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100 Years Ago This Month

July 1912

July 5

Eradication of the Tramp Evil

This season of the year has, for many years past, been marked in Emmitsburg by a great invasion of "Knights of the Road," the gentlemen who prefer to take things easy what others are earning a living, and who are, to say the least, a nuisance to any community. The season of this year has been most pleasantly free from this evil; tramps no longer have an easy time in the community. The news has spread throughout "the brotherhood" and as a rule Emmitsburg is usually avoided when these gentlemen plan an itinerary.

This exceedingly pleasant and commendable state of affairs is due to two things; in the first place to the ordinances passed by the town authorities, and in the second place to the efficient and businesslike way in which these ordinances are enforced. With a hearty cooperation of the people of the community this evil, for it is an evil, may be stamped out, not only temporarily, but also finally.

Preparations Being Made for Celebration Commemorating the Battle of 1863

The towns in southern Pennsylvania that lie close to Gettysburg are awakening to the urgent need of early preparations for the immense crowds which are expected to attend the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, on the first three days of July, 1913.

It has been estimated that this reunion of Civil War veterans, which will include a gathering of no fewer than 40,000 former Union and Confederate soldiers on the scene of one of the greatest conflicts the world has witnessed, will have an immense sentimental drawing power and will attract during the celebration over 250,000 visitors.

The United States Army will supply tents for 40,000 or more old soldiers on the battlefield. These tents will be arranged in camps to be known as Camp No. 1 and Camp No. 2 and will be admirably located.

July 12

Balloon Explodes During Emmitsburg’s Fourth

With old glory waving from every house in the clearest of sunshine, and with everyone in the best of humor, the forth of July celebration open auspiciously. The street parade at nine o’clock was easily the best ever held. Headed by the Emmit Cornet Band. The fire company’s equipment was polished like a mirror and the new lanterns glistened in the sunlight. The beautifully decorated automobiles and carriages added a great deal towards making the parade the success it was.

Soon after the parade, Firemen’s Park was filled with a gaily dressed and good humored crowd that was out for a holiday and intended to enjoy itself. Festivities were open by a baseball game. A permanent covered pavilion has been erected by the firemen, under which many booths containing games of all kinds together with many appetizing delights. Throughout the whole day, the Emmit Cornet Band rendered lively music, which made the large crowds overflow with good humor.

In the latter part of the afternoon the crowds expectantly watched the big balloon fill up for the ascension. Mr. Jacobs, who was to make the flight, was wise enough to test the balloon before entering. In this test the balloon suddenly exploded, resulting in a complete loss. Mr. Jacobs intends to return to Emmitsburg to make the ascension some Saturday evening in the future.

Important Notice

It is illegal to bury or otherwise dispose of the body of a deceased person without obtaining a burial permit. Burial permits may be obtained from the Corporation upon the presentation of correct certificate of death there is a $20 penalty for burying an individual without a permit.

All births must be reported by the physician or midwife in attendance or in the absence of a physician or midwife by the parents, within four days succeeding the birth. The penalty for failing to report a birth is a fine of not less than five dollars nor more than $50.

Moving Picture Show

The Mascot Moving Picture show will present moving pictures at Emerald Hall every night this week Each show will consist of three reels, with new reels every night. Admission is 5 cents per show.

July 19

Death of Edward Wenschoff

Edward Wenschoff, age 76, died at his home near Fairplay, Adams County, Pa., on July 12. His death followed a cerebral hemorrhage. He served in Cole's Cavalry during the Civil War and was held prisoner for 17 months at Andersonville Prison. The latter part of his life was spent retired on his farm. The deceased is survived by two daughters; Mrs. Milton Spangler and Mrs. William Panebaker, and a son, Franklin. The funeral was held Sunday at Elise Lutheran Church. The interment was made in the cemetery adjoining the church.

Death of Charles Kretzer

Charles Kretzer died yesterday as a result of cancer, with which he has suffered since last April. Mr. Kretzer was born December 11, 1853, and for 28 years was engaged in the barbering business in Emmitsburg. Some time ago, on account of his failing health, he disengaged himself from active business. He is survived by his wife and a daughter: Mrs. Cyril Rotering. Interment will be made in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

July 26

Improvements

A cement pavement has been laid in front of the residence of Mr. John Tyson. The property occupied by Mr. John Harner on East Main St. has been approved by a concrete pavement. The Rowe Store on West Main St. was recently purchased by C. J. Schiff and Co. and has undergone extensive improvements. The front of the residence of Mr. Jacob Houck has been repaired.

The crossing between Mr. Joseph E. Hoke’s store and the Paterson residence, which was recently damaged by a tractor engine, has been repaired. Bishop Murray has oiled the road in front of his property, ‘Stonehurst’ near town. A new full-length porch has been installed on the home of Mr. Clarence McCarran, replacing the old one. Mr. Michael Hoke has erected a very substantial hitching rack in the front of his property on Main Street. Mr. Zimmerman has erected a beautiful ornamental fence in front of his property.

New Jail Cells

Cells have been placed in the town jail and are now ready for occupancy. One was christened almost before the paint was dry. A trustee of the French Creek Church swore out a warrant against a young man for disturbing the services of the church. At the trial held before Squire Shuff, the case was decided against the defendant, who was fined and required to pay the cost. This case, and one involving an alley scrap, swelled the coffers of the Corporation’s treasury several dollars this week.

Frightened Horse Causes Death

An accident, which resulted in fatal injuries, was caused by a horse taking fright on Monday last. Misses Carey and Thomas, two young ladies spending the summer at Monterey, were driving on the Friends Creek Road leading from the Waynesboro Pike to Sabillasiville. A defect in the harness caused Miss. Carey to fall from the buggy, the horse took fright and dragged her for some distance over rocks and into the creek. Messrs. Howard and Jacob Turner who were driving to Emmitsburg, found Miss. Carey and took her to the home of Mr. Lute Topper. She was then taken to Emmitsburg and treated by Dr. Jamison and Stone. Medical assistance was summoned from Baltimore but proved useless, the injuries resulting in her death.

Good Moving Pictures in Town

The show given last Tuesday in the Emerald Hall was a complete success. The subject of the motion pictures were excellent and the reel shown were highly satisfactory from every standpoint. The few defects that first presented themselves had been eliminated and the show came off without a hitch. An expert from Baltimore has carefully gone over the machine and pronounced it in perfect order; everything points to good shows in the future.

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