Introduction

Walkersville, Maryland, was incorporated as a town in 1892. It lies on Md. Route 194, approximately six miles northeast of Frederick, in Frederick County. The early settlers found this an open, gently rolling area among the forests, and therefore called it "The Glade". The surrounding forests are gone, but the name remains with us, in Glade Creek, the general designation of Glade Valley, many past business enterprises, and three of our present residential developments. Surrounded by farmlands, Walkersville has historically been characterized as a farming community, with a population consisting almost entirely of life-long residents. This remained true from the founding of the town until the early 1960's, when residential expansion from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metropolitan areas began to move into Frederick County, The quiet, stable nature of Walkersville attracted its share of the new residents, and, since the completion of the sewer system in 1970, and the resultant re-zoning for residential development, Walkersville is at present the fastest growing area in Frederick County.

As is the history of most small towns, although Walkersville is growing in population, the variety of business activity is actually less than in the past. In the early part of the 20th Century, the town was much more nearly self-sustaining; as transportation improved, it became easier for local people to travel to Frederick, and local business suffered. An article on Walkersville in the July 23, 1921, edition of the Frederick Post, for example, comments on the recent improvement of town streets, including electric lights, and the "new, thoroughly modern brick High School" soon to be completed (this building has since been used as an Elementary School, temporarily as a Middle School, and presently as office facility for the Board of Education).

This 1921 article describes, as flourishing businesses, the Walkersville Savings Bank, the Glade Valley Baking Company, the Walkersville Ice Company, Farmer's Supply Company, Glade Valley Milling Company, and the Monocacy Valley Canning Company. Today, only the Farmer's Supply Company is still active as an independent business. New businesses have been established, and the organizations and services necessary in a growing community are present here. A new High School was completed in late 1976, and a new Elementary School in 1975. There are four churches - St. John's Lutheran, Glade Reformed Church of Christ, United Methodist, and Glade Town Church of the Brethren - and many community organizations for all ages, including a Volunteer Fire Department, Grange, three Homemakers Clubs, Lions, Kiwanis, 4-H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

Walkersville is governed by a Burgess, corresponding to a mayor under most forms of city government, and five Commissioners, elected for alternating two-year terms. The number of Commissioners was set at three with the incorporation of the town, and remained at that number until 1967, when two Commissioners were added, one to take office in 1967, and the second to take office in 1968.

In the early years, town government and record-keeping were both relatively casual, and such records as were kept were lost or destroyed in the late 1930's; as a result, little can be determined with any accuracy of those years, but it seems safe to conclude that the Town Commission followed the principle of "That government governs best which governs least". The tax rate was moderate, the town income was modest, and the Town Commission limited itself to matters which were necessities for the town. It is known that the tax rate was increased to 35 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for the year 1943, raised again to 40 cents for 1945, and, finally, to 50 cents for 1947, where it has remained for 30 years.

The primary streets, probably including Main Street, Fulton Ave, and Maple Avenue, in addition to Frederick Street (Route 194) and Pennsylvania Avenue (Biggs Ford Road), the two main thoroughfares were graded in 1886, six years before the incorporation of the town. Clearly, the early town government was concerned with street maintenance, and the streets were probably paved sometime before 1920, but there is no record giving the exact dates. Town records do show that George Street was "re-graded, curbed, and paved" (for the first time?) in 1949, and that Main street was re-built to its present width, with curbs and sidewalks added, in 1954.

As mentioned previously, electric streetlights were installed in 1921; these lights were replaced by new streetlights in 1966. The 1921 lights replaced acetylene light, and although there is no record of the date of the installation of gaslights, many long-time residents still remember the evening lighting of the street lamps by Frank "Cutie" Strine.

A separate chapter is devoted to the Walkersville Water Company, which, as a private company, established and maintained the town water supply for many years. Discussions for the sale of the water

system to the town began in 1951, but it was not until 1959 that agreement was reached and the water system was taken over by the town. The water tank, just southwest of the corner of Crum Road and

Frederick Street was completed in 1965.

Refuse collection, at town expense, began in 1941, when the Town commission agreed to pay Charles Clem for one collection in 1941, of cans and bottles. In 1942, it was once more agreed that the town would bear the cost of one collection. In 1943, collection was increased to once each quarter. In 1947, the town contracted with Weston Staley, for once per month collection of non-burnable material, and in 1948 expanded this contract to once per week, and to include both table scraps and non-burnable material.

With the immanency of a population growth becoming clear, Walkersville became a pioneer community in Frederick Co. in the development of Planning and Zoning. Discussions concerning the need for local Planning and Zoning began at a town meeting in July 1958. Studies were undertaken, and in November 1961, a Walkersville Planning and Zoning commission was appointed. This group continued the development of a comprehensive Planning and Zoning ordinance, which was adopted in 1963, the first town planning and Zoning ordinance in Frederick County. A new zoning and sub-division ordinance was adopted in 1972, when it became apparent that even more careful regulation would be necessary.

One of Walkersville's weaknesses has been the lack of town-owned recreational facilities. A giant step toward the cure for this problem was taken in 1975, with the purchase from Joseph Wachter of twenty acres of land, for the creation of a town park. Development of this park is expected to begin before the end of 1977.

Perhaps the most fitting conclusion for these introductory generalizations about our town, its growth, and its government, is to note the adoption of a new town charter in 1976. Marked by long study, much discussion to determine just what was best for the present times, and finally adopted after some controversy, the adoption of the charter was in many ways a microcosm of Walkersville as it remembers the past, while it copes with the present and looks forward with a cautious optimism to the future.

Early Settlement

The early history of Walkersville and the Glade Valley is the early history of Western Maryland - with very little specifically known as to individual "first settlers", yet a quite well-defined settlement process.

By the charter from the English Crown, Lord Baltimore was granted the land which now comprises Maryland. This proprietorship carried the right to dispose of the land, which the succeeding Lords Baltimore did by various methods, the most common being a combination of a price paid at the time of sale, plus a continuing "quit rent" to be paid perpetually. As demand for the land (and perhaps need of Lord Baltimore) changed, the conditions of sale and the amount of the rents fluctuated, at times being payable in sterling and at times in agricultural products - most notably wheat or tobacco. The land purchase procedure was relatively complex, involving first the payment of a purchase price for a specified amount of property, in a general location; a warrant then issued for a survey, in the location directed by the purchaser; and, finally, the issuance of a patent for the land, which constituted title, after approval of the survey.

The majority of the land was purchased, through this procedure, in large tracts, by land speculators; thus, to the ordinary settler, looking only for a place to establish his own farm, land was available only as a tenant of, or by purchase from, the speculator. This distribution system had a great influence on the nature of the early settlement. In the early 1700's, there was an influx of German immigrants to this country. They were, as a rule, deeply religious (religious persecution was one of the primary reasons for their emigration from Europe), poor, and from rural, farming backgrounds. Their settlement in this country followed a fairly consistent pattern. They landed in Philadelphia, and the earlier settlers traveled west to York and Lancaster Counties, in Pennsylvania. This German (Deutsche) settlement, of course, was the beginning of the "Pennsylvania Dutch" colony, which still flourishes in York and Lancaster Counties. As the best land was taken, the newer immigrants began to look further, traveling south to the Shenandoah Valley, where the Governor of Virginia was offering land for settlement. The journey from York and Lancaster came through Hanover, through Frederick, and on into Virginia. Many of the immigrants, impressed with the good farmland, decided to end their journey here, settling throughout Frederick County, including the land along Israel Creek and Glade Creek.

Most of these new settlers were too poor to buy farms, and, speaking only German, did not understand the legal processes necessary for the purchase of the land, even if they could have afforded it. They were looking only for land to farm, and were quite willing to become tenants to do so.

The early settlers were not all tenants. Although much of the land was held by speculators, in 1732 Lord Baltimore offered land for settlement, rent free for three years and at a low annual rent therefor, provided the land was actually settled. The English, landing in Annapolis were primarily merchants and craftsmen, and were moving west very slowly, much more inclined to settle in the established towns; however, a few Englishmen did take advantage of the opportunity to obtain cheap land through settlement, and some of the first farms in this area were held by English farmers.

This combination of ownership and tenancy, with most of the land owned by the English, but the majority of the farmers being German, persisted until the Revolutionary War.

At the conclusion of the war, all property in the new State of Maryland whose owner had maintained his Loyalty to the British Crown was confiscated by the state, by Act of the Legislature in 1780. All such confiscated property (which included all land still reserved by Lord Baltimore and that owned by his agents and most of the land speculators) was sold at public auction on October 10, 1781.

The land on which Walkersville is now situated traces its history to parts of three tracts, Monocacy Manor, Dulaney's Lott, and Spring Garden, established prior to the revolution, and, subsequently, a single tract, called ‘Federal’, resurveyed after the confiscation by the State, composed of portions of each of the three large original tracts.

