July 9, 1995
25 Years Ago
EDITORIAL – NOW IT CAN BE TOLD! What, after all, happens to the hijackers who have been taking over planes at gun point and diverting them to Cuba? This is a question which has been perplexing thousands of outraged Americans who resent this threat to their travel safety in the skies. Now we know what has happened to at least one of them, and it may be an omen of what will follow whenever American authorities get their hands on them. U.S. District Court Judge Albert Henderson, sitting on the Federal bench at Newman, Georgia, has sentenced convicted hijacker Lorenzo Edward Ervin, Jr., of Chattanooga, Tenn., to life imprisonment on two counts of aircraft hijacking. Ervin was convicted on June 5 of hijacking Eastern Airlines Flight 955 en route from Atlanta to Miami on February 25, 1969. He forced the flight to fly to Havana, Cuba, and later went to Czechoslovakia, from which country he later voluntarily returned to New York, where he was arrested last September. A federal jury convicted him of kidnapping and air piracy, but declined to recommend the death sentence. Judge Henderson gave him the next most severe penalty — life imprisonment — which will give him ample time to reflect over his rash act. Community Reporter, July 10, 1970.
50 Years Ago
STAR AWARDED B.F. SHRIVER CO. – First In State to Receive Recognition — 2nd Consecutive year to Receive Honor – For the second consecutive year three plants of the B. F. Shriver
Company of Westminster, have received the Nation’s Top Honor for War-Time Food Processors and are the first in the State of Maryland to receive this recognition according to Miles S. Baldridge, District Representative for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Supply, who announced that the coveted “Star” Award has been won by plants of this concern located in Westminster, New Windsor and Littlestown, Pa. The Award means that a White Star will be added to the “A” Achievement Flag which now flies over the honored plants signifying that National War-Time leadership in Food Processing has been maintained. “This continued loyalty at a time when there is danger that many people will relax in their war efforts is being written into history and will be given full appreciation in the years to come.” Baldridge stated, “The B. F. Shriver Company has made a record on the home front which will not be forgotten.” Government survey revealed that each plant had increased its production during the past year even though in the case of the Littlestown plant 15% less labor was available, two of the plants
increased the percentage of output available to the Government for direct war uses. Democratic Advocate, July 6, 1945.
75 Years Ago
The 4th of July Celebration – With clear skies and cool weather, no factor except possibly the busy season, could figure against a large attendance at the 4th of July celebration last Monday. Early in the morning persons from a distance began to arrive and by 9 o’clock when the first game of ball was called, a large audience was present to witness the battle between the “Foremen” and “Operators” teams, about which so much was heard the past few weeks. The boys, whose ages ranged from 25 to 50 years, put up quite a creditable game and furnished continuous amusement for the vast throng which witnessed it. At the close the score stood 20 to 7 in favor of the Operators. The Baltimore team which was scheduled to play the local team failed to arrive until noon and the first game was called at 1:30 p.m., ending with a score of 18 to 8 in favor of the locals. A second game was called at 4:30, but only 5 innings were played when the score stood 4 to 0 in favor of the visiting team. Easily the most outstanding feature was the army airplane in charge of Lieut. Philips, one of the most daring in the Aviation service. He was expected here at 10 o’clock and great crowds lined the landing field. It was later learned that he left the Dundalk Fields for Union Bridge at 11:30. But as he lost his bearings he did not arrive here until after 2 o’clock, having been forced to land three times. He first flew over the field and after performing a number of daring feats, attempted to land but as he considered the field too small, he landed in a field about a mile from town. After being entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. LaForge, the gasoline supply was replenished, after which he came to town and engaged in the most spectacular loop-the-loops, tailspins, etc., sometimes several thousand feet in the air, and again among the housetops. Another plane which was slated to be here figured in an accident just the day before. Union Bridge Pilot, July 9, 1920.
100 Years Ago
New Windsor College – The Presbytery of Baltimore met in Eck’s Hall, East Fayette street, Baltimore, on Monday, and discussed plans for the financial reorganization of New Windsor College, at New Windsor, this county. The committee appointed to examine the condition of the college, consisting of Robert H. Smith, John V. L. Graham, John P. Ammidon, Theo. K. Miller, and Rev. James Fraser, reported that the institution, which is under Presbyterian auspices, has about forty acres of land and is encumbered with a debt of about $10,000, of which $6,000 is in mortgages and $4,000 in judgments. The report also stated that the college has deteriorated as a Presbyterian institution. The committee recommended that the college be continued. The report was adopted and resolutions were passed to the effect that the college be retained under Presbyterian auspices, and that the committee be authorized to make further investigation and solicit subscriptions by stock for the institution, payable conditionally upon the purchase of the property. The committee is to report again at the fall meeting of the presbytery, which will be held the second week in October. A resolution commending New Windsor College to all parents seeking to place their sons and daughters in a Christian collegiate institution was also adopted. Resolutions on the death of the late Rev. Dr. A. M. Jelly, president of the college, were passed and will be sent to his family.