Westminster was all abuzz for the great fly roundup of 1914

The trouble with flies
Westminster was all abuzz for the great fly roundup of 1914

The Carroll Eagle Archives column for Sunday, June 28, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff

On Tuesday, June 16, President Barack Obama was interrupted by a pesky, deranged, and suicidal housefly during an interview with CNBC’s John Harwood.

The ensuing drama was captured on video in a life and death struggle befitting a History Channel segment pertaining to World War II. Moreover, it has since unfolded hundreds of thousands of times on YouTube.

One published account referred to the president as the “Obamazilla.” A Politico writer regaled that the “president has been getting lots of kudos for a lightning-fast, Mr. Miyagi-worthy swipe he employed to slay a pesky house fly that was buzzing him… ‘He stopped the interview to track and kill the fly,’ said talk show host Conan O’Brien.”

Politico wrote a play-by-play description of the president’s performance: “‘Get out of here,’ Obama said as the fly buzzed him during his interview. The pest persisted, and when it landed on his left forearm, Obama smacked it.

“‘Now, where were we?’ the president said without missing a beat. Pleased with himself, he added, ‘That was pretty impressive, wasn't it? I got the sucker.’

“Several observers in the room gave congratulatory shout-outs. Obama pointed to the floor and instructed an obliging cameraman to get a close-up of the corpse.”

“‘It’s like he’s got one of those fly Terminator targeting systems in his eyes,’ said an awed Jon Stewart.”

One published account reported: “He's a Harvard educated lawyer, leader of the free world and has the reflexes of a highly trained ninja. America's enemies, beware.”

Another noted: “Obama dispels claims that he is "soft," showing no mercy to a fly. World be warned!”

Many were impressed. That is, with the exception of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – PETA.

PETA was less than amused. Politico reports that PETA called it an “execution,” and wants the commander-in-chief to show a little more compassion to even “the least sympathetic animals.”

Well, if PETA was alarmed over the president killing one fly, one can only wonder what that august organization would have thought of the 1914 “Swat the Fly” campaign in Westminster.

According to “Carroll County Maryland, A History 1837-1976,” by Nancy Warner, it all began with Westminster’s “first Civic League, organized in January 1913 with Mrs. Charles E. Stewart, president; Mrs. Frank Z. Miller, secretary; and Mrs. George K. Mather, treasurer.

“Some of the concrete accomplishments of the league included the placement of ‘No Spitting’ signs and public garbage cans on the streets, landscaping of school grounds, planting of flowers and trees, and swatting the fly.

“The Swat the Fly campaign sought to improve sanitation. Children were given ten cents for every hundred flies killed.

“The report for 1914 contained the figures of $159 paid and 1,500 movie tickets distributed in return for thirty-five twenty-pound candy buckets of flies. Grocers and butchers were encouraged to provide screens for their doors and windows and protective display cases for their meats.”

It all reminds me that it was Groucho Marx, who once said, “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”

When he is not swatting flies, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net.
20090628 sdosm KED SCE The trouble with flies

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For other recent columns in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff:

Bringing Corbit's Charge, and Douglass, back to Westminster
Published July 5, 2009 by Carroll Eagle http://tinyurl.com/mxbkjp
http://explorecarroll.com/community/3099/bringing-corbits-charge-douglass-back-westminster/

DAYHOFF: Margaret Mitchell wrote what she knew; the rest is gone with the wind
Published July 2, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
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Westminster was all abuzz for the great fly roundup of 1914
Published June 28, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
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Published June 23, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
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20090705 sdosm Recent columns in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff
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Frederick Douglass and Westminster Mayor Michael Baughman

Frederick Douglass and Westminster Mayor Michael Baughman share a light moment as they strolled the streets of Westminster, June 27, 2009 (c) photo by Kevin Dayhoff

Frederick Douglass portrayed by Michael Crutcher, Sr., of Kentucky and Westminster Mayor Michael Baughman, portrayed by Ron Kuehne, outreach coordinator for the Pipe Creek Civil War Roundtable; share a light moment as they strolled the streets of Westminster moments before Mr. Douglas delivered a stirring oration at the 7th commemoration ceremonies of Corbit’s Charge in Westminster on June 27, 2009.

Mr. Douglass’ 45-minute presentation was one of the highlights of the weekend’s living history events which saw “the field across the street of the Carroll County office building was transformed back to the days of June 1863 during the American Civil War.

Douglass was introduced to the audience by Ron Kuehne, outreach coordinator for the Pipe Creek Civil War Roundtable, in his role as Westminster mayor Michael Baughman, 1861-1864.

Also present was Col. Tom LeGore, who has written extensively about Corbit’s Charge, Frederick Douglass and Westminster’s role in the Civil War. Many credit Col. LeGore for being the driving force for bringing the annual commemoration activities to life, after years of advocacy, in 2003.

Over a 100 folks gathered in the “big tent” at the campground to hear Douglass, born in 1818, in Talbot County, on Maryland’s eastern shore, speak of his struggles as a slave, his escape from servitude and his subsequent rise to become a distinguished statesman, editor, author and diplomat; who had the ear of presidents.

