Decoration Day Finely Observed

By general consent, Taneytown had the most creditable celebration of Decoration Day of any community. The parade was larger, and the observance at the cemeteries was appropriate and well carried out. The following were in line; two Civil War veterans, George Duttera and Luke Bitzel; one Spanish American War - Harry Baumgardner; 25 World War survivors; Hanover Pa. Drum Corps; Town Officials; a long line of children with flowers; Taneytown Band; 50 members of the P.0.S. of A.; the fire truck and firemen.

At the cemeteries, and at the soldiers' memorial members of the American Legion rendered the customary honors, bugle calls and salutes; appropriate to such occasions, and the graves were decorated by the children.

At the Catholic cemetery, an address by Father Quinn was omitted due to his enforced absence on account of the illness of his brother.

At the Lutheran cemetery, festivities included selections by band, singing of "America," prayer by Rev. Shipley, address by Rev. Garrett.

At the Reformed cemetery, selection by band, prayer by Rev. Ritter, singing "Abide With Me", address by Rev. Bready.

At the Memorial, selection by band, prayer by Rev. Shipley, singing "Jesus Lover of My Soul," addresses by Rev Ritter and Rev. Shipley.

The theme of all of the addresses was "sacrifice," as embodied in the full measure given by the soldiers dead, that made by the home folks in many ways, the sacrifice that is due by all good citizens at all times that our dearly bought heritage shall be properly safeguarded, and the importance of showing our gratitude for the liberties we enjoy through perpetuating the best memories of Decoration Day.

The streets of the town and the cemeteries were filled with people from far and near, who spent the two hours from 1 to 3 o'clock observing the various events. The large number of visitors from quite a distance was distinctly noticeable.

The committee having charge of the arrangements are grateful for the assistance and encouragement it received, and returns thanks to everybody who in any way contributed to the success of the event.

50th Anniversary To Be Observed At Rocky Ridge Church

The 50th anniversary of the organization and building of the Mount Tabor Reformed and Lutheran Union Church at Rocky Ridge, will be celebrated from June 9th to the 14th by special services each night and addresses by a number of churchman.

Splendid progress in an attempt to make Rocky Ridge an ideal community is reported; that having been the aim of the church for a number of years. The church at the present time has a park containing 17 acres equipped for religious and social purposes, one of the largest of its kind in Maryland.

Fairfield to Graduate Seven

Seven seniors will be graduated from the Fairfield High School at commencement exercises to be held Friday evening, in the Old Fellows Hall, Fairfield.

Dr. Kline, member of the faculty of Gettysburg College, will deliver the address to the graduating class of which Miss Catherine Weaver is Valedictorian, and Harold Wentz solitarian.

Lloyd Keefauver, Assistant County Superintendent Of Schools, will present the diplomas to the seven graduates. Members of the graduating class are Mary Kebil, Nelda McCleaf, Margaret Seabrook, Steve Sites, John Low, Harold Wantz and Katherine Weaver.

An elaborate program in which all members of the graduating class will participate has been arranged for the class day exercises. Numbers on the program consist of an address by the class President, Miss Weaver; an address titled "Shrinking of Violets," by Miss McCleaf; the class poem by Miss Seabrook; the class prophecy, by Stuart Sites and John Low; and an address by Margaret Seabrook titled "Omissions". Music will be furnished by the school orchestra.

On June 11, the Fairfield graduates will go to Washington accompanied by Mrs. Ira Henderson, facility and the board of directors for a two-day visit. This is the first time the seniors of the Fairfield school will go to Washington, but it is planned to make the Washington trip and annual affair.

Auto Races at Fair Ground

Automobile racing will be staged on Taneytown’s fair ground track, Saturday afternoon, June 13th. The races will be run under rules and sanction of the National Motor Racing Association.

Six events have been carded for the afternoon’s sport; the feature race will be for the distance of 20 miles and for the championship of Maryland.

Auto racing is one of the most daring and thrilling sports and only those with nerves of steel, a cool head and absolutely fearless, can drive a car at top speed on a race track, so those who like thrills will get plenty of them by attending the races. Races start promptly at 2:30.

