The Catoctin Banner. | Featured Articles (2024)

A Family Tradition

Burrier Becomes FFA State Officer

Alisha Yocum

For Ella Burrier, agriculture has always been a way of life. From the age of eight, she was actively involved in 4-H, where she raised rabbits and turkeys and took part in various craft projects. So, when she began her freshman year at Catoctin High School (CHS), it was only natural for her to join the Future Farmers of America (FFA), a student organization that fosters interest in agriculture and leadership.

Burrier’s deep connection to agriculture and FFA runs in the family (pictured above). Her parents, Tatiana and Seth, were both FFA members, making her involvement a continuation of a cherished family tradition.

“It’s just what our family does,” Burrier said, reflecting on the important role FFA has played in shaping her and her family’s life.

After graduating from CHS in May, Burrier is taking her passion to the next level as she steps into a leadership role as Maryland State FFA Vice President. She applied for a state officer position back in the spring. Once her application was reviewed, she went before a 10-person panel to complete an interview process, and she had to develop and present a workshop. A total of six offices were up for grabs. Although applicants don’t apply for a specific office, Burrier was selected by the panel to serve as vice president for the next year.

Burrier is the fourth person in her family to serve as an FFA Maryland State Officer. Burrier’s mom and two aunts were selected as Maryland State Officers upon graduating high school.

Burrier has already hit the ground running after being installed at the 96^th Maryland FFA State Convention in June. In her role as Maryland State Vice President, Burrier spends her time promoting agriculture around the state by attending Maryland FFA Chapter events and talking to agriculture businesses.

“I have already learned so much about Maryland agriculture, and I am proud to be representing our small town,” expressed Burrier.

You will also find Burrier at upcoming local agriculture events, including the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show and the Great Frederick Fair. At the Fair, she will be a part of the Frederick County FFA Greenhand and Character Counts Ceremony, highlighting first-year FFA members and FFA members with outstanding character, as well as educating youth in the City Street Country Roads building throughout the week.

When asked what advice Burrier would give to those considering joining FFA, she replied, “I highly recommend getting involved and getting involved in competitions and, most importantly, be yourself—authenticity is a huge part of FFA.”

Ella Burrier, Maryland FFA State Vice President, sits on her grandfather’s 1952 Super M farm tractor. Cover Photo Credit: Brittany Thomas Photography

Ella Burrier, 2024-2025 State Vice President

Tatiana Smith, 1996-1997 State Reporter

Hope Burrier, 1994-1995 State Sentinel

Meaghan Smith, 1989-1990 State Chaplain

FFA State Officers tour Arlington National Cemetery.

Ella with the National FFA President Amara Jackson.

The Burrier Family at the Great Frederick Fair with their rabbits.

by James Rada, Jr.

Thurmont

Public Hearing on Water and Sewer Rates

The Town of Thurmont held a public hearing on the new proposed water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2025, which may be increased by 15 percent at all usage levels. The rates were last raised in 2012, and costs since that time have risen dramatically. Few people spoke about the rate hike, and those that did tended to ask for clarification on various aspects.

Frank Bentz Pond Project

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners were given an update on how the dam removal at the Frank Bentz Pond is progressing. The project is out for bids with a start date expected for spring 2025. Once started, the project is expected to take 12-18 months, depending on the weather.

Once complete, the flood plain in the area is expected to shrink, which means that there should be less of a chance of flooding in the area. Residents in attendance seemed skeptical of the claim, but there is little they can do but wait and see what happens when the project is complete.

Electric Substation Project Update

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners approved a bid of $494,447 from Westco ABB to replace the circuit breakers at the electric substation on Moser Road. This is the first step in a $2.3 million project to renovate the substation.

ARPA Funds Reassigned

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners used ARPA funds left over from a Thurmont Little League project to approve the purchase of a lawn tractor for Catoctin Recreation League Softball to use for field dragging. The used tractor will be purchased from Harrington and Sons in Emmitsburg for $3,500.

In addition, the mayor and commissioners also approved $3,571 from the funds to be used to improve the sound system used for town meetings.

Emmitsburg
Sports Fee Help

Emmitsburg Mayor Frank Davis said during a town meeting that he is hoping to create a joint program with Thurmont to help Catoctin High School students afford the sports registration fee that the Frederick County School System charges. The fee is $185 for a single sport in a season, plus $148 for dual sports in a season. This would be a total of $333 for a student playing two sports in a season. The cost creates hardships for some families of student-athletes, and Davis would like to find a way to help them.

Election Judges Approved

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners approved the town election judges for the town election on Oct. 8. The judges are:

• Chief Judge — Lynn Orndorff

• Judge — Melissa Mckenney

• Judge — Mark Long

• Greeter/Alternate Judge — Charolette Mazaleski

They all have prior experience as election judges for the town. They will run the polls at the Old Town Office at 22 East Main Street from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Charging Stations

Currently, the charging stations for electric cars that are located behind the town office can only be used until 10:00 p.m. Because of the growing number of electric cars in town, the town is seeking a change in legislation so that the stations can be used for a longer period of time.

Shed Approved

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners voted to allow the Catoctin Mountain Futbol Club, a new soccer league in Emmitsburg for children ages 3 to 14, to build an equipment storage shed on town property in the E. Eugene Myers Community Park. The club is building the shed with donated materials and time and will maintain it. The club already has about 60 children signed up to play this fall season.

Thurmont

Mayor John Kinnaird

It is hard to believe that summer has almost come to an end. A sure sign that fall is coming soon is when school is back in session. Chief Armstrong and I had the privilege of attending the first day of school flag ceremony at the Thurmont Elementary School. It is always heartwarming to see all the students lined up in front of the school and to hear them recite the Pledge of Allegiance as the flag is raised high over the school. As usual, Principal Karl Williams asked if I had any words of wisdom to share with the students. I told the students that Thurmont Elementary (TES) is an amazing school and that I first went there in 1960. I have fond memories of my teachers and staff at TES, as I am sure today’s students will have as they grow up. I want to thank all the teachers, administrators, staff, classroom assistants, custodial staff, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, crossing guards, and others who work together to give our children a wonderful education, a strong sense of community, and the ability to work and interact with others. These experiences will serve all our children well as they go through life, and I am confident that our future will be in good hands.

The North Church Street project is nearing completion. This project has seen the replacement of old water and wastewater lines, new lateral connections and cleanouts, and new water service connections for residents on North Church Street. Several old sections of the lines have been removed, and obsolete infrastructure has been replaced. Currently, the contractor has been finishing the repairs to the sidewalks, curbs, and gutter pans. The final step in the project will be milling and repaving the roadway surface. This final piece of the puzzle will be completed by the State Highway Administration. This project has been a long and involved process and has caused inconveniences to residents and those utilizing the roadway. The project will be completed within the anticipated time frame. I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this complicated process.

The Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 6-8. This will be the 68^th Annual Community Show! I invite everyone to attend this year’s Community Show to experience a true agricultural community event. There will be livestock displays by the Catoctin High School chapter of the FFA, local 4-H groups, and our local grange. There also will be displays and judging of a wide array of crafts, baked goods, arts, fruits and vegetables, children’s crafts and arts, photography, knitting and sewing, modeling, local businesses, social organizations, and many others. Book lovers will want to visit the Friends of the Thurmont Library Book Sale in the small gymnasium, and everyone will enjoy the delicious food available. If you have never been to the Community Show or if you are new to the area, be sure to join us at one of the best community events of the year!

The tennis court replacement is progressing and will be completed before Colorfest. The surface has been removed and foundations for new light towers are being installed now, and the new surface and new fencing will follow.

Just a reminder to be watchful in the mornings and evenings, as children are going to or coming home from school. Also, be alert for school buses stopping to pick up or drop off children. You can not pass school buses when the red warning lights are flashing. Slow down, be watchful, and let’s all work together to ensure our children’s safety!

Questions, comments, or concerns? I can be reached at 301-606-9458 or by email at jkinnaird@thurmont.com.

Emmitsburg

Mayor Frank Davis

Summer has flown by, school is back in session, fall sports are kicking off, and fall activities are just around the corner. Please make sure to visit the town website and sign up for the My-Emmitsburg phone app to stay up to date on all the events.

We are lucky to be in Northern Frederick County, surrounded by so many great communities in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Having great partnerships with neighboring towns makes managing our municipality so much easier. Thank you to all our neighbors.

I want to give you a quick brief on the projects that are kicking off around town.

The DePaul Street water line replacement started on August 6 and will be completed in April 2025.

Construction of the sewer lift station on Creamery Road is on schedule and will be completed in December 2024.

Notice to proceed with the new parking lot at Rainbow Lake has been granted and will be completed in November 2024.

The construction of the new water clarifier treatment plant is in the beginning stages and is scheduled to be completed in October 2025.

Construction of the new restroom/concession stand in E. Eugene Myers Memorial Park is underway and will be completed in December 2024.

The multi-use trail improvement project contract was awarded on August 1 and will be completed in April 2025.

If you have any questions or would like more information on any of our projects, please contact the town office.

The commissioners have scheduled a workshop to review and discuss water rates, tap fees, and impact fees. The workshop will be held on September 24, starting at 7:00 p.m.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the town, please let me know. If you would like to meet in person, just give the office a call at 301-600-6300 to set up a time convenient for you to meet.

Woodsboro

Burgess Heath Barnes

Greetings! I hope everyone has a good Labor Day weekend. I am not a fan of this holiday as it means summer is ending, but it also means the beginning of cooler temperatures and fall adventures for all to enjoy.

This month was quiet, and there is not a lot to update. At our August 12^th meeting, we discussed that, unfortunately, we could not get a grant to have the pond in the park dredged. We will continue to look at options to get it corrected. We also discussed that a company has reached out in the interest of being the town’s new water and sewage operator, as our current operator’s last day was August 31.

As far as the town hall update, which I know seems to be going on and on, things are happening. The loan was signed, and we are almost through the permitting process. In addition, the brick, shingle, and shutter colors were all picked out, and we are excited about that as we are getting closer and closer every day to breaking ground.

Believe it or not, Woodsboro Days is next month. Look for the advertisem*nt here in The Catoctin Banner in this issue on page 11 and the October issue. It will be held on October 19 this year, and the plans are for it to be even bigger and better than ever. If you would like to be a vendor, please reach out me at hbarnes@woodsboro.org or 301-401-7164.

As always, I encourage everyone to support Glade Valley Community Services (GVCS) if you have clothes or food donations, as they are always in need of items for members of the community. For more information, please contact GVCS by email at gvcs.inc@verizon.net or by calling 301-845-0213.

If you have any questions, concerns, complaints, or compliments, please feel free to reach out to me at hbarnes@woodsboro.org or by phone at 301-401-7164.

Woodsboro town meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. In addition, Planning and Zoning (P&Z) meetings are at 6:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, as needed. If you have an item fo r the agenda, it needs to be submitted 14 days before the P&Z meeting. The current location for meetings is the St. Johns United Church of Christ, located at 8 N. 2nd Street, Woodsboro, MD 21798. The public is always invited to attend.

Antietam,2012
Richard D. L. Fulton

Such a storm of balls I never conceived it possible for men to live through. Shot and shell shrieking and crashing, canister and bullets whistling and hissing most fiend-like through the air until you could almost see them…

– Lt. Col A.S. Pendleton, CSA

On April 24, 2012, the United States Postal Service issued a Forever Stamp commemorating the 150^th Anniversary of the September 17, 1862, Battle of Antietam, which occurred among the fields and hills around Sharpsburg during the American Civil War.

The stamps were issued as part of a series of stamps commemorating the 150^th anniversary of the 1861-1865 Civil War.

The Antietam stamp was issued along with the stamp commemorating the 1862 Battle of New Orleans. A sheet of stamps consisted of four Antietam and four New Orleans stamps (issuing different stamps attached to each other in a single sheet is referred to as se-tenant).

Antietam First Day of Issue covers can be found postmarked by the New Orleans Post Office (by virtue of being issued at the same time as the se-tenant New Orleans stamps) and by the Sharpsburg Post Office.

Confederate Maryland

Amid the secession of the Southern states as the nation stood on the brink of a civil war, a significant number of Marylanders had launched an effort to join the rapidly assimilating Confederate States of America.

It’s probably safe to state that the population of Maryland was deeply divided on the issue, with perhaps a third of the populace supporting the secession movement, a third rabidly against secession, and a third that wanted nothing whatsoever to do with either side, and simply desired to remain neutral.