This was not Douglass’s first visit to Westminster. Last Saturday, he remarked prior to his oratory, “I’ve returned from my visit to Westminster in 1870.”

He had previously spoken at the Odd Fellow’s Hall – now known as Opera House Printing Company, at 140 East Main Street.

According to Nancy Warner’s history book, “Carroll County Maryland – A History 1837-1976,” an account of his visit was reported in the now defunct “American Sentinel” Westminster newspaper on October 13, 1870.

Read my entire column on the event here: Bringing Corbit's Charge, and Douglass, back to Westminster Published July 5, 2009 by Carroll Eagle

For more information:

Recent history columns in http://explorecarroll.com/ by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/nzcv85

http://twitpic.com/9kk79 Frederick Douglass delivers stirring oration at the 7th commemoration ceremonies of Corbit’s Charge in Westminster http://tinyurl.com/nzcv85

Recent history columns in http://explorecarroll.com/ by Kevin Dayhoff http://tinyurl.com/nzcv85

Pam Zappardino at Corbit’s Charge http://twitpic.com/9ko3u
http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/07/pam-zappardino-at-corbits-charge.html http://tinyurl.com/mnkfwh

For more information on the 7th commemoration ceremonies of Corbit’s Charge in Westminster, please see: Annual Corbit's Charge – http://tinyurl.com/nno2af
http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Annual%20Corbit%27s%20Charge

20090627 CCChrgBaughDoug (22)

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Recent columns in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent columns in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff

Bringing Corbit's Charge, and Douglass, back to Westminster
Published July 5, 2009 by Carroll Eagle

In the picture above: From left to right: Westminster mayor Michael Baughman portrayed by Ron Kuehne, Mary LeGore, Col. Tom LeGore and Frederick Douglass portrayed by Michael Crutcher, Sr., pause for a photograph after Douglass’ 45-minute oration last Saturday at the 7th commemoration ceremonies of Corbit’s Charge in Westminster. Photo by Kevin Dayhoff 20090627-CChrgeFDGrp(3)asm.gif

Last weekend, the field across the street of the Carroll County Office Building in Westminster was transformed to the days of June 1863, during the Civil War.

Organized by the Corbit's Charge Commemoration Committee and the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table, the gathering marked the 146th anniversary of the June 29, 1863, Battle of Westminster, also known as Corbit's Charge.

It was scene filled with tents, campfires and military equipment, as men and women representing both the Union and Confederate side of the conflict went about the business of presenting a living history of sights, sounds and smells of the Civil War.

The commemoration included a parade to the park beside the historic Court House where a wreath was placed at the monument for Corbit's Charge. That was followed by wreath laying ceremonies at the grave of Lt. Murray, who died in the June 1863 battle, and was buried in the Ascension Church cemetery.

It was on a sleepy summer day in June 1863, on Washington Road and East Main Street, in Westminster, that about 90 men of the Union First Delaware Cavalry, led by Capt. Charles Corbit, found themselves facing 5,000 rebel soldiers from a cavalry division of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under Major Gen. J.E.B. Stuart.

Confederate forces routed the Delaware soldiers. Yet, the battle is considered by many to have been one of many contributing factors in the outcome of the war -- because the brief skirmish took place days before the fateful meeting of Union Gen. George G. Meade and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, in Gettysburg, Pa, July 1-3.

Local historian Col. Tom LeGore says the skirmish delayed Stuart's ability to get to Gettysburg in time to significantly help Lee's forces and was a contributing factor in the eventual defeat of the Confederate army at Gettysburg. In those horrific three days, more than 160,000 soldiers fought, resulting in more than 50,000 casualties -- and a Union victory.

One of the highlights of last weekend's living history events was a 45-minute presentation by the famed orator Frederick Douglass, portrayed by Michael Crutcher Sr., of Kentucky.

"Douglass" was introduced to the audience by Ron Kuehne, outreach coordinator for the Pipe Creek Civil War Roundtable, in his role as Westminster mayor Michael Baughman, 1861-1864.

More than 100 folks gathered in the tent at the campground to hear the story of Douglass, born in 1818, in Talbot County, and his struggles as a slave, his escape from servitude and his subsequent rise to become a distinguished statesman, editor, author and diplomat.

... for his age," Crutcher responded that Douglass has "rested a lot" over the years.

Read the entire column here: Bringing Corbit's Charge, and Douglass, back to Westminster

When he's not traveling back in time to the 1800s, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

DAYHOFF: Margaret Mitchell wrote what she knew; the rest is gone with the wind
Published July 2, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... And that is all I know for right now. Hope you and your family have a great Fourth of July weekend. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. …visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Westminster was all abuzz for the great fly roundup of 1914
Published June 28, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... reminds me that it was Groucho Marx who once said, "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana." When he is not swatting flies, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at … or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

DAYHOFF: Hoffa Field and the Sheathing of the Sword
Published June 23, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... . Lightner and the June 1922 American Sentinel newspaper article have left us with an extensive and fascinating account of the “The Sheathing of the Sword.” … visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

'Year without summer' killed crops ... and created a monster
Published June 21, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
... village folk that it's not a bad idea to keep a torch handy on these cool summer nights. When he is not playing with laboratory-harnessed lightning, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at … or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

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Published June 20, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
UNION BRIDGE — Several hundred folks braved threatening weather June 20 to witness the unveiling and dedication of the historic 1900 Blue Ridge College bell in Lehigh Square, the original site of the college which had thrived in Union Bridge from 1898 to ... ...