Taneytown High School

We have the report, unofficially, that an amicable suit, or at least one agreed to by both parties, will be entered, to decide between the County Commissioners and the School Board, with reference to the Taneytown high school building. Apparently, this is the only way to reconcile the differences between the two Boards, and we trust that the whole matter will be decided in time for a new building this year.

Thurmont Band To Play At Meet

The Thurmont high school band will furnish the music at the annual State Olympic meet to be held in the Baltimore stadium on Saturday. There are about two high school bands in the State, both being located in Frederick County.

The Thurmont high school band was organized five years ago, this being the second time that they have served at the state meet. Charles Stull, member of the high school faculty is the director and organizer of the Thurmont band.

The band is comprised of 32 pieces, being well equipped. Special uniforms have been secured for the event, and the organization is expected to make an impressive appearance.

June 12

The Drought Continues

Heavy rains have visited some sections of the state, with a Monday night deluge causing damage estimated at $100,000 from flooded cellars and first floors. And while the rains have also visited portions of Frederick and Carroll counties, they once again bypassed the northern portions of the Frederick and Carroll Counties and southern Adams County, which are suffering greatly from the effects of heat, and no rain of any consequence.

Corn, peas, and potatoes have been irreparably hurt, and the effect of the heat on the wheat is expected to be felt in reduced yield. A lot of corn acreage is yet unplanted. Tomato plants, both garden and for cannery purposes, are especially suffering.

Rains have been going around Emmitsburg & Taneytown the past week, the one on Monday reaching us within a mile, passing north in the direction of Harney. No rain of any consequence has fallen here for over two weeks and gardens are suffering greatly. The temperature has dropped very materially, since last week, but the need for rain is becoming serious.

Flag Day

The approaching observance of Flag Day, nation-wide in scope and world-wide in sentiment, tends to bring us into a closer realization of the significance attached to our National Colors.

The stripes of red, symbolic of the baptism in the noble blood of American manhood, alternating with the pure white stripes, that should never bear the stains of national dishonor; together with the clear-cut stars amid the field of blue, all forming the component parts of the banner representing these United States of America; is a beautiful and impressive sight to behold as it floats in an azure sky, with the bright sunlight playing upon its glorious and protecting folds.

Our Flag should have the loyal support of all true Americans. Government officials, the men in whose hands the welfare of this country rests, should ever remember and practice - the sacred trust reposed in them. No un-American practice, or malfeasance of public office, can be tolerated, supported or condoned by our people.

National and state legislatures should forget, momentarily at least, on this day of reverence, all-party differences, and unite in rendering due homage. For our Flag to continue to wave over the republic as the symbol of Liberty, in its truest sense, and rational patriotism in its noblest form, thus justifying that proud boast of unsullied reputation so well known to every school student, is our prayer.

Our country should be free from sectarianism; free from corrupt political influences and practices; eternally grateful to the brave men who have, by sacrificing their live, insured Democracy; and solicitous of the comfort and welfare of its maimed veterans.

Fall From Train Fatal

Missing his footing and falling between two cars from a Western Maryland freight train on which he was a brakeman, John Vaughn, 32, of Woodsboro, sustained injuries Thursday morning, which resulted in his death a few hours later at the Frederick Hospital.

The mishap occurred about 5 o’clock as Vaughn left the engine of the train to go back over the freight to make the inspection, which is conducted following each trip made through the mountains.

He missed his footing and fell between two cars, his right arm was cut off as was his left foot at the end step. He was dragged for some distance, which caused injuries about the head and hips.

The mishap occurred about a half mile west of Thurmont. Vaughn was rushed into the northern county town, where a few minutes later he was taken in a car to Frederick. But died about two hours later.

Fire At Sawmill

Fire was discovered Tuesday morning in a large pile of sawed wood at the sawmill of Stouffer and Riffle, about 4 miles north of Thurmont, along the State Road. Efforts to control it failed and a call when out at 6 a.m. to Edwin Root, foreman of the fire company in Thurmont. The chemical apparatus was loaded on a truck and taken to the fire and did good service in containing the fire to a restricted area, and saving a majority of the sawed lumber. About 75 cords of wood cut in stove lengths was destroyed.