Sensing the possibility that Maryland legislature might vote to join the Confederacy, President Abraham Lincoln dispatched agents into Maryland to track down and arrest any legislators who were found to be considering voting for secession.

In addition, the President sent federal troops to occupy Baltimore and Annapolis. Due to the federal occupation of the Maryland capital, the legislature was relocated to Frederick, resulting in Frederick having become the capitol of Maryland until the pro-secession legislators rescinded the effort to secede.

Although the secession effort failed, more than 20,000 Marylanders left the state and joined the Confederate Army.

The Road to Antietam

Confederate General Robert E. Lee, who commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, led his army north, beginning on September 4, 1862, ultimately colliding with the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by General George B. McClellan, in and around Sharpsburg on September 17.

The Army of Northern Virginia consisted of more than 100,000 troops, while the Army of the Potomac consisted of some 50,000 troops (13,000 Union troops had already been captured in Harper’s Ferry two days before the engagement at Sharpsburg),

So why did Lee march into Maryland?

One of the primary reasons given was to take the war into the north in the hopes of convincing the Northern population of the futility of continuing the war. But another motive was inspired by the 20,000 Marylanders who had already joined the Confederate Army—that being the possibility that if the Confederates crossed into Maryland, countless additional Marylanders might have joined their numbers.

On September 17, the two opposing Armies collided around Sharpsburg, resulting in the bloodiest one-day battle of the “War of Rebellion.”

Before the September 18 withdrawal of the Confederate forces, the Confederates had suffered more than 28,000 casualties (of which 2,783 were killed), and the Union Army had sustained more than 16,000 casualties (of which more than 3,800 were killed).”

Although the battle ended Lee’s first invasion of the north, the outcome of the battle by most writers was/is considered as having been a tactical draw.

Some “historians” have claimed it was a Union victory, but Lincoln himself simply called the battle the “closest thing to a victory” that the Union Army had thus far experienced.

Lee also did not see any significant increase in Maryland recruits as having been a direct result of the Maryland campaign.

Sept. 12, 2012 Antietam First Day of Issue cover.

In an age where online shopping and big-box retailers dominate the market, local businesses often struggle to stay afloat. Yet, these small enterprises are the heart and soul of our communities, providing unique products, personalized service, and a boost to the local economy. Supporting local businesses isn’t just about making a purchase, it’s about fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Here are four simple ways you can make a big impact by supporting your local businesses.

1. Shop Local Whenever Possible

The most direct way to support local businesses is to prioritize shopping locally. Whether you’re buying groceries, gifts, or everyday essentials, seek out local stores and markets. Small businesses often offer products that are unique, handmade, or sourced locally, giving you a chance to find something special while keeping your money within the community. Every dollar spent at a local business generates significantly more economic activity in the area compared to money spent at a national chain.

2. Spread the Word

Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful tools for a local business. When you have a positive experience at a local store, restaurant, or service provider, share it with others. Leave a review on social media or popular review sites like Yelp and Google, or simply tell your friends and family. Positive reviews and personal recommendations can drive new customers to local businesses, helping them thrive in a competitive market.

3. Attend Local Events and Markets

Farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and local festivals are not just fun community events; they’re also great opportunities to support local businesses. These events showcase a variety of local vendors, offering everything from fresh produce and handmade crafts to artisanal foods and unique gifts. By attending and purchasing from these vendors, you’re directly contributing to the success of small businesses while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.

4. Use Social Media to Promote Local Businesses

Social media is a powerful tool that can significantly boost the visibility of local businesses. Follow your favorite local shops, restaurants, and service providers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Engage with their posts, share their content, and tag them in your photos when you visit. This not only shows your support but also helps these businesses reach a wider audience, attracting new customers.

Richard D. L. Fulton

Coyotes were first reported in Maryland in 1972, and have spread throughout the state, while coywolves (wolf and coyote hybrids) seem to have concentrated in the Chesapeake Bay areas.

Coyotes were once considered endemic to the “Wild West,” often playing the role of those menacing, howling inhabitants among the shadows of the night.

But something happened that caused the western coyotes to eventually migrate east, inhabiting every state on the East Coast—Maryland and Delaware being the last two states to experience the arrival of the furry invaders.

The Coyote Invasion

In Maryland, the first reports of the presence of coyotes were made in Cecil, Frederick, and Washington counties in 1972, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Coyotes were generally concentrated west of the Mississippi, but “Alterations and/or elimination of competing predators during the post-European colonization period facilitated rapid range expansion into eastern North America,” the DNR reported.

In other words, humans set the stage for the coyote invasion of the East Coast by eliminating, through hunting or just plain shooting (to protect livestock, etc.), a significant number of coyotes’ natural enemies: mountain lions, wolves, foxes, black bears, weasels, badgers, wolverines, and even eagles.

So what is a coyote? The species name for the coyote is Canis latrans). In addition to coyote, they are also called prairie wolf (so dubbed by 19th century explorers, Lewis and Clark), brush wolf, American jackal, and “in many western states, they are referred to simply as dogs,” according to the National Park Service NPS).

Generally, the coyotes have the general appearance of a German Shepherd, with a shoulder height of 18 to 23 inches, a length of 4 feet or more, and a weight of 20 to 35 pounds.

Generally, coyotes are pack animals. If there are coyotes around where a resident lives, one might have heard their distinctive howl as they communicate with one another. They also travel in packs of five-to-six adults. However, the NPS notes that packs can actually have as many as 10 adults or more.

Coyotes are basically omnivores, meaning they will eat plants and animals, but they are principally carnivores. It has been said that if a person notes a decline in foxes and outdoor pets, it could likely be that there is one or more coyotes prowling the neighborhood.

As far as the occurrences of the coyotes in Maryland, the DNR stated, “In Maryland, coyotes occupy most of the state’s habitat types, with the highest densities occurring in intermixed woodland and farmland areas… (with the) highest densities (numbers of coyotes present) in Western Maryland and the lowest densities on the Eastern Shore.”

Now For the Coywolves

Maryland has not only been faced with a coyote invasion, but also a new form of coyote has appeared on the scene: the coywolf.

Apparently, coyotes, being a canine, can breed with other types of canines. As a result, some coyotes arriving in Maryland had cross-bred with wolves, as was discovered through DNA analysis. As a result, this new coyote-wolf “breed” has been dubbed as coywolves.

DNA analysis has additionally revealed that some of the coywolves had even cross-bred with common household dogs.

According to the Smithsonian Institute, the average DNA result of a coywolf is 25 percent wolf, 10 percent domestic dog (usually large dogs), and 65 percent coyote.

The wolf DNA found in the coyote was attained by crossbreeding with eastern wolf and/or western wolf, while the presence of domestic dog appears to have been the result of crossbreeding with large dogs, such as Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds.

It should be noted that some authorities claim that all of Maryland’s coyotes are, in fact, coywolves, but the issue continues on as a matter of debate.

In general, the coywolf looks very much like the coyote but, on average, is generally “about 55 pounds heavier than pure coyotes, with longer legs, a larger jaw, smaller ears, and a bushier tail,” according to the Smithsonian Institute.

For some reason, the coywolves seem to be more prolific around the Chesapeake Bay area, but this could just be the route of the initial coywolf invasion. Javier Monzon, a genetics researcher at Stony Brook University in New York, reported in an article written by Sadie Dingfelder, and published by timberwolfinformation.org, that the coywolves “are perfectly adapted to the I-95 corridor.”

It also seems that those that have also crossbred with dogs may be less sensitive to vehicular traffic and city noise.

Sharon Levy, in Rise of the coyote: The new top dog (published by nature.com), reported that the coyotes began to arrive in the Washington, D.C., area in 2004, when an encounter occurred between a hiker and her German Shepherd and two suspected coywolves in Rock Creek Park. Apparently, according to local news coverage, the Shepherd had initially challenged the two coywolves, but then subsequently retreated.

Preparing for a Close Encounter

Coyote and coywolf attacks on humans are extremely rare in Maryland. In fact, only two attacks on humans have ever been recorded in Maryland, one of which occurred in Rockville, and the animal involved was subsequently found to be suffering from rabies.

If one finds themselves in a potential “stare down” with one or more coyotes or coywolves, Harry Spiker with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources told ABC 7 that in order to avoid a conflict, individuals or groups of people should, “Stay upright. Don’t bend down. Never run. Any member of the canine species has a chase reflex, where they will chase something that runs. So, back away, make yourself large, talk in a firm voice. If it continues to approach you, throw rocks or sticks in its direction, continuing to back away. And ultimately, if it would attack, fight back. Don’t play dead.”

Spiker noted, however, that a human encounter with a coyote or coywolf would be “extremely unlikely.”

The most serious concerns would be protecting indoor-outdoor pets and farm animals.

First, one might want to contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to see if there has been any coyote activity in the area of a resident, neighborhood, or farm. Coywolves seem to be attracted to areas with a high deer population.

The best way to reduce the chance of encounters with indoor-outdoor pets and farm animals is to eliminate some of the attractants (hunting has not proven to be effective since eliminating a pack simply opens the way for a new pack to move in).

Hobbyfarms.com has listed a few means of reducing encounters with coyotes or coywolves, especially around homesteads:

• Don’t leave bowls of pet food or water outside overnight.

• Keep garbage in a sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid.

• Don’t place garbage cans out at the curb until the morning of your scheduled pickup day.

• Compost in enclosed bins instead of exposed piles.

• Clean up around bird feeders.

• Keep all pets inside at night and watch small dogs while outside, even during daylight hours.

• Keep cats indoors.

• Make sure your fences are more than 6 feet high with no gaps at ground level—coyotes are good diggers.

As far as protecting farm animals, farmandanimals.com notes that, “Because coyotes are smart, observant, cautious, and elusive, keeping them away from your crops, pets, and livestock can be very challenging. They learn and adapt fast, so it’s smart to have a varied bag of tricks to use against them.

Farmandanimals.com offers several recommendations to help protect the farm, including installing tall, strong fencing; using electric fences where possible; and adopting guard animals, such as large herding dogs (Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Anatolian, Akbash), donkeys, and llamas.

For additional tips and more information, visit Farmandanimals.com.

Coyotes do not hibernate and hunt year-round

2024 Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day Winners

Submitted by the Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day Committee

All Emmitsburg residents and visitors who attended this year’s Community Heritage Day on Saturday, June 29, were the real winners, from the delicious breakfast at the Vigilant Hose Activities Building on Creamery Way to the last fireworks as they lit up the night sky after a torrential rainfall! It was a wonderful day, and we hope everyone enjoyed it throughout.

Listed below are the winners of the contests held all day. Thanks to all of our wonderful sponsors and all the organizations who made the day possible. We will see you next year!

Greased Pig Chase Winners: Age group 1-6 — Paisley Iaea; Age group 7-11— Gage Creager; Age group 12-16 — Naomi Hahn; Age group 17 & Up — Dan Novak.

Sack Races (Singles): Ages 1-4 — (1st) Cole Stone, (2nd) Annie Hahn; Ages 5-8 — (1st) Robbie, (2nd) Mary Krom; Ages 9-12 — (1st) Gage Creager, (2nd) Jackson Cichocki/ Isaiah Lopez; Ages 13-16 — (1st) Bernadette Hahn, (2nd) Xavier Myers/Stella Miravalle; Ages 17 & Up — (1st) Adam Knox, (2nd) Tim McCartney/Macy McRae.

Sack Races (Doubles): Ages 1-4 — (1st) Rayne Marlow/Kynslee Miller, (2nd) Chase Cool/Robert Dewees; Ages 5-8 — N/A; Ages 9-12 — (1st) Keane Burns/Riley Hoover, (2nd) Jerome Turner/Louis Turner; Ages 13-16 — (1st) Bernadette Hahn/ Stella Miravalle, (2nd) Sophia Myers/Matt Myers; Ages 17 & Up — (1st) Adam Krom/ Matthew Krom, (2nd) Bridgette McCarthy/Tim McCarthy and Madeline Myers/Xavier Myers.

Egg Toss: 1st place — Madeline Myers/Matt Myers; 2nd place — Ambrose Turner/ Cassian Miravalle.

Water Balloon Toss: 1st place — Symeon Turner/Cassian Miravalle; Bridgette McCarthy/Lauren Manouve; 2nd place — Jason Krom/Scott Krom.

