April 6, 1997
25 Years Ago
Manchester Students Are Top Winners In Arbor Day Contest—Barbara Bosley, a fifth grade student and Michael Rittase; both of Manchester Elementary School, returned to class following the Easter vacation to discover that they had won First and Second Place in the second division of the annual Arbor Day Contest. Barbara, the First Place winner, also received a pin and $15 cash; Michael, placed second and won a pin and $10. Other winners in northern Carroll County were in the first division and from Robert Motin School in Westminster The contest, sponsored by the Carroll County Forestry Board is a yearly event, directed by Mr. Harry W. Staley who conceived the idea and is a member of the Forestry board. The Carroll Record, April 6, 1972.
50 Years Ago
Do Commissioners Ears Burn?—A remark was made by one of our rural citizens: “Do our county Commissioners ears burn?” Whp! “My tax bill is double what it was in 1946.” Of course, any kind of tax is hard to pay. Every tax payer in Carroll county under the present set up will pay from 40 to 100 per cent more until something is done to relieve the burden. A reduction of 2% on county taxes if paid before May 31st, is allowed. Democratic Advocate, April 4, 1947.
75 Years Ago
Westminster And The Recreation Problem—Our fathers did not have recreational centers. Why should we have them now? Our fathers did not have telephones, automobiles, electric lights, rural free delivery of mails, and many other conveniences which we now enjoy. Shall we dispense with them because they were unknown to the previous generation? We cannot do business as our fathers did. Can we take our recreation as they did? In the early days work and play were combined. The men of a community would gather for “clearing the new ground,” “log rollings,” “barn raisings.” “harvesting parties” “husking bees,” and the like. At the same time the women had their “quilting parties” and did the cooking for the community feast. In the evening there were the community plays. Those days are gone never to return. Democratic Advocate, April 7, 1922.
100 Years Ago
While Andrew J. Tawney was moving from Tannery to the farm of Robert Hoope, two miles above Westminster, on Monday, an accident occurred to one of the wagons. When near the toll
gate, above town, a bolt came out, letting the wagon body fall, and causing the horses to run. Several persons were thrown off by the fall, and Belle Nygren, aged 12 years, had her right arm broken. She was brought to Westminster, and Dr. E. D. Wells set the arm. On the wagon beside Belle Nygren were three of Mr. Tawney’s children and Mrs. Nygren, and all were more or less bruised and scratched. Democratic Advocate, April 3, 1897.