When city got 'sole' in the 1920s, it was cause for a celebration
Published June 14, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... be the guest speaker. There will be a retirement ceremony for worn flags. Guests may bring old flags for retirement. When he is not waving the flag, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at… or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

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… (have) come a long way from the old parade field in Frizellburg.” Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster.

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Published June 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle, Carroll Eagle
... Westminster city police arrived and took control of the situation The accident is under investigation. All in a day’s work. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster.

20090705 sdosm Recent columns in Explore Carroll by Kevin Dayhoff

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Blip.fm: http://blip.fm/kevindayhoff_soundtrack Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835 Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/

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7th annual Corbit's Charge commemoration in Westminster MD

7th annual Corbit's Charge commemoration in Westminster MD

From the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table

http://www.pccwrt.org/

Welcome to the NEW official web site of the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table Our 12th year! Come Join Us!

Our 7th annual Corbit's Charge commemoration will be held on June 26 - 28th. at 224 N. Center St. This event is free to the public. A schedule of activities has been posted in the Corbit's Charge section. Please join us!

Click Here to View the 2009 Meeting Schedule

Corbit's Charge Schedule for 2009

View Photos from 2007 event - Page 1

View Photos from 2006 event

View Photos from 2005 event

View Photos from 2004 event

Contact David Bloom or Ray Wetzel for more details.

Updated June 19, 2009

Events will take place starting on Friday, June 26, 2009. Locations as noted.

For more information, contact Ron Kuehne, PCCWRT Outreach Coordinator at

ronaldk@carr.org

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Friday, June 26, 2009

3:00 p.m.

Encampment opens for re-enactor camp setup, located at 224 N. Center Street

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Living history Civil War presence on Main Street in downtown Westminster. Historic Downtown tour of CW sites at 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Free period music concert by "O’ Be JoyFull" on the Locust Lane stage from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

10:00 a.m.

Encampment opens to the public with unit drill and camp life demonstrations and displays. Children’s games available on request. Sutlers and food will be available.

12:30 p.m.

Re-enactors assemble for parade to Court House for wreath laying at battle monument and

Lt. Murray’s grave. Tours of the battle site begin immediately following the ceremony until 4:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Re-enactors return to encampment to continue unit drill and camp life demonstrations and displays.

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Michael Crutcher, Sr. interprets Frederick Douglass. Mr. Crutcher will be available all day to speak with the public.

5:00 p.m.

Re-enactors dinner is served.

7:00 p.m.

Concert of civil war period music. Music provided by the Susquehanna Travellers.

Snack Food service is available to the public.

9:30 p.m.

Encampment closes to the public.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Encampment is open to the public with camp life demonstrations, unit drill and displays. Children’s games available on request. Sutlers and food will be available.

10:00 a.m.

A Civil War Tent Style Church Service. Chaplin Allan Farley officiating.

Public is welcome.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Michael Crutcher, Sr. interprets Frederick Douglass. Mr. Crutcher will be available all day to speak with the public.

12 noon

Tours of the battle site begin.

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Music by the Victorian Parlour Ensemble for your listening pleasure.

4:00 p.m.

Encampment closes.

Re-enactor Units

1st Maryland Artillery, CSA, 8^th Virginia Infantry, CSA

Field Hospital, Robert Urban, 24^th Georgia Infantry, Co. H, CSA

26^th Virginia Infantry, Co. K, Sons of Confederate Veterans, MD. Div. Color Guard

11^th Virginia Cavalry, Co. H, CSA, 3^rd PA. Cavalry, Co. I

4^th North Carolina Infantry, CSA, 3^rd Maryland Infantry, USA

150^th New York Vol. Infantry, USA, 22^nd North Carolina Infantry, CSA

The American Civil War Education Foundation/Heritage Restorers

Officer Interpreters:

*Civil War Heritage Foundation (CSA First Corps. HQ)

*Lt.-General James Longstreet, *Major Fairfax

Major General J.E.B Stuart, General Issac Trimble

"Soldiers and Subjects of the Queen" (British Military Observers)

Stephen Mallory, Secretary of the Confederate Navy

Sutlers – Displays

Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table, Historical Society of Carroll County

Victorian Photography Studio, Rick Barrick, Chaircanning Demo.

