Historical Society of Carroll County
Baltimore Sun article for December 17, 2000
25 Years Ago
Christmas Party for Local Kiddies – Fifty-six youngsters from the area attended a Jaycees-Jayceettes Christmas party December 13. The children watched movies, sang and munched on cookies watched over by the Jayceettes. Meanwhile Jaycees members sneaked out and did a little shopping. On the way to the party they had asked their young guests, just out of curiosity, what they wanted for Christmas. Later Santa visited the party and presented each child with a gift. The organizations had been planning the delicate logistics of the party for many months headed by Jay Breakiron. The result was that “everybody had a good time,” according to Marsha Pickett. The looks on the children’s faces as they met Santa, Mrs. Pickett said, “were just beautiful.” Community Reporter, December 19, 1975.
50 Years Ago
$150,000 Fire Loss in New Windsor—Fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a ladder manufacturing plant at New Windsor early Monday morning resulting in a loss estimated by firemen, as close to $150,000. This was the most destructive fire in the history of that city. The blaze swept the Lincoln Manufacturing Company’s two-story, metal corrugated covered factory destroying its contents, including finished products, a large stock of lumber and machinery. Firemen said only the foundation of the 70 by 240 foot structure remained standing. Edwin Englar, whose home is close-by, discovered the fire about 3:30 a.m. and sounded the alarm. John Goodermuth, plant foreman, said there was about 1,500 completed ladders and 100,000 board feet of lumber in the burned plant. Democratic Advocate, December 15, 1950.
75 Years Ago
Every District Good in Carroll — No Decision Rendered in Carroll County Society Debate — Each Subject Was Well Taken – The annual fall meeting of the Carroll County Society of Baltimore City was held on Thursday night, December 10th, at Peabody Institute. The debate on the Best Section of Carroll County was of great interest to the interested audience. Richard M. Gist led off by stating that Freedom district was the greatest place in the world. Lawrence Wooden stated that Hampstead district was the most important and worth while district in the county. Jesse Englar stated that Middleburg district was the ideal spot of Carroll County, that it was the birth place of Francis Scott Key. Louis H. Dielman state that New Windsor district was one of great natural beauty, and that no one dies there except from old age. He also stated that they have no lawyers in the district and do not need any. Howard Myers spoke very beautifully of Uniontown district. Willis E. Myers spoke in behalf of Westminster district and did his subject justice. Wollery’s district, Charles R. Woods praised very beautifully, stating that the eloquence that Wollery’s deserved he could not give. Democratic Advocate, December 18, 1925.
100 Years Ago
Mrs. Allen R. Lakin, formerly Miss Minnie May Grumbine, of this city, had her supposed husband arrested, in Baltimore, a few days ago, for non-support. The proceeding led to the discovery that Lakin had deceived her by a bogus marriage, two years and more ago, and that she was not his wife. The police of Baltimore went to her rescue and Lakin consented to a real marriage rather than risk a prosecution. The ceremony was performed at the Central Police Station on Thursday afternoon. Lakin was formerly in the employ of the Electric Light and Power Company of this city. The real marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. James P. Wilson, of the Exeter Street M. E. Church. American Sentinel, December 15, 1900.