Time in a Bottle-Emmitsburg
October 25, 2009
An Emmitsburg Institution by Richard Little
Remember the Community Pure Food Store located at 302 East Main Street? Perhaps you will remember the newer name; B.H. Boyle and Sons, Inc. The former name was the original when Bernard (Bernie) H. Boyle and his wife Mary (Bollinger) Boyle began operation of a successful grocery store enterprise on Friday, May 13th, 1933 with a meager thirty dollars. The new name change was made in 1950 and most notably remembered as Boyle’s store. Bernie and Mary leased the building, a livery stable, from Mrs. Flax. When success and income allowed, Mr. And Mrs. Boyle purchased the building and made 300 E. Main St. (house attached on corner of the store) their home with their four children; Anna Marie (Koontz), Loretta (Sprankle), Patrick and Michael Boyle.
The Boyle’s were excellent storekeepers stocking the up and downstairs with literally every commodity a household would need; hardware, paint, glass, hunting equipment, clothing, appliances (Norge brand), meats and complete line of groceries and candy. Bernie raised his own cattle for processing into his retail sales and supplemented some stock from Sam McNair, a local farmer and cattleman. The abattoir was a separate building behind the main store where Mr. Bill and Turk Chase processed the animals for the show case. Mr. Irving Tokar (dressed in his khaki short sleeved shirts never wearing a coat in winter) and later Dick Sprankle, became the meat department manager spending a lifetime of service to the store. Mrs. Mildred (Millie) Dutrow was clerk and customer salesperson for forty years greeting people with a smile and a cheerful manner. Pat and Mike Boyle graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College and became integral contributing partners of the corporation. Both men possessed entrepreneurial skills along with good business acumen to facilitate the day to day operations as well as the administration duties.
The store extended credit to local customers who would pay weekly as they re-ordered groceries for the next billing period. Groceries could be delivered to your home whether just in town or surrounding rural areas. If a family would not be able to be home, a key would be left or door unlocked for entrance. Mike remembers putting the perishables into the refrigerator or “ice box” and go on to the next stop. Imagine that happening today? Pat remembers delivering food in his red wagon in town before he was old enough to drive a car.
In the early 1980s, a big chain grocery store came to town and set up shop beside Flat Run Creek on the East end of town. As Super Thrift opened its doors, the small shopkeeper began to close their operations. The big store promise of lower prices, larger selections and better availability attracted the attention of the patrons. Not all of these proclamations stayed as store policy. When local competition was pushed out and price challenges no longer existed, the only store in town seized the total market. (Twenty three small businesses once existed in town) Milk that was delivered to your home (Remember Chick Topper?) soon began to be more expensive at the new big store than the home delivery. Where does the meat come from? Who would deliver the groceries? Can you charge your purchases weekly? Were the savings so great to offset these benefits once gotten from small stores? These were legitimate questions asked when the new store came to town and changed shopping forever. The new era of big store business had come to town with the old family businesses fading into the nostalgic conversations.
Another factor that was a precursor for Boyle’s demise was the new health department regulations and modernizations that were always looming particularly if new ownership arrangements were to commence. Pat and Mike decided after much research that the old operation as meat processor and general grocery purveyor could no longer sustain operation with the fiscal challenges needed to accommodate the new health department standards. After spending one hundred combined years of dedicated work to the store, both men chose other professions. Boyle’s Store closed the operation on another Friday the 13th of August, 1983. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle are now deceased both living for ninety- three years.
As nearly all corner grocery stores have succumbed to the big chain competition, modernization requirements and customer attitudes for bigger one stop shopping Mecca’s, the small town landscape throughout America has changed. A piece of the historical cloth of Emmitsburg History tapestry has gone into moth balls only preserved in memory. When the old timers go, only written historical accounts will provide proof that such a place as Boyles’s Store and even small town America really existed. Bernie’s was an original with benefits and advantages never to ever be seen again.
Sincere thanks to Pat and Mike Boyle for this story.