Liz Oats, Seamstress, Joe "Reb" Staup, Blacksmith

Jeff Leister, Tinsmith and his tole lady, Patrick & Joann Dunnigan, Chaircanner & Band boxes

Andrew Maher, Custom Furniture, Chaplain Alan Farley, Re-enactor’s Mission for Jesus Christ

C.W.Whitehair, Author, Dennis Duerbeck, Civil War Artillery Projectiles

Dan Toomey, Author, Joe Hollingsworth, Artist

Michael Crutcher, Sr. interprets Frederick Douglass

Subject to change as more units and displayers respond

Kevin Dayhoff: http://www.westgov.net/ Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835

Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)

Recent Explore Carroll Columns by Kevin Dayhoff

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/
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Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/
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Recent Explore Carroll Columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent Explore Carroll Columns by Kevin Dayhoff

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20090531 Recent Explore Carroll Columns by Kevin Dayhoff

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Posted: May 4th, 2009 in Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

20090526 SDOSM Explore Carroll most read

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Dayhoff: A brief review of the Westminster Navy, and its role in American history

Dayhoff: A brief review of the Westminster Navy, and its role in American history Published April 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle

Folks have been asking where they may find my brief review of the Westminster Navy, and its role in American history… Here you go:

The Westminster Eagle column for Wednesday, April 1, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff (649 words)

She was once a proud ship, a ruler of the waves and a queen of the sea. The “Patapsco Militia Ship Westminster” was her name.

The days of glory for the PMS Westminster are now gone as she sits askew on the ground with a list and sigh on the shores of the Patapsco River in back of the Westminster utilities work shop on Manchester Road.

The once proud ship is hardly noticed by passersby in their hustle and bustle traveling to and from Westminster. It's an inglorious plight for the once proud master of the seas.

No one knows, for example, that the PMS Westminster was the ship used by George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware River.

This event has become confused with the passage of time. Initially George Washington crossed the Patapsco River on his way to the Battle of Brandywine.

The event stirred such emotion and passion that the news media wanted it recreated for the 5 o'clock news. By then General Washington had travelled far from the Patapsco River so they used the Delaware River for the reenactment.

It's only fitting that the Patapsco River near Westminster should have such a rich and colorful nautical history.

This area of Carroll County was founded by the Carthaginians shortly after the 3rd Punic War which raged in the Mediterranean Sea from 149 to 146 BC.

After Carthage was destroyed by the Romans, a small band of seafaring Carthaginians set sail for a new home and settled in the valley by the natural port offered by the Patapsco River in what we now know as the Lucabaugh Mill Road and Manchester Road area near the new Westminster Cranberry water treatment plant.

The Carthaginians named the Patapsco River after Patroclus, the gentle and amiable friend of Achilles in Homer's “Iliad.” A rival group of natives at the time confused Patroclus to be "Petapsqui" – the Native American word for backwater or tide water covered with foam which was actually the froth formed by the discharge pipes of the large stills operated at the time by the Patapsipiss tribe of brewing Native Americans.

The well read Carthaginians were also aware that the site where Ulysses successfully sailed past the Sirens was actually on the Patapsco River.

The exact spot is the bridge over the railroad and the Patapsco River on Manchester Road just north of Westminster.

The Sirens, if you'll remember, were sort of a sea goddess who lured to destruction those who listened to their songs. When Ulysses sailed under the bridge towards Westminster to attend a public hearing, he stopped-up the ears of his companions with wax and had himself tied to the mast of his ship.

Ulysses thereupon passed safely, and the Sirens, disappointed at their loss, drowned themselves – which is exactly what many of us want to do after attending most public hearings in Westminster.

George Washington wrote in his “Maxims: Transcripts of Revolutionary Correspondence” that he felt that Westminster-on-the-Patapsco ought to have been the site of the nation's capital. The planners confused the name Patapsco with the name Potomac and well, the rest is history.

When President Abraham Lincoln began his trip to Gettysburg to deliver the Gettysburg Address; the plan was for him to travel up the Patapsco River on the PMS Westminster, disembark, and travel by land for the balance of the trip.

Upon reaching Westminster, Lincoln was thereupon informed that Carroll County's road system was a bad collage of stoplights, confusion, and overcrowded roads which go from nowhere to nowhere. So he took the train.

These are but a few of the legendary exploits of the PMS Westminster and the Westminster Navy. A proud heritage only a few Carroll Countians know. Now you know it too!

Well, maybe not. Happy April Fool’s Day.

That’s my two-cents. What’s yours?

I’ll look forward to your comments in the readers’ comment section below.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster.
Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)
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Recalling the devastating Westminster fire of 1906 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Recalling the devastating Westminster fire of 1906 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Other recent columns by Kevin Dayhoff:

County jail started out 0-for-1 when it came to holding prisoners Published April 3, 2009 by Carroll Eagle

Dayhoff: A brief review of the Westminster Navy, and its role in American history Published April 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle

Merriment and joy, from one kind of cell to another Published March 27, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

Dayhoff says: When it comes to Obama on Jay Leno, get over it Published March 26, 2009 by Westminster Eagle

*****
Recalling the devastating Westminster fire of 1906 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Posted in The Westminster Eagle http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 4/08/09

On April 6, 1906, the City of Westminster witnessed a devastating fire right in the heart of town.