As this history of Walkersville was being planned, Millard Milburn Rice, who has done much detailed research into the land records of Frederick County, was asked to prepare a section on the early land development. Our project was delayed, and, prior to publication of this history, Mr. Rice had published a larger work, covering his research into the records of several locations in Frederick County. Despairing of the completion of this history, the section he had written on Walkersville is included in his own book, "New Facts and Old Families - from the Records of Frederick County, Maryland", published in early 1976. Although the Walkersville material is a chapter of his book, since this is the most detailed information available on the earliest land ownership and development in the Walkersville area, we here print, with Mr. Rice's permission, that chapter:

"Present-day Walkersville lies on parts of three original tracts of land: Monocacy Manor, Spring Garden and Dulany's Lott. Monocacy Manor, a tract of about 10,000 acres, was surveyed for Lord Baltimore on May 29. 1724. Its beginning point was the mouth of Glade Creek at the Monocacy River, its southern boundary ran North 74 degrees East from there to a point near Daysville. Its eastern boundary ran approximately North from that point to intersect an eastern extension of the Gravel Hill Road. That road, not then in existence, would have been its northern boundary, projected straight to the Monocacy River, and the River formed its western boundary.

"The Manor was laid off into farms, or lots, which were numbered. The purpose was to attract German settlers on these farms by leasing them at nominal rentals. After the Manor was confiscated by the State of Maryland in 1781, it was resurveyed into 85 lots, several of them very small, which were sold at public auction.

"On May 28, 1724, 3,850 acres was surveyed for Daniel Dulany, one of Lord Baltimore's agents, and called Dulany's Lott. It also had its beginning point at the mouth of Glade Creek, and its northern boundary ran North 84 degrees East from that point to beyond Israel's Creek. Its southern boundary extended below present Route 26.

"These two surveys left between them a V-shaped tract, ten degrees wide. There are several theories as to why this ten-degree tract was left between Monocacy Manor and Dulany's Lott. The most plausible seems to be that it was merely a surveyor's error resulting from a misunderstanding. Whatever the cause, on November 14, 1730, John Abbington, a land speculator, succeeded in having it surveyed for himself, and called it Spring Garden. It seems obvious that Dulany thought his northern boundary ran North 74 degree East contiguous with the southern boundary of the Manor, for on at least one occasion he sold a part of Spring Garden to William Dern. In order to make good on his transaction he bought Spring Garden from Abbington on June 9, 1738, for 100 pounds. From that time on it was actually a part of Dulany's Lott though it retained its original name of Spring Garden in land transactions.

"In present-day terms, the northern boundary of Spring Garden - and hence the southern boundary of Monocacy Manor - crosses Fulton Avenue in Walkersville approximately 528 feet south of the north curb of Pennsylvania Avenue. Crum Road, which forms a part of the 1967 Corporate Boundary of Walkersville, is on the southern boundary line of Spring Garden. That line, extended westward, passes through the Elementary School Grounds and Glade Village. In spite of its name, Spring Garden Estates is not on Spring Garden.

"Modern Walkersville is a combination of two towns - Georgetown and Walkersville - which, until the formation of Walkersville Election District, were so little a joint entity that they were in different election districts. Georgetown was in Woodsboro District and Walkersville in Mt. Pleasant District. Neither of these towns was platted. They just grew. While it seems most probable that Georgetown is the older settlement, there is no way of determining its age. Varle's 1808 map of Frederick County, which is the oldest reliable map of the county, doesn't show Georgetown. It was evidently a village of a few houses situated along the Biggs Ford Road - now Pennsylvania Avenue, in Walkersville - which, never having been platted, Varle didn't dignify by placing on his map.

"It seems rather obvious that no houses were built in Georgetown before 1781. They would have been situated on Monocacy Manor, the property of Lord Baltimore, which was for lease as farmland and not for sale. And, in the 1782 survey of the Manor, there are no exceptions for property owned by outside purchasers.

"Biggs Ford was one of the earliest Monocacy River crossings. It came into use as a tie between the settlers on both sides of the river, and was a part of the Annapolis Road. That road turned south along the east bank of the Monocacy. Present Biggs Ford Road was a logical extension eastward through Monocacy Manor and there is a strong probability that together with Water Street Road and Crum Road, it may have formed later alternate routes for the Annapolis Road.

"For some unknown reason, when Biggs Ford Road was laid out, its northern edge was placed on the lot lines of the lots north of it, and therefore its entire width taken from those lots below it. The universal practice in opening roads was to take half the width of a road off each property along whose boundaries it ran. Hence, the northern boundary line of all properties in the Manor south of the road is the north edge of the road. And, in Walkersville, all lots on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue extend to the north curb.

"It is not clear whether Biggs Ford Road - Pennsylvania Avenue ever extended eastward from its present end at Glade Road, or always turned at an angle up Liberty Street at Five Points. Its extension beyond Glade Road would have been most logical, for that would have carried it straight in Daysville Road. However, by whatever route, it did extend into Daysville Road. It was not until the house and outbuildings now owned by Frank C. Nicodemus were built in 1866 that the Biggs Ford Road extension was diverted to present Route 194 at a point west of the Nicodemus dwelling.

"Evidence that the Road for a long time extended directly into Daysville Road is found in a petition by Andrew Adams to the June Court of 1768. Adams, then tenanting Lot 29 of Monocacy Manor (the present Thomas L. Cramer farm occupies a part of Lot 29), petitioned the Court to have the road moved closer to his lot line. He said that as it was presently located it cut off a narrow strip between road and line which he found it difficult to cultivate. He described the road as "Being the road that leads from Biggs Ford on Monocacy Creek, the East side, to Israel's Creek and so to Baltimore Town".

"As previously noted, the village of Walkersville along what is now Route 194 apparently came into being considerably later than Georgetown. On May 2, 1814, John Walker bought from Nicholas Randall 2693 acres of ‘Federal’ for $26,975. This acreage was estimated without survey, and no courses and distances are given in the deed.

"’Federal’ was patented to Thomas Beatty, January 5, 1790 for 31.7 acres, It was a resurvey on three lots: No. 75 of Monocacy Manor; No. 16 of Dulany's Lott, and No. 8, which was primarily Spring Garden, but partly Dulany's Lott. Its approximate boundaries were as follows: on the east by the present Crum Road and Main Street; on the north by the north curb of Pennsylvania Avenue; on the west by the present Edgar Zimmerman farm and extension of the western boundary of the present Nicodemus Heirs' farm; and on the south by the approximate boundaries of that farm. It is emphasized that these boundaries are approximate, the original 317 acres of the three lots - approximately 17 acres by Beatty and 30 acres by Randall.

"There is nothing evident in the land records to indicate any ownership of dwellings on this land in 1814, but that statement is made with reservations. However, it is obvious that dwellings and a few shops were built within a few years. Bond's 1858 Map of Frederick county shows Walkersviile Post office and a store in the name of Mrs. R. Biser, approximately where Aunt Lucy Hams, Inc. is now located. Farther west, across the street, shops of a cabinet maker and pump maker are shown. And dwellings are shown on both sides of the road (present 194). The road now known as Route 194, and originally designated "tire road from Fredericktown to Pennsylvania"' was laid out in the late 1740's on petition by Joseph wood and other settlers.

"Also shown on Bond are several houses in Georgetown; and the Methodist Church on the country road which has become Main Street, together with several dwellings on that road near Five Points.

"In short, these two little villages were beginning to be bound together by settlers along the only road connecting them. Fulton Avenue and Maple Avenue were yet to be opened. But they were moving toward union under the name of Walkersville, if for no other reason than that Walkersville had a Post Office and Georgetown did not; and residents of the latter were addressed by their correspondents at Walkersville."

After seeing that the name Spring Garden goes back to 1730, it is interesting to find that, in the resurveys of confiscated property, there are three in particular which have given names to present day Walkersville. A resurvey in the name of Spring Garden was patented to Joel Rite in 1792; a tract called Discovery, of 25.75 acres, to Andrew Hull, in 1786, and a separate tract, called The Discovery, of 140 acres, to Jacob Sherman, in 1793.

The Town of Walkersville derives its name from John Walker, who was born in 1768. As has been seen, Walker purchased 269 acres of land from Nicholas Randall, by deed dated April 7, 1814, and recorded May 2, 1814. The deed describes this property as being 269 acres, of which it appears that 146 acres was from the original tract called ‘Federal’, and, 120 acres from a part of Dulaney's Lott, Spring Garden, and another tract called Addition. You will see two discrepancies here - one arithmetical and one grammatical. This deed begins by reciting the 317 acres of ‘Federal’, as patented to Beatty. It then cites exception of 19 acres, previously sold by Beatty, and an exception of 151 acres, previously sold by Randall, which would seem to leave only 146 acres, but the deed then describes the second parcel of 120 acres, and concludes with the total of 269 acres for both parcels. You will also notice the spelling of Dulaney's Lot. This tract is referred to both as Dulaney's Lott and as Dulaney's Lot in the deeds deriving from it. The distinction, as with many names and descriptions in older deeds, probably is due to nothing other than the preference of the writer of the deed, or the Clerk of the Court who was copying the deed for formal recording.

Although Randall had sold a portion of ‘Federal’ before selling the remainder to Waiker, Walker separately purchased at least part of this additional section from the earlier purchaser, Benjamin Souder in July 1814. John Walker appeared to have been the first holder of the land to seriously settle on it. It was patented to Thomas Beatty in 1790. He sold it (all but either 16 acres or 19 acres, depending on how seriously you take your arithmetic) to Nicholas Randall in 1792, and Randall sold it to Walker in 1814. Walker farmed the land, acquiring additional land and selling perhaps a few small parcels at different times, but retaining a sizable farm until his death in 1841. The residence of Walker, and the farm "home place", is thought to be the farm home on the knoll behind the former high school and now former grade school building just to the right of Rt. 194 as you enter town from the south. The farm is presently owned by the J. D. Nicodemus Heirs.