Senior Moments
October 25, 2009
Voice of an Angel by Carol Hutson
We all remember our high school and college Pep Rallies, cheering on our team- “Go Team Go.” Winning the game was the most important thing in our lives at the time. As we grew older our priorities changed, family, home, jobs and friends took the place of many activities. Giving of ourselves took on a different meaning too.
After moving to Thurmont in 2000, Ed and I looked for activities outside of our home and found the Thurmont Lions Club through our dear friends Bev and Terry Frushour. My first recollection of a Lion’s meeting in 2008, was a sweet gentle voice reminding everyone to ” Remember your visitations are due, we want to make Carrie Mae proud, get them all finished before the end of the year.” that dear voice ringing out belongs to Dulcie Mae Biser, who joined the Lions in 2002 and took over the job of Visitation Coordinator when Carrie Mae Gumn retired. Dulcie is our “Pep Rally leader”, as she cheers us on in her gentle way. Every meeting she reminds us of our duties as Lions, to visit other Lions clubs in and out of our district. As the end of the Lions year grows near, Dulcie will respectfully in a motherly but firm manner remind us of our duty, while never forgetting to mention Carrie Mae. Dulcie received the District Governor’s Award for record visitations for the Thurmont Lions club in 2007- 2008. This award proudly hangs in her living room. Let me tell you, it is not easy to get 70, very active Lions to complete this task, but she manages it beautifully. Dulcie and past president Robin Keeny of whom Dulcie sponsored into the Lions, visits other Lions clubs to keep up to date on their activities.
Dulcie Mae Bentz married the love of her life Donald Linberg Biser on February 27, 1960 and raised seven wonderful children on a five acre farmette inWoodboro. Dulcie speaks fondly of their 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Donald retired in 1991 from Moore Business Communication Services, after 24 years of service. Dulcie and Donald moved to Thurmont in 1998. Sadly, Donald passed away on December 26, 2001.
Ralph Fisher convinced Dulcie to join the Canaries singing group, as a soprano. Dulcie’s mother Helen Bentz also sang with the Canaries, as an alto. They travel around the county to nursing homes and senior centers where they sing old songs for the residents who love to sing along. This month, they will sing hymes at the Foxville church. Dulcie states the Canaries could use more female alto’s and male bass and tenor singers in the group. So if, there are any men out there who would like to join a group of lovely ladies now is your chance. Dulcie is a lifetime member of the Graceham Moravian church and Women’s Fellowship, she is also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary for American Legion Post 168 and AMVET post 7.
When asked, what the town could do for our seniors, Dulcie, answered, “It would be nice to have more activities at the senior center in the evenings.” I advised her, which seems to be the consensus among the seniors I have spoken to while doing this column. Dulcie’s lovely home is filled with angels she has collected over the years.
Dulcie’s Treasure moments: At five years old, Dulcie liked to use the coal shovel as a guitar while singing in her front yard, in school Dulcie was a member of the Glee club, her mother Helen Bentz along with Katherine Boller and Mary Wsalter’s mothers made their costumes for their performances.
Dulcie’s senior moments: Enjoys watching the children show their steers at the Frederick Fair and the community show each year.
If you have Senior Moments you would like to share, please contact me at 301-271-2459 or carol@thurmonttimes.com.
Emmitsburg Times
October 25, 2009
From Emmitsburg Mayor Jim Hoover
The Town of Emmitsburg’s comprehensive plan was originally approved in 1998; it is a twenty year plan that should be review and or updated every six years. The Emmitsburg Planning Commission finalized their review of the comprehensive plan in October 2008, since then the Emmitsburg Town council has been reviewing and making modifications to the draft plan based on staff and public comments. At the October 19, 2009 town meeting the Town Council closed the comment period on the draft comprehensive plan. The town council directed staff to make the final edits and prepare the draft for final consideration at out next town meeting. The town council will vote on the comprehensive plan at the November 2, 2009 town meeting.
Taking a very meticulous approach in reviewing the entire document, the town’s planning commission worked on the comprehensive plan for several years before providing the town council with several recommendations. During the planning commission’s review period there were several changes in members on the planning commission. With the amount of changes in members to the planning commission much of the planning commission’s time was spent on briefing new members. Most of the planning commission members had particular points of interest in the comprehensive plan but, as a group, the planning commission always held on to one principle; they created and took every effort possible to take public comment every step of the way. Continuing to take public comment as often as they did obviously delayed the review process but to the planning commission’s credit, they stood their ground and anybody that wanted to speak, got to speak.