Pie Eating Contest: Ages 1-4 — (1st) Cole Stone/Kayson Hall; Ages 5-8 — (1st) Leah Krom, (2nd) Mary Krom/Grant Satterlee/Eleanor Satterlee; Ages 9-12 — (1st) Gage Creager; Ages 13-16 — (1st) Naomi Hahn, (2nd) Kristen Mills; 17 & Up (1st) — Erin Crum, (2nd) Kate Emory.

Watermelon Eating Contest: Ages 1-4 — (2nd) Zoey Riveria; Ages 5-8 — (1st) Leah Krom; Ages 9-12 — (1st) Mason Rivera, (2nd) Marc McRae; Ages 13-16 — (1st) Kristen Mills, (2nd) Xavier Myers; Ages 17 & Up — (1st) Jack McCarthy, (2nd) Erin Crum.

Chalk Art Contest Winners: Ages 1-4 — (1st) L. Rocha, (2nd) Goudy, (3rd) Viella; Ages 5-7 — (1st) A. Hudson, (2nd) Leah, (3rd) Aubrey Blair; Ages 8-10 — (1st) E. Blair, (2nd) P. Lanfro, (3rd) Mary Krom; Ages 11-12 — (1st) Cora Krom, (2nd) Sophia Myers, (3rd) Lucy Huhn; Ages 13 & Up — (1st) Taylor M., (2nd) Kristen Mills, (3rd) Sarah Krom.

Tyrian Lodge Horseshoe Tournament Winners: (1st) Brendan Allison/Gary Hoffmaster, (2nd) Paul Eyler/Rich Brown, (3rd) Jeff Robertson/Andrew Long.

Cool’s Legacy Cornhole Tournament Winners: Tournament #1 — (1st) Andrew Long/ Josh Hurley, (2nd) Ben Randolph/partner, (3rd) Dalton Sayler/Woody Evans; Tournament #2 — (1st) C. Wesley Grimes/Dale Tressler, (2nd) Steve Topper/Dalton Sayler; Airmail Challenge — (1st) Wes Grimes.

Parade Winners: Best Community Service — Emmitsburg Library; Most Entertaining — Catoctin-Aires; Go Soccer! — Catoctin Mountain Futbol; Oldies but Goodies— Heritage Festival Car Show; Tank Amazing — Neil Parrott; Best Community Spirit — Fearless Elite; First Year Celebration — Good Soil Farm; Horsing Around — REM Guided Trail Rides; Best Trailer — CYA Football and Chair; Best in Show Tanker — Fairfield Fire & Rescue.

Leah Krom takes first place in the Watermelon Eating Contest, ages 5-8 group, at the Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day on June 29.

Tyrian Lodge Horseshoe Tournament winners, Brendan Allison and Gary Hoffmaster (1st Place) and Paul Eyler and Rich Brown (2nd Place).

Everyone has tons of fun with the Water Balloon Toss.

Contestants look on as Gage Creager takes the win on the Greased Pig Chase

The 2024 Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day was held on Saturday, June 29.

A much-anticipated hometown celebration, the day featured a car show, a parade, field games, kids activities, craft and vendor show, hayrides and barrel rides, fireworks, contests, music, and much more!

Barrel Rides were a big hit with kids throughout the day.

Cora Krom wins 1st Place in the Chalk Art Contest (ages 11-12).

A happy contestant for the Watermelon Eating Contest.

Christ Community Church water games were enjoyed by all the kids.

Tyrian Lodge Horseshoe Tournament 3rd Place winners, Jeff Robertson and Andrew Long.

Field Games winner shows off her 1st Place medal.

Field Games 2nd Place adult division Sack Race winner.

Pie Eating Contest 1st Place winner proudly holds up her ribbon.

by James Rada, Jr.

Thurmont

Lions Club Announces Its Volunteer of the Year

Joyce Anthony with the Thurmont Lions Club announced that Missy Zook Grimes is the 2024 Thurmont Volunteer of the Year. Grimes has been very active volunteering with Main Street events and the Thurmont Food Bank. She received a gift card for a local restaurant, and a $400 donation will be made on behalf of the Thurmont Food Bank.

Grimes told the board of commissioners, “I loved every minute o f it (her volunteering).”

This will be the last time the Thurmont Lions Club awards a volunteer of the year. Anthony said that other organizations in town have started doing the same things, so their award has become duplicative.

Water and Sewer Rates to Rise

The Thurmont Board of Commissioners is planning on increasing water and sewer rates by more than 15 percent. The additional revenue generated from the increase will cover the day-to-day costs of running the town’s water and sewer operations. The town will hold a public hearing about the increases at the August 6 town meeting.

Colorfest Fees May Increase

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners may increase Colorfest fees for 2025 after experiencing a deficit after a rainy 2023 Colorf est. Costs for sanitation, trash, security, and buses have been increasing around 10 percent annually in recent years. The mayor and commissioners feel that a fee increase may be needed to cover the increasing expenses.

The commissioners also voted to char ge only a single yard sale permit fee, regardless of when the person comes to the town of fice for the permit. Currently, if someone waits until the Friday before Colorfest to purchas e a permit, it costs more than if the permit is purchased earlier .

The town will discuss possible changes to the fees during its August 20 meeting.

New Planning and Zoning Appointment

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners recently appointed Chris Stout er to serve as a regular member of the Thurmont Planning and Zoning Commission. The town still has an opening for an alternate member of the co mmission.

Bid Approved

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners approved a bid of $31 1,158 to purchase a new bucket truck for the electric department to use to replace the current vehicle, which is a 1997 GMC truck. Alltech Supply will provide the new truck and all the tools and equipment it needs. The funds to purchase the truck will come from a portion of the town’s recent bond issue.

Softball Shed Approved

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners had set aside $24,000 for the construction of a new restroom building at the Thurmont Little League fields. The cost came in much lower, leaving an excess of $11,175. The mayor and commissioners allocated $3,724 of this amount to purchase a 10- foot by 12-foot shed that the Catoctin Rec Council Softball League will use to store equipment to maintain the fields they use.

Emmitsburg

Town Likely to Raise Impact and Connection Fees

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners has started discussing whether to raise its impact fees charged to new constructions. The board seems in favor of increasing the fees, although more discussion needs to take pla ce. Currently, the town charges each new water service connection $8,200 per residential un it and each new sewer connection $8,000 per residential unit. In a ddition, all new residential units are assessed a one-time fee of $1,200. The commissioners plan to discuss the issue at a future meeting.

Paving Bids Approved

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners approved two paving bids for roads in town at a recent town meeting. Thurmont Paving offered the low bid on each project among 10 bidders and was awarded both of the contracts.

Paving Timbermill Run from W. Main Street to Brookfield Drive will cost $99,500, and paving Silo Hill Road from the first entrance to Ro bindale Drive to the dead end at the park will cost $56,800. Both projects in volve removing the existing asphalt; a two-inch mill and overlay; restriping a ny lines; raising or lowering of utilities if needed; and restoring any landscaping, sidewalk, or other damage to the site when the project is complete.

Grant Awarded

The Town of Emmitsburg recently received a Program Open Space Grant for $85,950, which requires a $9,550 town match. The grant money will be used to make improvements to the Rainbow Lake Trail that include fixing damage to the red trail, from logging, and adding signage to the trail.

The town also received another Program Open Space Grant for $20 ,000, which requires a $2,222 town match. This grant will be used to build a picnic shelter near the ADA playground.

Emmitsburg

Mayor Frank Davis

Mayor Davis was unavailable to write his Mayor’s message for this edition. He is on a family vacation. He will return next month with more town news.

Woodsboro

Burgess Heath Barnes

Greetings! I hope everyone is staying cool during this hot summ er. It seems like summer has flown by, and I know the school children feel this way as they will be returning to the classrooms this month. I hope each stu dent and teacher has a good and safe return to the classrooms and a great school year.

We had a quiet meeting on July 9, as there was not much on the agenda. We discussed the Community Parks and Playgrounds Grant that is available from the county. Unlike the Program Open Space Grant that can only be used for new projects—such as the skate park, the stage, and the bathroom th at is about to be built on the east side of the park—this grant can be used for r epair. We plan to submit for a grant to get our pond dredged. Hopefully , we get the grant so that we can clean the pond well and keep it for years to come, and p ossibly even get the fish stocked in it again each year.

Our August meeting will take place on Monday, August 12, at 7:00 p.m., instead of the typical second Tuesday of the month. So, anyone interested in attending, mark your calendars accordingly. We are also working on getting some estimates for additional streetlights in town where there are some very dark areas, particularly the upper Copper Oaks neighborhood.

Believe it or not, Woodsboro Days is just over two months away. Look for the advertisem*nt here in the newspaper in the September and Oc tober editions. Woodsboro Days will be held on October 19 this year , and the plans are for it to be even bigger and better than ever. If you would like to be a vendor , please reach out me at hbarnes@woodsboro.org or 301-401-7164.

The July 4th music event that is put on by Joe Williams in the park was once again a success. I was not able to attend, but I have heard good things. Thank you, Joe, for putting on this community event each year and uti lizing the stage that was built for these events.

As always, I encourage everyone to support Glade Valley Community Services (GVCS) if you have clothes or food donations, as they are always in need of items for members of the community. For more information, please contact GVCS by email at gvcs.inc@verizon.net or by calling 301 -845-0213.

If you have any questions, concerns, complaints, or compliments , please feel free to reach out to me at hbarnes@woodsboro.or g or by phone at 301-401- 7164.

Woodsboro town meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. In addition, Planning and Zoning (P&Z) meetings are at 6:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, as needed. If you have an item fo r the agenda, it needs to be submitted 14 days before the P&Z meeting. The current location for meetings is the St. Johns United Church of Christ, located at 8 N. 2nd Street, Woodsboro, MD 21798. The public is always invited to attend.

T h u r m o n t ’ s D i x i e D i n e r

They became as much a part of “Roadside America” as petting zoos, theme parks, and miniature golf sites, all of which, including the diners, were spawned by the 1930s-1940s’ “introduction of highways (spurred further by the creation of the interstate highway system by President Dwight D. Eisenhower) and the rising car culture of America,” according to The Evolution of the American Diner, by Cassidy Nemick (scalar.usc.edu).

Not only did diners provide cheap, home-cooked, wholesome meals to travelers at very competitive prices, but they also tended to be supported by numerous local patrons as well, often serving as a center of social interaction.

The Dixie Diner

More often than not, as a cost-saving measure, diners were housed within retired streetcars, buses, and even old railroad cars that were purchased for near-scrap prices, which were then converted into diners with seating, tables, and kitchen included.

Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird stated that the Dixie Diner was located in Thurmont at the intersection of Frederick Road and Water Street and was established and initially owned by Mary and Leonard Fogle, beginning in the late 1930s.

Nancy Gearhart Rice, Thurmont, noted in The Way Things Were in Local Government and More (Catoctin Banner, September 2023), that the diner was subsequently operated by Bill Houck, Audie and Audrey Moore, and Myrtle and Jim Steele.

In this respect, the Dixie Diner of Thurmont was no different. According to Kinnaird, the old Dixie Diner was housed within a streetcar that was once used on the Hagerstown & Frederick (H&F) Railroad.

Kinnaird stated, “It is a good bet that the streetcar was purchased by the diner owners directly from the H&F, and then had it transported via the H&F to Thurmont.”

At some point in time during the diner’s operation, a second car was added in order to accommodate the increase in patronage. The mayor stated that “At this time, all the traffic on Rt. 15 passed this location.”

Not only did the Fogles live in a house adjacent to the diner, but Leonard Fogle also owned a garage located next to the diner, being strategically located in proximity to Route 15, Leonard sold fuel and repaired trucks. The name of the enterprise was given as having been the Dixie Diner & Service Station in a 1950 advertisem*nt.

Offbeat Incidents

Sometime during the night of August 19, 1940, after the diner was closed, a thief apparently entered the diner via the rear window, according to August 20, 1940, The Frederick Post, which further noted, “Authorities are inclined to believe the prowler was a man familiar with the establishment.”

The theft was discovered upon opening the diner the next morning at 6:00 a.m. by waitress Audrey Ecker. The thief reportedly had stolen “between $7 and $10.”

Another theft was reported by The Frederick Post on October 13, 1947, when a wallet, believed to have been unknowingly dropped on the floor while patron Sherman Shuff reportedly was in the diner. The wallet was subsequently recovered by a puppy belonging to Anna M. Jones. The dog found the wallet in a creek on East Street and then “proudly” presented his find to Jones.