Before Walker's death, the town had already begun to form, particularly at the intersection of the road to Frederick (now Rt. 194), and the road leading to Georgetown (now Main Street).

Although the town many never have been platted, it would seem that a plan of some sort, perhaps never recorded, may have existed at one time. A deed record in 1839 conveys property described as "Lots #18, #19, and #20, lying on the south side of the Street in the village of Walkersville" (this would probably be the corner property, southwest of the intersection of Crum Road and Rt. 194. More specifically, a deed dated 1832 but not recorded until 1839 conveys property described as "the following lots of grounds it situated in the village of Walkersville … designated in the plan of said village as Lots #1 and 2".

As has been described by Mr. Rice, Walkersville grew from two separate villages - Walkersville, which began at the present intersection of Frederick Street (Rt. 194), Main Street' and Crum Road, and Georgetown, which grew from a settlement centered around "Five Points", the intersection of present Pennsylvania Avenue, Main Street, and Liberty Street.

Georgetown drew its name from George Cramer, one of the early settlers in the area; just as John Walker owned the majority of that property to the south and the west, George Cramer owned much of the property north and east of town.

Before the creation of the Walkersville Election District, in 1904, the dividing line between Mt. Pleasant District and Woodsboro district ran along Biggs Ford Road (now Pennsylvania Avenue, in town) to Five Points, then east on Liberty Street. It appears that the majority of Cramer's property was north of this line, in Woodsboro District, although he did own some land south of the line, and "Georgetown", as it first began to develop, was likely all on property at one time owned by him. Three of the present streets in this section of town: George Street, William Street, and Charles Streets, are named for sons of George Cramer.

By the 1870's, the two villages were meeting as they grew toward each other along present Main Street. The name of Walkersville was chosen for the combined villages, apparently solely because Walkersville had a Post Office, and Georgetown did not. The Frederick and Pennsylvania Line Railroad was completed in 1872, and local custom has it that the railroad station, which was clearly in Georgetown, was given the name "Walkersville" by the railroad, to avoid confusion with the "Georgetown" station already in existence near D.C.; however it may be that the station was not named "Walkersville" until after that name had been adopted for both villages. At least one deed, in 1873, describes its metes and bounds by referring to "the county road leading from Georgetown to the Georgetown Station on the Frederick and Pennsylvania Line Railroad".

For whatever reason, the two were combined into a single town, with the incorporation of the Town of Walkersville in 1892.

Although growth in and around Walkersville has proceeded with great speed recently, there have been only five formal developments within the immediate area, to the present.

The beginning of formal development goes back only to 1957, when the David Cramer heirs filed a plat to subdivide the Cramer farm, and thus created Glade Village.

In 1950, Frank N. Stauffer purchased the David Barrick farm, southwest of town, and in 1960, began development of Spring Garden Estates.

In 1962, Walter F. M. Hahn purchased a portion of the former Harry Staley farm, and, in 1963, began construction of Glade Gardens.

In 1967, a group was formed to purchase the Houck farm, from the heirs of Ezra Houck, and in 1968 the property was sold to James E. Cafritz, for the development of Discovery.

In 1965, the Glade Valley Farms property, still known to some as the David Burrier farm, at the eastern edge of town, was purchased by the Maryland Baptist College, for the building of a college. This plan was abandoned, and in 1969 the property was sold to Frederick County Developers, who in 1972 began construction of Glade Towne.

Schools

When Walkersville first became a town, no pubic school was within its limits. The nearest schools were at the Glade, north of town opposite the Glade Cemetery and at the Retreat, south-west of Town in the year 1830.

The first schools in town were private ones. The first known one was held in a home located at the corner of Frederick Street and Crum Road, known today as the Geisinger place. There was also one known as "The Blue Goose". It was located on what is today Pennsylvania Avenue, at the property formerly owned by George Cramer, and presently owned by Glenn Fogle. The bricks from the old school where salvaged and used in building the present two story dwelling.

In 1877 the first public school in town was constructed on the east side of Crum Road. Part of the remaining foundation can be seen today between the E. J. Fennel Company sewing factory and the home of Miss Beattie Stauffer. Three teachers taught regularly in this one room school. Serving as principal was Lee Goldsborough with Fannie Dern, Mary Ott, Lucy Schroeder and Spencer Stull as some of the known (or remembered) teachers.

On almost the same site, in 1897, a two story, four room school was erected to accommodate the enlarged enrollment. Grades 1 through 7 were taught and serving as principal was Franklin E. Harshman. Some of the teachers were Edna Baker, Nora Nelson, Bertha Grabili, Allie Hughes, Lera Harshman, Ruth (Reddick) Ports and Emma Devilbiss.

For those students desiring to continue their education past the 7th grade, a high school known as "The College" was begun in the house, which is now owned by Mr. & Mrs. J. Ward Crum on Maple Avenue. This school was instigated and financed by the parents interested in seeing their children further their education. This structure was used for eight to ten years until it was thought advisable to have the Elementary and High School in the same building, at which time the High School was given one room in the Elementary Building. Here as principal Mr. Harshman taught all the High School subjects and supervised both groups.

In 1912 the High School was discontinued. Mr. Harshman was appointed Truant Officer for the schools of Frederick County. Students desiring High School mostly attended Frederick High, traveling by train leaving Walkersville at 8:30 A.M. and returning about 3:30 P.M.

Bertha Grabill became principal of the remaining 8 grades, teaching grades 7 and 8; Lera Harshman and Emma Devilbiss taught grades 5 and 6; Ruth Ports grades 3 and 4; Edith Nicodemus grades 1 and 2. Due to the large enrollment extra classes were held in Shiloh Church and in a room at the Geisinger home where Elizabeth Nicodemus and Hilda (Martz) Devilbiss were teachers.

In 1922 the present Middle school was built. It housed seven elementary grades and one high school class. Malcolm Steck, who was then principal, taught ail twenty of the High School Students. Total enrollment was one hundred. No changes of significance took place during the next two years when Berkley Bowman and David Zimmerman, respectively, were principal.

From 1925 to 1934 under the principalship of William B. Gross, changes began occurring. Grades 9, 10, 11 were added, and for that era, Walkersville had a completely accredited High School with enrollment of 100 pupils. Some of these, beginning in 1927, were bused in from Woodsboro and New Midway. In June of 1929 the first High School class of thirteen students was graduated from the auditorium, which had been newly added to the facility that year.

Expansion in both facility and curriculum continued on this site with Home Ec and Voc Ag being introduced in 1927, hot lunches under the supervision of Ruth Ports in 1932, the first FFA Chapter organized in 1931, new Vo Ag and shop facilities constructed in 1937 and 38. Also in 1938 the first library was begun in a small room opposite the office. That same year the first Year Book, hand done by each senior and entitled "Student Memoirs", and the first school newspaper appeared, both under the advisory of Ruth K. Holter. Miss Holter was later to become full-time Librarian in 1946. Also in 1946 complete Cafeteria services were installed.

Helping to see these educational advances to fruition were Principals Harry O. Smith (1934-44) and Elmer K. Chandlee (1944-48). By the end of 1948 school enrollment had grown to 158 High School students, 153 Elementary students and a faculty numbering sixteen.

Educational values had not changed much as in 1949 Avery Browning became principal serving until 1953 when George L. Barrick replaced him and continued through 1957. However, during this period all county schools were going to 12 years and when this was done in Walkersville it meant there would be no graduating class in 1949.

By 1957 the War years were well behind us. Social values were changing. Education, universally, was being reevaluated. The Russians had Lunched Sputnik, and at all levels of education Science became number one, or so it seemed, in all curriculum planning. School structures, even, took on new design to meet the needs of a new society. Arnold Fleagle was principal when in 1958 ground was broken on the Silas Cramer farm for a new Walkersville for the Jr - Sr, High school. First occupied in 1960 with about 556 students and 30 teachers it was one of the most modern schools in the area. There were plenty of rooms for today's science, new language facilities and an outstanding agricultural department.

From that time W.H.S. continued to grow. Redistricting by the County caused the enrollment by 1974 to swell to approximately 760 students, 40 faculty members, Mr. Fleagle and Vice-principal Haney. Elementary enrollment, too, was on the uprise, and by September of 1975 a new "Open-Space" School for these students was on the scene.

The original 1922 structure became the Middle School for grades 6 through 9, and the 1958 building was strictly a High School. At this writing growing pains still continue as Walkersville continues to grow and invite new people into the community. The new High School erected on the former David Hoke farm, a few hundred feet north of the still new Elementary School, was completed and occupied in January 1977.

Churches

Walkersville Methodist

John Walker, for whom Walkersville was named, was the first recorded class leader for Methodists and, according to an 1817 deed, a part of Daniel Dulaney's "Monocacy Manor" near Israel's Creek about a mile north of town) was the location of their first meeting house.

In 1828 controversy split the congregation so the Methodist Protestant Church was formed but both congregations (M.P. & M.E.) continued to worship in the same building for 25 years. The two groups fought for control by placing and replacing door locks until "Providence interfered by wrecking the building".

After the building destruction, the Methodist Protestants worshipped in a "wood" approximately where Walkersville Middle School is now located and in Retreat Grove Schoolhouse while the Methodist Episcopal congregation held services, when weather permitted, in a woods not far from Glade Cemetery.