Completing the finial edits and assuming the comprehensive plan will be approved at the next town council meeting; I believe the Town of Emmitsburg will have a very good plan in place. Obviously not everyone agrees with everything in the plan, but overall, I believe the comprehensive plan represents a very realistic, professional and technically sound approach for planning our town’s future. One key element of the plan that I believe is not very well understood or taken into consideration is the cycle of the plan. The comprehensive plan is designed to project long term assumptions, up to twenty years or more in some cases but, the town is expected to review the plan every six years. The purpose for review the plan every six years to consider if the assumptions previously made are still considered as best practices and if needed updating the plan section by section as needed. This year the State of Maryland added a water resource element as a new requirement to comprehensive plans. Simply put, the new requirement meant that a municipality could not propose or project more growth than its resources and infrastructure is capable of servicing. This new requirement created the need for the Town of Emmitsburg and other municipalities to change land use allocations to properties within their corporate boundaries. In other words we had to down zone some properties. It was not a very popular decision to down zone properties but, knowing that there is an expectation that the comprehensive plan will be reviewed and possibly updated in six years and knowing that the State of Maryland added the water resource element requirement it is obvious that those decisions had to be made. In previous years communities were allowed to make decisions and recommend growth beyond their means. The new state requirement was not implemented to prohibit growth; it is intended to hold municipal officials more accountable for managing growth.
I want to thank everyone that was involved in updating the comprehensive plan; you created a professional document.
Say What?
October 25, 2009
SAY WHAT? Fewer than 14% Voted! By Mike Cady
Thurmont, Emmitsburg, and Walkersville just completed their municipal elections, and the City of Frederick will hold its general election on November 3. Next year, we will hold county, state and national elections for Congressional seats. Thank you to all who step forward and run for public office (past, present and future). Regardless of the election outcomes, these people are deserving of our gratitude. Also, thank you to our citizens who care enough about our future to vote.
In a “citizen based” elected government, we need highly motivated, intelligent, civic minded, honest and caring people to step forward and (if elected) be willing to put their private lives on hold while serving a greater good. I do not believe our founding fathers intended for our elected leaders to be career politicians. Instead, I think their expectation was that citizens would serve in elected office for a few years, not a lifetime. Now days, as soon as a person is elected, they begin campaigning for the next election by turning into a people pleaser. Often, they lose sight of why they sought public office. This is why I favor term limits from the U.S. Presidency to local elected offices. However, this is a topic for another column. We are a “Republic”, which means our elected leaders represent the values of the population they serve, or do they?
The sad reality about our election process is that approximately 70% of Frederick County residents eligible to vote are registered. And, in 2006 (a Presidential Election year), 83% of those registered went to the polls. This statistic may impress you, but it should not. If my math is correct, that means 58% of our eligible voters decided who will represent us at the county, state and national levels. In a non-Presidential election year (like next year), the voter turnout is historically about 60% (e.g. 42% determine our future). According to Stuart Harvey (Director of Frederick County Board of Elections), the voter turnout nationwide at municipal elections is about 20% of registered voters. In the most recent elections held in Thurmont, the voter turn out was even less. Thus, fewer than 14% of the eligible voters in Thurmont determined who will lead the town until the next election is held. My greatest fear for our country is that eligible voters are becoming more complacent in exercising their right to vote, a right fought for and guaranteed through the shedding of blood by millions of Americans.
Consequently, we have a potentially shrinking group of citizens determining who will lead us into the future. And, if as few as 14% of our neighbors is determining who will make critical decisions on every aspect of our lives was not enough of a concern, let us consider the question, who is prepared to govern? As a County Commissioner, I was ill-prepared to make finite decisions over a broad range of subjects that included, but not limited to, land management, property rights, education, public finance, taxes, law enforcement, fire & rescue, infrastructure, social services, public health, utilities, solid waste management, parks, tourism, economic development … The truth is, no one possesses expertise on all of these topics and, therefore, our elected officials are highly dependent on professional staff and us (the constituents they collectively serve) for guidance.