Of all ironies, it occurred right next to where the fire station was located at that time, and destroyed the home and livery stable owned by Harry H. Harbaugh, a prominent Carroll County citizen.

The fire is known in history as The Palace Livery Stable Fire of 1906.

At one point, residents were concerned for not only the safety of the fire station, but also for the home of Westminster Mayor O. D. Gilbert (May 21, 1900 - May 18, 1908) and the St. John Catholic Church, all located nearby.

Also bear in mind, in those days the offices of the government of the city of Westminster were likely located in the fire station; and just to the east of the fire station was the main Carroll County offices and switchboard for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company.

So, as one can imagine, the fire caused a bit of commotion in town. If you are trying to place the location of the fire, today it's the area we now know as the Thomas S. Diffendal parking lot.

According to an article in the now defunct American Sentinel, the fire "destroyed about $25,000 worth of property and threatened, for a time, a widespread conflagration in this city ... (It) started 15 or 20 minutes before 3 o'clock."

The fire destroyed "22 horses, 45 vehicles, a large lot of harness, provender, household furniture and the wearing apparel of Mr. Harbaugh and his family," and caused as much as $5,000 worth of damage to the fire station.

"Of the horses which perished, 18 belonged to Mr. Harbaugh and one each to Mr. J. E. Hippie, Mr. Charles E. Goodwin, Dr. Thomas J. Coonan and the A.B.C. Bread and Pie Company."

"The fire started near the rear and the wind drove it toward the front with such rapidity that Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh and their three little boys barely escaped with their lives, and had to flee barefooted and in their night clothing from the burning building.

"It had been in progress for perhaps 20 minutes before it was discovered, when it was too late to make any effort to rescue the horses, most of which were probably suffocated before an alarm was sounded..."

"The heat from the burning stable ignited the window frames of the Firemen's Building and the flames spread into its interior, greatly endangering the structure. Only the almost superhuman efforts of the firemen saved if from destruction...

"Much of the surrounding property was in danger, blazing flakes from the burning stables having been carried for quite a distance, and having fallen on the roofs of many houses, in some instances igniting them. Fortunately shingle roofs were damp and householders watched, with hose and other means at hand, to suppress the first beginnings of a blaze thereon."

It's interesting to note that in those days, newspaper accounts of fires more often than not included the name of the insurance company and the representative:

Harbaugh's property "was insured in the sum of $6,500, in companies represented by Mr. Charles E. Goodwin's insurance agency."

As for the fire station; the "extent of the damage to the building by fire and water is from $8,000 to $5,000, the loss being fully covered by insurance in the Carroll County and Dug Hill Companies and in companies represented by Mr. J. H. Fuss and others."

The article also mentioned that "this was the most disastrous fire in this city since the great conflagration of April 9, 1883, when 17 or 18 buildings, including Grace Lutheran Church and parsonage, were destroyed and two lives were lost."

Fortunately, we are blessed in Carroll County with many fine volunteer fire companies and dedicated individuals who take time away from their families to protect all of us.

As a matter of fact, the 1906 newspaper article noted:

"As usual, the firemen deserve special commendation for their energetic efforts to protect and save property from destruction. A visitor from Baltimore, who witnessed their work, was overheard to remark that they far surpassed the firemen of that city in efficiency. Citizens residing in the vicinity supplied them with hot coffee while they were engaged in their arduous duty..."

Fire safety remains a serious concern for out community even today. Just last Saturday, my wife, Miss Caroline, Westminster firefighter Bob Ruby and I staffed a fire prevention and safety booth at the William Winchester Elementary School Spring Carnival.

It is never too early to start teaching your children fire safety. As history shows us -- it's everyone's concern and it can be a matter of life and death.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com.

http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion/2715/recalling-devastating-westminster-fire-1906/

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Dean Minnich’s “A History of Westminster” on the WTTR web site

Dean Minnich’s “A History of Westminster” on the WTTR web site

(I was giving a fellow reporter a hand with some WTTR history the other day and found this in a Google-search… It was originally written by now-Carroll County Commissioner Dean Minnich. Commissioner Minnich really captured the essence of Westminster… Kevin Dayhoff March 20, 2009)

An excerpt from "Towns & Villages of Carroll County" by Dean L. Minnich, 1995

http://www.wttr.com/westminster.html

Ask a resident of Westminster to describe the town, and the answer you get will depend as much on where they grew up as on their current address.

Those who grew up riding their bikes on Main Street and through the alleys will know a different city than the parent who watches a child explore a tot lot in The Greens. Old-timers with memories of the City Restaurant and G. C. Murphy’s, the State Theater and shooting rats with .22’s at the city dump at the end of Monroe Street (site of the present St. John’s school and church) will know a different town than the 20-something young man walking dogs in Furnace Hills or the women enjoying Ladies’ Night at Tully’s.