Building a church at the site of the original Israel's Creek Meeting House was begun by the M.E. congregation in the summer of 1855 and named "Methodist Episcopal church of the United States of America of the Israel's Creek Meeting House in Frederick County and the State of Maryland".

At nearly the same time, the M.P. group built Shiloh Church (beside Walkersville Post Office) and, although the closing date is not known, a number of members found their way back to the M.E. church. Shiloh is now an apartment building but it is interesting to note that, at the time it was built, Walkersville consisted of a combination store and post office, a blacksmith shop, a shoer and tailor, and ten residences.

Most members of the Methodist Episcopal congregation lived "in town" and began to regret building their Meeting House "up the road" so in 1880, the present site (described as a part of a tract named 'Federal' lying on the public road from Walkersville to Georgetown. This "public road" is now Main Street.) was secured. A small chapel was built first and, in 1885, the greater part of the materials from the Israel's Creek Meeting House were used to construct a new "town" church.

In 1939 the three branches of Methodism (Methodist Protestant, Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Episcopal, South) were united and named The Methodist church. In 1970 the congregations of Georgetown chapel and Israel's creek voted to merge and the combined church was called "The Walkersville United Methodist Church".

The old Israel's Creek Cemetery, where many aged graves are located, is now maintained by the Glade Valley Grange. The grave of John Walker, town founder, can be seen there, as can several Poe (ancestors of Edgar Allan) graves. The Poes were persecuted Irish Catholics who, after following the teachings of John Wesley, joined the Methodist Church.

Glade Valley Church of the Brethren

In July of 1971, the Frederick church of the Brethren voted to purchase the Glade Towne Chapel (originally built by the Maryland Baptist College, which failed to materialize) with the idea of having one church - two locations. At first the two Brethren pastors, Rev. Merlin Garber and Rev. John David Bowman, alternated in the pulpit and business problems were worked out through the Church Board in Frederick.

After four years of one church - two locations the Glade Towne group became a separate congregation with its own leadership and programs and its name was changed to Glade Valley Fellowship of the Church of the Brethren.

Episcopal Church

At one time there was a small Episcopal congregation meeting in the chapel on Fulton Avenue but their records are difficult to obtain.

Glade United Church of Christ (Evangelical Reformed)

Since 1750 when the Glade congregation was formed, four structures have been used for their worship services. The first log building, built soon after the organization of the church, was located on Dulaney land about a mile from town where land was also designated for a "graveyard". Glade Cemetery is still maintained by the church, although it is interdenominational.

Soon after the completion of the log church, a schoolhouse was erected across the road and remained in use for over a hundred years' In 1834 the original parsonage ("built of brick and its size to be 100' around with a room and kitchen attached thereto") was constructed across from the church.

The log church, twice repaired, was replaced in 1854 by a brick building and, twenty-seven years later, a second brick church was constructed which served the Glade congregation until the "town" church was erected.

In 1887 the present Glade Church was built in the town of Walkersville and the next year the 1834 parsonage was sold for $1,000, and the former church was taken down. With the $1,000, and the bricks from the old church, a new parsonage ("a good and substantial brick building", according to the pastor at that time) was built next to the church. As the Glade congregation increased this parsonage became an office and classroom space and a new parsonage was purchased in Spring Garden Estates. The 1898 parsonage was replaced by a modern educational wing on the church in 1975.

Glade Church's rich history includes the discovery (in the log schoolhouse attic) of part of a German silver communion service dated 1747, which is believed to have been used by the Rev. Michaei Schlatter on his visit to organize the Reformed congregations in the Monocacy area.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church

On July 6, 1891, thirty-one prospective members of the Walkersville Lutheran congregation met in the home of Thomas S. Albaugh to elect elders, adopt a constitution, and appoint a building committee. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held later that month at 12 West Pennsylvania Avenue (a building lot 50' by 200'w which was purchased from George W. Stauffer for $125) and, after nearly a year of toil, the 36' by 56' church costing $3,468 was dedicated.

Shortly after its dedication on July 17, 1892, St. Paul's joined Utica, Bethel and Creagerstown churches to form the Utica Charge and, through various realignments, has belonged to the Utica Parish, Monocacy Valley Charge, Walkersville-Bethel Parish but is now a one church parish.

The church tower was enlarged and an educational wing added to the upper side of the original building in 1923 and three years later the present parsonage, next to the church, was purchased.

By 1950 expansion was again necessary and, on May 14th, a 45' by 60' brick Parish Hall was dedicated. The upper level of this addition includes a fellowship hall with stage and two side rooms, while the lower level has a kitchen and fellowship hall. Later, to provide more space for Sunday School classes, the lower level was renovated and, twenty-five years after its construction, the kitchen was remodeled.

Georgetown Chapel

"Georgetown Chapel, 1857" is the corner-stone inscription of Walkersville's oldest church building still in use.

In Frederick County in 1800 the United Brethren Church was formed with Peter Kemp as one of the instigators and it was his son, Peter Kemp, Jr. (a week-day school teacher and Sunday School teacher at Retreat Grove Schoolhouse, southwest of Walkersville), who generated the enthusiasm necessary to organize a local congregation in 1831.

George Cramer donated a lot in Georgetown (Walkersville) in 1857 and, after three weeks of work by solicitors, they reported a fund of $1,150 in cash and pledges toward the erection of the church. On August 22, 1857, four months after the lot had been dedicated, the corner-stone was laid and, by Christmas Day of the same year, the building was used for services.

From a charter membership of about seventy, most of whom were brought from the Retreat Grove Schoolhouse, the congregation grew and, in the fall of 1944, the United Brethren and the Evangelical churches merged, forming the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Then, in January of 1970, Georgetown Chapel and Israel's Creek congregations voted to merge (as had been done nationally by E.U.B. and Methodist churches in 1968), forming the United Methodist Church.

During 120 years of use many changes have been made to the building - installing an acetylene gas plant (about 1907), memorial windows (about 1913), a steam heating plant (about 1915) and, in 1921, a fine basement was built by the men of the church - in addition to much redecorating, and Georgetown Chapel is today a much-used structure.

Utilities

The Walkersville Water Company

In the beginning of the year 1909 a group of interested and far-sighted townspeople decided a water supply was needed for the Town. Consequently, a Certificate of Incorporation in the name of "The Walkersville Water Company" declaring Capital Stock of $20,000.00 - divided into two thousand shares of par value of Ten Dollars each, was filed with the Treasurer of the State of Maryland, February 23, 1909.

First meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the Public School building on March 4, 1909, at which time Dr. J. D. Nicodemus was chosen temporary chairman and John V. Nicodemus, temporary secretary. A certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation was presented and duly accepted.

First meeting of the stockholders was held March 15, 1909 at which time the By-Laws, as presented by a previously appointed committee, were unanimously adopted. On motion of Robert Cromwell and seconded by B. I. Jamison it was further resolved "That the Directors named in the Articles of Incorporation be and are hereby confirmed as the Board of Directors until their successors are duly elected."

Inasmuch as the sum of $16,000 of the Capital Stock had already been subscribed the Board of Directors were authorized to proceed at once with the construction of the water system.

Immediately following the Stockholder's meeting the Board of Directors met and elected the following officers: President - Dr. John D. Nicodemus, Vice Pres. - Franklin D. Harshman, Secretary - John V. Nicodemus, Treasurer - Brooke I. Jamison.

A report from the committee to select an engineer was favorable to Oscar L. Coblentz's $500 proposition, which set forth in detail a written proposal and to Wm. C. Humm's proposition to make actual survey, plans and specifications at $4.31 per day.

April 29, 1909 a franchise was granted the Company by the Town Commissioners and in meeting of June 14, 1909 it was resolved the M.O. Valentine dam and water rights, located 4.5 miles north of Town, be purchased for the reservoir site because of the natural advantages afforded, giving a pressure of about 70 lbs. The committee (B. I. Jamison and Jacob L. Crum) was authorized to purchase same from Mr. Valentine at the most reasonable terms, it being the consensus of opinion that $500 would be fair to both parties. In the same meeting Mr. Coblentz was instructed to get prices on pipe and fittings necessary to install the system.

Thru the summer and fall of 1909 work progressed with the help (some volunteer) and the 8" wooden main was completed and use by the end of the year. Thomas S. Albaugh was appointed Collector of Water Rents for six months period ending July, 1910.

Of interest to the Water Company and the townspeople was a poem by the roving bard of McKaig, L. L. Carpenter, published in the Frederick paper February 24, 1910:

Minutes of February 22, 1915 show it was agreed that balance of indebtedness be paid and also declared a 2% dividend, payable at once, to all stockholders of record February 1, 1915.

A charge of $6 per tap was to be collected by Samuel Smith and for tap on near side of street the company would receive $1 and on far side Mr. Smith, plumber, receive the $1.

September 7, 1951, a meeting of the stockholders was held at the Robert Terry Company at which time J. V. Nicodemus, Pres. presided and the matter of offering the Company for sale to the Town was presented. The Town Commissioners were not receptive to the idea and the Company, under the management of Mr. Nicodemus, continued to serve the people but due to the very cheap rates expansion was limited.