Not only do we have a responsibility to vote for the people who demonstrate the most potential to live up to our expectations, but we have an equal responsibility to communicate with them while they serve in public office. Our elected leaders need and (most of them) want to know how we feel on subjects so they can better represent us. It is not nearly enough to have a dialogue in and around election time. The conversation must be ongoing to balance the input our elected leaders receive from special interest groups. And, when offering your views, please be respectful (if not for the elected person, then for the position they hold). Likewise, the professional staff that we (the taxpayers) employ are deserving of courteous treatment.
Why would anybody in their right mind run for public office? From personal experience, I can tell you that the hours are long, the learning curve is steep and fast paced, the issues are complex, the special interest groups are relentless, the citizen’s views are widely diverse, the pay is far less than what you might otherwise earn, and there is plenty of unpleasantness to go around. Despite what some may think, it is not an ego trip for most of our elected leaders. The people I know in public office and those with whom I served deeply care about the outcomes of their decisions. True, we had some extremely nasty sessions and there were deeply hurt feelings, but each of us thought we were doing what was right for the people we represent.
The real deterrent for qualified people to step up and run for public office is not how your elected colleagues treat you, but the manner in which you are targeted by both the media and some sections of the public. Make no mistake, how the media portrays an elected official dramatically impacts on their ability to govern. Likewise, the disrespectful, cruel and illegal actions of a few who oppose your position on specific issues are difficult to ignore. For example, while I was in office, my home was vandalized multiple times, my vehicles keyed and tires punctured, my family members verbally abused and the disgracefully vulgar e-mails received were way over the top.
So, the next time you see or address an elected official, thank them for the courage to run for office and the job being done (even if you disagree with them on a specific issue) and be respectful of the office they hold. Think about it, if our most qualified neighbors are unwilling to serve a spell, who will then lead us?
Code Time
October 25, 2009
Code Time with Code Enforcement Officer Kenny Oland
As part of the Town of Thurmont’s ongoing effort to review and revise the codes the Board of Commissioners recently approved the revision to Chapter 72, Firearms. The greatest change to this is the development of classes of firearms as well as making the discharge of a firearm within the Town limits a criminal offense.The two classes of firearms are listed within the revised chapter along with the penalties for the discharging of that class of firearm. This chapter, at this time, does not address the shooting of a bow and arrow within the Town limits.
Article II - Discharge of Firearm
§ 72-20 - Discharge of Firearm within Town Limits.
§ 72-21 - Exceptions
Article I Definitions § 72-10. Definitions
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated.
FIREARM -
- Class ‘A’ Firearm is a weapon that expels, is designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; or the frame or receiver of such a weapon.
- Class ‘B’ Firearm shall include, but is not limited to, air rifle, air gun, slingshot, pistol, BB gun, spring gun, gas-operated gun, pellet gun or rifle, paint gun or rifle.
TOWN - Town of Thurmont.
Article II
Discharge of Firearm
§ 72-20. Discharge of Firearm within the Town Limits
- No person shall discharge a Class ‘A’ Firearm within the corporate limits of the Town. A person convicted of discharging a Class ‘A’ Firearm shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to imprisonment not to exceed six months, or a fine not to exceed $1,000.00, or both.
- It shall be unlawful for any parent, guardian, custodian, or care giver to knowing permit a minor to violate § 72-20.1 and shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and be subject to imprisonment not exceeding six months, or a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, or both.
- No person shall discharge a Class ‘B’ Firearm within the corporate limits of the Town. A violation of this section is declared to be a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation shall be a sum of fifty ($50.00) dollars.
- It shall be unlawful for any parent, guardian, custodian, or care giver to knowingly permit a minor to violate § 72-20.3 and will be subject to a penalty if he knew or should have known that the minor would violate that section or give a minor the firearm with which to do so. A violation of this section is declared to be a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation shall be a sum of fifty ($50.00) dollars.