The newspaper reported that various contents of the wallet were seemingly intact, except for the money it had contained, which was missing.

The Demise of the Diners

Kinnaird stated that the diner had “closed around 1958 after the Route 15 bypass opened,” adding, “After shutting the Dixie Dinner, the then-owner, Jim Steele, opened his restaurant at Franklinville.”

So, what led to the demise of America’s diners, overall?

Clearly, the Age of the Diner came to an end in the 1960s. Nemick wrote, in The Evolution of the American Diner, “Unfortunately, diners began to find that their clientele were being snatched away to fast-food joints, food chains, and (restaurant) drive-ins,” noting further that the number of diners continued to wain “as motorists and travelers began to choose convenience and speed over traditional dining.”

Diner co-owner Mary Fogle at the Dixie Diner after having added a second streetcar.

maryland bicentennial,1988

Richard D. L. Fulton

On February 15, 1988, the United States Postal Service issued a set of 50 22-cent stamps commemorating when each of the 50 states had achieved statehood, one of which was devoted to Maryland.

Each state’s stamps were featured on First Day of Issue covers (FDCs) when the stamps had been initially made available to the public. FDCs of the Maryland stamp were cancelled in the Annapolis Post Office – Annapolis, of course, being the capitol of the state.

The Maryland stamp featured a skipjack (two-sailed fishing boats used particularly for harvesting oysters) displayed with the Maryland statehouse within the background.

The skipjack was also designated as being the “State Boat” in 1985. The Maryland statehouse is the oldest state capital building that has been in continual legislative use since its establishment and had additionally served as the nation’s capital building from November 26, 1783 to August 13, 1784.

Maryland, initially established as a British colony and province, actually became a state twice… and nearly became a third one.

The First State of Maryland

The first United States of America was established with the passage of the Articles of Confederation. The proposal to unite the then-existing but seceded British colonies into a united form of governance under the auspices of a central (federal) government had been approved by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, before the American Revolution had even concluded.

Subsequently, the congressionally approved Articles of Confederation were ratified into law by the 13 autonomous, ex-colonies in 1781, thereby resulting in each of the former colonies becoming the first states of America.

Naturally, Maryland was among the newly founded states. Under the Articles of Confederation, Maryland, and her sister states, thrived under the limited power of the federal government… for a time, just shy of a decade.

In the wake of the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, there were dissenters seeking to “overthrow” the newly formed United States, and create a new, second United States of America, headed up by a more powerful form of central (federal) government.

The Second State of Maryland

The proposal to secede from the (first) United States and replace it with a second version was not a thoroughly popular idea.

In fact, the idea was so unpopular from the outset that the soon-to-be founding fathers, under the guise of holding a Constitutional Convention with the stated purpose to revise the Articles of Confederation, hid themselves away in the Pennsylvania State House, locking the door and posting guards, with the intent to dissolve the Articles of Confederation, and replace it with a new constitution – which, basically they had feared, could constitute an act of insurrection.

When the proposed new constitution was fully disclosed to the general population, and the road to ratification had been initiated, the “founders” managed to avoid having the new constitution ratified by each of the state legislatures, knowing that most would be reluctant to authorize surrendering their more lenient individual autonomy, as had been established under the Articles of Confederation, to founding a more heavy-handed form of central governance.

As was noted in The Constitution: How Did it Happen? (National Archives),“The Anti-Federalists fought hard against the Constitution because it created a powerful central government that reminded them of the one they had just overthrown… The ratification campaign was a nail-biter.”

Nevertheless, the effort succeeded, and Maryland officially became a state (again) on April 28, 1788 (although the newly ratified Constitution did not take effect until March 9, 1789), when Maryland’s appointed representatives cast their vote to ratify the United States Constitution. Maryland was the seventh state of the 13 states to do so.

The Confederate State of Maryland?

But a subsequent war, which erupted between the states in 1861, saw Marylanders launching an effort to a new statehood, this time under the constitution of the Confederate States of America.

However, “Confederate Maryland” will be further addressed in the next column, Maryland on Stamps… Antietam, in the September issue of the Catoctin Banner).

First Day of Issue Cover of Maryland’s Bicentennial stamp with 22K gold version insert.

by James Rada, Jr.

Thurmont

Commission Openings

The Town of Thurmont is seeking volunteers to serve on the town’s planning and zoning commission, police commission, and ethics commission. Anyone interested in serving on one of the commissions should submit their interest in writing to blong@thurmontstaff.com or to the town office by July 2 6.

National Night Out Celebration Announced

Thurmont Police will host National Night Out on August 6 from 6:00 to 7:30p.m. at the Thurmont Police Department at 800 E. Main Street in Thurmont. The event is a chance to meet the Thurmont Police and representatives from other emergency services and community organizations. There will be music, free food, emergency vehicle displays, information booths, pony rides, a bounce house, giveaways, and more.

Stump Grinder Purchased

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners voted to purchase a stump grinder attachment for the town’s skid loader for $7,961 from Rippeon Equipment of Frederick. Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick noted that it could quickly pay for itself because bids he received to grind four stumps in Community Parkrecently totaled around $2,000. The stump grinder will be purchased with unused capital improvement funds from last year’s budget.

THURMONT

Mayor John Kinnaird

It is hard to believe that we are halfway through 2024! It seems like just lastmonth it was cold and wet, and now here we are in one of the hottest summers on record. Please be careful when we see temperatures in the mid and upper 90s and high humidity. Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to heat induced issues, including heat stroke. Be sure to keep hydrated, stay indoors if possible, and do not over-exert yourself. Also, keep in mind, our four-legged friends are also suffering when the temps get above 90 degrees.

Summertime also means that our children are on summer break. Kids will be out on their bikes, skateboards, or running and playing. Please be on the lookout for children as you drive, as they may not always be aware of their surroundings and cars as they are playing. Driving the speed limit and watching for our younger residents will keep everyone safer this summer.

Major changes are being made at the Community Park Tennis Courts. The old courts have served us well and are in the process of being replaced with entirelynew court surfaces, nets, fences, lights, and markings. Please be patient as this work progresses.

A major remodeling is underway at the Thurmont Bank Building on the Square! This work will include the creation of new commercial spaces on the first floor and several apartments on the second and third floors. This project has been a long time coming, and we have all watched as several proposals were made but never materialized. The Thurmont Bank Building is the centerpiece of our community, having stood on the corner of West Main and Water Street since 1891. The bank was established by Samuel Birely and Van Osler in 1889 and served our community for several generations. During the time since 1891, the bank became a National Bank and actually issued its own currency for a short time. Many will remember the apartment on the upper floors and the people that occupied them, including our beloved teacher, Ethel Crawford. The bank remained in local hands for most of its life, but in later years, it changed hands several times, eventually becoming a branch of the Bank of America. Eventually, Bank of America closed smaller, less productive branches, and our bank was closed. The property sat vacant for several years and was eventually auctioned. I tried to get our Board of Commissioners to purchase the building at auction and it sold to an investment firm in Florida for a little over $200,000.00, which was a true bargain for such a substantial and historic building. They, in turn, sold it to a couple that had ideas of opening an ever-changing list of small businesses in the property. The building was completely gutted, making the renovation a major project. Everyone remembers the anticipation, then let down, as plans were revealed and then scrapped several times due to the cost of remodeling. The building is now owned by a local company, and they are getting ready to completely rebuild the interior. As I noted, the first floor will have commercial space and the upper floors will once again be apartments. I look forward to the completion of the long-awaited renewal of this Thurmont landmark. Karen and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer.

Do you have and questions, comments, or suggestions? I can be reached by cell phone at 301-606-9458 or by email at jkinnaird@thurmont.com.

Emmitsburg

Mayor Frank Davis

Town Approves Parking Lot Bid

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners approved a bid for the construction of a 10-space parking lot at Rainbow Lake. The work also includes a stormwater management bioretention facility, asphalt pavement, site restoration, landscaping, and other related items. Superior Facilities Management was the low bidder and won the contract for $125,558.69. Funding comes from Program Open Space and LPPI grants that require a 25 percent town match.

Multi-user Trail Bid Approved

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners approved a bid to build a multiuser trail on town property. It will be in the Rainbow Lake watershed area. The proposed red loop trail will be 2.8 miles long. The trail needs 1.5 miles redesigning and 1.3 miles of damaged trail relocated. The relocation will also add .2 miles to the trail, bringing the total length to 3 miles. Greenstone Trailcraft of Frederick won the contract for $89,620. Funding comes from a Program Open Space grant that requires a 10 percent match.

Sitework Approved for New Restroom/Concession Stand

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners approved a bid for the sitework for the new pre-fabricated restroom/concession stand in E. Eugene Myers Park. Ox Construction of New Windsor won the bid for $79,950.

Grant Awarded

The Town of Emmitsburg was recently awarded at $3,179.33 TRIPP grant. The grant requires a $1,589.67 match and will allow the town to advertise itself as a tourism destination in the 2025 Destination Gettysburg and 2025 Visit Frederick guides.

Woodsboro

Burgess Heath Barnes

Happy Independence Day, aka 4th of July. I hope each of you has a safe holiday with family and friends. If you celebrate with fireworks , please use caution, as the weather has been hot and things can be dry.

At our June 11th meeting, we had more town residents in attendance than we have had at a meeting in my tenure as burgess. This was to be expected with the voting for the budget, but it was also nice to have that many people in attendance, as we were to be voting on moving forward with the town hall

building or not. The meeting started with a discussion about the town hall.

Initially, when we sent it out for bids several months ago, the lowest bid came in

at $1.6 million, and the builder we chose came in at about $1.8 million. This was out of our price range, so we sent it back to the builder and asked for cuts. The new proposal came in at $1.4 million. With the $400,000 that I secured in grants from the state during Governor Larry Hogan’s last year in office and taking out

$200,000 from town reserves. This would require us to take out an $800,000 loan from Woodsboro Bank, with about a $4,500-$4,700 per month mortgage payment. After a lively discussion, it was tabled until the end of the meeting, as a few council members were not comfortable with the cost. When we restarted

the discussion, the council was still at a standstill. I gave my opinion that the longer we waited, the more expensive it would become. Several comments came in from the public, and one said let’s poll the audience. At that point, we asked, and 17 of the 22 in the audience raised their hands in favor. At that point, Commissioner Eckenrode made a motion to move forward. Commissioner Rittelmeyer seconded the motion. Commissioner Cutshall and Commissioner Case voted no. At that point, it was a 2-2 vote. Per town code, the burgess would

break the tie. I voted yes, and the town hall project was approved. The builder has told us we should be in the building by late spring 2025.

At the monthly meeting, we also discussed some issues we are having with the wastewater plant. We have plans in place to fix some issues that are happening; however, we have also been hit with a surprise resignation of our town water and sewage plant operator, with his last day being August 31, 2024.

We are currently actively seeking his replacement. We are running a 20-year wastewater plant that was put in 22 years ago. Unfortunately, the town did not have a strategic plan in place for the replacement of it in 20 years, which is, unfortunately, why we had no choice but to increase water and sewage rates.

If we had not received $974,000 in the American Rescue Plan funds, where $750,000 of it went to the water plant, we would be in worse shape than we are. With the additional funds, we should hopefully be able to get all things completed in the next 12 months.

On July 4th, there will be a free event in the park with amateur singers, open to the public to sing along, with food trucks and activities. This is put on by town resident Joe Williams. This is not an event that is put on by the town, but it is nice to see the park bandshell being used for events. All are welcome to

attend.

As always, I encourage everyone to support Glade Valley Community Services (GVCS) if you have clothes or food donations, as they are always in need of items for members of the community. For more information, please contact GVCS by email at gvcs.inc@verizon.net or call 301-845-0213.

If you have any questions, concerns, complaints, or compliments, please feel free to reach out to me at hbarnes@woodsboro.org or by phone at 301-401-7164.

Woodsboro town meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. In addition, planning and zoning meetings ar e at 6:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, as needed. If you have an item for the agenda, it needs to be submitted 14 days before the P&Z meeting. The current location for meetings is St. Johns United Church of Christ, located at 8 N. 2nd Street, Woodsboro, MD21798. The public is always invited to attend.

E m m i t s b u r g B o w l i n g L a n e s

Emmitsburg Recreation Center, which once contained the Emmitsburg Lanes bowling alleys, was located across an alley from the existing laundromat on West Main Street and was in operation from the 1940s until 1965.