Upon the death of J .V. Nicodemus on September 29, 1951, a special meeting of the stockholders was called by Kent C. Nicodemus for the purpose of reorganizing the Company and electing a Board of Directors, as follows: Kent C. Nicodemus, Sr., Nena M. Jamison, J. O. Poole, Jr., Frank C. Nicodemus, R. Ward Stauffer, Mary E. Nicodemus, Gilmore C. Trout, Allen W. Nicodemus, Luther E. Horine, Kent C. Nicodemus, Jr., W. Lee Hoke, Robert N. Nicodemus, Sr..

The Directors met December 10, 1951 and organized as follows: K. C. Nicodemus, President, Nena M. Jamison, Vice President, Mary M. Nicodemus, Secretary. John O. Poole, Jr., Sup't, K.C. Nicodemus, Jr., Ass't. Sup't.

A fee of $1 was to be paid each member attending the meetings which were set for 2nd Monday of 2nd month of each quarter and extra meetings as deemed necessary. Also declared a 1.5% dividend for last half of 1951 on all stock registered as of December 15, 1951.

This newly elected Board petitioned Public Service Commission and was granted an increase in rates as of July 1, 1952, the first increase since the Company began serving the community.

The first addition to the system of approx. 600 feet of 6 in. iron pipe line to Prosperity Addition was in November, 1952. The company continued to make improvements and additions to the system and in June, 1956 entered into an agreement to furnish water to newly added sub-division "Glade Village".

In February of 1956 Walter W. Poole was appointed Sup't. and served until his health failed in '65 and then was always ready to advise his successor, Norman H. Green, who had been a part time helper.

In the spring of '59 the Company was again offered to the Town and July 1, 1959 the sale to the Town was consummated for $60,000 [$15,000 cash and $45,000 in 3.5% debenture bonds). Mr. Poole remained as Sup't. and Mary Nicodemus as collector for the Town.

Soon after the Town acquired the Company an agreement to furnish water to Spring Gardens (not within the corporate limits) was entered into with Frank N. Stauffer, Developer, in September, 1960.

Filtration plant at reservoir was completed in spring of 1965 at a cost of approx. $36,350 [not including engineering fees). On land previously acquired from Wm. F. Eyler on Crum Road the first 300,000 gallon elevated tank was erected at a cost of approx. $65,000 the same year.

Services were expanded to Discovery (not within the corporate limits) in April, 1972 and later the same year Glade Towne was added to the system.

With the growth of Discovery the second 300,000 gallon elevated tank was added in January, 1973 at a cost of $142,000 and the second filtration plant, located just south of Town, was in service January 15, 1975 at a cost of $192,030 (including engineering fees).

At present the services are all metered and we are now serving over 1,000 customers.

Telephone

In 1884 the Frederick Exchange connected to Walkersville and a call to Frederick cost 15 cents. This exchange was in the home of C. Robert Moberly and was an old "shutter drop" board, manually operated. Operators on duty were Mr. Moberly's daughters, Madge and Maisie.

By the year 1910 we had seventy-three phones and nineteen lines serving the community.

The Exchange was moved to the home of C. Albert Strine in 1913 where the board was operated by his daughters, Cora and Marie, and Stella Flanagan. This board was operated electrically.

In 1923 Albert S. Bitler took over the house with Exchange and continued to operate the board until February 2G, 1937, when the Dial System was put into operation in the newly built C. & P. Building on Frederick Street. Operator on duty at time of switch-over was Evelyn (Etzler) Adams and the other regular operators were Margaret (Fogle) Gentry and Marguerite (Kerchner) Krantz.

By the year 1930 we had 268 phones and at the present time the Exchange serves 1,959 customers.

The Sewer System

In 1957, the Town Commission was advised by the Maryland Health Department that, due to the increasing pollution of the ground water and the increasing problems with individual septic systems in the Walkersville area, a public sanitary sewer system would soon be a necessity, and studies were begun of the possible alternative approaches.

In 1965, the Maryland Baptist College Corporation purchased the Glade Valley Farm property northeast of town, and, because of the sewage treatment demands of the proposed College, the Town and the Church agreed to share the cost for a joint sewer system (60% by the Town; 40% by the Church). After much discussion with the State Health Department, the County Commissioners, and the Frederick County Metropolitan District and Sanitary Commission, it was agreed at a public meeting on October 13, 1965, to form the Walkersville Sanitary District, for the purpose of establishing a public sewer system. The District was officially created on November 22, 1968, by resolution of the County Sanitary Commission. At that time, the intention was to construct a treatment plant for discharge of treated effluent into the Monocacy River at Glade Creek; this plan had the approval of the County Sanitary Commission, and a permit was issued by the State Health Department on February 17, 1966.

Frederick City objected to the discharge into the Monocacy above Frederick, and proposed the Monocacy River Interceptor. pursuant to this proposal, on June 28, 1966, a contract was signed between the City of Frederick and the Frederick County Metropolitan District and Sanitary Commission, by which the City agreed to construct, at its own cost, an interceptor from the City Water Filtration Plant on Route 26 up the Monocacy to Retreat Road. This interceptor was to have a capacity of five million gallons per day.

Subsequent to this contract, plans for the Baptist College were abandoned (the land was sold to Frederick County Developers in 1969, and the development of Glade Towne was begun); however, the needs of the Town of Walkersville did not change, and the town pressed the Sanitary Commission to pursue construction of the sewer.

Due to various agreements, disagreements, opinions, and changes of opinion, there was no progress until a meeting in May 1968, attended by representatives of the Town Commission of Walkersville, Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Frederick, Frederick County Commissioners, Maryland Department of Health, Frederick County Metropolitan District and Sanitary Commission, Frederick County Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Frederick County Engineer.

The principle point of contention was that the present Board of Aldermen of the City of Frederick did not feel they could afford to construct the interceptor, under the terms of the contract, and, despite the possibility of a lawsuit by the Metropolitan District to enforce the contract, they also continued to object to the construction of a separate treatment plant by the Walkersville Sanitary District, which then Burgess Gilmore Trout indicated the Town of Walkersville was still willing to undertake.

The disagreement continued until a second contract was signed, on January 31, 1969, under terms now agreeable to the City.

Construction now was underway, and continued throughout the next three years. First installation was in Glade Village, and the sewer system for Glade Village was placed in operation in February 1972; two months later, it was in operation in the remainder of town.

The initial assessments, as the sewer system was first connected, were:

1. $220 per connection, if connection made during calendar year 1971.

2. Front foot assessment (residential) 45 cent per front foot for first 150 feet, 30 cents per front foot in excess of 150 feet, (50 foot minimum).

3. $70 service charge per unit.

Doctors

Walkersville was distinguished, before and after its incorporation, as the home of two fine old physicians - one being the late Dr. Charles Goldsborough, none of whose family now reside here. The other was the late Dr. John. D. Nicodemus, whose three sons and four daughters were active in the business and social life of the town. Dr. Nicodemus practiced medicine from his office, in the family home, at the corner of Frederick Street and Fulton Avenue for over 50 years.

Before the town was incorporated, Dr. Robert Nelson, father-in-law of Dr. Nicodemus practiced in 1860. After Dr. Nelson were Drs. S. S. Maynard and McCormick.

Dr. Walter Price began his practice of medicine with Dr. Nicodemus and later moved his office into what is now the Wisner home on Main Street. He then married Mildred Stauffer and moved to Washington, D.C. where he continued in the profession.

Dr. Joseph Long practiced medicine from his home on Fulton Avenue for many years. The home is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sell.

June 22, 1936, the late Dr. Carroll Easterday moved his office into the old "Perry Home" on Frederick Street, and practiced medicine there until 1948. He was then associated with the Frederick County Health Department until his death in 1950.

Dr. James Stoner, Jr. had joined with Dr. Easterday in August, 1946 and continued to serve the people. He was then joined in the practice by Dr. Ernest Dettbarn in 1957 and at the present time they continue to serve the people of the surrounding community.

Over the years some of the doctors remembered for their services in the town were: Dr. J. M. Baxter, whose office was in the home now owned by Miss Elizabeth Troxell, Drs. Coover and Keck, who had offices in the home of E. C. Wachter (razed for bank expansion) and Drs. Miller and Plunkett who served with Dr. Stoner.

Post Office

The fact that Walkersville had a Post Office before transportation causes one to speculate as to the means of carrying the mail.

According to Scharff's History there was a stage line in operation between Frederick and York by way of Woodsboro in 1797, and we can assume mail was thus delivered to the Town.

Reliable records show Jno. Lewis Nicodemus moved into the John Walker property in the 1850's and was named postmaster. Simon Stauffer purchased the property around l860 and was named postmaster.

The Stauffer store was built in 1878 and F. H. Stauffer was then named postmaster.

Graham Johnson operated a brick yard on Maple Ave. and Greene Street. The brickyard was an unsuccessful enterprise and Mr. Johnson was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland in 1894, utilizing the brickyard office building as the post-office, moving it to his home on Maple Ave. and Penna. Ave., which is now owned by Grayson Haller.

After the election of President McKinley in 1897, Dr. M. J. "Mike" Zimmerman was appointed postmaster. The office was in his drug store located next to the Georgetown United Brethren Church.

under the second administration of President Theodore Roosevelt, 1901-1909, Clinton Sweadner was appointed postmaster. Postmaster Sweadner was also a cigar maker and operated the P. O. from his cigar store next to the United Brethren parsonage on Main Street. He also sold one cent candies and ice-cream cones.