The truth is, like most other Carroll County towns, Westminster’s story is a tale of two cities; one kept alive by traditions and old perspectives and another that is emerging with the changes of time and growth. It is a microcosm of the story of Carroll County at large; it is the story of every small town in the county, but on a larger scale.

Read the rest on WTTR’s web site – http://www.wttr.com/westminster.html; however, if the link ever goes bad – email me at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com and I’ll post the entire article…

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19950000 Minnich WTTR A History of Westminster
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Mayor David E Walsh passed away on January 27, 1927 by Kevin Dayhoff

Mayor David E Walsh passed away on January 27, 1927

© By Kevin Dayhoff January 27, 2009

This is the long version of my column that appeared in Explore Carroll on January 29, 2009: “Remembering the life of former mayor David E. Walsh.”

On Thursday, January 27, 1927 former Westminster mayor David E. Walsh passed away.

His passing was noted in a now defunct Westminster Advocate newspaper article which appeared on January 28, 1927 – “Ex-Mayor Walsh Dead – Was Stricken With Paralysis While Attending A K. of C. Meeting.”

His granddaughter, current Westminster councilwoman Suzanne Albert, was kind enough to provide me with a copy of the obituary some time ago to further my ongoing research on the city of Westminster’s elected officials.

As a matter of fact, if you have any old newspaper articles, photographs, or any historic information on Westminster city government, Westminster mayors, burgesses, commissioners, or council members, please be in touch.

The 1927 article on Mayor Walsh reported that he was only 53 years-old when he died. “Mr. Walsh had been in ill health for the past two years. He was in this city Tuesday evening and attended the meeting in St. John’s Hall.

“His death was caused from paralysis… (He was present at a meeting in the K. of C. (Knights of Columbus) Hall, Baltimore, Wednesday night when taken ill and was removed to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he died at 12:30 yesterday afternoon.”

He had served our community as mayor from May 20, 1912 – May 15, 1916. His predecessor was Mayor Ernest J. Sponseller, who took his turn in office from May 16, 1910 – May 20, 1912. His successor was Mayor Howard E. Koontz who served from May 15, 1916 – May 17, 1926.

The 1910s were busy in Westminster. The population of Carroll County in 1910 was 33,934. It was during his term as mayor that Carroll County voted to become a “dry” county in 1914.

The automobile was beginning to bring about great changes in the community. According to a history of Carroll County during the 1900s, “From Our Front Porch,” by Jim Lee, gasoline cost 13 cents per gallon in October 1911. A Model T Ford cost $295 in 1923.

According to the Historical Society of Carroll County, on May 4, 1912, just days before Mayor Walsh took office, “Ex-President and Bull Moose Party candidate Teddy Roosevelt made a whistle-stop appearance in Westminster… He delivered a campaign speech from the front of the American Sentinel newspaper office near the intersection of Liberty and E. Main Streets.”

When I was growing up in Westminster in the 1950s and 1960s, Mayor Walsh was still mentioned in terms of great respect and appreciation. And for good reason; much of the article was devoted to his many accomplishments and the numerous civic organizations to which he belonged:

“He was a charter member of the Westminster Council, Knights of Columbus, of which he served as Grand Knight, and at the time of his death, he was connected with the Maryland State Council as District Deputy.

“He served two terms as Mayor of Westminster with exceptional ability.” In those days, mayors served two-year terms.

“He was a member of the Carroll County Bar. When the United States entered the World War (WWI,) he entered the Ordinance, where he remained until after the Armistice, when he was transferred to the United States Veterans’ Bureau, where his services will be remembered by many disabled soldiers.”

Mayor Walsh’s funeral was held on Saturday, January 29 at St. John Catholic Church. At the time, the church was located on East Main Street in Westminster where the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library is now.

A February 4 newspaper article noted that his funeral “was largely attended and numerous beautiful floral tributes testified to the high esteem in he was held.”

Father Martin P. J. Egan conducted the services before he was laid to rest in the Westminster Cemetery. The names of the pallbearers read like a who’s who of prominent Westminster community leaders: J. Gloyd Diffendal, Paul A. Logue, Nathaniel H. Baumgardner, C. Gloyd Lynch, Norman B. Boyle, Edward W. Case, J. Carbery Boyle, and C. Eugene Tubman.

A February 4 newspaper article noted that his funeral “was largely attended and numerous beautiful floral tributes testified to the high esteem in which he was held.”

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Westminster Mayor 1912 1916 Walsh, Westminster Mayor 1910-12 Sponseller, Westminster Mayor 1916 1926 Koontz

Mayor Ernest J. Sponseller, who took his turn in office from May 16, 1910 – May 20, 1912.

Mayor David E. Walsh served our community as mayor from May 20, 1912 – May 15, 1916.

Mayor Howard E. Koontz served from May 15, 1916 – May 17, 1926.

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The Westminster Fire Dept. from approximately 1932

The Westminster Fire Department, Westminster, Carroll County Maryland, from around 1932

Kevin Dayhoff
19320000 FB SDOSM WFD 3 bays 3 enginessm

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This Day in History for February 11, 2009

This Day in History for February 11, 2009

February 11, 2009 by © Kevin Dayhoff

Years ago in the middle of February, the Baltimore Colts, graffiti, a new jail, going hungry and sweet corn were on the minds of Carroll Countians – not necessarily in that order.