The building housing the recreation center was described by The (Frederick) News, in 1965, as having been “two stories tall in the front with three apartments over the snack bar,” and that “the back of the building drops down to a one-story level over the bowling alley.”

The Emmitsburg Recreation Center and the inclusive Emmitsburg Lanes were owned and operated by Charles A. Harner, who owned other theaters as well. The center served as the host to numerous tournaments during its existence, in addition to sponsoring local leagues and teams. The News noted in 1951 that the center had established the “Civil League,” consisting of 12 teams.

Things didn’t always go well at the center. The News reported on November 14, 1950, that Harner “is recovering at his home from injuries received when two men gave him a brutal beating at his place of business.” His injuries landed him in the Annie E. Warner Hospital (later known as the Gettysburg Hospital) for a week before his release.

Sometime during 1958, three individuals broke into the center and stole some $35 from a soda machine, cash register, and a tray that contained $20 in pennies, according to The News. This and other acts resulted in two of the participants being remanded over to the Maryland House of Corrections. A third suspect was awaiting a hearing in the juvenile court.

On March 25, 1965, the glory days of the Emmitsburg Recreation Center came to a disastrous end in a raging blaze, covered by newspapers from Cumberland to Frederick to Baltimore. The morning after the fire, the top headline of The News read, “Blaze Ruins Recreation Center.”

The News reported that the fire had been initially reported around 11:35 p.m. on March 25, and that the fire had spread throughout “the entire first story of the building, including a 10-lane bowling alley and a snack bar.”

According to The (Baltimore) Evening Sun, state police stated that the fire had been started in a deep-fryer in the snack bar of the Recreation Bowling Lanes,” and then “spread rapidly through the restaurant and bowling alleys.” More specifically, The News reported that the fire had started “from an overheated deep fry pan when grease exploded and set the restaurant section of the brick building on fire.”

More than 70 firefighters rushed to the scene of the blaze, The News stated, which included firefighters from Emmitsburg, Thurmont, and the Citizens Company of Frederick. The newspaper reported that the firefighters had battled the blaze for more than six hours, and the smoldering embers continued to be doused with water even longer until there was no chance of the fire rekindling itself.

The News reported that the fire companies were shooting water from their hoses onto the burning building from the rooftops of the laundromat and the United Church of Christ, and that the blaze had raged “uncontrollably” from 11:35 p.m. to around 1:00 a.m.

The Cumberland News reported that “A woman and her three children were rescued by ladder from the smoke-filled apartment on the second floor.” The News identified the four individuals as “Mrs. Andrew Michell, and her three children, all under four years of age,” further noting that the rescue had been conducted by members of the Emmitsburg Fire Company (predecessor of the Vigilant Hose Company),

Two couples living in the other apartments had made their own way out to safety. The News identified them as having been Mr. and Mrs. Henry Troxell and Mr. and Mrs. Junior Manahan, all of whom had found their way out “through the dense smoke,” further stating that several bowling alley patrons had also managed to escape the smoke and fire.

The Sun reported that state police had stated that the building had sustained an estimated $70,000 in damages in the fire. The News noted that the building was covered by insurance, but the contents of the restaurant, which was managed by William Boyd, were not covered. The apartments were not burned but had sustained smoke and water damage.

One Emmitsburg fireman had been overcome by smoke and was transported to the Annie E. Warner Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Harner never re-opened the center or the bowling alleys.

Unidentified bowlers at Emmitsburg Recreation Center.

Richard D. L. Fulton

Annapolis Tercentenary, 1949

On May 23, 1949, the United States Postal Service commemorated the 300^th anniversary of the establishment of Annapolis as the capital of Maryland via the issuance of a three-cent stamp.

First Day of Issue cancellations of the stamps were conducted at the post office in Annapolis—the first capital of Maryland, and at the Washington, D.C., headquarters of the United States Postal Service. To collectors, the Annapolis cancellation is more desirable than the Washington, D.C. cancellation.

Further, the First Day of Issue cancellations issued at Annapolis bore the correct date of the Tercentenary (May 23, 1949), while the same issued at the D.C. post office bore the next day’s date (May 24, 1949).

Annapolis’ road to being recognized as Maryland’s capital began when Leonard Calvert, along with 140 to 150 Catholic and Protestant settlers, set sail from the Isle of Wight, England, and ventured up the Potomac River, whereon on March 25, 1633, they founded Saint Mary’s City. Doing so resulted in Saint Mary’s City then being recognized as Maryland’s first European settlement and the Province of Maryland’s first capital.

Maryland was, of course, a British colony at the time, and was thus deemed as the Province of Maryland, Maryland, having been named in honor of Henrietta Maria of France, queen of England, Scotland and Ireland (coincidentally, her husband was executed in the wake of the English Civil War in the same year Annapolis was named as Maryland’s capital). Likewise, Saint Mary’s City was also named in her honor.

By the late 1640s, settlers had already begun to fan out in the area that would ultimately become both Anne Arundel County (established as a county in 1650), and Annapolis. Forty-four years later, in 1694, the then provisional Governor Francis Nicholson, along with the Maryland General Assembly, elected to move Maryland’s capital from Saint Mary’s City to more centrally located Anne Arundel County.

As a result, Saint Mary’s City was abandoned. The location of the original Saint Mary’s City can only be ascertained through archaeological excavations, according to hsmcdigshistory.org, although the city was essentially reborn when it eventually “rose from the grave,” beginning in the early 1900s, Today, it boasts a population of around 1,000 residents and some 1,500 students housed in association with the city’s educational institutions.

Before the provincial capital was moved from Saint Mary’s City, the settlements around what would become Annapolis were initially called Providence, and subsequently, Anne Arundel’s Towne, according to annapolis.gov. The name was changed to Annapolis (meaning Anne’s Town or City) when the town was designated as the new provincial capital.

Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel’s Towne, and Annapolis were all named in honor of Anne Arundel, whose name is also spelled as Anne Arundell, and even Arrundell, who had married Cecil Calvert, the Second Lord Baltimore. Although she never came to America, she was honored in Maryland as the result of spending much of her inheritance from her father, Lord Thomas Arundell, to help fund the new colony of Maryland.

Anne Arundel’s royal badge, which is a crown over the entwined thistle of Scotland and Tudor rose of England, is depicted on the Annapolis flag, according to annapolis.gov.

Maryland became a state when it ratified the United States Constitution on April 28, 1788, and retained Annapolis as being the state’s capital. Maryland actually became a state twice. First under the Articles of Confederation, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777. The adoption of the Constitution on April 28, 1788, effectively disbanded the first United States that had been established under the Articles of Confederation.

Annapolis.gov stated that “Today, Annapolis has more of these original 18th-century structures standing than any other city in the United States.”

Once known as the “Athens of America,” due to its early “wealth of cultural activities, a glittering social season. gracious hospitality, and intellectual stimulation,” the city has grown to a population of over 40,000 residents, numerous educational institutions, and even serves as home to the prestigious United States Naval Academy.

First Day Cover of Annapolis Tercentenary stamp, cancelled May 23,1949.

Richard D. L. Fulton

The “Great Maryland Gold Rush,” which raged from the 1860s into the 1920s, petering out by 1940, was triggered by pure happenstance when gold was discovered there during the American Civil War.

Gold was reportedly discovered on a farm belonging to Samuel Ellicott, located near Brookville, Montgomery County, Maryland, during 1849; although, it apparently attracted little attention and was left largely unexplored.

One of the earliest newspaper reports of the find appeared in the January 31, 1849, edition of The Rockville Journal, in which it was stated, “Gold has been found on Mr. Ellicott’s farm in this county. It is thought there is an abundance of the metal there. A specimen was sent to the Philadelphia mint, which was pronounced genuine.” The story was reprinted in the February 2, 1849, edition of The (Boston) Liberator.

The sample submitted was more than likely a specimen mentioned in an article published in a February issue of the Howard Gazette, and reprinted in the February 5, 1849, edition of The (Baltimore) Sun, in which the Gazette stated “that a rock had been found on the farm which contained “a hundred dollars’ worth of gold.”

In today’s monetary evaluation, $100 would equate to $3,777, without taking the valuation of today’s value of gold per ounce into account. In the 1840s, gold was trading at about $18 per ounce. Today, gold can fetch $2,374 per ounce.

However, the actual amount of gold contained within the aforementioned rock was not given. But if the value of gold in the 1840s was at $18 per ounce, it would suggest by the $100 claim that the sample could have contained around 5.5 ounces. That 5.5 ounces of gold today could bring more than $13,000.

The rise in the interest in Maryland gold has generally been attributed to having been spurred by the discovery of gold at Great Falls, Montgomery County, Maryland, in 1861, a discovery directly tied to the advent of the American Civil War.

When Union troops were stationed at Great Falls on The Potomac River in 1861, Private McCleary (or McCarey) of the 71st Pennsylvania Regiment (or “1st California Volunteers”) was scrubbing skillets in the water for the camp cooks, when he recognized gold in the skillets, according to the C&O Canal Trust.

“After the war, he returned to the area, bought some farmland, and started mining for gold in Montgomery County,” C&O Canal Trust noted on its website. A particular Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park wayside states that McCleary and some of his friends had only recovered around 11 ounces for their effort, which would have amounted to more than $26,000 in value.

McCleary’s find prompted a flurry in the establishment of gold mines, as investors sought to strike it rich in Maryland gold… leading to the first mine shaft sunk into Maryland soil in 1880.

By 1890, The (Baltimore) Sun reported in its February 24 issue, “The development of the mining industry in Montgomery County has made remarkable progress within the last six months, and there are no less than six mines being actively operated.” The newspaper identified the owners of the half-dozen mines as the Huddlestone mine, the Potomac Mining Company, the Iowa Mining Company, and by a number of private individuals.”

In 1900, the Maryland Gold Mining Company was formed, and the Great Falls Gold Mining Company was created in 1903 or 1904, according to the United States Geological Survey (Bulletin 1286). The Maryland Gold Mining Company folded in 1908. Following the closure of the Maryland Gold Mining Company, the site was reopened and operated under several guises, the last of which was called the Maryland Mining Company.

By 1910, gold recovery increased in interest, but The Sun reported that the layers containing the gold could be elusive and “unevenly distributed,” to the degree that profits had not lived up to expectations. “The value of the output of gold in Maryland is very variable,” the newspaper reported, adding, “It has reached as much as $25,000 annually, while in other years none has been produced.”

Most of the gold mines at this point in time, The Sun reported, were located “near the southern edge of Montgomery County near the Great Falls of the Potomac.”

By the 1930s, the quest for gold continued to decline in productivity. The Sun reported on August 4, 1935, “The annual production of gold in Maryland has been $71,583, virtually all of which was produced prior to 1906.”

By 1935, gold finds were reported all the way into Frederick County near Frederick City and in Braddock Heights. Six gold mines (actually, multi-commodity mines, of which one commodity included gold) were established in Frederick County. All told, gold was eventually reported in half a dozen Maryland counties. However, many of these reported finds did not result in the development of mines.

By 1940—when the last commercial gold mining company ceased operation—more than 45 gold mines had been dug in Maryland. In the course of less than 100 years, the total gold production of all the mines combined amounted to some 5,000 ounces. On today’s market, that would only have amounted to about $1,000,000.

The Sun, in 1935, almost forecasted the causations of the end of commercial gold mining operations in the state when it reported that the gold production business had sustained increasing costs of recovery, the result of the spotty occurrence of the gold and the hardness of the host rocks, which increased wear-and-tear on the equipment.

So where did the gold come from? According to the United States Geological Survey, mined gold in Maryland came from the Wissahickon Formation, basically layers of 750-million-year-old schists, gneisses, metagraywackes, and metaconglomerates (for the uninitiated, these are [metamorphic] rocks that were formed from other types of rocks as the result of re-crystallization from excessive heat and pressure exerted [normally] as a by-product of continental collisions).

In these “reformed” rocks, gold tends to occur in veins, usually in quartz veins, which was injected into the various altered rocks when the quartz was still in liquid form.

Free gold (obtained by other means, such as “panning” for gold) occurs as grains, flakes, or nuggets. Most frequently, they are encountered in rivers or streams, where they eroded out of gold veins or from mine tailings (debris from former gold mines).

Basic equipment needed for panning for gold would be a pan; it can even be plastic. Steel is not recommended because it can rust. A small plastic see-through vial or bottle will also be needed to keep any gold or suspected gold in as one finds it. Other equipment one might need includes a shovel, pick, trowel, bucket, screen, and suction tweezers. Panning kits are also available online, which would include almost all of the essential tools.

