25 Years Ago
o Energy Official Tells Optimists What Matters Is Adjusting—The present fuel crunch is a real one and not likely to go away for quite a while according to Mike Smith of the State of Maryland Energy Policy Office. Mr. Smith addressed the Freedom Optimists at the Community Center on Tuesday evening, February 5. Comparing the present fuel problem to being pregnant, he said, “It doesn’t matter who is responsible now, but that is the situation, and it is going to call for some adjustments in our life for a while.” For two hours or better, Mike Smith did an admirable job of explaining the fuel problem picture and fielding questions from Optimists. Questions ranged from “Why is it some gas stations of a particular brand will charge one price and another gas station of the same company will charge three or four cents more?. . to “Isn’t it true that the bankers in the country are the biggest stockholders in the oil companies?” The Herald, February 7, 1974.
50 Years Ago
Mayor Mathias Shows Gratitude of Davis Donation—Mayor Joseph L. Mathias announced from City Hall this week the profound gratitude of the City of Westminster for the magnificent beneficence of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Davis, who recently disclosed the culmination of preliminary arrangements preceding the eventual establishment and endowment of the “Davis Library” for the citizens of this community. Such an institution is an integral factor of every progressive City, and Westminster is most fortunate to be the recipient of such public-spirited generosity. And it is characteristic of the wisdom and business acumen of Mr. Davis to adequately and substantially endow this outstanding project so that it will be constituted on a self-sustaining basis, thus insuring its effectiveness and continuity throughout succeeding generations. Democratic Advocate, February 4, 1949.
75 Years Ago
What Is The Cost To Grow A Ton Of Sweet Corn?—One of the largest crops produced by the farmer in Carroll in sweet corn. It is a short season and rather perishable crop, which means that it requires considerable attention, and harvest at the right time. Because of its growing period it fits in well with most rotations and helps distribute the labor throughout the season. Last year figures were collected by a committee of Farmers to determine the cost of production for an acre of sweet corn. The average yield varied from 1 3/4 to 6 tons per acre with an average close to 3 tons. For a ten year period this may be a little high. The cost ran from $13.00 to $13.50 per ton. Allowing only .25 per hour for labor and .10 per hour for horse. Democratic Advocate, February 1, 1924.
100 Years Ago
The Postoffice On Wheels—The United States Postoffice Department has given out the following, under date of January 31: “The interesting experiment of a postoffice on wheels, which will be tried with the Westminster office as a base, cannot be inaugurated before March 1st. Meanwhile a map has been prepared of the territory included in the new service, and in a few days a circular letter will be sent out by the Postoffice Department to all persons living within the lines of the route explaining to them in detail what is contemplated, and asking their cooperation. They will be requested to notify all their future correspondents that their address will be changed from the name of the little postoffice from which they now get their letters to “Westminster, Route A.” This will mean that instead of having their letters left at their present cross roads office, where they must ride or walk miles to receive it, their mail will in future be taken out to them by the wagon-office which will leave Westminster every morning. Democratic Advocate, February 4, 1899.