Following Mr. Sweadner, John E. Cramer served as postmaster until the administrations of Presidents Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, when Carroll L. smith and Ethel VanFossen served as postmasters until October 1, 1934 when Nena M. Jamison was appointed and served until December 31, 1963.

In the interim from December 1963 until Donald L. Derr was appointed postmaster in March, 1966, Charles Hoke served as acting postmaster. Mr. Derr was installed as postmaster and the new building was dedicated in April, 1966.

Banking

The Walkersville Savings Bank was built on Pennsylvania Avenue in 1904. Those who were active in organizing the bank were Cephas M. Thomas, Charles Albert Nicodemus, Edwin Devilbiss and Brooke I. Jamison. Cephas M. Thomas was elected the first President and Edwin Devilbiss served as the first cashier.

On July 21, 1919 the bank was robbed of $3,211. Miss Elizabeth Nicodemus, a teller in the bank, escaped to the cellar, crawled across the coal pile and got out a cellar window to call police. The four robbers were soon caught on Bover's Mill Road when their car stalled.

On May 14, 1930 the bank merged with the Central Trust Company of Frederick. On September 2, 1931, the bank was declared insolvent and its doors were closed.

The Town was without banking services until the Walkersville Bank was incorporated on August 7, 1934. The Directors were: George L. Ramsburg, Simon J. Grim, Clayborne M. Zimmerman, George P. Devilbiss, Harvey R. Cramer, Albert S. Bitler, Merhl L. Reddick and Robert N. Nicodemus, Sr.. George E. Ramsburg was elected President, Merhl L. Reddick, vice president, Simon J. Grim, secretary and Percy Clagett was elected Cashier.

The bank was the scene of a sensational robbery on January 16, 1940. The four bandits escaped in a stolen car with $6,605. Before leaving the scene of the robbery, two bank employees, Percy Clagett and Miss Freda Kintz, along with a customer, Rev. John W. Fisher, were locked in the vault.

Plans for the first remodeling of the original building which was built in 1904, was announced in June of 1954. The front of the bank was remodeled and new equipment installed within.

On April 26, 1963 the Walkersville Bank merged with the Farmers and Mechanics-Citizens Bank of Frederick. The Walkersville Bank's Board of Directors at the time of the merger was as follows: Simon F. Grim, Clayborne M. Zimmerman, F. Harold Hooper, Kent C. Nicodemus, Sr., Robert N. Nicodemus, Sr., Wm. Powell, Millard M. Rice, Harvey R. Cramer, Bruce E. Crum and George P. Devilbiss.

Plans for construction and remodeling of the Walkersville Branch office of the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank were announced on October 27, 1969. The two-story log dwelling just east of the bank was torn down to make room for the enlarged bank and a new black-top parking lot. The grand opening for the completed new facility was held on October 17, 1970. For the first time the bank had a drive-in window for customers, plus six teller stations. A new vault was installed along with the latest in safe-deposit boxes. The old part of the bank was remodeled to include a new office, office lobby, director's room, new rest rooms and an employee lounge.

Businesses

Monocacy Valley Canning Company

In 1905 the Walkersville plant of the Monocacy Company was built and George Ross was taken into the firm, former owners being Charles W, Ross, Jr., Charles B. Staley and Charles Ross. Sr.

In those days, all corn husking was done by hand, by people from the mountain area who would come to the factory and live-in shacks on the property. They were paid two cents/bushel. Corn was cut off the cob by machinery and the cans were filled by machinery. The cans which were used were the old cap and hole cans. This means that the sides, bottom, and top were all soldered together and the top had an opening about the size of a fifty-cent piece. After the can was filled the caps were put in place by hand and trays of filled, capped cans would go under the old Hawkins Capper, which was a series of round soldering irons which soldered the caps in place. They then went to the man with an ordinary soldering iron who tipped the center of the cap thereby sealing the can tight.

About 1917 the husking shed was modernized with a floor in the center and a drag to take the husks to the blower at the back end of the shed. The husks were blown on a pile to be used as ensilage in the winter and sold back to the farmers for $2 per ton. In 1919 Mr. Staley sold out to Charles and George Ross. George Ross ran the plants at Frederick and Walkersville as Charles Ross was an invalid. After the death of Charles Ross in 1921 the plant was then managed by George Ross and Theresa K. Ross, widow of Charles Ross.

In the middle 20's husking machines were installed, making the factory quite modern. By then, the plant used open mouth cans, which were crimped, instead of the old soldering operation, and had a modern cooling tank. Filled cans were carried to the warehouse where they were stored until shipment was made.

In 1932 George Ross died and the company was sold to Theresa K. Ross by Helen Stauffer Ross, widow of George Ross. At that time Charles W. Ross, III took over the management of the factory.

Some of the local men who were responsible for the success of the factory were c. Robert Moberly, Sr. and Tollie Wachter, year-round employees. Other residents of Walkersville were seasonal workers. Mr. Moberly, a loyal employee, was found dead in the office.

The next improvement was made in the late 30's when an unloader was added. Trucks would bring the corn into the factory, replacing the four horse teams. The trucks were hoisted gradually to a 45-degree angle and the corn would slide out into a drag that carried the corn to the shed and distributed it to the husking machines.

During the 40's acreage became very hard to secure as more and more farmers were turning to milk production. At one time Frederick County was one of the largest sugar corn canning areas in the country, supporting twelve different factories. Today not one can of corn is produced in the county and all corn factories are closed. In 1948 this plant was closed.

The Glade Valley Milling Company

In the late 1800's "Willie A" and Clinton Cramer owned and operated the Walkersville Elevator Company at the intersection of Biggs Ford Road and the Railroad. The business handled coal, lumber and grain. On the site was also a cider mill and a cooperage shop.

In 1904 the Glade Valley Milling Company, organized by A. H. Etzler, Luther H. Wachter, A. W. Ecker, C. A. Nicodemus, John V. Nicodemus and John D. Nicodemus, bought the Walkersville Elevator. A modern roller mill, powered by a steam engine was built on the site, capacity of the Mill was 250 barrels/day of soft wheat flour. In the late 1920's the mill was converted to electric power. The mill operated as a flour and feed mill until 1969. Principal flour markets were New York, New England, Baltimore and export.

In 1907 the grain, coal and lumber business formerly owned and operated by John H. Jamison was purchased. Mr. Jamison continued his fertilizer and seed sales from the "Jamison Office" which was also headquarters for John V. Nicodemus, President of the Glade Valley Milling Company.

In 1974 the Mill buildings were sold to Farmers Supply Company who lease a portion of space to Ralston Purina Company and use remaining buildings for storage.

Microbiological Associates, Inc.

August 24, 1961 representatives of Microbiological Associates Inc. met with the towns people, explained their work and presented plans for developing their industry. Having received the approval of most citizens and the town council they accordingly purchased the Monocacy Valley Canning Company property and the Claude Crum Farm and preceded to get established.

MA produces biological products and laboratory animals which are used in biomedical research throughout the world. Additionally, MA provides research services in support of biomedical programs both in Government and in industry. The Company is currently one of the largest research contractors for the National Cancer Institute.

In October of 1975 they completed a new 52,000 sq. ft. production facility bringing the total laboratory and animal space to 114,736 sq. ft..

Walkersville Ice and Power Co.

In 1911 the Walkersville Ice and Power Co. was organized by John D., John V. and Kent C. Nicodemus. The plant manufactured ice and in later years operated a frozen food locker service. For many years a familiar figure in town was Baxter Murphy, who, with horse "Spark Plug", delivered ice to customers in the Town. Ice plant operation continued until 1947.

The Farmers Supply Company

The Farmers Supply Company, a stock Company, was organized by a group of farmers in 1920, having bought the business site of G. Clinton Winebrener, located on south side of Penna. Avenue at the R.R. tracks. Dealing mainly in grains, farm machinery and supplies with Albert S. Bitler as manager.

The original directors were: Harry E. Cramer, Pres. John Etzler, Harvey R. Cramer, Sec'y Thomas L. Cramer, George H. Thomas, Clarence C. Dudrow, Clayton M. Zimmerman, Josiah Crum.

On June 29,1948 the property was bought by Ephraim B. Zimmerman and son-in-law, Paul F. Green.

Over the years sales of machinery were discontinued, and the Company, now a family operation with Paul J. Green, Manager-Owner, continues to serve the farmers of Frederick, Carroll, Howard and Montgomery Counties and also points of Pennsylvania, with feed, grains and supplies from their modern facility which was started in the spring of 1974 and in full operation by June, 1975.

Glade Valley Bakery

In 1917 the Glade Valley Bakery was organized by T. R. Saylor, J. D. Nicodemus, John V. Nicodemus, Kent C. Nicodemus and Robert N. Nicodemus. The bakery operated as a wholesale bread and cake bakery with routes serving Central Maryland, Loudon Co., Va. Jefferson Co. WV. and Adams Co., Penna. The bakery business was sold in 1956 to Manbeck Bread Company of Hagerstown. During the Manbeck tenure the business was expanded to include retail as well as wholesale routes.

This business was discontinued in spring of 196 and property remained vacant until purchased by V.L. Ruwet and R. M. Nims in May, 1971. It was then used for storage by Microbiological Associates.

Since May, 1976 the building is owned by R. S. Laughlin who operates Digital Systems Corporation manufacturing Galaxy/5 computers.