Next, you would need a geological map in order to locate where any metamorphic rocks are located.

For those possibly interested in searching for gold in Maryland, according to the Maryland Geological Survey (Gold in Maryland, by Karen R. Kuff, 1987), Maryland has strict property rights laws, and panning and prospecting must be done with permission from the property owner.

Collecting of rocks is prohibited on state- and federal-owned lands unless permission is obtained from the appropriate agencies.

For additional information on panning for gold, recommended is the Maryland Geological Survey website at mgs.md.gov/geology/gold_resources.html.

Ruins of Maryland’s abandoned gold mine.

Large multi-inch vein gold from Maryland mine.

Submitted by Joan Bittner Fry

Here are some news items from Sabillasville from 1915. I wonder how they might be reported on social media today.

July 13, 1915

Ross Brown has completed his new barn.

Rev. M.L. Firor, who has been at the hospital for five weeks, is able to preach again.

George Small has opened a boarding house in the brick house known as the A. H Anders home.

Guy Eby, who was at the Frederick city hospital for the past ten weeks with typhoid fever, has returned home.

Rev. Firor’s son, Whitmore, goes to Frederick every Friday to take violin lessons.

Mrs. Alice Working is erecting a new dwelling. Wm. E. Bentzel is doing the carpenter work.

Children’s Day service was held in the Reformed church Sunday with a good attendance.

The Reformed church has been made new inside by painting, murescoing, and other improvements.

Amos Ferguson who has been confined to his room for the past nine weeks with typhoid fever is now out.

The wheat crop was an average one. The corn looks promising, Fruit will be in abundance throughout the valley.

Mrs. Dorothy H. Pryor’s funeral took place near Foxville. She was in her 89^th year.

C. C. Pryor, who fell on the ice last Christmas day, has not fully recovered yet. He walks with crutches. His leg was injured. He is a very heavy man, weighing 300 pounds. He is not able to lie down at night but sits in a chair ever since the fall.

July 20, 1915

Mary, daughter of Samuel A. Arnsparger, went to Baltimore a few days ago to visit her sister, Nora Chenoweth. After there a day or two, she died suddenly. Her body was brought home on Monday and buried on Wednesday.

The automobile fever is running at about 110 degrees. The usual number that pass through Sabillasville on Sunday is an average of 70. Last Sunday, 81 passed through here. This travel is wearing out our macadamized road between here and Blue Ridge Summit.

Earl Eby is planning to build a dwelling on land he purchased from C.N. Stem.

Jesse Poole is under Dr. Mentzer’s hands for treatment of an injured eye.

An unusual thing with the housekeepers this summer, at which they rejoice, is the failure of the fly crop.

Josiah Wilhide, who was confined to his room the past eight months, died Monday. He was helpless all these months. Funeral in Thurmont.

The Reformed church will hold its annual picnic August 21 in Mrs. Pryor’s grove.

September 1, 1915

The enterprising men of the town are oiling the streets, which is quite an improvement. Sabillasville is an old town but it’s always up to date.

Miss Nellie Rouzer has just returned to Baltimore after spending several weeks with her sister, Mrs. D. O Harbaugh.

The farmers are complaining very much of the potato rot. One farmer lost about a thousand bushels.

Peter Harbaugh and M. Sheffer of Fairfield spent Sunday in town calling on their friends.

Joseph Smith, formerly of this place, who has been living in Oregon for the past fifty years, is on a visit here. He expects to spend several weeks in this neighborhood.

A new telegraph office was recently built here by the W.M.Ry. (Western Maryland Railway). It is in charge of three operators, each working eight hours.

Jesse Poole, who was recently graduated from the business school in Waynesboro will take charge of the commercial department in the high school at Thurmont next week.

Prospects for large porkers are good as usual.

Owing to the fire blight, the apple crop is very light across the valley.

Well, Beat the Heat by Giving Your Furry Friend a Cool Treat!

by Mitchell Tester, College Student

With the 90-degree weather as of late, summer is finally starting to really heat up. Ice cream, pool parties, the beach, and much more, are all staples of a good summer. Although, what about the much fluffier part of our family? Taking extra steps to ensure your dog is safe this summer is vital to having them enjoy summer just as much as you do.

Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat to cool themselves down. The only way they have to cool themselves down is to pant, as well as release heat through their paw pads and nose. Pair that with all their fur, and it means that the heat can get to them much easier than it can us. This puts dogs at a greater risk for overheating.

Humidity during these summer days is also a factor, the more humid it is, the greater the risk for overheating and, in extreme cases, heat stroke. Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that can occur in your dog very quickly if they are not cared for. Early signs of heat stroke in dogs can include: inability to move or stand, rapid panting, red or dark pink gums, and diarrhea. If you believe your dog is suffering from heat stroke, contact a vet immediately.

To avoid a situation as tragic as your furry friend getting heat stroke, certain actions can be taken to keep them safe in the heat. One very important action to be taken is to keep them well hydrated throughout the day, ensuring that they always have access to fresh, cool water. If weather conditions are above 90 degrees, it is best to keep your pet inside and only allow them to be outside for no more than 10-20 minutes at a time. If they are outside, provide them with an ample amount of shade and water. You should never leave your dog in a car during temps of 70 and above for any amount of time, no matter the circ*mstances. In fact, a parked car in 70-degree weather can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. It is also important to note that leaving the car with the windows open does not lower the temperature inside the car to make it safe enough for your pet; it would only provide some ventilation, which does not make it safe. It is best to leave your dog at home while you run errands or have someone in the car with the A/C blasting while your furry friend stays in the car.

What about a cool treat for your furry friend? There are many treats you can make at home to help cool your dog off in the summer heat, including freezing a mashed banana and peanut butter inside a toy Kong or chilling carrots in the freezer.

Another effective way to cool off your furry friend quickly is a paddling pool. Positioned in a shady spot, this can provide a refreshing escape for your dog. Fill the pool halfway with cold—not freezing—water, and add some toys to make it extra fun!

Providing your dog with fresh cool water at all times throughout the day, not leaving them in the car, in 90-degree weather allowing them to be out for no longer than 20 minutes at a time, and providing them always with ample amounts of shade when outside are just some of the ways you can ensure that the furry member of your family stays safe and healthy this summer season!

Submitted by Joan Bittner Fry

From the Record Herald, Waynesboro, PA, 1951, by Carol Woster

It has long been debated whether teaching aids, learning games, films, or the preponderance of gimmicky books that flood present-day classrooms add much to the serious business of teaching.

And learning is what the late George Willis Manahan deemed it: serious business. A former pupil recently conjectured what Manahan would think if he could walk into a modern-day classroom. One got the idea he might not like some of what he saw.

The consensus of opinion seems to be that Mr. Manahan taught a well-rounded approach to subjects, offering at the same time skills that held a pupil in good stead no matter what field the student entered.

Former pupil, Paul Fry (late, of Sabillasville), says when you went to school with him, you could spell 25 words each day, about 67 new words each week. “He taught sixth and seventh grades and 13 subjects, and he rarely missed class. He believed (at minimum) everyone should be able to read and write his name, count money, and read to find out what was going on. He had discipline; he wasn’t afraid of you; the majority of students respected him and parents did too.”

Fry said Manahan was not opposed to giving a thrashing now and then, but after it was over, all was forgotten and amends were usually pretty quickly made. Citing examples from his own work interests, Fry tells how Mr. Manahan used the ‘simplest ways’ to explain the most complicated of learning areas: finding meridian distance, square roots, and logarithms. Fry says he has done a lot of surveying because of the interest Manahan showed in teaching.

Well-known play director, Alan Schneider* praises his school days under the tutelage of Manahan. “He not only gave me confidence, he impressed me with the gentility and manners of American tradition. Schneider says he owes Manahan a ‘great debt’ for all his learning.

Concludes a former student, “To me, he was the greatest – if you made an effort, he couldn’t do enough to help you. He smiled when he thought he had done some good.”

We found Mr. Manahan’s daughter, Mrs. Florence Kipe, sitting with her husband, Oliver, on their porch, banked on either side by large lavender rhododendrons at the foot of Skunk Hollow Road. As early evening spread over the hilly landscape beyond and some of it parceled into growing corn fields, we spoke of her father and her earlier life.

She had been born the youngest of four at the picturesque farm located directly across from our view, now owned by Chester Willard. It had been a family home where they sold vegetables, chickens, and eggs to the State Tuberculosis Sanatorium up on the hill.

When asked if he had been taught by his wife’s father, Kipe said he had to go to school at Friend’s Creek. “I’m sorry I didn’t get taught by him.” Kipe, the son of a Church of God minister, was born at Smithville, Pennsylvania and ‘moved about 30 times’ in this northern Maryland area.

Mrs. Kipe said she was taught by her father. For the first three years, however, she was taught by Miss Frances Rowe of Emmitsburg. Mrs. Kipe recounted that her father was born on April 8, 1866 and was married to Virginia Miller, also of Sabillasville. Their children were Mrs. Earl Eby (Mabel), Paul Manahan, Emma Manahan, and herself.

“He started teaching when he was 19 and taught for 42 years.” All but a couple of months were spent at the former schoolhouse on Harbaugh Valley Road (now a residence next to St. John’s Parish Hall). Mrs. Kipe said her father didn’t go to college but attended summer school sessions in Baltimore.

*Alan Schneider (1917 – 1984) was an American theatre director responsible for more than 100 theater productions. In 1984 he was honored with a Drama Desk Special Award for serving a wide range of playwrights.

GEORGE WILLIS MANAHAN, 85 (1866-1951), retired teacher and surveyor of Thurmont, died last night at his home. He had earlier resided in Sabillasville, where he taught school for 42 years. He was a surveyor for 65 years.

He was a member of the Sabillasville Reformed Church. He was superintendent of the Sunday School for a number of years. He was a member of the Junior O.U.A.M. at Cascade.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia C. (Miller) Manahan, and the following children: Mrs. Earl (Mabel) Eby, Sabillasville; Miss Emma Manahan, Thurmont; Paul Manahan, Decatur, Ga.; Mrs. Oliver (Florence) Kipe, Sabillasville; 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Also one sister, Mrs. Charles Brillhart, Hagerstown.

Richard D. L. Fulton

For decades, covered bridges, seemingly having been located in the most idyllic locations, have mesmerized writers, artists, photographers, tourists, and the countless casual observers.

But covered bridges were never erected with a pleasant setting or with architectural aesthetics in mind, and much in the way of misconception as to their origin and reason for even existing, has, at times, supplanted the facts.

Where did they decide to build these bridges and why? Why did they even attach roofs on the bridges?

“In the beginning,” before the proliferation of bridges during the Age of the Horse and Buggy, the primary means to get from one side of a stream to another was generally accomplished at a ford, where the water level was generally low enough to permit crossing.

However, fords could prove to be especially hazardous during stormy weather, which caused the water levels to rise along with the velocity of the water. Many bridges were initially constructed based on the number of drownings or near-drownings that had taken place at any given ford.

Subsequently, wooden bridges were also erected to provide a shortcut if the distance between the fords was overly excessive.

The first bridges were simple, uncovered structures. The floorboards, support, and side beams (called trusses) were subject to deterioration caused by rain and snow, as well as alternating freezes and thaws, thus resulting in continuous work on the bridges in order to maintain their integrity.

The first American “covered bridges” appeared in the 1700s when bridge engineers realized that the lifespan of a wooden bridges’ construct could be substantially increased if the side beams (truss work) could be sheathed in wood. In other words, the siding would take the brunt of the impact of adverse weather, in place of the actual support structure of the bridge.

However, before jumping to the conclusion that this is when the traditional roofed covered bridge concept was born, well, it was at least a beginning, because the first covered bridges had only their sides sheathed in planking, but they did not have a roof. Instead, each side had a peaked cap.

These were called “boxed bridges,” of which few have survived to be seen today (one of the longest surviving boxed bridges exists in the Ralph Stover State Park in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

However, as bridge engineering evolved, so did the development of the truss work that held them up. Yet, these new truss designs required the sides to be higher, and if only the sides were sheathed, this would have made them especially susceptible to collapsing in high winds.

The only obvious solution was to provide crossbeams to keep the sides upright. It was also determined that if a roof was added, it would further stabilize the entire structure. This “revelation” is generally credited to Swiss and German bridge engineers.