Firemen Have A Busy Week

The Taneytown firemen had a big week of it, conducting their annual carnival at Sauble's field, which attracted a big crowd as the weather was ideal for out-door attractions.

The big evening of the week was Thursday, when a parade was given. It was not a big parade, as parades are estimated, but was nonetheless a creditable success. The line was made up of the Taneytown Band, the Emmitsburg Fire Company, a Manchester fire truck and firemen, a Union Bridge fire truck and firemen, a Lineboro Fire truck and firemen, the Taneytown fire trucks and all the fire company member, and a number of business trucks and cars, attractively decorated.

Hundreds of cars lined the curbs of the wide streets filled with sight-seers, while the side-walks were a jam of humanity bent on seeing what was going on, and finally wound up at the carnival ground. The Emmitsburg firemen made an especially fine appearance with their extensive display of flags. The line of march took in all of the town except Mill Ave. and George St. The Carnival was a success financially, the net proceeds for the Company being about $300.

Harney School Event

On Tuesday evening Rev. and Mrs. Null entertained at their home, near Harney, the patrons and pupils of the Harney School, of which Mr. Null is teacher. This yearly event marks the closing of the school year and the graduation of the 7th grade pupils.

From a stage erected on their lawn, a very interesting program was given consisting of the dramatization of the "Burning of the Peggy Stewart"; a play - "The Original Thirteen States" emphasizing the settlement and subsequent history of Maryland; a comedy entitled - "Billy's Mishaps"; and, a dialogue - "The Black Recruit."

A very interesting talk was given by Dr. W. C. Stone, Deputy State Health officer, who was a guest of the evening. The lawn was beautifully decorated with flags and Japanese lanterns. About 25 guests were present.

Refreshments were served consisting of cake, ice cream and lemonade. Mrs. Null was assisted in entertaining by Mrs. George Hess, Mrs. Albert Claybaugh and Mrs. Mary Wantz, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Clutz and Mr. Chasrles Stambaugh.

June 19

Mrs. Sebold Becomes Treasurer Of The Emmitsburg Railroad Company

Louise Seabold, 28, acting manager of the Emmitsburg railroad since the death of her father, Vincent Seabold, last March, has been raised to position of treasurer of the company by action of the board of directors.

Mrs. Sebold will relinquish her management position to James Avery, her brother-in-law and executor of her father‘s will. Mr. Sebold have been manager of the railroad since 1893, but failing health prior to his death, compelled him to relinquish many of his duties to his daughter.

The new treasurer, a leader of society in Emmitsburg, is secretary of the Saint Joseph’s College Alumni Association and his prominent in many Civic activities.

The Emmitsburg railroad is a short stretch of track between Emmitsburg and Rocky Ridge, where it connects with the western Maryland line. It was built in 1868.

Robbery on Keymar Road

Last Wednesday night, as Marshall Bell was coming home on the Woodsboro Pike road, he noticed a rope stretched across the road, and as he got near the rope saw two men, a white and a colored, who held the rope and called to Mr. Bell to stop. He did not know what to do but did slow up, the white and colored men jumped on each side of the car and grabbed for his watch. But the chain tore so they got only part of the chain and did not get the watch.

Mr. Bell fought them and kept his car running. He knocked the white man off first, and then had the colored man to contend with. He fought him and kept his car running, and going down a big hill he knocked him off. Mr. Bell went on to Walkersville and reported the robbery to the Deputy Sherriff.

The Keymar Fishing Club

The Keymar Fishing Club had an outing Saturday to the Potomac River, where they had a most delightful time and plenty of fishing, and on Monday night gave a fish roast on the lawn of White Plank’s, one of the members. They invited their friends and family, and all did justice to the fish, which all said was prepared fine and was served camp style. The Four Leaf Clover Orchestra furnished music.

Automobile Traffic and Birds

The heavy automobile traffic in most parts of the country, presents as grave a problem to the birds as it ever can to humans.

We can remember driving along the country roads and counting the birds nest in trees and wayside bushes. Robins, orioles, catbirds, bluebirds and many others seemed to nest and raise brood after brood in the reach of humans and not show the least fear. Bob-whites and the more timid ruffed grouse might often be seen running across the road in front of horse's feet.