The Baltimore Colts are coming to town.

On February 11, 1949 it was announced that the Baltimore Colts were coming to Western Maryland College – now known as McDaniel College - to practice in the summer.

The now out-of-print Democratic Advocate carried the headline: “College Campus To Be Used By Colts- Coach Isbell Expects to Bring 55 Players to Train, Starting in July.”

The article proclaimed: “Baltimore's football Colts are going to train at Western Maryland College this year. Dr. Lowell S. Ensor, president of the Methodist school, and Walter S. Driskill, Colts general manager, have signed a contract providing for the city's All-America Football Conference squad to use the Westminster College's campus as a pre-season base of operations …

“Driskill … cited a number of advantages in choosing Western Maryland. "The school's facilities are ideal," he explained, "and because Westminster is only 30 miles from Baltimore the fans will have a good chance to get acquainted with us.’

Children will be children.

The February 11, 1921 edition of the now defunct Union Bridge Pilot lamented: “The practice of defacing property with chalk and pencils… appears to be a favorite pastime with some children.

“Newly painted buildings and porch columns appear to offer special inducements for the practice. The town authorities as a rule do not care to resort to legal measures with children, yet it appears a few applications of this medicine might prove effective.”

New jail to be built.

On February 13, 1970, another local newspaper that has long since fallen by the wayside, the Community Reporter, reported that the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, Robert M. McKinney, Paul J. Walsh, and Scott S. Bair, Jr., “have officially approved the building of a new county jail in Westminster for Carroll County…

“The issue… has been debated for several years. In 1968 the State Jail Inspector stated the jail was not usable and ordered it closed. Since that time, the county has been transporting prisoners to the Baltimore city jail.”

Eventually somebody is going to go hungry.

The February 13, 1920 edition of the Union Bridge Pilot, helped spread the alarm that according to Prof. T. C. Atkeson, the Washington representative of the National Grange: “The Cities Must Experience Industrial Crash.”

Professor Atkeson warned that an “economic crash that will bring down the cost of living, must originate in the cities, and reach such an extent that those who have left the country sections for "big wages" will come back to the country…

“He says there is no cure for high prices that Congress, or anybody, can provide, but that the situation must work itself out...

“He says the labor situation is rapidly making it impossible for the farmers to feed the country, and that eventually somebody is going to go hungry.”

Carroll County was sweet on sweet corn.

Four years later, on February 1, 1924, the Democratic Advocate reported: “One of the largest crops produced by the farmer in Carroll (is) sweet corn…

“The average yield (was) close to 3 tons (per acre.) … The cost ran from $13.00 to $13.50 per ton. Allowing only .25 per hour for labor and .10 per hour for horse.”

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.
E-mail him at:kevindayhoff at gmail.com
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20090211 SDOSM This Day in History for February 11, 2009

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60 years ago, Davis opened the first chapter of the library book

60 years ago, Davis opened the first chapter of the library book

EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 1/16/09

Other columns by Kevin Dayhoff on www.explorecarroll.com: http://explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO


Photo: The Davis Library in Westminster, MD, was dedicated on May 27, 1951 in the former Westminster Methodist Protestant Church building. According to a web site history of the Carroll County Public Library, "In 1958 a county-wide library system was established, with the Davis Library operating as the central branch." The Davis Library served as the Westminster Branch of the Carroll County Public Library from May 1958 to March 1980.

Bob Allen's piece in last week's edition of The Sunday Carroll Eagle on the future of the Carroll County Public Library reminded me that it was 60 years ago on Jan. 21, 1949, that another newspaper carried the headline:
"Library Donated By Mr. & Mrs. Davis, The Immanuel Methodist Church To Be Site ..."

The article, in the now-defunct Democratic Advocate, reported that "the donation of a library for Westminster to be known as The Davis Library was made by the Board of Trustees recently set up to secure a charter and establish and conduct the project."

The Jan. 7, 1949, minutes of an organization meeting for the library mention that the library "first occupied part of the Times Building in 1911, later moving to the Wantz building, then back to its present location in the Times Building in 1936."

The library in Carroll County began in 1863 in the Odd Fellow's Hall (now known as Opera House Printing Company), at 140 E. Main Street. The library moved to the Times Building in 1911.

The 1949 newspaper article continued by naming a number of distinguished citizens who were involved in forming the Davis Library:

"Those named by Mr. Davis to this first self-perpetuating board were: Walter H. Davis, K. Ray Hollinger, Gerald E. Richter, George K. Mathias, Samuel M. Jenness, Ralph G. Hoffman, Carroll L. Crawford, Norman B. Boyle and John R. Bankard ...

"The donors are Walter H. Davis and wife, Elizabeth R. Davis. Mr. Davis is one of Westminster's outstanding citizens. ... He is active in religious, public and civic affairs, served on the city council and as acting mayor for a time. He is head of the W. H. Davis Company, Buick automobile dealers and has been a resident of Westminster for over 50 years."