Thus, the true covered bridge was born, and the fact that the sheathing would prolong the life of the bridge far exceeded even their initial projections. Some of these bridges are still around and continue to be utilized by modern traffic 150 years after their original construction (some had steel beams added to their undersides to help with the added weight of modern-day vehicles).

The first true covered bridge was the Market Street Covered Bridge erected in 1805 in Philadelphia. After that, hundreds were constructed over rivers and streams in numerous states (some erected in the South were constructed without the side-sheathing… apparently, they “didn’t get the memo.”).

Why do they all resemble barns? While the covered bridges were often designed by bridge engineers, most of them were erected by local barn-builders and woodworkers, so the mutual appearance is by no means merely coincidental!

Why are they always painted red or white? The bridges, like so many local farm buildings themselves, were painted according to the cheapest pigments available. Red paint was used where iron oxides (such as limonite) were readily available (white was sometimes added on the portals so that the locations of the sides could be readily recognized in the dark or during severe weather). White paint was used where lime was more abundant (cheaper).

It should be noted here that “covered bridges” actually appeared during “Biblical times,” throughout Asia and Europe, but they were generally constructed of stone, with a roof added to enable the bridges to further double as indoor marketplaces.

Contrary to popular folklore, the bridges were not sheathed and covered to keep horses from panicking during a crossing. Not only was this never even a consideration, but those in the south where the sides weren’t sheathed, further dismissed that.

Another popular belief was that the bridges were sheathed and roofed to keep snow out. But, in fact, during winter weather, locals would form bucket brigades to “snow the bridge.” If there was no snow inside the bridge, the blades of the horse-drawn sleds would have torn the floorboards up.

So, how did they come to be called “kissing bridges?” Given the frequency of the carved initials of apparently young couples left in the wooden beams of many of the more secluded covered bridges, the reason is better left to the imagination.

By the end of the 1800s, iron and steel had replaced the wood in the construction of bridges, and America’s covered bridges began to gradually vanish, due to their having become the victims of obsoletion, floods, fire and arson, or abandonment.

The Roddy Road Covered Bridge is 40 feet long, 16 feet wide, with a 12-foot-8-inch clearance, built in 1856.

Sachs Covered Bridge, erected in 1854, is located off Pumping Station Road in Adams County, PA

List of Publicly Accessible Covered Bridges in Frederick and Adams Counties

Frederick County Covered Bridges

During the 1800s, there were more than 50 covered bridges that had been erected within Frederick County.

Loy’s Station Covered Bridge was erected in 1880. The 90-foot-long bridge is located where Old Frederick Road spans Owen’s Creek, near Thurmont. The bridge was damaged in an act of arson in 1991, but was subsequently restored.

Roddy Road Covered Bridge was constructed in 1856, and, as the name suggests, carries Roddy Road over Owens Creek, also near Thurmont. The 40-foot-long bridge was repaired in 1993 after an oversized truck damaged it.

Utica Mills Covered Bridge, also constructed in 1850, and today carries Utica Mills Road over Fishing Creek. “Today” is used in reference to the 100-foot-long bridge, which was relocated to its present location from its original location on the Monocacy River after it was destroyed in a flood in 1889.

Adams County Covered Bridges

During the 1800s, there were more than 70 covered bridges that had been erected in Adams County.

Jack’s Mountain Covered Bridge was built in 1890 and conveys Jack’s Mountain Road over Toms Creek near Fairfield. The 75-foot-long bridge is the only covered bridge in Adams County permitting vehicular traffic.

Sachs Covered Bridge, erected in 1854, spans Marsh Creek, and is located within a park located off Pumping Station Road. The 100-foot-long bridge survived the Battle of Gettysburg, but was completely destroyed in a severe flood in 1996. Much of the original wooden beams and other structures were recovered and subsequently incorporated into the rebuilt bridge. The bridge is open to the public. However, vehicles are forbidden to cross.

by James Rada, Jr.

Thurmont

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Approved

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners adopted the budget for Fiscal Year 2025 by adopting the constant yield real estate tax rate of 29.87 cents per $100 of assessed value of the property. The constant yield rate is the rate needed so that the town collects the same amount in taxes as the previous year, even if the assessments increase.

The new budget amounts to $5,311,658 in the general fund.

Also, although property taxes will remain flat, water and sewer rates will drastically increase in July, and electric rates will begin to fluctuate in January 2025 as the town moves to month-to-month rates that will hopefully net a lower overall rate for customers.

Commissioners’ Priorities for POS Money

The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners recently reviewed their priorities for Fiscal Year 2025 Program Open Space funds. Mayor John Kinnaird noted that the fund pool is smaller this year. This could make it more difficult to get needed funding, depending on what the other municipalities in the county are seeking.

The Town of Thurmont is seeking:

$10,000 for a new pavilion, tables, and grills at Carroll Street Park.

$7,500 for a new scoreboard for the new East End Park softball field.

Solar lighting for the Eyler Road Park walkway—$13,000 for the front loop only or $26,000 for the entire loop.

If fully funded, these projects, under the current 90/10 match requirements, would need $4,350 in town funding.

Sewer and Water Rates Could Increase

After a review of the adequacy of water and sewer rates to generate the funds needed to operate, it has been recommended that the rates need to increase by at least 11 percent. The Thurmont Mayor and Board of Commissioners plan on holding a workshop about the rates and investigating the situation further.

Town Makes Annual Contributions

The Town of Thurmont recently presented checks to different organizations in town that provide needed services to town residents. The donations were:

• Guardian Hose Co. – $30,000

• Thurmont Community Ambulance – $30,000

• Thurmont Food Bank – $6,000

• Thurmont Ministerium – $1,000

Appointments Made

The Thurmont Police Department recently welcomed its newest police officer, Eduardo Alfonso Ballesteros, whom Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird swore into the department.

New members were also appointed to the Thurmont Parks and Recreation Commission with staggered terms to avoid having to appoint the entire commission at once. The new members of the commission are:

• Amie McDaniels (term expires May 7, 2028).

• Jim Robbins (term expires May 7, 2028).

• Keith Myers (term expires May 7, 2028).

• Carl Weber (term expires May 7, 2026).

• Wes Hamrick (term expires May 7, 2026).

Emmitsburg

New Soccer League Proposed

A group of citizens approached the Emmitsburg Mayor and Board of Commissioners with a proposal for a new municipal soccer league. Andy Crum, who spoke to the board of commissioners, said that having a sports program in town is something the town has been missing. They submitted a proposal to the town for how the league could be established. It is still in the early stages with the organizers looking for town input and support for the league.

Town Approves Deputy Contract

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2025 contract for law enforcement services with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. The new contract is for $349,806, which is 18.22 percent higher than the previous contract. This includes a 6 percent increase to the deputy pay scale, along with the associated benefits. There is also an increase to the vehicle maintenance rates and fuel costs.

New Park Bathroom/Concession Stand Approved

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners had to approve a new contract with South-Midland for a new pre-fabricated bathroom/concession stand in the E. Eugene Myers Park that will be located near the disc golf course and the ball field. The building is 23’4” x 19’-4” x 9’ high and is precast. The cost includes the delivery to the site.

The board previously approved a cost of $217,124 at the March 4, 2024, town meeting. However, it turned out that cost was no longer valid. The new estimate was for $239,531, which the board approved.

Budget Transfers Approved

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners approved the transfer of excess general fund money from the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The town had a surplus of $446,287 that was transferred to capital improvement projects.

Excess revenue of $243,104 in FY 2023 with interest generated $110,000 additional revenue, and real estate taxes/local income taxes generated at $88,000 additional revenue.

The expenses for FY 2023 were also $203,182 less than anticipated.

Commissioners Get a First Look at the Budget

The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners got their initial look at the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The real estate tax will remain the same at 34 cents per $100 assessed value. Highway User Funds are up, but State Aid to Police will be decreasing. The budget also includes a 2 percent cost-of-living increase for employees, which is below average. It also includes two potential new positions: a town operations specialist and a water and sewer operator.

The proposed general fund budget is $2,525,468, a 16 percent increase over the current year. The proposed general fund capital projects budget is $143,347 with $889,944 to remain in balance.

The proposed stormwater management fund is $26,889, a 459 percent increase over the current year.

The proposed water fund is $215,570, a 1,945 percent increase. It should be noted that this fund will lose money this fiscal year.

The proposed sewer fund is $215,146, a 395 percent increase. It should be noted that this fund will lose money this fiscal year.

THURMONT

Mayor John Kinnaird

On Saturday, May 11, Karen and I attended the remembrance ceremony for Commissioner Bill Buehrer. The gathering was held at Stauffer’s Funeral Home on Opposumtown Pike in Frederick and was well attended. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people there that I knew. Since Bill and I were not social friends, I had the chance to meet many of his and Colleen’s relatives, personal friends, and business associates. Bill and I spent a considerable amount of time together at town meetings and municipal events. He was a true fan and great supporter of Thurmont, and he is missed dearly.

There was no formal service, but Colleen invited anyone to get up and talk about their experiences with Bill and share a humorous story about him. Several got up to speak and told us how Bill had befriended them and how nice a guy he was. After some thought, I got up to the microphone to share my amusing Bill story. But, first, I gave a little background on how Bill and I met. We met sitting in the back row at the town office while attending town meetings. As those who have been here long enough will remember, they were a pretty raucous and discouraging affair. We sat through some pretty bad meetings, and after an especially difficult stretch of meetings, we both told each other that we were going to run for office. There were several things we disagreed with, one being the effort to silence public comment during town meetings, and another was how residents were treated during the meetings. One of the biggest issues we saw was that there was a three-to-two vote on almost everything that came to a vote. Sadly, the majority vote was not always for the good of the community but rather was a vote to railroad something or as a spiteful or vindictive measure. Bill and I ran and were both successful in our campaigns. I proudly served with Bill for 12 years, every one of which was immensely productive for our community.

Now, to my funny story about Bill. We never agreed on everything, but we could each easily have a laugh at the other’s expense. One time, he was upset with me about something, and he couldn’t think of anything to say other than, “At least some of us know how to shine our shoes.” I remember looking at him and asking what the heck that meant! Then, I pointed out that I was dressed in my typical work attire of a workshirt, work pants, and work boots. I also pointed out that he was dressed in his work clothes: a suit, tie, and shiny shoes. I asked him what the difference was, and he couldn’t tell me! We parted good friends that evening, as we did every day we saw each other.

Some people thought Bill was tough or that he could be hard-headed. I know Bill was a real softy on the inside. I remember the evening when he announced that Governor Hogan had been diagnosed with cancer. Bill got all choked up just talking about it. Bill suffered from cancer, and we spoke about it often. One day, I bumped into him at the radiation therapy lab at Johns Hopkins, and we both spoke at length about our battles with cancer. Any doubt regarding the size of his heart should have been squashed if you paid any attention to how much of himself he poured into the Gateway to the Cure Cancer Fundraiser every year. We would not have been as successful without Bill’s unwavering support and hard work.

I, for one, miss Bill immensely.

Emmitsburg

Mayor Frank Davis

The month of May seems like a blur, but it gave me the opportunity to experience a different side of the mayor’s position.

On Saturday, May 4, I was honored to deliver the welcoming address to the families of 226 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Having the time to talk with the families and hear their stories was an experience that will stay in my heart. It also brought back the memories of 25 years ago when our town honored one of our own. Terry L. Myers, a 33-year member of the Vigilant Hose Company, died while battling a brush fire. His name is permanently etched in stone at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center.

On May 21, I attended the graduation ceremony for the Catoctin High School (CHS) Class of 2024. As I watched each student receive their diploma, I could picture how each one will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world in the years to come. I am proud to be a CHS graduate and amazed by the teachers and staff who continue to mentor our students year after year. Success starts with great leadership, and Catoctin High has been blessed with Principal Jennifer Clements. I have personally witnessed her dedication to improving our school and her daily interaction with the students. GO COUGARS!!

A few months ago, I mentioned a new phone app that we would be launching to better communicate with you daily and, more importantly, in the event of an emergency. “My Emmitsburg” is up and running, and we will continue to add new features and information to keep you informed of the happenings of the town. This app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google store, or you can scan one of the many barcodes around town. If you need assistance, please contact the town office.