§ 72-21. Exceptions
- The above section does not apply to:
-
- The discharge of a firearm by any duly authorized law enforcement official acting in proper performance of their official duty.
- In the lawful defense of person or property.
- To destroy a dangerous animal or to relieve an injured animal from suffering.
- During theatrical performances or sporting events with prior written notification to and approval by the Chief of Police.
- Firing during ceremonial salutes or events with prior written notification to and approval by the Chief of Police.
- Discharge of a Class ‘A’ Firearm at a duly organized rifle, gun or pistol club while such member is engaged in practice or competition on an established range approved by the Chief of Police or officer in charge of the Police Department.
- The discharge of noise making devices for the purpose of disbursing nesting or roosting wild birds. This shall only be conducted by an employee of the Town of Thurmont with the written permission by the Board of Commissioners, and with prior notification to the Chief of Police.
Recently there have been questions regarding where can the Codes of the Town of Thurmont be reviewed. A copy of all the codes is on file at the Town Office for review by the public. They are also being placed on the Town’s website under Municipal Documents.
I remind all Thurmont residents, again this month; your address is to be placed on your house as well as on BOTH SIDES of your mailbox. The code also requires that you place your house number to the rear of your property if it can be accessed or seen from an alley, street, or common area. This assists emergency responders locate your address quickly. If you should have questions regarding this code you can call me at the Police Station.
Regarding yard sales, all yard sale signs are to be removed no later than 9:00 P.M. the last day of your sale. Signs are not to be attached to any sign or utility pole. Up to this time warnings have been issued for these violations. The Police Department will begin to issue citations for these and other violations of the Codes.
Fall is here and it is not too early to remind our residents, business owners and property owners about removing snow and ice from the sidewalks. Once the snow or other falling weather has ceased the responsible person has 12 hours to clear the sidewalks.
If you should have any questions about this month’s topics, or any of the Code of the Town of Thurmont, I may be reached at 301-271-0905 or at koland@frederickcountymd.gov.
Kenny Oland
Table Time
October 25, 2009
Table Time with Ray Williams
Hope everybody has recovered from Colorfest. I have to admit, I go to Colorfest for the food, and only certain foods will do, sweets. I like starting with the Lions’ fried Twinkies, Snickers and Oreos (known as fat pills in our family). Only the Lions and Leos could improve on the Oreo. After a short walk, very short, I had to have an apple dumpling alamode at the Thurmont Ambulance booth. What a way to enjoy fresh apples and vanilla ice cream. It is the perfect blend of sweetness, creamy ice cream and a light pastry. Boy, am I glad I don’t have to wait for Colorfest to enjoy their dumplings, I found out that they are making them now for Thanksgiving and are taking orders. Don’t miss out. Well, since I didn’t eat anything else at Colorfest, I had to find another restaurant to tryout, and quick. I asked my wife where we should go next. She said she wanted to try out the new dinner theater at the Cozy restaurant. A dinner theater? In Thurmont? Yes, the Thurmont Thespians and the Cozy Restaurant have teamed up and created a totally local murder mystery, called ‘Dying to Win”. The show is based on the hit show American Idol. Local teens perform song and dance numbers for the judges and audience, when suddenly someone announces a death of someone at the Cozy; a member of the Teen Idol staff. The different cast members continue to perform, while they and the audience try to figure out who dunnit! While the show and dinner start at 7:00, the cast are in character as soon as the doors open at 6:15. This is where you pickup clues that become very helpful when it comes time to solve the mystery. If you arrive early, you can enjoy drinks and cocktails from the bar while getting to know the cast members and the other couples sitting at your table, before the real show and dinner begin. Once we sat down to enjoy the show, we were treated to a tasty chilled salad with homemade vinaigrette, all while the cast continued to mingle from table to table. The cast includes everyone in the audience in the conversations, a wonderful ice breaker for the quests. All seemed to feel much more at ease, even though they may have just met. After finishing our salads and when the first act was concluded, we were ready for the main course. The dinner portion consisted of chicken cordon bleu, braised beef, green beans, fruit salad and potatoes. All of which were very well prepared and tasty. The Cordon Bleu was delicious. The crust was crispy while the chicken was tender and juicy. The braised beef was medium rare, warm and tasty. Not overly seasoned, but just right. An excellent meal and an excellent time so far, but the show was just about to get interesting. A MURDER IN THURMONT. The cast informed us of the dastardly deed and the plot began to thicken. The show pulls you in and you become involved in a CSI like investigation. Everyone in the room has become a player and the audience’s involvement is a wonderful and sometimes hilarious part of the show. The actors are really talented too! They had to improvise at every turn, when an audience member asks a question or offers additional insight into the murder. Creating a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. I think this was just another great evening in Thurmont. We saw a wonderful show, met wonderful new friends and ate a very good meal. All this in Thurmont. The Cozy Restaurant and the Thurmont Thespians have created the perfect night out. If we continue to support such adventures, they will only become bigger and better. So, please remember, in these tough economic times, we all need to be careful how we spend our hard earned money. Some of the best restaurants and entertainment are right here in our area. So, please support your local establishments whenever you can…and keep eating in and around Northern Frederick County!