S. M. Ports Bakery

In the year 1901 S.M. Ports moved from Woodsboro and started a bakery business in the small building which is now a part of the T. R. Saylor store. Bread and cakes were baked daily, except Sunday, and delivered by Mr. Ports in his horse-drawn wagon. Some of us remember "Old Harry" the horse, and the ring of the bell to notify us that we could get seven loaves of bread for twenty-five cents and with that a gift of either a ginger, sugar or spice cake with the purchase.

Newspapers & Printing Offices

As early as April 15, 1886 Augustus Clem had a thriving business publishing the "Walkersville Enterprise", a weekly newspaper with a circulation of over 400. This shop was located near Five Points, in the home now owned by Esther Saylor, and continued for a number of years.

In the fall of 1933 "The Glade Valley Times" made its debut with a shop in the Cromweli house on Frederick Street. This paper was under the supervision of McGolerick and Warner. In the spring of 1934 it relocated on Penna. Ave. in a room previously used by the Wright Funeral home. The printing business was then taken over by Harry Wall and daughter, Betty. After Mr. Wall's death in January, 1943 the business was sold to Richard English and Al Watson, who continued it for a short while.

Sewing Factory

In 1924, Robert N. Nicodemus, Sr., purchased from the Board of Education, the old public school building, which was built in 1897, located on Frederick Street at Crum Road for $1,400. The building sat idle until 1929, at which time they started sewing pajamas in the second floor for a Baltimore firm named Keegan and Grace.

In 1930 a large one-story addition was added to the back of the old building. Pajamas were made for many years under the firm name, N-R-Garment Company. In the late 1940's the firm name was changed to the Robert Terry Garment Company, Inc. Beginning in 1944, the firm began manufacturing men's sport shirts for the nationally known BVD Corporation. In 1952 the firm began manufacturing men's sport shirts for the nationally advertised McGregor Sportswear.

During the recession in 1957, the Nicodemus family ceased their sewing operation and leased the building to Stanley Sagner of Northcool suits. The Sagner firm leased the building for two years making men's slacks. When they did not renew the lease, Robert N. Nicodemus, Sr. sold the building to an electronics firm.

On September 1, 1961 the electronics firm sold the factory to the Walkersville Development Co., Inc. The corporation was composed of five Walkersville residents; Philip Beard, Paul Eaves, Charles Hoke, Nena Jamison and Charles Nicodemus. The factory was leased in 1961 to E. F. Fennel Co. for the manufacturing of lady’s dresses and pants suits, and operated a retail outlet store in the rear of the building. With approx. 100 employees this business continued until the spring of 1976.

In December, 1976 the building was leased by Security Imprinter Corporation and today with approx. 30 people employed. Credit Card Imprinters are being manufactured and assembled.

Aunt Lucy Hams, Inc.

Aunt Lucy Hams, Inc., was begun in 1929 by John H. Stauffer, Jr. and S. Walter Stauffer, sons of John H. Stauffer, Sr.

The name of the business is derived from Lucy Scott' born in Kent County, Maryland, in 1834, the daughter of slaves. She was brought to Walkersville at the age of four by Robert and Ellen Nelson. She came to be known throughout the community as Aunt Lucy and was particularly known for her delicious baked hams, and generally as an excellent cook.

The Stauffer brothers began their business producing sausage and scrapple, and as they included baked hams, they adopted the name Aunt Lucy. The business was started in a small store beside the T'R. Saylor Hardware and Tin-shop.

In the 1930's, the present building was constructed, as an addition to the General Store owned by their father, Walter L. Zimmerman, who had worked with the Stauffer brothers, purchased the business in February, 1966 and it continues to the present to be operated by Walter Zimmerman and his family.

Aunt Lucy Hams, Inc. specializes in smoked hams, crumbly sausage and bacon.

Ice Cutting

Before the days of refrigerators one of the early businesses was ice-cutting. There were a number of icehouses in town and ice was hauled by some of the farmers of the community with four-horse farm wagons. About a dozen men were employed at the pond to saw, block and load the wagons. The main source of supply was from Burrier's pond and they supplied the J.L. McMaster and oyster creameries. Ice was also hauled from the Hoke farm in Mt. Pleasant. Ice cutting was not allowed on the Valentine pond after the Water Company purchased the site for town reservoir.

Creameries

In the early 1900's George M. Oyster creamery on East Penna. Avenue now owned by the Town for storage of equipment, was the collection agency for milk from the farmers. It was brought in by the farmer, cooled and processed and shipped out on the 3 o'clock train to Baltimore. Cheese was also made and shipped from this creamery.

Mr. Oyster owned the land, which is now Glade Towne and raised horses. One of the large dappled greys named "Sleepy", weighing over 2,000 lbs., was used to transport milk from the creamery to the R.R. Station.

Later the business was transferred to Chestnut Farms Dairy and in 1948 closed out to Highs in Frederick. 1948 it was closed out to Highs in Frederick.

Before the Oyster creamery there was one in the name of John L. McMaster, situated near Five Points. Unable to get more data regarding this operation.

Funeral Establishment

Since 1894 Walkersville has had a Funeral Home. The first, situated on Penna. Ave. next to what is now the Bank property, was known as Putman and Creager operated by Luther C. and K. Gertrude Putman and Mr. Creager of Thurmont.

After Mr. Putman's death in 1908 Grover C. Barton, at the age of 21 years came to Walkersville and the business, together with a successful furniture store, was operated as Putman and Barton. Remodeling of this facility was completed in 1914.

During the war years Mr. Barton went to Baltimore to work and the business was continued by Mrs. Putman and later joined by Galen wright her son-in-law. For several years after Mrs. Putman's death the operation continued as Wright Funeral Home.

When Mr. Barton returned to Walkersville "The Barton Funeral Home" was established at 40 Fulton Avenue under the name of Grover C. and Nellie M. Barton. As advertised in The Glade Valley Times of November, 1933, funerals were available at $50 and up. No extra charge for removal bodies from hospitals.

In 1956 a Chapel seating 230 persons was added together with an elevator. Free ambulance service was also provided. After the death of Mr. Barton in 1970 the business was continued by Nellie Barton with the very efficient help of the staff that had so faithfully served them in the past.

In May, 1973 it became the Barton-Stauffer Funeral Home with G. Douglas Stauffer, Director and since January 1, 1975 is the Stauffer Funeral Home.

Blacksmithing

Walkersville being a farming community one of-the-essential trades needed was blacksmithing. In the early years, possibly before the Town was Incorporated there was a shop back of what is now the (Dailey) Funeral Home. It was operated by William Rinehart and later a Mr. Frushour. After the Mr. Mike Hahn blacksmithing but no shoeing of horses, when Mr. Hahn discontinued the work "Pappy" Fox ran the shop for a number of years.

One of the oldest shops was the Bishop shop at Five Points, where the park is now located, and was first operated by George Bishop who lived in the house now known at the "Hammond Home." At the death of George Bishop, his son Elmer, also a blacksmith and wheelwright with principal work horseshoeing, continued the business until the 1930's, his health failed and death followed in 1932. This shop was the meeting place for men of the town where they pitched horse shoes and exchanged stories in the evenings.

Thomas Fox operated a shop on E. Penna. Ave. on land now owned by Don Schildt from 1901 to 1918. At that time Mr. Fox went to work for Frederick Iron and Steel Co., the shop was closed and later razed.

In 1921, Alva Dinterman built a shop on the corner of Maple Maryland Avenue. The gable end facing Maryland Ave. and part of the back of Ray's Service the original blacksmith shop. In 1945 the service station was opened and 1945 Ray, Alvie's son, opened a grocery store and remodeled the building in 1972, to enlarge the business. It is now owned and operated by Frank Dayhoff.

Garages

The lowly horse has had his day and the "Village Smithy," is gone so the new day of garages approaches.

In the early 1920's the first garage in town was in the rear of the home now owned by Raymond L. Strine, and operated by Ernest Dinterman. When Ernest went to Baltimore to work Clarence Dinterman then ran the shop until he purchased the building now known as Walter Eaves garage on Frederick Street from Arthur Moorehead. Mr. Dinterman, with son Lester as helper, continued business until the year 1946 when he sold the building to A. Haifleigh, Glenn Trout and Arthur Brown, with Arthur Brown operating the business.

January, 1949 Arthur Brown opened the present "Brownie's Garage" and this building was sold to Walier Eaves.

Paul Eaves Phillips' 66 Service Station opened September 28, 1960.

Beauty Shops

The first beauty shop was established in the former Dr. Fink property on Frederick Street, by Margaret Crum Bowers. It was also operated by Betty Burall and Genevieve (Young) Bowman. From August '52 Jo Derr operated this shop for two years and then built at her home on Maple Avenue, where business is continued under the name of Glade Valley Beauty Shop.

Gloria's was built by Gloria Staley and opened for business April, 1950, on Maple Avenue, Where she continues to do her share keeping the women beautiful.

Barber Shops

Harry Dinterman started barbering in Johnsvilie in 1904 and moved the shop to Frederick Street in 1907. He was a barber at this location until 1954, when his son. Paul Dinterman, took over the business.

Clinton Eckard also began his barbering career in Walkersville on Penna. Avenue in 1904 and retired in 1956.

Robert Baltzell opened a shop in the Bowling Alley in 1959 and continued there for seven years, when he moved the shop to his home on Route 194 where he continues to-day.