Some upcoming events for the month of June will include a youth baseball tournament held the first two weekends of the month. This will bring hundreds of players and spectators to town, so please graciously welcome them to our community. Flag Day is June 14, and the Francis X. Elder American Legion Post 121 will be holding a ceremony at 7:00 p.m. in Community Park off Chesapeake Avenue. To finish out the month is our Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day celebration on June 29. Please visit the website at emmitsburgevents.com for a list of events and activities.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns related to town business, please reach out to me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Woodsboro

Burgess Heath Barnes

Greetings and welcome to summer. Summer is my favorite season. With summer, also comes children being out of school. I urge you to use caution as more children will be out and about enjoying their summer break and may not always be aware when they are crossing the street, etc.

At our May 2^nd meeting—held earlier in the month so that we could meet the minimum of 30-day notice of giving out the budget before voting on it—we had a quiet meeting. I would like to thank the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Department for accommodating us and allowing us to use the facilities at the last minute, as our regular meeting place was being used.

Our June 11^th meeting will be busy; we will be voting on the upcoming budget. Although not a lot of changes were made, a few had to be made to accommodate the ever-changing rise in prices for our water and sewer. I am also happy to announce that we have received an adjusted building cost proposal for the town hall. I will be presenting that to the council, along with financing options from Woodsboro Bank to be voted on. The hope is that we can make this new proposal quote work, and we will finally be starting the much-anticipated town hall.

We had several exciting events in Woodsboro during May. The first was the celebration of Woodsboro Banks’ 125^th anniversary. They are the oldest locally owned bank in the county, and the ceremony brought elected officials and members from government offices from across the county and state to Woodsboro for the celebration. In addition, long-time bank employee JR Delauter was able to secure a historic plaque for the building from the Frederick County Landmarks Association. It is very exciting. The building that houses the headquarters was built in 1901, and at one time, was the home of the opera house, the post office, and many other things, as well as the bank. The first artisan farmers market was held at Trout’s grocery store on May 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., moved due to rain. The annual Memorial Day parade, put on by the American Legion, will be held on Sunday, May 26. It is a wonderful event for our town. Thank you in advance to all who participate in the parade or come out to enjoy it.

We did sign a contract, as requested by multiple town residents, with a new street sweeper company. We are going to begin having them sweep four times a year, but we may increase to six times per year based on the need.

As always, I encourage everyone to support Glade Valley Community Services (GVCS) if you have clothes or food donations, as they are always in need of items for members of the community. For more information, please contact GVCS by email at gladevalley.org@gmail.com or call 301-845-0213.

If you have any questions, concerns, complaints, or compliments, please feel free to reach out to me at hbarnes@woodsboro.org or by phone at 301-401-7164.

Woodsboro town meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. In addition, planning and zoning meetings are at 6:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, as needed. If you have an item for the agenda, it needs to be submitted 14 days before the P&Z meeting. The current location for meetings is the St. John’s United Church of Christ, located at 8 N. 2nd Street, Woodsboro, MD 21798. The public is always invited to attend.

Emmitsburg’s Gem Theater

Emmitsburg’s lone theater, which was located at 125 West Main Street, provided not only theatrical entertainment to the community but also hosted social events and fundraisers.

The earliest mention of Emmitsburg’s Gem Theater appeared in the November 1933 edition of The (Hanover) Evening Sun, when according to the Sun, “Fire broke out in the projection room of the Gem Theater about 10 o’clock Saturday during the last show,” adding, “The flames caused quite a commotion among those in the theater.”

However, the flames were extinguished by projectionist. Arthur Elder, using an “emergency fire exterminator.” The newspaper noted that the fire did not cause “much damage.” The causation of the fire was attributed to “a broken film (that was) ignited by an arc light.”

Beginning in December 1934, the management of the Gem Theater had initiated an annual tradition by offering local children an opportunity to attend free movies during the Christmas season festivities being held in Emmitsburg. Specifically, in December1935, the children were treated to a free western, according to The (Hanover) Evening Sun, a luxury for the children whose families were financially caught-up in the Great Depression.

In 1940, the owner/manager of the Gem Theater was identified as having been Harry T. Bollinger. Also in 1940, as the United States slid toward an inescapable collision of nations comprising the Second World War, the Gem Theater focused on local needs, and during July 1940 that a special two-night movie would be shown for the benefit of an Emmitsburg playground, The Sun reported.

In 1952, The Sun identified a new owner of the Gem as being John G. Miller, who also owned the Taneytown Theater and a soon-to-open “open air” theater at Bridgeport.

The Gem apparently continued to operate normally until the summer of 1954, which “had been closed most of the summer,” according to The Sun, but before it had reopened, the theater was leased by Miller to Clifford “Kayo” Keilholtz and William Rogers.

Whatever transpired in the wake of that arrangement, it was not noted that the theater would re-open until November 2, 1955, under the new management of “Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Clem.” However, The Sun reported that the theater had been upgraded with a new wide-screen, and an enlarged concession stand.

But the end of the Gem was rapidly approaching. The (Frederick) News reported in October 1960 that the Gem Theater, “which has been closed for several years” will reopen on October 21, and is presently now under new management, and that the theater had undergone “extensive remodeling and improvements.”

By December 1960, the theater reopened under a new name, the “MG Theater,” according to The News. No explanation was provided regarding the change of franchise, but the newly re-dubbed theater was going to continue with the Christmas holiday tradition of free movies for the area children, a tradition which was continued into 1963.

Bruce Hollinger, II, formerly of Emmitsburg, stated that his father was a partner in the theater operation going into the 1960s, during the effort to save the Gem/MG Theater, noting that the effort was to have been “more of a benefit to the residents, rather than a profit-making endeavor.”

In spite of those efforts, in 1964, the Gem/MG Theater closed its doors forever, and the building was subsequently converted into apartments.

Emmitsburg area resident David Little recalled that, “The (theater seat) cushions were brown and thick, and you walked in aisles (to get to them) , and then to sit, you pushed the back-up, (whereas), nowadays you push the seat down to sit.”

Little and his family lived above the bowling alley at the time when the Gem was still in business and noted that whenever the doors of the theater were opened, “ We could smell the buttered popcorn from across the street.” He said admission for a matinee showing was ten cents. “My mother would give me a quarter for a Saturday afternoon matinee movie, candy, and a co*ke.”

The former 125 West Main Street location of the Gem Theater.

Richard D. L. Fulton

Fatty Maschii Parole Femine (Strong Deeds, Gentle Words)

– The motto of the State of Maryland

On March 24, 1934, America celebrated the 300^th anniversary of the founding of the colony of Maryland through the issuance by the United States Postal Service of a 3-cent stamp.

First Day of Issue cancellations of the stamps were conducted at the post office in Saint Mary’s City—the first capital of Maryland—and at the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the United States Postal Service. The Saint Mary’s City cancellation is more desirable than the Washington, D.C. cancellation.

The carmine-red stamps depicted the two ships, the Ark and the Dove, that had arrived from England with the first European colonists, who disembarked at Point Comfort near a location that would eventually become Saint Mary’s City.

According to marylanddove.org, the Ark, a three-master (meaning it had the main sails) was described as having a 400-ton cargo capacity, while the Dove, a two-master (meaning it had two main sails) was a small vessel capable of carrying some 40 tons of cargo.

The Ark carried approximately 140 to 150 colonists, comprised of a mix of Catholics and Protestants, and their servants, and the ship’s crew members. The ship was leased by Cecil Calvert for the trip.

It is believed that the Dove was mainly manned by only the crew, according to Chesapeake Magazine, and was, by design, a lighter vessel intended in this instance to be utilized by Calvert to engage in coastal trade.

Not among the passengers aboard the Ark was Cecil (Cecilius) Calvert, who inherited the land that would become Maryland when his father, Geroge Calvert, died in 1632.

King Charles I had granted Calvert’s father a request for a colony in the “New World,” to be called the Province of Maryland, dubbed Terra Mariae. But the charter enabling the act was not consummated until after Calvert’s father’s death, so the charter fell to the survivors, resulting in Cecil Calvert embarking enroute to the Mid-Atlantic Coast of America in order to bring the dream of his father into reality, thereby establishing the colony of Maryland.

According to “Founding of Maryland – Educational Project for Elementary and Middle School Students,” written by Maria A. Day, an archival intern with the Maryland State Archives, “He (Cecil) did not have his father’s years of experience at governing colonies. No one knew what kind of leader Cecil might turn out to be when the king named him Lord Proprietor of Maryland.”

Nevertheless, he elected to remain in England to protect the integrity of his charter, apparently feeling there were those who would seek to repeal this father’s charter. He sent his brother, Leonard, overseas in his place, along with a set of instructions on how to govern the colony, entitled, “Instructions to the Colonists by Lord Baltimore (Cecil held the title of the Second Lord Baltimore, although he had never been there).”

Among the instructions was the intent to ensure that whatever conflicts existed between religions in England stayed in England and assured that “freedom of religion” would become the policy of the colony of Maryland. The instructions would become the basis for Maryland law.

Leonard Calvert, along with Cecil Calvert’s instructions, and 140 to 150 Catholics and Protestants, set sail from the Isle of Wight, England, on November 22, 1633. They arrived in Barbados in January 1633, and then sailed to Point Comfort (Virginia), having arrived there on February 24, 1634.

A month later, the colonists sailed up the Chesapeake Bay and then to one of the Potomac River islands, arriving there on March 25, subsequently establishing Saint Mary’s City, thereby making that community as having been Maryland’s first European settlement and the state’s first capital.

Things remained peaceful in the new colony until 1645 when a force commanded by anti-Catholic Richard Ingle attacked Saint Mary’s City, taking a number of prisoners, while Leonard Calvert was forced to flee to Virginia for nearly a year, according to the Maryland State Archives.

First Day Cover of Maryland Tercentenary stamp, cancelled March 23, 1934, at Saint Mary’s City.

People in Garrett County today can’t remember a time when the county didn’t have Deep Creek Lake, although there was one. As Deep Creek Lakes turns 100 years old (in 2025), most people consider it a magnificent tourist attraction in Garrett County and the largest freshwater lake in Maryland. Both are true, but Deep Creek Lake didn’t start out that way.

Catoctin Banner Contributer/Editor James Rada, Jr. has compiled the forgotten stories of places around (and under) the lake and people who have enjoyed Deep Creek Lake, dating back to well beyond the lake’s creation. Secrets of Deep Creek Lake: Little-Known Stories & Hidden History In and Around Maryland’s Largest Lake is the latest book in his Secrets series.

When you think of Deep Creek Lake, you probably imagine boating, swimming, and scenic vistas. But did you know…

• The man who created the Big Mac sandwich helped create some of the lake’s tourist attractions?

• Deep Creek Lake was created on top of two other lakes?

• Garrett County’s version of Lizzie Borden lived on the south side of what is now the lake?

• The CIA dosed unknowing citizens with LSD at Deep Creek Lake?

• Garrett County’s lost silver mine may be beneath Deep Creek Lake?

These are just some of the stories included in the new book Secrets of Deep Creek Lake: Little-Known Stories & Hidden History In and Around Maryland’s Largest Lake by James Rada, Jr.

This book tells stories of murder, lost treasure, famous visitors, moonshine, interesting people, and unusual incidents. These are the types of stories that you won’t read about in history textbooks. They are stories that define the county’s character.

“These are stories that caught my attention in one way or another,” Rada said. “They aren’t the types of stories you find in history books about the area, but they are part of Garrett County’s past.”

Secrets of Deep Creek Lake contains more than 60 black and white photographs and illustrations that help bring the stories to life.

“I love writing about history,” Rada said. “I love finding interesting and unusual stories about people and places, and I haven’t come across an area that doesn’t have plenty of these stories.”

Secrets of Deep Creek Lake is the eighth book in Rada’s Secrets series. Other local titles include Secrets of Catoctin Mountain, Secrets of the C&O Canal, and Secrets of the Gettysburg Battlefield.

James Rada, Jr. is an Amazon.com-bestselling author and award-winning writer who Midwest Book Review called “a writer of considerable and deftly expressed storytelling talent.” He has been writing about history for nearly 25 years and still finds it fascinating and new.

“History is not boring. It’s full of love, adventure, comedy, and mysteries that still aren’t solved to this day. It’s those types of stories I like to write, and I believe I’ve pulled together a great collection of them for this book,” Rada said.

Rada is the author of 36 books, most history and historical fiction. His articles have been published in magazines like The History Channel Magazine, Boy’s Life, and Frederick Magazine.

For more information about James Rada’s books, visit his website at jamesrada.com.