs. Hill, who detected the odor of smoke. When she made an investigation she found the summer kitchen in flames and the fire quickly spread to the rear of the frame house. An alarm was sounded, which brought neighbors to the scene, who formed a bucket brigade.

At the same time word was telephone to the Fire Company for help and the fireman immediately responded. When they arrive they found the bucket brigade at work on the burning building. Chemicals were soon applied and at the same time a line of hoses was laid from the fishpond, and in a short time a powerful stream was directed on the flames and the fire extinguished.

The barn, garage, several chicken houses, and other out buildings, group within 15 to 20 feet of the house and had the flames made much more progress the fire would have spread to the other buildings.

A fee of $60 is charge by the fire company for responding to county fires. This money is used to pay the firemen for their service and if any remains is placed in a fund for repairs of the company’s apparatus.