Several other shops were operated at various times - one being by Grover Shumaker on Maple Avenue and the other by Bill Humberson in a newly built shop on Frederick Street.

Plumbers

The first plumbing business was operated by Samuel Smith around the turn of the century and continued until his retirement in 1929, when his son George moved to town and continued the business. In 1952 George Smith discontinued and the business was sold to Robert Mclaren. Mr. McLaren operated from the "old creamery" building on Penna. Avenue and later from his home on George Street until 1962.

In 1933 George Devilbiss had his first appliance store and plumbing business on Penna. Avenue until he moved to Frederick Street in the year 1940. He operated from this location until he purchased the old "Barrick store" property from Walter Dudrow in 1960 - built a large addition facing Maple Avenue, which housed the appliance center. Since his death in 164 the business is continued by Mrs. Devilbiss and son, Paul.

Russel Brown started his plumbing business at the present location on October 1, 1965. Harold Peterson, a plumbing contractor, began his business in 1968.

Glade Valley Farm

Walkersville has not been strange to the "Sport of Kings"' It became the home of one of the world's greatest race horses and the birthplace of a winner, Challedon, was foaled in a luxurious stable which was for five years or more the home of Challenger, the famous father of Challedon, with whom he shared the first letters of his name. The Glade Valley Farm fields stretched over an area of 150 acres of beautiful rolling land, rich and fertile where stables and paddocks existed.

A handsome mansion with a facade of tall, Square pillars reaching to the eaves, stands at the end of a long entrance lane, tree lined, fenced and landscaped in a most attractive manner. The home was built in 1897.

The lake on the farm used to be the village ice pond from which residents of the town used to cut ice.

In 1962, the Baptist Convention of Maryland, voted to establish the Maryland Baptist Collage on the Glade Valley Farm grounds. In 1969, when the college failed to materialize the farm was sold for the development, Galde Towne.

Walkersville Bowling Center

In 1937 a tin plate factory was built on Pennsylvania Avenue. When the business failed to flourish, Russell Eyler purchased it in 1947 and opened a 7-lane bowling alley. In 1957 the building was enlarged to include three more lanes and a snack bar. Fred Fogel bought the business in 1970 and continues to run it today.

Stores

Drug Stores

The first drug store in the town, located on Main Street next to the former United Brethren Church, was owned and operated by Dr. M. I. Zimmerman. Along with his medicines his specialties were licorice, rock candy and stink candy. He also carried a full line of photographic supplies and printed negatives' Dr. Mike also served as postmaster for four years (1897-1901) from this building.

The present Walkersville Pharmacy located on Maple Avenue, was built by Raymond Hummer to be used as an appliances tore. This was continued for a short while and on January 1, 1963 Mr. Geraghty, pharmacist, arrived in town during a snowstorm to begin his services to the community, where he continues today to operate an up-to-date Drug store.

J .H. Stauffer

One of the oldest, if not the oldest, store in town operated by S. W. Stauffer, father of J. H. Stauffer, in a portion of the John Walker home, which was built around 1840.

J. H. Stauffer built the store property on the corner Frederick and Main Sts. in 1878. Attached to the side of the store was a hall used various town meeting, dances and entertainments and also church suppers. Traveling shows came to the town and one that is remembered especially was the "Glass Blower." He ran a contest to name the prettiest girl and the ugliest man. The girl named was Nellie Nicodemus and the

man, Frank (Cutie) Strine – the town lamp lighter. Each received a gift and miss Nellie’s was a beautiful hand-blown glass vase'

In 1920 Ward Stauffer, son of J. H Staffer Assumed active management of the business and continued to conduct same until 1955, when his son, David, took over. The store has been occupied by Creative Corner since 1969.

Store at Five Points

Around the turn of the century the store at Five Points was owned and operated by Milton Geesey. This was a general country store – everything from horse collars two needles were for sale. Mr. Geesey operated the store until his death and then in later years it was used by Warren Fox for shoe repairing and cleaning.

Charles Browning came from Mount Pleasant in early 1920s and open up a grocery store which he operated until his retirement. Roy Zimmerman then purchase and operator the store until his death in 1947. It was purchased by William Ensor, and later operated by his son-in-law Joseph Carlotti. Since February, 1971, it is known as House of decor and operated by Willard Wells who refinishes an upholster furniture.

Barrick’s Store

E. C Watcher started the business before 1890 and then it was taken over by Bitler Brothers just before the turn of the century. They continue the business for several years and then sold to Lewis E. Barrick and following him, his sons, Clarence and Elmer. From the early 1920s the store was operated by Barrack’s brother-in-law, David Christ, until his death (by murder, which remains unsolved) in 1928.

Elmer Barrick returning to the business which then closed out. It was then for a short time operated by Mose Bister who sold out in 1930 to Raymond Stanley. Stanley carried on the business until April 15, 1941 when it was acquired by Walter Dudrow who continued until September 15, 1958 when he moved to the former Watcher store on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The building was sold in 1960 to George Devilbliss and Son when a large addition facing Maple Avenue was added and is now operated as an appliance store by Mrs. Devilbliss and son Paul.

T. R. Saylor & Company

At the north east corner of Main and Frederick Street Ezra Saylor (father of Thomas R.) conducted the first tinning and roofing business. There was also a small grocery store operated by a Mrs. Fitez. When this buiiding was destroyed by fire the business was established at the present site in 1902, under the name of T. R. Saylor Company.

Mr. Saylor operated the business until his death and since that time it has been owned and operated by his son-in-law and daughter, Luther and Louise Horine. They no longer have the tinning and roofing business but a full line of hardware and household articles are offered in their modern and up-to-date store.

E. C. Wachter Store

Around the turn of the century the store next to the Bank was built and operated by E. C. Wachter, who lived in the house which was razed to make room for expansion of the Bank and parking area.

In addition to his regular groceries his specialty was "Home-made Ice Cream". A small room in the store building was used to serve customers and there was also an upstairs hall which was frequently used for parties and an occasional church supper. A downstairs room was used for the Post-office from 1910 until the new Post-office was built in 1966.

After Mr. Wachter's death various owners operated the grocery store. Among them were: John E. Cramer, Harry G. Rice, Edgar Feaster, Glenn D. Zimmerman, Raymond Staley, Messrs. Hearn, Brockley and Abe Martin, each for a comparatively short time, Ezra L. Grantham for five years until september, 1958 at which time Walter H. Dudrow moved from the Barrick Corner and continued the business until 1975. Mr.

Dudrow still owns the building and at the present time it is occupied by a Ceramic Shop.

Strine's Store - Grove's T.V. & Radio Service

This store was built in 1921, by Lincoln G. Dinterman and being readily accessible to the school was a gathering place for the young folks. Mr. Dinterman carried a full line of groceries and also served gas.

He was followed in the business by C. Frank Grimes. Raymond L. Strine acquired the business in 1929 and remained there until his retirement in 1962.

In 1933 Mr. Strine secured a license to sell beer, it being the first place in Walkersville to handle and sell alcoholic beverages. At this time a room was added where sandwiches and light lunches were available.

When Mr, Strine retired the store was under the management of Russell Whitmore and then for a short while by a Mr. Weidman. Since Mr. Weidman left the store it has been occupied by Grove's TV and Radio Service.

Geisinger's Store

Charles and Minnie Geisinger were married in March, 1911 and moved into the house between the Bakery and Variety Corner. At that time Mr. Geisinger was employed by "Zack" Cromwell who operated a butcher shop on Main Street at property now owned by the Harry Fillers. Mr. Cromwell was stricken with a lingering illness and Mr. Geisinger and bride moved into his home, where she nursed him until his death in the spring of 1915, and Mr. Geisinger continued the butchering business for Mr. Cromwell. After his death the Geisingers moved to the corner of Main and Crum Road where they established a butchering business and store.

Another specialty was their "Home-made" ice-cream which they sold from the store or served you in their dining room. This business was discontinued in May, 1942.

Cramer's Meat Market

At the corner of Main and Penna. Avenue for a number of years (dating from 1912) the Nusbaums, Clinton and Harry, had a store and did custom butchering. Meats were sold from the store and also from a truck over the countryside. They sold the business to Merhl Warehime who continued for several years.

In 1938 Frank Cramer moved from the farm, having bought the home and business. He continued custom butchering and also the store until 1960 when he discontinued the business and converted the store property into apartments.

C. Albert Strine's Store and Hall

Before the turn of the century the first 5 and 10 cent store was built by Clarence Gilbert. This store was located on Maple Avenue where the home of Walter Dudrow is now located. In back of the store there was a buggy shop, also run by Mr. Gilbert and Ira Cramer

In the early 1900’s the property was purchased by C. Albert Strine and he later added the bowling alley, but also had a grocery store on the first floor. After the bowling alley was discontinued around 1917 a produce business was operated by Joseph Roberts.

During this period A. S. Bilter took over the store and one of the specialties was "Home-made Ice-Cream". This was always a happy ending to the day after having spent an evening in the upper hall where there was a show, be it "Medicine", "Chautaqua" or "Home Talent".

Mr. Strine then sold the store to a Mr. Hartsorn who operated it for a short while and then sold to A.S. Bitler.

In 1923 Mr. Bitler bought the store and home, where telephone exchange was located. He continued to operate the Exchange until 1937 and the store building was razed and the lumber used in building the homes which are now owned by Walter Dudrow and Glenn Zimmerman.

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