PS: If you would like to share some of your experiences while eating in Thurmont, please send me an Email @ Ray@ThurmontTimes.com. I would love to hear from you.
Thurmont Lions Club “We Support Our Troops”
October 25, 2009
“We Support Our Troops” Honor Three Heroes by Richard Little
Approximately two hundred people were in attendance at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Thurmont, on Saturday October 24, 2009, for the Thurmont Lions Club “Make a Difference Day.” The most special feature of the ceremony this year was “Support Our Troops.” A special tribute to Thurmont and surrounding area veteran’s past and present, who have served, or are currently serving in the military service of the United States. Each family with a military member was bestowed great thanks of appreciation as their son or daughter serve so valiantly. All of the families received a Presidential Blue Star Banner, which is to be placed in the window of their home. This banner serves notice to all that a household member is serving in the United States Armed Forces. The banner dates back to 1917, when it was first presented to families for all to see the contribution and sacrifices made. The star is a symbol of pride and honor which no member of the military be forgotten. Many have given the last measure of duty and supreme sacrifice of their lives to defend American liberty, and maintain security which we may too often take for granted. “Freedom is not Free,” there is a sacrifice. Lt. Robert Seidel, US Army, US Army Specialist Erik W. Hayes, and Lance Corporal James W. Higgins Jr., USMC, were honored for making the supreme sacrifice while performing their military duty. Portraits of Corporal James W. Higgins Jr., and Specialist Erik W. Hayes, were unveiled and presented to their families as a gesture of appreciation of a most unselfish act that can be given. The Thurmont Lions Club contracted an artist from Colorado to paint the portraits. It is nearly incomprehensible and without sufficient ability to thank such a deed when one gives a life for a greater cause, and protects others from harm’s way. That is exactly what these three men did. All service is commendable and deserving of thanks; to those who gave their life, no words can suffice. Each of these families was presented the Gold Star Banner for display in their home. President Woodrow Wilson first presented this symbolic star of honor to the mothers of the deceased service members as special thanks for this very personal loss. In 1929 the Mothers Gold Star, Inc., became a maternal organization to enshrine those lost children. The Thurmont Lions “We Support Our Troops” ceremony ended with a poem read by Thurmont Mayor Martin A. Burns, entitled “Old Glory.” Mayor Burns read the poem eloquently projecting home a spirit of national patriotism, which becomes the author of why armed force members rally around the flag. The Thurmont Lions Club performance was nothing less than first class and most spectacular. Thank you Thurmont Lions for “Making a Difference” everyday.
Thurmont Lions Volunteer of the Year Award
October 25, 2009
Congratulations to all the Thurmont Lions Club nominees for volunteer of the year. The award was presented to Carol Robertson for the 2009 Volunteer of the year which was awarded on Saturday, October 24. Congratulations Carol and all of the nominees for all of your hard work!
Thurmont elections decided
October 5, 2009
Mayor Marty Burns will remain the mayor of Thurmont with 551 votes. Commissioner Ron Terpko will remain in his seat with 439 votes and Wayne Hooper as well with 570 votes. Congratulations to all three candidates.
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