And for his donation, his name is forever etched in the book of Carroll County history.

From books to pets

In last week's column I noted that when Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech the night of his election, he promised his daughters a puppy. Many presidents vie for having the most unusual pets, however, President John Quincy Adams may take the cake.

Last week's Sunday Carroll Eagle history question was: What were President Adams' two pets?

Glenn Plott, Heidi Davis, Michael Sears, Ruth G Anderson, Sam Greenholtz, Richard Siehler, Bruce Sadler and Marian Goettee all knew that President Adams had an alligator and silkworms.

Sadler, this week's winner of the historic Sunday Carroll Eagle mug, wrote that "President John Quincy Adams was in the White House from 1825-1829. He was given a pet alligator by the Marquis de Lafayette, which he kept for a time in a bathroom in the East Room of the White House. He also had pet silkworms."

Anderson wrote that it was the president's wife "Mrs. Louisa Adams (who) raised silkworms! It is said that she had gowns made from the silk."
Greenholtz noted that he has "never been able to find out what the names of the silkworms were or if he "walked" them daily. ...

"While these are strange to say the least, I think that Calvin Coolidge with his raccoons and other White House pets certainly rank up there with weird "normal" animals," Greenholtz added. "Of course Taft, with Pauline the cow on the White House lawn is another tale to be sure."

Good points, Sam, but actually, President George W. Bush also has a pet cow -- though he keeps it on his Texas ranch.

Sears was curious to know if "you could pet a silk worm." However he was not so sure he would want to pet an alligator. Of course, as President-elect Obama will soon find out, there's no need for him to go looking for pet alligators -- he'll find himself up to his neck in them soon enough.

Getting back to the history of Westminster -- and for your very own Sunday Carroll Eagle mug -- here's this week's question:

What nationally famous person gave a presentation at the Odd Fellows Hall on Oct. 13, 1870?

Think you know? Drop me an e-mail at kdayhoff AT carr.org, with "Sunday Carroll Eagle" in the subject line.

When he's not talking with his pet stuffed animal named "Mr. Moose," Kevin Dayhoff may be contacted at kdayhoff AT carr.org.

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Westminster Eagle: There is no such thing as a simpler time

Westminster Eagle: There is no such thing as a simpler time

Kevin Dayhoff

Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 1/07/09

It's the first week of 2009 and, by now, most of us are back to work with the extra pounds of the holidays and the memories of 2008, and we're beginning to focus upon the challenges of 2009.

At gatherings I attended during the holidays, much of the conversation concerned the state of the economy.

On several occasions I heard folks yearning for "simpler days." To which I cringe. The concept of the "simpler days of yesteryear" is a myth perpetuated by the historically uninformed to make a point that we've somehow gone astray.

In the past several years, I have lamented over how the "Internet Age" has resulted in revisionist history obtusely retold in today's context in order to perpetuate a particular political agenda.

Pick a time of economic chaos in history. Or a time of war or great social change. Pick a year, any year, and an accurate portrayal of history will put into context immense challenges and how our nation successfully came together to face those challenges.

To be certain, it wasn't always pretty. However, as any of the great folks who have gone before us will tell you, there was nothing simple about overcoming the challenges of any day.

For whatever reason, in the middle of suffering through one of those soliloquies about how days gone by were simpler, my thoughts drifted to 1942.

It was less than a month after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, that the dawn of the New Year in 1942 witnessed Carroll County engaged in the work of helping with the war effort.

According to "From Our Front Porch," a history of Carroll County in the 1900s by Jim Lee, "As the new year arrived, Carroll stepped up its efforts to prepare for potential enemy invasions. ... In Westminster, a blackout rehearsal (had taken place) on Dec. 12, at 9 p.m. Following that, a meeting of all county Civil Defense personnel was called for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Westminster Firemen's Building."

As part of the efforts to protect Carroll County from the enemy, members of the Civil Defense units would work shifts "at an air raid lookout post" looking for enemy aircraft flying over the county.

Another local defense initiative saw "more than 1,100 Carroll countians signed up as Minute Men.

"The men wore a determined expression that boded no good for any invaders in Carroll County... Crack riflemen" were among the accumulated defensemen. "One man is keeping his fox hounds in excellent condition (to help) lookout for parachutists ..."

The book also reports that, "in February (1942) the City of Westminster informed residents it would provide sand to homes that could be used to extinguish fires from incendiary bombs."

Carroll County was not bombed or attacked, and by today's standards some of the events of the dawn of 1942 may seem silly for those predisposed to analyze history with a 20/20 hindsight sense of false superiority.

As we look forward to 2009, our own challenges seem overwhelming.

However, by rolling up our sleeves and applying a good dose of common sense, we will rise to the occasion ... just as we have in the past.

One can be sure that our efforts to overcome the challenges will not always be pretty, but we'll get there. It's in our heritage.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kdayhoff AT carr.org.

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