All this has changed. The noise and smothering dust and burned gas of the passing cars have driven the birds far back into the woodlands. If a nest is seen it is far up and no sociable burst of song greets us as we journey along.

Occasionally a dead woodpecker or sparrow, or perhaps a young quail, tells of some overbold fellow who will sing no more.

The telegraph and telephone wires have long been fatal to many flying birds. One day while riding with a friend in a wagon, along a country road, we saw a ruffed grouse flying toward us, but she never reached the road. She hit a telephone wire with such force that she dropped dead almost beneath the horse's feet.

If birds are able to think at all, they must feel that all mankind is leagued against them.

June 26

Storm Does Heavy Damage

Barns were unroofed and blown over, fencing leveled, trees uprooted, sheaves of wheat tossed about and carried from one field to another, and outbuildings demolished in the locations of Creagerstown, Lewistown, and Woodsboro Saturday afternoon in one of the heaviest rain and wind storms of the summer.

The storm broke near Creagerstown, between four and 5 o’clock and was accompanied by wind, hail, and rain. A barn on the farm of George Ramsburg, near Creagerstown was blown over and wrecked, and the barn on the farm of County Commissioner Frank Stevens was partially unroofed. A garage on the premise of Russell Smith, near Lewistown, was lifted from its foundation and sent in an adjoining field. A car in the building was damaged.

The barn on the farm of Newton Kramer, near Woodsboro, was blown over. A large number of trees were uprooted near Lewistown and hay shed on the farm owned by Mr. Stevens, near Creagerstown, was demolished. A large locust tree was uprooted and blown across the front porch of the house occupied by Mr. Garvey.

The road for some distance along Hunting Creek was blocked by uprooted trees. Orchards were stripped of fruit and fencing on a number of farms was blown over. In some places, the force of the wind broke off fence posts even with the ground. Farmers near Creagerstown were compelled to work nearly all day Sunday rebuilding their fences to keep their stock from straying away.

A culvert on the road near the farm of Harvey Rhensburger was washed out and the stream overflowed the road and adjoining fields. Sheaves of wheat were carried down the stream and lodged in trees along hunting creek. Practically every sheave of wheat in the fields adjacent to Creagerstown where blown over and many sheaves were scattered in every direction. Dozens of large trees were uprooted and others blown over. Telephone service between the communities was put out of commission for a short time Saturday afternoon. A severe storm also settled in over Keymar and Ladiesburg.

Auto Touring House

Jesse Bowers was in town on Thursday with a touring house on a Ford truck—a complete up-to-date little home on wheels, in which he and his family expects to take a long trip, perhaps to California.

According to friends however, Bower’s wife, Nette, said it would be a "cold day in Hades before she would step foot into that monstrosity with the couple’s six children. We barely get out of each other way in our home, and he wants us to live a glorified traveling outhouse for three weeks? This is what happens when a women turns a blind eye to her man’s nightly boozing."

Fresh News

We have long ago learned to sympathize with housekeepers who at times find it difficult to get "some-thing to cook." It's the same with getting out a newspaper—some weeks fresh news is as scarce as vegetables in a garden.

Supreme Court Gives to Parents Control of Education

The Supreme Court, on Monday, without a dissenting vote, declared invalid a Oregon school law, requiring all children between the ages of 8 and 16 years, to attend the public schools. The decision therefore upholds the decision of the District Court of Oregon, from whose decision the Governor and Attorney-General of the State had appealed.

The decision holds that a State has the power "reasonably to regulate all schools, to inspect, supervise and examine them, their teachers and pupils; to require that all children of proper age attend some school; that teachers shall be of good moral character and patriotic disposition, and that certain studies plainly essential to good citizenship must be sought and nothing be taught which is manifested inimical to the public welfare."

However, beyond that broad general ground, the Supreme Court does not go and it clearly upholds the right of a parent to send his child to a private, public or parochial school.

The opinion, rendered by Justice McReynolds, of Tennessee, said among other things: "We think it entirely plain that the (Oregon) act of 1922 unreasonably interferes with the liberty of parents and guardians to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control. As often heretofore pointed out, rights guaranteed by the Constitution may not be abridged by legislation that has no reasonable relation to some purpose within the competency of the State. The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations."