Social Life

Young people in Woodsboro for the past hundred years made their own fun. ‘Socials’ and ‘pound’ parties (where everyone brought a pound of something to eat) were popular and a way of meeting new friends.

Church activities also provided gathering places for members of the whole family – for example many church picnics were held in a nearby wood and families came by carriage and stayed the entire day.

Excursions by train to the mountain resort of Pen Mar were in vogue around the turn of the Twentieth Century. Many elaborate plans were made, often by correspondence between young people, about meeting at a certain place at a certain time.

Local fairs were also natural trysting places for young people. In later years, towns serviced by railroad as far as York, Pennsylvania had fairs, which were regularly attended by anyone who could get there.

The Woodsboro Literary Society was formed in 1910 with the motto of ‘Excelsior’ and the object of the society was to "… encourage intellectual' social, and moral uplifts, and to advocate the principles of successful living." Approximately thirty-five members belonged to the society, paying five-cent weekly dues at the meetings.

In the summer season the old swimming hole also provided a meeting place. Since the water was only waist high, the ability to swim was no prerequisite and young people came for sociability and to enjoy the cool water.

During the winter months sleighing parties were popular. An old 1904 letter relates a young girl's bitter disappointment when her beau did not arrive on Sunday at 2 p.m. to pick her up - too much snow and no telephone.

Station Hill and the Canning Factory Hill were favorite places for sledding in winter for young and old. The snow packed ice made a built-in bobsled run. A lookout was posted at the bottom on Main Street who shouted. "ALLLLLLLLRIGHT!" when the way was clear of the then infrequent cars.

Thereupon, the entire assemblage of sledders followed in turn down the hill, some singly (belly flopping), some doubly with couples, and even three to a sled, if an extra long FLxible Flyer was available.

With good weight and good snow cover, sleds going down Station Hill got enough momentum to go as far as the Post Office downtown. Sometimes sledders unexpectedly arrived on front porches, miraculously missing posts. &c., when the snow was piled high enough so that street and sidewalk were indistinguishable. Bonfires were built at the tops of the hills for warmth, although the long trek back up the hill provided much warmth and camaraderie, plus good exercise.

There were always certain outcroppings of rocks in the roadbed that lost the snow cover first during a warm day. Sliders learned to bypass these areas for the sake of their own speed, but when a careless coaster hit a large stone, sparks flew from the sled runners and upon occasion the sudden impact threw the occupant off the sled. Surprisingly enough, very few sledders ever seemed to be seriously injured.

Incredible as it seems today, sleds were also fastened by the pulling rope in a long line behind an automobile and pulled for miles until the last sleds began to whip about in a chain reaction dumping the occupants into the nearest snow bank.

Ice-skating was also a major sport on nearby Powell's Ponds. J. E. Stoner, Sherman Powell. Murrav and Harry Hiltlebrldle, and many others executed fancy figure skating and jumps from one pond to another. In daytime, impromptu hockey games also were played with local rules prevailing, and the puck nothing more than a piece of wood.

Discipline became a problem in the homes during good snow and ice weather. Many were the children and young people who got up out of bed from a bad ‘cold’ and recuperated instantly the harder it snowed and the colder it got, particularly when all of their friends were enroute to the nearest winter sport area. Long underwear was also a dispute issue. particularly among girls as it unfortunately added little in attractiveness to the female figure. Many a young lady frozen in stylish silence to a gorgeous rosy-purple minus her Long Johns.

The best thing about this social life was that everyone participated, both young and old, to the limit of their physical abilities and everyone for the most part knew exactly where everyone was and what they where doing.

Medicine shows often came to town in the early days as well as traveling shows; the favorite show was ‘Uncle Tom's Cabin', often held in the lot beside the canning factory.

Camp meetings were held in LeGore’s woods with a full day's schedule of speakers, programs by various church groups, and much singing. These meetings were famous for miles around and were widely attended both for sociability and for promoting Christianity.

The Woodsboro Opera House

One of the unique facilities in Woodsboro since 1901 was the old Opera House, which was housed on the second floor of the then new bank building and provided a town hall and community center. Plays, movies, Chautauqua, dances, public meetings. Receptions, and other events took place in the large room, which had around a 225 seating capacity. Upon occasion church services were also held there when remodeling was done at one of the churches.

One of the first plays to be presented in the Opera House was titled ‘The Flowing Bowl.

Movies were showing every Sunday night with Mr. Oscar Barrack operating the projector for many years, followed by Elmer Smith and Glenn Stottemyer.

Every reel had to be rewound and quite often they broke which caused stamping of feet, whistles, and catcalls along with a hail of pop bottles and peanuts. The audience of young people we’re almost into great peril as the heroine in ‘The Perils of Pauline, Ruth Ronald series, and Tarzan, which they had come to see, continued from the previous week for years, of course. Attendance was $.25.

The stage ‘s rollup curtain was painted with a rustic scene and bordered by local advertisement. The curtain at times would get off center and would not work. causing panic during home talent plays. Music was provided by the piano played for Many years by Miss Hilda Cramer, now Mrs. Sherman Powell.

The last use of the Opera House was in 1953 when it was closed as a fire hazard and also because of poor attendance. Many young people now had access to cars and could go farther afield to the movies. Home talent plays ceased simultaneously with the advent of television.

Today the Opera House stands remarkably well preserved. The curtain is rolled up neatly on the last set of the final play. The dressing room doors are wide open, revealing the names of former amateur actors inscribed on their walls. The dirty chairs are still in rows and the scenic frieze under the ceiling molding is still intact and imposing even in the half-light of the drawn and tattered shades.

Thus the town has lost the main social center for miles around leaving only a rich heritage of poignant memories of what took place in the old town hall.

The Skating Rink

Built in 1917 by Robert J., Clarence C., and Maurice Donsife, the rink was one of the first in the area and provided a popular recreational center on Saturday nights for many young people. It had fine hardwood floors and was considered one of the best rinks in the northern part of the county.

In 1934 the rink was sold to Marlin and George Shriver who opened a sewing factory making men’s trousers, ladies' skirts, and ladies' shorts. About one hundred and twenty-five people are employed in the highly successful operation. It is also a welcome boom to the town's economy.

Churches

Rocky Hill Church

Originally named Peter's Kirke, the church known today as Grace "Rocky Hill" Lutheran Church stands in a grove of towering oaks on a windy hill a mile or so

outside of Woodsboro on the Coppermine Road. Organized by a dozen Lutheran families as an outgrowth of the old Monocacy Church. Rocky Hill was the second Lutheran Church in the Monocacy Valley and the "Mother Church" of the former Woodsboro Parish of four congregations. It still maintains the parish relationship with Mt. Zion's "Haugh's", but Woodsboro Evangelical and Chapel now form a separate sister parish.

Charles Frederick Wildbahn, a teacher from Winchester, Virginia, who was licensed by Muhlenberg to direct the affairs of as many as nineteen congregations at a time, directed the organization of Rocky Hill and helped dedicate its building in 7768. Lucas Raus accepted the call to become its first pastor in 1767. The church was built on land granted by the English government for a place of worship and was occupied jointly by Lutherans and the Reformed Church until they separated amicably in 1887. The congregation has occupied at least two buildings (177I and 1889) and has kept the present one attractive and useful with additions and renovations.

Rocky Hill cherishes its mementos of the past such as the original pulpit, now repainted with the old German inscription and date, 1771. In the same vein, its people tend to maintain their relationship even though they live at a distance. Hundreds of friends and former members attend the annual picnic which became a

minor part of Civil War history when the band music attracted the attention of a band of Confederate soldiers who suspected a Yankee encampment.

St. John's Reformed Church

It was impossible, according to T.J.C. Williams, to trace an accurate history of St. John's Reformed Congregation of Woodsboro because of a lack of records.

Reverend Carl Lange, pastor of Evangelical Reformed Church of Frederick, preached, visited, and confirmed at Millerstown.

The author Williams stated that he believed Millerstown was Woodsboro and not Rocky Hill, a church one and a quarter miles from Woodsboro. From 1768 to 1802 there were no records. The cornerstone of the church was laid April 11, 1802. The property was deeded from Adam Creager to the trustees of the Presbyterian and Lutheran congregations. These congregations, Williams concluded, must have existed prior to 1803. Rev. John William Runkle was the man responsible for the building of the church. He was pastor of the Frederick charge from 1784 to 1802. Henry Clantz was the mason who laid the cornerstone.

The Church was known as Solomon's Church. It was a Union Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church. The name in the deed was Lutheran and Presbyterian. In the early years of the church, Reformed and Presbyterian were used synonymously.

From 1818 to 1820 there was no pastor. From 1820 to 1827, Rev. Dietrick Graves was pastor. From 1827 to 1830, there seemed to be no pastor. Rev. Graves served again from 1830 to 1832.

From 1801 or 1802 to 1833, the Church did not belong to the Glade charge. It may have belonged to the Littlestown charge. The Church was completed in 1822. On April 4, 1825, the constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed church was adopted. Five shillings were paid for the church and land.

The deed said that "said property shall be forever the joint property of said Lutheran and Reformed, each denomination shall have equal rights with the other and no regulation of either shall be valid which would in any way deprive the other of its rights and privileges.. .."

Woodsboro joined in 1833 with Rocky Hlll, Glade, and Creagerstown to form a pastoral charge. The charge was reconstructed several times. The church was rebuilt at a cost of $1,200 and consecrated on May 24, 1840. The contractor of carpenters for the work was Adam Beck; the workmen were William Beck and Paul Holbrunner; the mason was Moses Anders and the plasterer was W.N. Derr.

At a meeting of the joint councils of the Lutheran and Reformed congregations on November 3, 1855, it was unanimously agreed that it was absolutely necessary to tear down the church steeple and have it repaired, G.P. Barrick was chairman and M. Shank was secretary of a congregational meeting to devise plans for this. A joint meeting was called December 1, 1858.

M. Shank was president and Daniel Barrick was secretary. The meeting was found to be unconstitutional; therefore, an informal meeting was held. M. Shank and George Saylor were to find out the cost of rebuilding and repairing the church. On January 15, 1859, a joint meeting was called with M. Shank president. By letter, Mr. J.D. Crumbaugh expressed a desire to have the church repaired but not rebuilt. On

March 11, 1860 at a Lutheran congregational meeting, it was agreed that the Lutheran council would hold a joint meeting on March 31, 1860. On that date the two churches' councils met The Lutheran council proposed to sell their interest in the church property to the Reformed Council, reserving the right to the graveyard. On

April 4, the two councils met. The Lutherans offered to sell their interest in the old church. This proposition was accepted on April 19, 1860.

The church was struck by lightning in 1859 or 1860. Between November 1874 and 1879, a Reformed Sunday School was started and flourished. It was voted in October 1888, to remodel the church. Rev. Hench and Elder J.H. Bowers solicited funds. The building committee consisted of George P. Barrick. Jacob H. Bowers, P.L. Feiser, and J.P. Lough. The cost was $800. The church was rededicated on February 10, 1889. In February 1892, the Glade charge divided and Glade and Woodsboro formed a pastoral charge. During the pastorate of Rev. Atvill Connor, from June 7, 1892 to August 1, 1898, the congregation was incorporated.

On March 14, 1904 Rev. J. Wolf who had served the Glade charge since November 3, 1898 resigned. He was succeeded on September 3, 1904 by Rev. James J. Schaeffer, whose services ended on November 9, 1908. The next pastor, Rev. Guy P. Bready served from March 11. 1909 until June 15, 1914. On November 27, 1914 Rev. Ernest E. Weaver became pastor. Weaver resigned April 2, 1917 and was followed in the pastorate by Rev. Walter R. Hartzell. Hartzell was pastor until October 15,7928.

The service of Rev. Frank A. Rosenberger, the next pastor extended from May 15, 1929 until February 26, 1933. Rev. Nelson C. Brown took charge until 1939. Rev. Dr. Edgar Hoffmeir served from 1940-1949, and Rev. Charles S. Price from 1950 to 1957.

Rev. Rosenberger returned to the charge from 1958 - 1962, followed by Rev. Dale W. Shellhamer from 1963 - 1967. Rev. Fred A. Trimble has been with the church since 1967 and has just resigned.

A new addition for a Sunday school room was begun in April 1957, encompassing part of the adjoining grave yard. The new room was dedicated in October of the same year. The entire debt was paid off by the congregation within four years.

In 1934 the Old German Reformed Church joined the Evangelical to become the Evangelical and Reformed Church. ln 1957 the Evangelical and Reformed Church joined with the Congregational Church of America to become the United Church of Christ.

At present the Woodsboro United Church of Christ has one hundred and eight members. The Sunday School has an enrollment of ninety-five.

The Lutheran Church

Lutherans settled around this area by 1710 or 1711. By 1747, they were included in a Lutheran charge. In 1803 they joined with St. John's Reformed Church. Rev. William Jasinsky was the first to serve the church when the congregation was organized in 1805.

Rev. David Franklin Shaeffer came to the Woodsboro church. He was claimed to be the father of Lutheranism in Frederick County. The building which served both Lutherans and Reformed was completed by 1822. The stone church known as Solomon's was thirty-five feet by forty-five feet and plain in its appearance except for a large tower and spire. Rev. Frederick Haas was pastor between 1816 and I82I. Between 1821 and 1836, Rev. Michael Wachter was pastor. A Constitution was adopted in 1825. Rev. Simeon W. Harkey was pastor in 1836. Rev. Weiser served the church from 1837 to 1840. In 1839 and 1840, repairs and additions to the church were completed at a cost of $1,200. Rev. John W. Reimensnyder in 1841. Rev. Michael Wachter again in 1847, and Rev. William Hunt in 1850 were the church ministers. In 1857, Rev. George H. Beckley became the minister.

In 1859 the trouble began between the Reformed and the Lutheran Congregations, before mentioned. In addition to the controversy concerning church repairs, regularity of elections and organization of the Reformed consistory and their right to join in joint council meetings were also issues.

The Lutherans built a new church in 1860 at a cost of $500. It was forty by sixty feet, located on Frederick Street at the site of the present church.

Rev. S.W. Owen served the church from 1865 to 1870. During this time, the parsonage property was bought for $3.500. Adam Diehl, George D. Martz, and

Michael Shank were appointed as a committee in 1867 to obtain land for a cemetery. Land was purchased from George Flickinger for $1,000, and these four acres contain the present Mt. Hope Cemetery.

In 1868, Woodsboro rejoined the Maryland Synod from which it had left in 1857. Rev. Michael N. Fair in 1889, the Rev. B.F. Alleman in 1873, and the Rev. A.W. Lentz in 1874 were the next ministers of the church.

Rev. D.M. Lamotte came in 1876. The church was rededicated in 1879. The Missionary Society was organized in 1883. It was known as the Women's Foreign and Home Missionary Society.

Rev. Adam Diehl was the next minister, and was responsible for the church debt being liquidated. Rev. Richard S. Patterson was the minister between 7892 and 1899. Rev. W.E. Wheeler was pastor in 1900 to 1904.

Rev. R.S. Poffenbarger came in 1905. The present church was erected with work beginning April 15, 1913. On July 27, 1913, the cornerstone was laid. It was eighty-four feet by fifty-seven and one-half feet. It was built of the best available brick and terra cotta trim. On May 31, 1914, dedication ceremonies were held. The new building cost $25,000.

In 1917, Rev. Patterson returned. The parsonage was remodeled at a cost of $4,000.

Rev. Raymond Sorrick was the next minister and served till 1929. The Sunday School was departmentaiized for the first time. Luther League and Daily Vacation Bible School were held. Rev. Sorrick served as President of the Maryland Synod from 1941 to 1943.

Rev. J. Frank Fife was the next pastor of the Lutheran Church. A new and better lighting system was installed and the choir received gowns for the first time. Rev. Fife later became secretary of the Maryland Synod, and served as its first full-time president.

In 1938, Rev. Herbert H. Schmidt came to Woodsboro. He got young people of the Sunday School to attend summer camping periods at Camp Nawaka. He served until 1946.

Rev. Raymond C. Myers became pastor in 1947 and served till 1955. Daily Vacation Bible School was reorganized and has since been held two weeks each summer. Sunday School rooms and the church were improved and redecorated at a cost of $25,000. This was completed and a rededication service held September 14, 1952.

Rev. William M. Brown came to Woodsboro in 1955 and stayed till 1960. The Evangelical Lutheran Church and Chapel Lutheran Church of Libertytown formed the new Woodsboro Lutheran Parish in 1960, having for many years included Rocky Hill and Haugh's also.

Rev. Donald A. Haas served as pastor from 1961 to 1967 . Rev. David Himmler from 1967 until 1973.

The life of the congregation is a busy one under the leadership of Rev. Harry L. Wolpert who answered the pastoral call in July of 1974. With pastor Wolpert's

guidance and nearly two centuries of love and labor in the church behind us, we, as a congregation may come to realize what the scriptures tell us in First Corinthians,

3:10 - "l have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon; but let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon."

The Church of God

Originally the structure of the Church of God was owned by the Methodist Protestant organization beforethe turn of the Twentieth Century. The congregation became too small to support a pastor and during the year of 1908 Rev. F.Y. Wedinhammer of the Churches of God at Oak Hill and Creagerstown began holding services in this church. In 1909 Rev. Carty held a revival meeting in Woodsboro after which the Church o{ God was organized on June 20, 1909.

The congregation which had been regularly meeting in the home of John Winebrenner, founder of the Winebrennian sect in Frederick County, decided to

purchase the building from the Methodists, who during the previous century tried valiantly to maintain a congregation, meeting first in the old Universalist Church, then in various other buildings in town.

The building was repaired and dedicated on Sunday, August 8, 1909. A missionary society was organized in 1910.

The Church of God congregation officially disbanded in 7944 and, after the building remained vacant for several years, it was purchased by Mrs. Miriam Bowers and made into a residence in the late 1940's.

Part 4

Business

The Woodsboro and Frederick Turnpike Road Company

An act to incorporate a company to build a turnpike road from Woodsboro to the Monocacy Bridge, on the road leading to Frederick City, was enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland on May 27, 1853.

The subscription books were opened at Woodsboro, Walkersville, and Frederick City for a capital stock of $12,000 in shares of $20 each. The turnpike was to be sixteen feet wide, constructed as an artificial road of stone or gravel upon the plan, style, depth, and level of the already existing road from Frederick City to the Monocacy Bridge. The turnpike was to extend from the center of the square or crosspath at the north end of the town of Woodsboro to the Monocacy Bridge at Ceresville, providing the company could use the bed of the public road then leading from the same. It was also provided that no toll gate should be erected within one mile from the taxable limits of Woodsboro, or any town or village through which the road was to pass. Amendments were passed to the act in 1904 to accommodate the automobile.

In 1919 at a meeting of the stockholders, The Frederick and Woodsboro Turnpike Company was dissolved for the purpose of selling and conveying to the County Commissioners of Frederick County the roadbed owned by the company.

Older residents remember having to stop for toll three times on the way to Frederick and purposely waiting until the toll keepers retired and raised the gate for the night. Free passage was also assured on horseback simply by riding around the end of the turnstile if no one was looking.

The tollgate south of Woodsboro was operated for several years by Irving (Shappy) S. Devilbiss for which his remuneration was $6.67 per month. James R. Quick served as toll keeper previous to Mr. Devilbiss. Louis D. Hardy was the maintenance man and M.J. Grove and Company supplied the necessary stone.

Tolls, minus maintenance, for the last six month of 1909 were $432.75.

Woodsboro Canning Company

The Woodsboro Canning Company was organized in 1909. William B. Cutshall was President and guided its affairs until his death May 2I, 1939. Gail L. Cutshall joined this company and was made Vice-president and Treasurer in 1916 and held these offices until the company dissolved in the early 1940's.

The site of the canning factory was along the Pennsylvania Railroad Company tracks (the present site of the Southern States Co-operative, Inc.)

At one time, this site was considered one of the company's greatest assets, having a sizable siding along the main track. However, the age of trucking and the improved highways decreased this value, as trucking became the most used method of transportation during the last years of the cannery business.

String beans, tomatoes and corn were canned at first, but during the last 25 years of its existence only corn was canned due to the fact that sufficient acreage could not be obtained for the other items.

During World War I the greater portion of the canned goods was purchased by the government.

The company was a small but flourishing business during its existence. Many local people were employed running the machinery, husking the corn, labeling, handling the silage, etc.

Enough water was always a problem. At first water from a well at the factory was used in the actual canning and water was hauled from the creeks for other needs. Finally, wells from the town of Woodsboro and a nearby farm were used. They cooled the canned products by air in a cooling shed, but the government enacted a law that cooling had to be done by water.

This was not possible and the company dissolved and sold the property in the early forties.

Glade Valley Milling Company

The original operation of the Glade Valley Milling Company began in Troutville by Mr. Daniel p. Saylor. In the 1890's Anderson Etzler purchased the business and moved it to Woodsboro to use the services provided by the railroad.

The Glade Valley Milling Company bought the property about 1904 and enlarged the building considerably. The first mill along the railroad tracks was originally run by steam, as was the parent mill at Troutville. The small frame house on the west side of the mill was built as a home for the mill's engineer when the mill used steam. The steam was generated in the smaller brick building at the rear.

The mill in town was a two and a half story frame building, built on a stone foundation, with the rear of the roof sloping to the west. An addition to the mill

squared up the structure, and raised its height to four stories. The delivery entrance for wagons, later trucks, was also built on the west side where the newly installed scales were located. Galvanized sheets of steel were attached to the renovated building to make the exterior uniform.

In the early days, flour and corn meal were packed in barrels and the mill employed its own cooper – a local man, Michael Holbrunner, who was exceedingly skilled at his trade. Barrels were made in three sizes as a rule: half bushel, bushel and five bushels.

Nearby farmers hauled their grain to the mill usually in two bushel sacks; top price was $3 a bushel. Approximately three bushels of wheat produced a half-barrel of flour. Quite often the farmer would trade a certain amount of unprocessed grain for the equivalent value in flour or corn meal.

Early in the 20th Century the mill changed from steam power to electric power but the services provided were much the same, with the raw grain being transformed into consumable products. The local farmers depended on the facility until the last decade or so when more and more farmers turned to raising diversified crops and found different markets for their harvest other than locally.

After the mill was idle since 1957, Rev. and Mrs. Gorden Wilson bought the one acre mill site and the two story frame house in 1973. The old mill has now begun a new life as the home of the Circuit Rider Shop, which features antiques and a wood and metal stripping service.

J. E. Stoner's Store

In 1915 Mr. J.E. Stoner purchased the stock of the store located on the lower floor of the bank building. Mr. Luther Donsife and Mr. Ray Gilbert first owned this store, then Mr. E.W. Powell and a Mr. Browning.

Mr. Stoner had Mr. Herb Holbrunner as a clerk for many years. The store had a table at the right rear amidst the shoe department where one could nearly always find a checker game in progress. "Doc"' Hitchcock, "Artie" Kemp, "Charlie" (one arm) Smith, and "Hannie" Stauffer were some of Mr. Stoner’ regular opponents. No one could beat him until some new people began playing in later years. No betting took place -- the game was for fun only. The store was the main center for exchanging the latest local and national news and men came to town to spend an hour or so talking to friends while making necessary purchases for their homes. A complete line of shoes was also carried in the store as well as other staples.

Mr. Stoner sold out his business in 194g after the longest continuing merchandising venture, as far as can be determined, in Woodsboro’s existence.

Powell's Ponds

Frederick County at one time produced more goldfish than any other county in the United States. This was true from 1890 to about 1930 when the Depression and overproduction by competitors made the endeavor unprofitable.

The Powell brothers were largely responsible for the development of the lucrative and extensive system of raising and marketing of goldfish in this area.

The three young men, Elmer M., Luther C., and Ernest R., from Lewistown were intrigued by the fish they saw on the other side of the mountain near Smithsburg. They returned with a spring wagon and purchased a small number of goldfish, which they released into several ponds on their mother’s farm.

In 1902 Elmer and Luther came to Woodsboro and bought the Beard farm on Route 550 east of town where they constructed four ponds. Luther bought out Elmer's interest and started his own ponds in 1908 on a forty-six acre tract of land at the northern end of Woodsboro along the west side of Israel’s Creek and the Dorcus Branch.

About the same time Elmer Powell purchased the Ruby farm on the east side of Israel’ Creek and made ponds on the low land of this farm.

From this time on the industry flourished for many years. Fish were shipped in custom built, perforated cans with sunken lids. The cans weighed about one hundred and twenty-five pounds were filled three-quarters full for shipment; they went express collect, mostly to destinations in a radius of eight hundred miles. However, the fish were sent to jobber, on the west coast as far as Seattle; to Chicago, Illinois; to Toledo, Ohio; to Rurlington. Iowa; to Kearnersville, North Carolina; to New York; and to many other cities for outlets in the Walgreen Drug Store chain. McCrory’s

Five and Dime Stores, pet shops, parks, and for other uses.

The express charge often exceeded the price of the fish. The customers were supposed to return the empty cans for a refund of twenty cents but many containers never returned home. The fall of the year was the height of the shipping season when special baggage cars were pulled on the railroad siding and one hundred and fifty cans were loaded onto a car which had a specially designated pickup time.

About 1935 some buyers began picking up the fish in tank trucks fitted with oxygen circulating pumps capable of hauling over one hundred thousand fish per load

In early years when labor and fish food were cheap, small fish, one and one-half to two inches cost $15 per thousand; medium size, two to three inches, $25 per thousand; and large, three to four inches, $35 per thousand.

Competition in the market and higher expenses forced the business to close in 1955. During the last ten years of the ponds' existence many fish where sold simply as bait fish, which was highly unprofitable.

In 1926 L. Cramer Powell bought the Hull farm, now the town park, and had his separate operation of twelve ponds covering seven or eight acres. His father, Luther had twenty ponds over fifteen acres. His uncle, Elmer had larger ponds measuring about eighteen acres. In total, a good year at the Powell ponds jointly produced two million fish.

During the early years when most farmers had an icehouse, they would cut and haul their ice from the ponds. The price for the ice was twenty-five cents per horse, that is, one dollar for a four-horse load or fifty cents for a two-horse load.

Elmer Powell had a loading chute with a drag and a gas engine that would pull the ice up the chute and drop it into the wagons. Others pulled the ice on the banks by hand and then pitched it on the wagon. The good icehouses would keep the ice until corn cutting time or the last of August. Farmers used the ice to cool and keep their milk, to use in the home icebox, and of course to make ice cream.

Cramer Powell had a canoe on the ponds for the family's pleasure and use in work as well as for use by the young people of the community. Another necessity, and sometimes a sport, was to protect the fish from their enemies. Generally a gun was handy to shoot the night herron, crane, bittern, king-fisher, osprey, snakes, frogs, and muskrats. Local marismen often joined the sport in the evening helping to eradicate the pests, with cigars to keep away mosquitoes, and ammunition supplied free of charge by the Powell family.

The Pennsylvania Railroad

Just after the Civil War, the national economy was expanding in all directions including the many branches of the railroad network. The line from Frederick to

York, Pennsylvania passed through the outskirts of Woodsboro. Originally the survey intended for the tracks to pass directly down the valley from the north and through the Main Street of Wooisboro. Fortunately, in retrospect, some landowners objected to having their farms bisected and the route went over the hill to the west of town.

The trains were a vital part of Woodsboro’s life from the 1870's to 1948 when the last passenger run was made. Long distance travel was limited by the existence of rails and new towns sprang up at intersections (for example, Keymar) much as towns developed around inns where stagecoaches stopped in the preceding century.

Businessmen could now go to York or Frederick in one day; students began to attend high school in Frederick; shopping became a bit more sophisticated, and local shops began to feel the pinch as their customers bought outside the town in city stores for large household purchases, dry goods, and clothing. Whole new horizons came to Woodsboro in terms of goods and services.

Trains were conveniently scheduled with two short runs (from Keymar to Frederick) for connecting with the Western Maryland Railroad. Other trains made the full round trip between York and Frederick. Passengers were assured of a ride to and from their local destination morning and evening as sixteen trains passed through the town daily. Residents literally ran their households by the trains - "There goes the Short Run" - promptly checking the clock on the mantel and adjusting it to the proper hour. Or a familiar phrase "We can't have supper until papa gets home on the five-twenty."

The automobile was the final blow to train service, plus the antiquated equipment which was beginning to need replacing on a large scale. Since Hurricane Agnes (1972) washed out the Monocacy Bridge. The most humiliating misfortune yet has taken place - the lone surviving freight engine must bock in and out from Keymar with its two or three cars. No longer does anyone set a clock by the infrequent whistle of Woodsboro's trains.

The Woodsboro Warehouse

The Woodsboro Warehouse was built in 1869 by Jacob Dorcus, who used dowry money from his wife, Ellen Thomas from Jefferson, Maryland. It was constructed by Mr. David young (Mr. Clyde Young's grandfather) and Mr. William Barrick (Mrs. Abbey Stimmel’s father).

Originally the warehouse consisted of a large front room with an ample storage room in back. In the front room stood a huge pot-bellied stove with two dampers and spittoons for the convenience of the customers. A large sugar barrel and a molasses barrel also were in the front room, the contents of which were imported by the railroad newly constructed in 1870.

Originally the warehouse was used as a ticket of office for the new railroad until the station was built in 1883. William Miller was the first ticket agent and the first post office in Woodsboro was located there before being moved downtown to the building of Lester Long's barbershop.

In 1880 Jacob Dorcus took on a partner, George David Shank. In 1894 W.B. Cutshall and John Hough were the owners. Charles J.F. Miller, W.B. Cutshall, and John Thomas Fogle managed and owned the business from 1900-1905. In 1906 John Stimmel built on an office addition and Mr. "pap’, Long had a lumber yard on the site of the mill around 1907 to 1913 Charles J.F. Miller and N.Z. Cramer operated the business until Mr. Miller died and Mr. Cramer took in his son, Steiner as a partner in 1922. The firm then became N.Z. Cramer and Son.

In 1930 the firm established a delivery service in the community which was a complete innovation as previously the customers picked up their own purchases. During this time a large lumber shed was added and a building along the Creagerstown Road, which was always covered with circus posters, was torn down.

A new machine storage building also built about this time.ln 1947 a new corporation was formed with Steiner Cramer and Michael Pue Sr. In 1951 Annie Cramer, Michael Pue and Earl Hawkins became owners and managed the business until 1964 when the firm was sold to the Cavetown Planing Mill Co. The business has been an integral purl of Woodsboro history and still provides a necessary service to the community as it has done for more than one hundred years.

The Woodsboro Savings Bank

The Woodsboro Savings Bank of Frederick County, Maryland with its banking house in Woodsboro, Maryland, was organized at Woodsboro, May 1, 1899, with capital stock of $25,000 and was chartered under the banking laws of Maryland. Officers and directors of the bank at the time of its organization were president.

Dr..William Wagner; Vice president, Josephus Long; and Directors William H. Wagner. Josephus Long, James M. Smith. George W. Huffman, George W. Shank. Edwin Devilbiss, John S. Newman, A.H. Etzler, Robert L. Ogle, William C. Boteler, John Q. Lough, and E. Marshall Gilbert

The Woodsboro Savings Bank is one of the strong financial institutions of Fredrick County. It does a general banking business and has paid-semi-annual dividends from its organization to the present time. The officers and directors of the institution are among the most honorable and substantial citizens of Frederick County. It was one of the very few financial institutions completely solvent in the bank closings of the early depression of the 1930's

In 1910 officers were president, James M. Smith; Vice President. George W. Huffman, Cushier, A.H. Etzier: and directors George F. Smith. James M. Smith,

George W. Huffman, Charles V. Dorcus. W.B. Cutrhull, A.H. Etzler. James W. Long, Robert L. Ogle, Frank L. Stoner, Charles S. Snook, Joseph L. Shank, and J. Harry Kling.

Other presidents elected through the years were George W. Huffman, in 1920, George F. Smith, in 1936, Gail L. Cutshall, in 1952, and George W. Smith, in 1965. Other directors who served over the years were William B. Cutshall. William H. Dorcus, Leonard C. Barrick, Jacob P. Feiser, Benjamin W Saxten, Gail L. Cutshall, Harry C. Dorcus, Maurice J. Albaugh, W. Clinton McSherry, Webster R. Smith. and Roger L. Kling.

In 1975 the present officers are President, George W. Smith: Vice President, Russell N. Flanagan; Secretary, W. Sherman Powell; Assistant Secretary. W. Cash Smith; Cashier, Glenn D. Smith; Assistant Cashier. Shirley L. Butt; and counsel. James McSherry.

Current directors are Raymond L. Smith, Russell N. Flanagan, W. Sherman Powell, James McSherry, W. Cash Smith, George W. Smith, Steiner W. Smith and L. Sheridan Barber.

The Banking House was erected in 1901, a hand some, substantial edifice, three stories high, built of brick with a fine pressed brick front, and equipped with vaults and safe of the latest design, being fire and burglar proof. Everything about the office was thoroughly up to date, and nothing had been omitted that would add to the safety of the building. In 1954 a new annex was added to the bank which included a new directors' room, vault, and indoor rest rooms. In 1965 the main banking room was completely remodeled. Today the landmark building is a modern banking facility.

Dorsey Pork Products

Present owner Lawrence Dorsey is the third generation of his family who has operated this business John Dorsey, grandfather, and Owen Dorsey, father of the present owner, started the business back in 1890. Eight hogs were slaughtered that first year. In 1974,the business has grown until 3.800 hogs were slaughtered recently.

John Dorsey, along with Luther Winters and then James Stimmel, in a "kind of partnership" would sell their meat by going door to door. Dorsey and Winters,

and then Dorsey and Stimmel would purchase a beef or hog together, they would kill the animal at night, and because of lack of refrigeration, they would get up early in the morning, load one-half of the animal on their respective wagons, and sell the one-half on their routes They would keep their respective receipts and sell the meat at their own prices and thus became competitors

A dating wagon pulled by a horse was used. lt was without refrigeration and had only a canvas cover. They would start on their route at 4 a.m. in the cool of the day and the people on their route would be waiting for them.

These men had many humorous remarks. Mr. Stimmel was a last figurer. He told his customers that "eight times eight is eighty-eight but you can have it for 75 cents," and his customers paid that price. The customers who owed large bills would tell him "our bills are as good as gold" but his reply was "to hell with gold. it is green backs I need".

Sometimes, his customers would ask for calves' livers. He would tell them calves were not all liver and then tell his horse "Get up Maude" and drive away without trying to sell them anything else.

After John Dorsey retired, Owen Dorsey continued the business along with his sons Emory and Lawrence. Owen and Lawrence became partners and ran the operation on the family farm on the Delaplaine farm a mile north of Woodsboro until Owen retired in 1935 Lawrence continues to own and operate the business.

After serving as Town Burgess for 13 years and serving in his third term as County Commissioner of Frederick County in 1975, his brother Carroll Ray Dorsey has taken over the managing of the business.

Dorsey products has been a by word in pork products in Frederick County and in many parts of the State. Dorsey meats are known for their fresh country sausage and country hams as well as for their other products such as scrapple and pudding.

Most of the business is wholesale where the meat is sold to independent and chain stores in several counties.

Circuit Rider Shop

The Reverend Gordon and Marjorie Wilson are the most industrious couple you'll ever find the purchase of "THE MILL" in Woodsboro marks their latest venture.

Besides serving four Methodist churches, they operate a furniture stripping and antique business. The old grist mill, which dates back to the 1890's, is truly a museum piece, with much of the original milling equipment still intact: the grain chutes, bins, mill wheels, filters, elevator, &c..

There's even a diary recorded on the side of the bin, apparently kept by one of the mill workers. It's a running account of happenings, even includes a day-to-day description of the weather. One item tells about a local man being trampled to death; another when the United States declared war on Japan.

"lt has quite a history." says Marg, "and one of the few grain mills originally operated by steam."

"And later by electricity," adds Gordon.

"We've always been interested in antiques." He continues, "and for years refinished our own furniture by hand the hard way; in fact we had a stripping business in Frederick.

But the Wilsons wanted to expand, so when they read in a local paper that the old grist mill, with one acre of land and adjoining frame house, was for sale, it didn't take them long to contact the real estate company and make the purchase.

"We named it the Circuit Rider Shop," Marge explains, "because a Methodist minister with more than one church used to be called a circuit rider as he rode his horse from one church to another."

The house, formerly the home of the mill engineer, is now occupied by Wilson's daughter, Wendy, and her husband, Ernest Linqer.

Three years ago the Wilsons purchased the Houck's Stripping Franchise now being used at the mill.

"lt's better than any stripping compound you can buy commercially." claims Gordon, "and much safer, although the chemicals used are a trade secret of Houck."

"What we like about Houck's setup." explains Gordon, "is that they continue to experiment and try to make their product better all the time. And if we run into a problem, they always come to our rescue."

A Busy Day

What comprises a busy day? "l guess the busiest day I've had was when I stripped eighteen chairs, two tables, six rockers and a desk. But the most difficult is when we did the church pews. That took some doing, with double dipping to strip both ends."

Although at present the two top floors house the mill machinery. Gordon hopes to eventually convert them into apartments. "There's a lot of good Georgian pine in that building." points out Gordon, "and some really valuable wood in the equipment."

But unless converted into something artistic, it serves no real purpose other than for visitors interested in old mills and how they used to operate.

The old elevator shaft still works. But is not safe to use. It's operated by a large belt, which moves constantly. The idea is for a worker to grab hold of the belt and travel upward. Unless he wants to lose his head, he better not look around too much. Anyway, workmen's compensation laws forbid its use, so the Wilson’s have to resort to ropes and a hoist for getting furniture upstairs.

There's a wide assortment of antiques, gifts, refinishing and caning supplies on the first floor, mixed with the mill equipment. The business operates on a 50-50 basis, half antiques and half stripping.

Now that the old mill is open, people drop in regularly to see what's taking place. The mill, of course used to serve all the farmers in the area. Now they wander in to see what the Wilsons have done to "their mill." Bringing it back to life has meant a lot to the town folks who "knew it when."

Somehow when you step inside it's like going back 100 years. You keep looking for the old millers.

Perhaps you imagine you hear the sounds of the machinery operating, or smell the smoke from the train just outside waiting for the grain to be loaded.

Whatever it is, there's one thing for sure It’s a fascinating and comfortable feeling.

Woodsboro Livestock Sales

Back during March 1949, a group of men got together and figured there was a great need for a "Consignment Sales Barn" in this area of Frederick County; as there were only two around here at that time; one at Westminster, the other in Hagerstown.

After hours of meetings and discussions, the group came to the conclusion that land around Woodsboro would be the ideal spot; finally decided that acreage

then owned by Carl L.S. Ramsburg which was on the outskirts of Woodsboro would be exactly what they needed. Mr. Ramsburg was approached and agreed sell them five acres of this land with option to purchase more acreage if at a later date this would be needed.

The name of the Sales Barn would be "Woodsboro Livestock Sales Inc."

The organizers, first stockholders and officers were: Krebbs Benchoff - President,

Lloyd M. Fogle - Secretary & Treasurer, Carl L.S. Ramsburg - General Manager,

George E. Runkles - Ring Manager & G. Atlee Shry - Vice-President.

March 31, 1949 a special meeting of directors was held, plans were made to build a frame building with metal roof. The building, to have a second story where Mr. and Mrs. Carl L.S. Ramsburg could live, as they would become caretakers, Mrs. Ramsburg to operate a lunchroom or restaurant on said premises.

May 1949 Lloyd M. Fogle, who was secretary and Treasurer, handed in his resignation; due to other businesses, it was impossible for him to continue his work

at the Sales Barn.

Mr. Paul Etzler, a new stockholder, was voted in to fill the vacancy as Treasurer.

The first sale at "Woodsboro Livestock Sales Inc." was held on May 19, 1949. Mr. Delbert Null was Secretary at this time but also the auctioneer; his father, John Null, also was on the auctioneer staff.

1951 the Company decided more land was needed: land north of the building was purchased. Other improvements were made as concrete pens, and alleys were added to the "Dairy Cow Shed".

The directors decided in 1953 in favor of Mr. Atlee Shry's suggestion to buy 400 small calendars, 50 large ones, to be given away. These were distributed of and on through the years. In 1975 between 1,200 and 1,500 were purchased. These calendars are a "must" to many people.

The Sales Barn suffered a great loss in March 1953 when Mr. W. Paul Etzler passed away. Mrs. Norma W. Etzler, his wife was then voted in, named as Secretary and Treasurer. She served in this role for years but due to illness has had to curb some of these activities, but is Assistant Secretary and Treasurer.

Mr. Carl L.S. Ramsburg handed in his resignation as director manager, stockholder to become effective as of January 1954. When Mr. Ramsburg decided to sell his stocks in the Company, they were purchased by Charles D. Burrier and Wilfred C. Wisner.

Mr. Charles D. Burrier remained with the Sales Barn a number of years serving as Secretary and Treasurer; also Office Manager. Later when Mr. Burrier sold his stock it was purchased by Richard A. Cramer who for several years was Secretary and Treasurer, sold his stock to Mr. Robert L. Layman.

Mr. Wilfred L. Wisner is the Assistant Manager; also very active as he keeps an eye on the unloading dock and the penning of stock. If by chance and stock is listed missing he runs them down; he keeps very busy running up and down the stairs checking outside before and during the sales.

Mr. Robert Layman is now the Secretary and Treasurer, Office Manager, and Weighmaster; he too is always quite busy.

As time passed, many, many new features etc have been added. Twenty years ago Mr. G. Atlee Shry suggested the market report be put on the air, then buyers and sellers alike would know the prices for their stocks and poultry. This proved to be a wise idea, and has been on the air ever since with Frederick or Thurmont radio stations.

Mr. Shry joined the "Woodsboro Livestock Sales inc. 27 years ago, helping to organize the Sales Barn. He has acted as Vice-President, now is the President. During the years he made many suggestions which have proven to be an improvement for the Company' surroundings, dealers, buyers, and sellers.

Mr. A.K. Martin from Green Castle, Pa., served as Ringman for a number of years; he is now retired. Mr. Kebbs Benchoff put his stock up for sale March 1957, Mr. Ralph D. Zimmerman purchased his stock.

Mr. Zimmerman is now the Vice President and General Manager, being very active auctioneering, selling all the livestock, plus clerking some for Sales day. At times calls will be coming in to him, which are relayed to him via telephone in his auctioneer box; these calls are usually about some problems to be straightened out; he handles these problems with great thought and care.

The Sales Barn has grown in business through the years, therefore new installations have been made. For instance, a computerized accounting machine was in stalled where an "instant payoff" via check is made to consignors, plus checks will be ln the out-of towners’ mail boxes the next morning.

Another very important installation is a closed circuit TV; where the weight of all stock is flashed on a TV screen showing the buyers and sellers alike said weight of any stock to be sold. From 500 to 700 head of stock and cattle may be sold on the "hoof" on Sales Day' so the TV (closed circuit) has proven quite a success and help to all concerned in buying or selling the livestock.

The Company feels quite fortunate in having Mrs. Virginia Hammoni to operate the Restaurant during the past years. She serves delicious dinners, lunches, soups, sandwiches, pie, cakes, etc, all are homemade goods, and this restaurant has been an asset to the public attending Sales Day on, Tuesdays.

One man who is practically an institution at the sale is John Wolf. Although a Taneytown resident, John is known by everyone attending the Livestock Sales. He can be seen mingling in the crowd' helping with the sale, or on the road in his 1953 white Ford van truck. John has been with the sale since its beginning - serving as a ringmaster, livestock hauler and a flea market contributor. John himself is also often found in the role of buyer when he recognizes a bargain being sold below its real value. Sometime ago "Woodsboro Livestock Sales Barn" expanded into the sale of other things; two buildings have been built during past few years where the public may sell their wares.

More parking places around the building were added, as branching out from exclusively selling livestock needed more spaces.

On Sales Day one may see cars, trucks, vans, loaders, etc., some of stock may be sold or brought in for sale from states such as Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia. New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. After animals are sold they are tagged and penned accordingly to buyers.

Typical Schedule for Sales Day

9:30 A.M. "General Merchandise - Misc."

Such items for sale may be glassware, furniture, misc, sometimes one may find an antique. Some sellers like to sell their items out in the open; others prefer to use the covered buildings where one may rent a stall, then regardless of weather, they and their wares will be protected. These sales are similar to ‘Garage’, ’Yard Sales’, or the ‘Flea Markets’.

Lots of sellers are setting up their tables before 6 A.M.; some people's "unusable" are other person's "treasures", thus there is a lot of buying and selling.

People come from 100 miles away to these outside sales, many folks are young. some older; but there is always a zippy feeling of excitement in the air around here as Sales time comes. People are really enjoying themselves.

Tuesday Sales Day

1:00 P.M. "Small Animals, Eggs, poultry,' "Livestock Sale"

1:30 P.M. "Dairy Cows, Stock, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep. Meat Cows"

Suddenly a bell rings, and then one begins to feel the "pulse" of the "Sales Barn". As at one time you may hear the chanting of three auctioneers at the same time while viewing the livestock in the ring, which are being auctioned. This part of the sales proves the value of closed circuit TV, and the computerized accounting machine. When livestock is sold the animals are tagged and penned until the buyers have them loaded to be transported by trucks or vans.

4:30 P.M. "Calves Sold"

Somedays these sales will run longer than other times, all depending on the market.

In the acreage October 1975 of Green pastures, behind the "Sales Barn" where one can find cattle owned by the Company and employees, grazing in the fields, there is also a pond filled with water while ducks and geese are swimming.

Some former associates of the "Woodsboro Livestock Sales Inc." are now deceased but are remembered with much gratitude. Without them and their services, the "Sales Barn" would never have been the success it is today.

There are many people who helped through the years still living and also new members of the staff, etc. who must remain nameless due to lack of space, nonetheless they too have helped and are helping to make the "Sales Barn" successful, also a great place to buy or sell Livestock, Poultry & Misc.

Automobile Sales and Maintenance

For automobile lovers the C & F Auto Sales operated by Elmer Cregger has a wide selection of used cars. The business is located on the site of the original Southern States property at the southern end of town.

The Bowers Service Station is also on the lower end of town providing gasoline and automobile service.

Windsor's Garage is housed in the building formerly occupied by the Valley Garage, owned and operated for many years by the Eichelberger family. Mr. Windsor offers a full line of repair service and is well known for his reliable work.

The Woodsboro Body Shop operates on the former premises of the Donsife Blacksmith Shop at the corner of Route 550 and Frederick Avenue (Route 194). A complete line of auto repair, alignment, and painting is provided by the shop.

Bowers Lumber Company

In 1964-65 the Bowers Lumber Company of Frederick expanded its operation to a site south of Woodsboro specifically to manufacture house trusses. They needed land priced at not more than $1000 an acre and Woodsboro was the finest site available.

An addition was made in 1969-70 to accommodate the lumber mill originally located in Frederick and to produce building component units, as the size of the components outgrew the original lot and plant.

The lumber company employs thirty-five to forty people in its operation.

Trout's Grocery Store

The grocery store of Nelson Trout, known as Trout's Food Market, has presently taken the place of many previous stores in Woodsboro. This one super-market built in the center of town in 1963 with ample parking space on the main street, replaces three residences on the south side of the Bank Building.

Trout's Market supplies a full range of meat and produce of high quality and very adequately provides the local customers with food and household staples. A pleasant and competent staff is also a distinct asset and is a reflection on the owner's management, which in turn comes from the genial and obliging Trout family's ability to get along well with the public.

Beauty and Barber Shops

Two beauty shops are located in Woodsboro. Evelyn Huffman has operated the Woodsboro Beauty Shop for a number of years giving clean and excellent service.

Mary Jane Donsife recently opened her own shop in her home, named Jane's Beauty Barn, after working for many years in Frederick where she was in great demand as an excellent hairdresser.

For the men, Dan the Barber has replaced Lester Long as a tonsorial artist and is well liked for his friendly personality and superb haircuts. Dan also substitutes on WTHU Radio.

Turtle Top

Eastern Turtle Top has been happily located on the old Frank Crum farm just outside of Woodsboro for the past six years. The company employs local people who convert Ford, Dodge, or Chevrolet vans into campers, surf vans, executive travel wagons. vehicles for the handicapped, mobile offices and laboratories, and veterinarian vans.

The plant is presently owned by Richard Kirkpatrick on Route 550 about a half mile east of town.

Antiques

Woodsboro is rapidly becoming a center for antique lovers. "The Circuit Rider" has been previously mentioned.

The "Rebel Yell Shop" is housed in the location of Dr. G.F. Smith's Pharmacy, later the Dorcus Store. Mr. James Beachley deals in Civil War relics and exhibits many fine souvenirs of the past selected with discerning and competent taste.

Mrs. D.J. Duggan operates a "Shop of Old Things" in the former Harry Barrick home at the lower end of town. Mrs. Duggan offers a wide selection of many fine heirlooms, tastefully displayed and carefully chosen.

Other Businesses

Other facilities in Woodsboro are the Woodsboro Health Clinic (supplying assistance for local health problems); Dr. James M. Murphy (dentist); Dr. Allen M. Garst, native of Woodsboro and popular veterinarian; William P. Bollinger. Jr., painting - contractor; Mclains Contracting Company; Darner Plumbing - Contractor; Dennis Kline - Accounting Service; World Wide Pictures - Ernest B Linger: Kolbs Livestock Sales Barn; Sterling Claybaugh - Milking Equipment; Donald Gladhill Construction Co., Paul F. Brunner - Insurance: and Ernest Martin, specializing in finishing antique furniture.

Lime Plants

The fertile valley of the Woodsboro area is underlaid with a deep formation of lime stone of excellent quality. Before the Civil War many small kilns were operated by individuals for their own or neighbor's Farms.

In the 1850's a business opportunity was recognized and several quarries of greater expanse began to produce lime in numerous kilns for sale and distribution over an extensive area, first by wagons, later by railroad and finally by trucks to neighboring states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Barrick and LeGore Lime plants have been in existence for well over a hundred years making use of the natural resources. More recently Lehigh Portland Cement was located here, also attracted by a shale type rock formation at the edge of the limestone deposit.

S.W. Barrick & Sons, Inc.

Founded by a pioneer in the agricultural lime field, S.W. Barrick and Sons, Inc., with headquarters in Woodsboro, has become one of the outstanding firms in its industry. The high calcium lime and limestone products it manufactures are distributed in many parts of the country, and the business, under the former guidance of the founder's sons and the current management of the grandsons, is constantly growing.

Samuel W. Barrick established the firm near Woodsboro in 1874.In his day it was customary for neighboring farmers either to erect a permanent kiln to burn limestone quarried on their own farms or to quarry the stone, cut the wood and burn their annual lime requirements in "ricks." which were no more than alternate layers of wood and stone approximately five feet in height. These "ricks" were lighted and allowed to burn out, after which the lime was placed in the fields in piles slaked and spread by hand. Seeing the opportunity for the commercial sale of lime, S.W. Barrick entered the field in that "pick and shovel" era.

At first sales were limited to neighboring farms, but were gradually extended to adjoining counties. With the advent of the Pennsylvania Railroad branch line from

York, Pennsylvania, to Frederick, an unlimited territory was opened to Mr. Barrick. Gradually more kilns were added and sales extended into the Eastern Shore of

Maryland and Delaware. Also, in order to follow the trend toward bagged lime, grinding and hydrating equipment was installed in sheds along the railroad line. These facilities were added to and improved upon as time went on and Mr. Barrick's sons became active in the operation. Sections of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Virginia eventually became parts of the sales area.

In World War I a large portion of the plant output was shipped to the DuPont Company for use in the military program. The years following that conflict brought on the advent of truck transportation and thus larger proportions of overall shipments followed the trend to truck delivery. In recent time a still further and almost complete swing has been made to bulk-spread delivery to the farms. This modern trend was pioneered by the Barrick firm in that it was the first burned lime

producers in its sales area to offer the farmer a spread service. To improve on plant-to-farm spread service, large storage tanks have been erected at strategic distant points in the sales area. Bulk material is spread from these tanks by a local distributor, thus localizing and bettering the former long distance service.

While certain territories have been eliminated by high freight rates and strong local competition in the areas, other sections have been electively tied down by the first class spreader service offered by the firm.

In recent years the sale of Barrick's Hydrated and Ground Burned Limes for normal agricultural uses has been extended to the constantly increasing needs for sod growing and golf course maintenance. Also, large quantities of the Barrick products are used in stabilizing clay sub soils prior to the construction of roads, parking areas and streets. Currently the ever-increasing demand to clear up the air we breathe and the water we drink has created a tremendous new market for lime. Barrick's Hydrated Lime is now used extensively for these purposes.

The sons of the Founder, who were all actively associated with their father, are now deceased. They were namely, Leonard, John. Claude, Oscar and Harry Barrick. The firm is now owned and operated by the founder's grandsons, great grandsons and other descendants. Many of the descendants of the early employees of S.W. Barrick are to this day key men with the firm. In The early 1900's these families moved down from the Catoctin Mountain area as a result of the closing of the old Catoctin Furnace. These fine hard workingmen were experienced masons, carpenters, blacksmiths and wagon masters. They were most helpful to the founder in the early expansion of the kiln capacity and the quarry. Mr. Barrick built homes for these families, and a commissary was provided to take care of their needs. This community, including a Church, exists today for the employees.

The Barrick firm is actively engaged in the promotion and improvement of lime thru their memberships in such nationally oriented trade organizations as the National Lime Association and the National Limestone Institute. Currently a member of the firm is a director in each of these very active organizations.

With the continued increase in the population of the nation and the resultant demand for increased farm products along with the many new uses for lime. S.W. Barrick & Sons, Inc. looks forward to many more years of uninterrupted service as a producer of first class lime products.

The LeGore Lime Company

The LeGore Combination Lime Company was the second lime company to be established in Frederick County. It was founded by John LeGore in 1861. Due

to the ill health of his brother. John, James W. LeGore returned home from working in Ohio to help establish the business. Upon John's death in 1877, James LeGore took over opening the extensive quarry at LeGore Station, one mile north of Woodsboro. He extended the land holdings to seven hundred acres of land under laid with a fine grade of limestone.

The present business was incorporated in 1899 with James William LeGore as President and Eugene Hammond. Vice-President. Stockholders were James LeGore, Frank Stoner. Columbus Welter, Eugene Hammond, and Bradley Stambaugh.

One hundred workers were employed year round at the plant. In the middle of the morning, "jackbites", consisting of sandwiches, coffee, or iced tea were sent to the quarry from the family kitchen. At noon lunch was served to the employees in a building near the LeGore home. Many of the employees came to the lime plant from Catoctin Furnace seeking employment. During the first several years of the 1900's the men were also kept busy in constructing the LeGore Bridge, which was to be used as the site of a hydroelectric dam for an electric railway from Washington to Gettysburg.

A state road was also intended to cross the Monocacy River over the bridge. Both projects were aborted. However, the LeGore Bridge remains as a lovely and sturdy structure. To this day it withstands floods, which swept away other Frederick County bridges in the meantime.

In the early days limestone was quarried with hand tools. The stone was loaded on small carts pulled by trained mules that pulled the carts from the quarry up the hill to the burning kilns. They became so well trained that they could make the trip up and back on their own. The capacity of the plant was approximately 100.o00 bushels a month and the annual sales amounted to over 700.000 bushels. Seventeen kilns were then operating, fired with wood, coal, and later coke. Shipments by rail, in boxcars, were made to North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and all over Maryland.

Mr. LeGore had forty houses erected for his employees. A building to house the company office, store and post office was later added.

In 1924 the name of the company was changed to a "The LeGore Lime Company of Frederic County". It was carried on as a family business with Walter LeGore’s sons Wilbur, Marlon and Ralston joining the business as stockholders, directors and salesmen.

Many changes have taken place over the 105 years of the LeGore Lime Company. The plant has been highly mechanized with conveyor belts, power shovels, trucks, crushers and mixers. Hydrated lime, ground burnt lime, and pulverized limestone were the main agricultural lime product sold. Instead of shipping line by railroad cars, spreader trucks for use to spread lime directly on the land.

In September 1970, the LaGore Lime Company consolidated with the Economy Oil Company and Superior Concrete Company, Inc. of Frederick, to form a new company, Phoenix Inc. The LeGore quarry division of Phoenix no longer produces agricultural lime. Stone is instead sold for road building in Frederick county and other parts of Maryland.

Lehigh Portland Cement Company

Lehigh Portland Cement Company has been a Frederick County neighbor producing lightweight aggregates for the construction market since November 10th, 1964. It was on that date, that the first production run of product that is used primarily in concrete masonry units that came through the two, eleven-foot diameter by 160 foot length kilns which is the focal point of this manufacturing facility.

Throughout the local Construction Industry in the early 1960's, calls were being heard for a product to be used in Masonry Unit Construction enabling finished products to be lighter. Through research a quality light-weight aggregate had been developed and was used for a number of years in various sections of the country. Ever increasing applications in the Concrete Masonry Trades for this product led Lehigh to enter the lightweight aggregate business with its actual first shipment to customer on March 15th, 1965.

Extensive geological surveys were required to locate the finest raw material for producing lightweight aggregate in the Baltimore-Washington Area and to provide an abundant source of raw material that will last for years to come. This plant was conceived in design to make available a product that will provide additional stimulus to further growth in the use of concrete masonry. The plant has the latest automated manufacturing, conveying and quality control equipment for producing a uniform, top-grade, lightweight aggregate. Its present capacity assures an adequate convenient supply of material for concrete masonry producers in the area. Lehigh Portland Cement Company has been a supplier to the Construction Industry in this locale for over 50 years and has maintained a prominent position in the Cement Industry nationwide, since the turn of the century.

The manufacturing process of Lehigh lightweight aggregate is relatively simple. Raw shale is transported from the quarry, which is located on the same parcel of land as the manufacturing plant, is crushed and screened to the appropriate size. It is then fed into rotary kilns similar to those used in the manufacturing of cement and fired at approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. During the firing process, gases are formed within the shale rock, creating millions of minute dead air cells. Immediately after the expanded material is discharged from the kilns, it is rapidly cooled at a controlled rate to retain its lightweight cellular structure. Then, it is carefully processed to the grading desired for use in producing concrete masonry units. Continuous testing in every stage of production assures a high quality lightweight aggregate which fully meets ASTM specificatlons for lightweight aggregate used in concrete masonry units.

There are several advantages of using Lehigh lightweight aggregate in producing masonry units. Masonry units made with Lehigh lightweight aggregate will average one third lighter in weight than those made with natural aggregates. Units are easier to handle, thus stimulate better workmanship. Substantial reduction in dead-load offers savings in foundation and structural costs. Lehigh lightweight aggregate contributes its inherent structural strength to the making of masonry units that more than meet the ASTM Federal requirements for load bearing walls. The durability of expanded shale aggregate has been proven for over 50 years of use in exposed masonry units for both above and below ground construction.

Expanded shale aggregate is a natural insulator as each particle contains countless separated dead air cells - yet concrete masonry units made with it can qualify for use in load bearing walls. Lehigh lightweight aggregate is incombustible. It meets all the requirements of Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. and is permissible to use masonry units designed to qualify for the various fire ratings in their principle building codes.

The high sound absorption and low sound transmission qualities of masonry units made with expanded shale aggregate make them particularly suitable for inertial partitions and walls. Lehigh lightweight aggregate contains no reactive agents to cause pop-out or discoloration of the masonry units surface or of any decorative finish applied to it. Contact with nails, steel bars or lath, will not produce any detrimental and chemical reaction.

Masonry units made with Lehigh lightweight have all the desirable qualities as outlined above that are needed for either exterior or partitioned walls – load bearing, or non-load bearing. Their use results in design and construction economies with cost savings for the owner. And with the variety of unit sizes available, the architect has unlimited freedom to create attractive wall patterns.

The Smith Hotel

The post Civil War industrial expansion affected various modes of living. In Woodsboro, where contact with the outlying world was maintained by horse-related transport, the advent of the railroad brought new horizons.

Old Slagle's Inn (Sign of Washington on a White Charger) served adequately for the stagecoaches and travellers on horseback. The roads were poor; the facilities aboard uncomfortable; and the lodgings, likewise, could suffice with providing only meager amenities.

However, the railroad brought a new breed of traveler to Woodsboro - the traveling salesman, or drummer.

Local legends abound about the Smith Hotel in Woodsboro during the Gay Nineties and up until World War I.

When a fire destroyed a block of houses on the east side of Frederick Street and First Alley in 1884, James M. Smith, an entrepreneur and man of vision, built a fine hotel building on the site.

It has been said that when a drummer got off the train that he was met and escorted to the hotel, where the owner supplied a horse and buggy, so that the salesman could visit local farms to get orders for his product.

Upon the salesman's return to the hotel, he was served a luscious dinner, replete with dancing girls on the table, and then invited to a poker game. The owner of the hotel happened to be a man of ample proportions and consequently chose his accustomed chair, suitable only for his own portly frame. This large chair is said, incidentally, to have faced a strategically placed mirror. Those who should know testify that many salesmen often left their entire profits behind in Woodsboro, but returned again and again because of the good food, luxurious surroundings and pleasant company.

The hotel was conceded to be one of the finest rural hostelries in the country. Until the early 1960's it was not unusual to find former guests at the hotel inquiring whether or not the facility was still there and elaborating on the superb times they once enjoyed.

The ratification of the Prohibition Amendment, plus. again, a change in transportation, caused the demise of the old Smith Hotel.

During its day, it was an unique and necessary facility, apparently for men only, but surely eminently respectable, as it was the residence of several early school masters in the late 1800's and early Twentieth Century. Today the hotel is the home of the Rosebud Perfume Co.

Restaurants

Woodsboro has been a Mecca for good food since the late 1800's. The Smith Hotel and the National Hotel being the first to please the palate. Other places on Main Street followed in serving delicious food with a number of different owner-operators. These include Mrs. Katherine Drenning, Donald Derr, Grover Beck, Lou Dorsey, and John Boller. John was probably the first to open the restaurant on Lot #24, and was followed by Edward Miss, Jack and Ophelia Bussard, Richard "Mouse" Miller, Curtis Bucher, Donald Trimmer, Clark Smith, and "Al" Brookhouse. In 1958 Betty and Chauncey Crum took over at this location and named it the Towne Restaurant.

The Crums built a new building on Second Street on the site of the first baseball diamond in Woodsboro In the year 1964 their restaurant was moved to this location and became known as the New Towne Restaurant. The restaurant on Main Street is now occupied by Ducky and Elsie's owned by Mr. and Mrs. Austin Abrecht.

Today Woodsboro is fortunate to have three fine restaurants.

The New Towne Restaurant owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Crum has a large clientele and is widely known for its good food, and prompt and friendly service.

Ducky and Elsie's serves fine food and caters to a wide variety of tastes especially those enjoying a family style, home cooked meal.

The Hut, at the lower end of town, which features the finest sea food, is also the only establishment in town to serve light wines and beer. A carry-out and catering service is also offered. It is owned by Diana and EdwardFunk.

Donald Derr bought the property, used formerly as the ball diamond for the Woodsboro County League Champions, from Catherine and Louise Cutshall in 1942. and built the present residence and site of the Woodsboro Liquor Store.

Mr. Derr entered the armed forces in World War II. During his absence his wife, Jo, took over the management. ln 1946 Mr. Derr built the present building known as "The Hut".

In 1950 Mr. Arthur Grove purchased both businesses and buildings from Mr. Derr. After several years "The Hut" was then sold to Mr. Carlisle and the Liquor Store to Mr. Paul Stitley.

Since May l, 1975 Richard and Betty Sweadner have operated the Liquor Store. Mr. Sweadner was a former employee of Mr. Stitley's at his grocery store in Libertytown having been there from the time he was nine years old.

Mr. Edward W. Funk and wife acquired "The Hut" in 1950's and has since enlarged and renovated the original Quonset building to an attractive and spacious dining area.

Part 7: Organization

The Patriotic Sons of America

The Woodsboro Chapter of the Patriotic Sons of America, known as Washington Camp No. 44 of Maryland, was founded in 1905. This was a local chapter of a national fraternal organization popular in the early 1920's. lts chief concern was the protection and preservation of democracy and patriotism. One important aspect of the P.O.S. of A. was its sick and death benefits paid to members and their families.

The local chapter met monthly in the Bank Building on the third floor. Dues were fifteen cents a week.

The most important legacy of this club was the institution of the Woodsboro Memorial Day Parade. This was started by the P.O.S. of A. in 1913 and later given over to the American Legion to conduct. While in its peak the local chapter consisted of approximately one hundred members, when health and death benefits were reduced, the enrollment dwindled. The meetings were then moved to the home of John William Eyler for two years and later discontinued when the organization dissolved in the 1950's. The last three members in Woodsboro were John William Eyler, Walter LeGore, and Harvey Working.

The Woodsboro Concert Band

The Woodsboro Concert Band was organized in 1870. The membership numbered between twenty-five and thirty men and boys.

The band was a popular attraction at picnics, parades and other ceremonies. At one time it was considered one of the best bands in the county. The Woodsboro Band ceased to function in the 1930's.

Baseball Teams

On Saturdays during the period just after World War I and before the beginning of World War II, the towns people of Woodsboro made a general exodus to the local ballpark or that of an adjoining town in order to watch their team play in the Frederick County League of which it was a charter member.

Old timers took their baseball seriously and defended its honor with baseball bats, umbrellas, choice words, and anything that came to hand or mind. In return the team won five pennants for their loyal followers. Everyone was on a first name basis with all of the players so that an injury or a questionable call by the "ump" was a personal insult to all onlookers. Sometimes more action took place on the stands between rival supporters than on the playing field Thurmont was a particularly bitter enemy and brought forth some of the best remembered fights.

It was a special era, as the whole town followed the ratings, scores, illnesses, and performances of players and with a single thought win! Children learned baseball rules early, even girls, and the whole family attended the game together usually with the automobile packed to capacity.

Possibly the people in town were united as they never have been before or since. After all, it was their team!!!

American Legion

On a hill in the quiet town of Woodsboro is the Glen W. Eyler American Legion Home. Within its walls many enjoyable hours have been spent in meetings, programs, and social events.

Biography of Glen W. Eyler

The American Legion of Woodsboro, Maryland is proud to name its post after Glen W. Eyler, who gave his llfe for his country in 1945.

GIen, better known to his friends and the community as "Pappy" was born February 11, 1916 at Daysville, Maryland. He was the son of the late George C. and Sarah Eyler. He has two brothers. Kenneth and George C. Eyler, Jr.

Glen started school in September1922 at Libertytown. He was active in sports and was quite popular. He was graduated from Walkersville High School, June 5, 1934.

After graduation, he worked as a barber.

In November,1940, Glen entered the Army, Company A, 115th Infantry at Camp Meade, Maryland. He became Staff Sergeant and was stationed throughout the south until sent overseas on October 70. 1942.

He was stationed at various times in England, France, Normandy, and Germany. Glen commanded the motor pool section of his company.

He was killed in action on February 23, 1945 in Germany at the age of 29. Interment was held at Hope Cemetery, Woodsboro, Maryland, September 1949.

Mrs. Sarah Eyler, Glen's mother was our "Gold Star Mother" until her death in July, 1964.

The post was formed in the summer of 1959 with a regular meeting to be held the third Wednesday of each month. Charter Members numbered 23 and were as follows: William Snyder, Ivan Potts, Ira Caldwell, Raymond Smith, Roy Lind, D.T. Ripeon, Clarence Grimes, Chas. Harris, Robert Donsife, Donald Hahn, John Bowers. Maurice Murray. John Grimes, George Toms. Hedges Windsor, William Young. Oliver Weddle, Milton Smith, George Eyler, Carroll Dorsey, Vane Eyler. Stiner Hawkins, and Denver L. Potts.

The first slate of officers were as follows: William Snyder, Commander; Maurice Murray, 1st Vice Commander; Ira Caldwell, 2nd Vice Commander. William Young,

Finance Officer; John Bowers. Sergeant of Arms; Lamar Potts, Historian; Oliver Weddle, Service Officer; and Milton Smith. Chaplain.

The Legion’s Motto is: For God and Country we dedicate our efforts for the benefit of our future generations.

Highlights of the Legion's activities are as follows: presenting flags to local schools; Little League, Scout Troops and fire companies; sending boys to Camp West Mar; serving a Mother's Day dinner at the Fire Hall; sponsoring a children's Christmas Party; having crab feasts, steak roasts, dances and shooting matches.

The Legion regularly has a concession at the Woodsboro Carnival and the Frederick Fair. They have sponsored the Memorial Day Parade, placing flags on the graves of departed comrades. Regular bingo games are also played in the Legion building.

An annual picnic has been held since 1967.

The American Legion assists in every way possible with community projects for local improvement, whether in the form of individual welfare or generous monetary donations to worthwhile causes. They’ve also handled the Heart Fund Drive in recent years with great success, and have been regular blood donors. They have supplied wheelchairs at hospital beds for invalids.

Glenn W. Eyler Post 282 supports a wide range of recreational activities contributed heavily to the Woodsboro Town Park, the Little League, and the boys camp. It is one of Woodsboro’s greatest assets.

Meanwhile the Legion has built an equipped a handsome meeting hall which was quickly paid for by 812 members.

Present officers for 1974 to 1975 are; Robert Eyler, Commander, Robert Dixon; First Vice-Commander; Larry Redmond, Second Vice-Commander; Milton Smith, Adjacent; William Young, Chaplain; Reese Murray, Finance; William Dorsey, Sergeant-at- arms; Robert Smith, Service, and J.W. Drenning, Historian.

The Woodsboro Concert Band

The Woodsboro Concert Band was organized in 1870. The membership numbered between twenty-five and thirty men and boys.

The band was a popular attraction at picnics, parades and other ceremonies. At one time it was considered one of the best bands in the county. The Woodsboro Band ceased to function in the 1930's.

Baseball Teams

On Saturdays during the period just after World War I and before the beginning of World War II, the towns people of Woodsboro made a general exodus to the local ballpark or that of an adjoining town in order to watch their team play in the Frederick County League of which it was a charter member.

Old timers took their baseball seriously and defended its honor with baseball bats, umbrellas, choice words, and anything that came to hand or mind. In return the team won five pennants for their loyal followers. Everyone was on a first name basis with all of the players so that an injury or a questionable call by the "ump" was a personal insult to all onlookers. Sometimes more action took place on the stands between rival supporters than on the playing field Thurmont was a particularly bitter enemy and brought forth some of the best remembered fights.

It was a special era, as the whole town followed the ratings, scores, illnesses, and performances of players and with a single thought win! Children learned baseball rules early, even girls, and the whole family attended the game together usually with the automobile packed to capacity.

Possibly the people in town were united as they never have been before or since. After all, it was their team!!!

Woodsboro Fire Comapny

In the year 1952 or 1953, a group of citizens gathered in the. Woodsboro Hall over the bank building to decide what to do with the $30,000 they had in their bank account. This money was the proceeds from carnivals held to pay the balance of expenses on the town war memorial. It was called the Community Betterment Fund.

A motion was made to give the town $5,000 to start a water system and up to $15,000 if water was put in, and the balance was to buy a fire engine.

The first president of the company was L. Cramer Powell. A new fire engine was bought and received in 1955.

Lawrence Dorsey was elected president in December, 1955. He served for fifteen years and is a Director at the present time.

The first thing he faced was a new fire engine and to place to keep it. With the help of many loyal citizens who signed $1,000 notes, not knowing if they could be

Repaid, the contract for the first community hall and fire station was signed with on July 9, 1956, to be completed by November 9, 1956. The cost of the contract was $19,645.78.

Forty members were asked to canvass the community for donations. They collected a total of $2,891.00. Lawrence Dorsey loaned $4,000 interest free to the Ladies Auxiliary to equip the kitchen and which they paid back in twenty-three months.

Claude Barrick served as Chairman of the Building Commission. Following Mr. Powell's term as president of the company. Mr. Glenn Lenhart served part of one

year as president. Mr. Kenneth Morgan was the following President and Dorsey Rippeon became the fifth President and is still serving. All of these leaders continue

to improve and add to the service for the community.

Rest room tiling was donated and laid by James Misner and Paul Main, who also laid the auditorium floor free of charge, saving the company thousands of dollars.

Henry Huffman promoted teen-age dances. The men and women held Sunday dinners and the Ladies Auxiliary held many fund raising projects for four years in order to pay off the debt.

With a carnival ground, two buildings on it, two ambulances, two engines, and one rescue truck, all fully equipped, the citizens of Woodsboro can be proud that

they have been a part of the debt free Community Center.

The Ladies Auxiliary to the Woodsboro Fire Company

The Ladies Auxiliary to the Woodsboro Fire Company held their first meeting on November 28th, 1956 at the Woodsboro Elementary School. The meeting was conducted by Mr. Lawrence Dorsey with twenty-nine ladies in attendance. The group elected Mrs. Maxine Murray as their first President.

The Charter was presented on June 12, 1957 with eighty-nine chartered members and twelve non-chartered members. The Constitution and By-Laws were thus adopted on May 8th, 1957.

The kitchen itself, and the necessary items to furnish the kitchen, was adopted as their first main project.

Members of this fine organization always give willingly their support and effort at functions such as their annual carnival, Sunday dinners, banquets. anniversary dinners and receptions and their biggest project, the feeding of the Glade Valley Lions the first and third Thursday of each month.

Other projects they undertook were bake sales: selling of calendars for the benefit of fire prevention; making their own cookbook of recipes of auxiliary members and guests.

This organization has always found it in their hearts to give donations of money to the Bessie Marshal Memorial Fund; the Hospital Aid program: the Woodsboro Community Park; and of course, the fire company which has always been our first concern.

The tip money realized from the Lions and other banquets and such are put aside in a special fund and during the year is used to eat out somewhere or take a trip.

The Fire Company and the Auxiliary work together at the Sunday dinners which are held from September through May of each year.

The Auxiliary took ii upon themselves to organize a Marching Unit and purchased uniforms so they could march in parades. Many prizes were received for their

efforts.

With the helping hand of each and every member, the auxiliary has come a long way.

Woodsboro Homemakers Club

The Woodsboro Homemakers Club, called Woodsboro Demonstration Club, at its beginning, was organized through the efforts of Mrs. J.P. Feiser, February 79, 1923.

Mrs. A.G. McKinney, Walkersville, County Federation President at that time spoke on the advantages to be gained by serving our community, by developing our minds, bodies and souls and the enjoyment of club work and how the clubs in the county were conducted. Miss Elizabeth Thompson, the County Home Demonstration

Agent, gave a demonstration on salads and salad dressing, which was very well received by those present. She also explained that there were three projects offered,

nameLy. clothing, nutrition and household management.

The group decided to take up nutritional subjects for the first year. Seventeen of the twenty-two persons organized with the following officers: President - Mrs. J.P. Feiser; Vice President, Mrs. Charles Dorcus: Secretary. Mrs.

Gail Cutshall; Treasurer, Mrs. Maynard Dudrear; Director, Mrs. Cora Barrick.

Woodsboro was the twelfth club to organize in the county. The charter members were: Mrs. Maynard Dudrear, Mrs. Charles Dorcus, Mrs. Newton Cramer, Mrs. Marshall Winebrener, Mrs. Gail Cutshall, Mrs. Ross Kling, Mrs. Bradley Stambaugh,

Mrs. Oscar Barrick, Mrs. Charles Miller, Mrs. J.A. Saxten, Mrs. Harry Barrick. Mrs. J. Ernest Stoner (Hazel). Mrs. Cora Barrick. Mrs. Walter Le Gore. Mrs. William B. Cut

shall. Mrs. L.C. Powell, and Mrs. J.P. Feiser.

Two of the charter members are still living and one is still a member of the club. The club colors are green and gold, the flower the Black-eyed Susan, the motto "Life Needs Us All". For many years the club met twice a month, one meeting a demonstration and the other a program along cultural lines, legislation, civics, welfare, etc. Many times an interesting speaker spoke to the group. At first we had a special roll call response and ended with some form of recreation.

Some of the interesting happenings over the period of years were, as follows: a big party on our anniversary. Husbands were always the guests. We would alternate the entertainment, one year the men would give the program and the next the women.

During the first twenty-five years we did more entertaining than in the past years. When we were only four years old we entertained all the clubs of the County, approximately 375 members. This event was held in the old Woodsboro Opera House. At this time Mrs. J.E. Stoner (Haze|) was President and Mrs. Maurice Coblentz. County President. Mrs. Belle Taylor Doyle of the educational department of Hutzler's Department Store, Baltimore described new styles in women's apparel and displayed about fifty gowns on living models. The models were members of our club.

Miss Kathryn Eyler (Mrs. John Drenning) rendered two vocal numbers "ln The Garden of Tomorrow" and "The Message". Miss Edna Smith (Mrs. J. William Schwarber) gave readings. Miss Katharine Miller (Mrs. Calvin Miller) presided at the piano.

In 1930 we served a banquet to the Woodsboro Baseball Club (they having won the County Championship that year) . Many baseball dignitaries and county officials were present.

At the time of the 2nd World War every other meeting was devoted to Red Cross Work. We knitted, 'rolled cancer bandages and collected aluminum and milk week pods for defense purposes. We sponsored and helped organize the health clinic and gave milk to needy children over one winter. We helped with the book wagon at the Frederick Memorial Hospital and painted the cemetery fence when it was needed (this fence has since been removed). For 10 or 15 years, we held a benefit luncheon for the benefit of the cancer drive.

Many extra activities have been had over the period of years, namely: musical festivals, flower shows, capsule sisters and parties, Halloween and Christmas

parties, summer picnics, square dances, trips to DuPont Gardens, Hershey. Harrisburg, boat trip down Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Mount Vernon, etc.

Each year a Short Course is held at University of Maryland. Many of our members have attended these courses and we have quite a few graduates. Club work is non-sectarian; non-political, and is non-profit and is open to anyone regardless of race, color or national origin. Each one is a member of the State Council, the National Council and the Associated Country Women of the World. Club work typifies the home, the state and the nation. The objective of Woodsboro Homemakers Club and all other clubs is to unite so that the standards of home and community life can be

raised; leadership developed; adult programs will be further enlarged, closer cooperation may occur between family, friends and community life.

Food 'n' Friends

Under the direction of Mrs. Pat Throne, Chairman of the Commission on Aging for Frederick County. Mrs. Steiner Smith arranged and organized for weekly meetings of Food 'N' Friends on Wednesdays at noon in the Woodsboro Fire Hall. Miss Mabel Smith is chairman of reservations; Mrs. John Drenning, Mrs. Reuben Bair, Mrs. Gail Cutshall, Mrs. Wilbur LeGore, Mrs. Gordon Wilson, and Rev. Edward Zigler have also

assisted. Mrs. Harry Keeney, having just retired after serving many years as Food Manager at the New Midway School, serves the food assisted by Mrs. Charles W. Hahn, Mrs. Edith Flanigan, and many other volunteers.

From thirty-four original participants the group has grown to one hundred and eight. Mrs. Melvin Anders serves as pianist; Rev. Harry Wolpert volunteers to lead group singing; Rev. Zigler gives the Invocation: the Woodsboro School has contributed many fine vocal and instrumental programs. Mrs. Millie Corum is County project Chairman and by sheer weight of her great personality has made Food 'N' Friends a great success.

The second Wednesday in the month is designated as Bingo Day. The prizes are supplied locally and voluntarily. Drawn prizes are also given without solicitation. Most importantly, a kind and friendly spirit prevails in the weekly meetings and new friendships are made daily. This program is designed to provide nutritionally sound meals in a group setting, thus promoting better physical and mental health in the surrounding population. Such a program is aimed at reducing the isolation of the older citizen by giving them something to become involved socially. It helps to

show that these older citizens have much to offer the community and that their knowledge and talents can be utilized.

Woodsboro Scout Troops

The first Scout Troop in Woodsboro was sponsored by the Lutheran Church in 1939. The Rev. Herbert Schmidt served as scoutmaster and cub pack master in addition to his duties as pastor. William "Bill" Arnold, Harry Barrick, Sam Barrick, Frank Barton, Atvill Bowers, Ira A. "Arch" Caldwell, William "Bill" Drenning, Charles Dixon, Robert "Buckwheat" Dixon, James "Jimmy" Shankle, and Jimmy Smith were among the members of old troop #29 who camped in the Catoctin Mountains at Fort Richie at that time with the blessing of Col. Barrick, Commandant.

The Second World War intervened. In 1946 the Church pastured by the Rev. Raymond Myers with the assistance of the Rev. J.F. Minor Simpson of Libertytown resumed the sponsorship of a troop with I.A. Caldwell as scoutmaster. This Troop sent one of the earlier patrols, composed of Daryl Hawkins, Jerry Crum, Dick Meehan and Mike Pue to the newly opened National Scout Camp Philmont in New Mexico.

The troop and pack have continued to serve the young men of Woodsboro and vicinity with fathers of boys serving in all the capacities on troop committees and as scoutmaster and cubmaster with not inconsiderable help from mothers serving as pack den mothers and transport specialists for the camping program.

The roster of scoutmasters sounds like a troop roll call since most are former scouts. Arch Caldwell, Bill Farra, Tommy Fogle, Tom Powell, Joe Bell, Dick Comstock, Wayne Bowens and the present Scoutmaster Ken Morgan. The role of packmaster has been filled by many who have moved up with their boys to the jobs of Webelos leaders and scoutmasters but many who have served have moved over to the all important jobs of committee chairman for troop and pack or to wider service in scouting as scouting commissioners and explorer advisors offering service to the scout movement in county and state. Frequently husband and wife teams work across the whole spectrum of scouting.

Most notably Richard and Catherine Smith, and Kenneth and Shirley Morgan. Bruce Jett and Vincent Smith have served as pack masters and Webelos leaders as has George Lindamood representing the present generation of young men involved with leadership training through scouting.

Sponsorship of the Pack, Troop and Explorer post has shifted as the need for larger quarters developed. The Glade Valley Lions Club and the Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company now share the "Partnership" with what has become two troops, 1069 and 1070.

Cub Scouts

In 1950 a Cub Scout Troop was organized in Woodsboro with Mrs. Frances Smith as Den Mother and Randolph Cramer as Den Chief. Members of the pack were: Daryl Hawkins, Lewis (Snookie) Hurt, Richard Kline, Richard Meehan, Michael Pue, Richard

Caldwell. David Brenneman, and Richard Brenneman.

A second pack was formed in 1953 with Mrs. Cleo Derry as Den Mother and Frank Meehan as Den Chief Members of this pack were: James Derry, Dahl Drenning, John Cutshall, Woody Huffman, Sam Myers, Dennis Snyder, William Farra, Sonny Barrick and Donnie Caldwell.

Denny Derry and Webbie Smith were mascots for the To packs.

The group was active in participating in county Scouting events, having picnics, hikes and making educational trips to places of historic interest.

Girl Scouting in Woodsboro

Woodsboro had one of the first Girl Scout Troops in Frederick County because there was an Intermediate Troop here in 1940. Girl scouting didn't come into the county until the very late 1930's. The Intermediate Troop was for girls in grades five through eight. It is not known if there was a Brownie or Senior Troop at that time, nor just how long this troop lasted. It is known that there were no troops in Woodsboro from 1945 to 1965.

Mrs. Harold Reiley started a Junior Troop in July of 1965 with Mrs. Thomas McCormick as her assistant. Brownies were also started at this time by Mrs. Mac Wallingford, assisted by Mrs. Wm. Farra. Meetings were held in the firehall. Mrs. Wallingford was Brownie leader just one year. In 1966 Mrs. Farra became leader with Mrs. Elton Wampler as her assistant. The following year Mrs. Wampler became leader and in 1968 Gloria Gladhill was her assistant. After that year Brownies stopped for several years.

Mrs Reiley and Mrs. McCormick continued as Junior leaders until October 1970. At that time Mrs. Lee Miller took the troop for two years. She held her meetings in the Scout Room of the firehall. After 1971 the Junior Troop disbanded.

In the Fall of I97l Monica Schairer and Sandra Powell started a Brownie Troop and kept it for two years. They met at the firehall and later moved to the Lutheran Church as the group got larger.

A Junior Troop was again formed in I973 by Kay Herrell assisted by Sandra Powell and Gloria Claitriil. Meetings were held in the school gym. This troop was dropped after a year when Mrs. Herrell moved away.

In 1973 the Brownie Troop met in the art room of the school with Dorothy Douglis as leader. In 1974 Shirley Morgan became Brownie leader with Ella Mullis and Mary Ann Beard as Assistants. There were fifteen girls in the troop with two of these girls coming from New Midway School. Meetings were held in the school gym.

Glade Valley Lions Club

The permanent organization meeting of the Glade Valley Lions Club was held at the Walkeriville High School on April 3, 1945, with Rev Francis Reinberger as Temporary Chairman, and International Representative Lawrence Slater and his wife in attendance. Mrs. Slater acting as Temporary Secretary.

Rev. Donald Brake of the Middletown Lions Club was District Governor. Richard Simmons of the Frederick Club was Chairman of the Extension Committee for the

Frederick Club who sponsored the Glade Valley Club into Lions International. Richard Kline was president of the Frederick Lions Club

Ladies of the prospective members served the meal for those in attendance.

Permanent organization was effected at this meeting with the Charter members signing at this time. Rev. Reinberger was elected as the first president; and J. Harold Hooper was elected as Secretary. The first Charter Night was set for May 15, 1945, at the Walkersville High School.

Glade Valley Lions Contributions

Glade Valley has always had as a major aim and project the continuing programs of sight conservation, sponsoring eye examinations (especially for the youth) and the purchase of glasses for area residents not able to afford this need on their own. The Club has also made available the service of furnishing wheelchairs and crutches for those persons in need of these items.

April 3, 1945, the club came into existence with 33 members. Today there are 84 members on the club's roster willing and able to assist in the work of service.

Many activities and contributions in community service have marked the service rendered to the community.

During the more than 25 yeans, $25,877 has been raised through projects to further service work, and $26,552 has been expended on the various club projects of community service, as well as the continuing projects of sight conservation, scholarships, wheelchair, and crutch programs. Over $6,000 alone was given in flood relief from Hurricane Agnes.

Club members look forward to the next 25 vears of service in the Glade Valley community and to further the aims and ideals of Lions Internaiional.

Sertoma Club

The Woodsboro Sertoma Club was organized in February 1975. The idea for the Woodsboro chapter of Sertoma International originated from an informal meeting of

several Frederick Sertoma members with Austin Abrecht (Duckie) and Paul Brunner.

Letters were mailed to prospective members and enough enthusiasm was evidenced that a Woodsboro club was started.

Charter night was held in July 1975. The officers for the club for the current year are

President - Austin Abrecht, V. President - Don Ritchie, Secretary - Charles Worley,

Treasurer - Paul Brunner

Sertoma Clubs are devoted to "service to mankind"; the Woodsboro Chapter is specifically dedicated to helping the Woodsboro community in any way possible.

Part 8: Schools

During Woodsboro's early days schooling was spotty. Day by day problems of existing in the frontier life precluded most niceties unless concerned with food, clothing, and shelter.

It is interesting to learn that first generations of settlers often times could read and write rather fluently in English or German, having received at least the basics of education in their place of birth. By 1800 to 1840, however, many rather prominent people signed their wills with simply an "X", an indication of their preoccupation with survival and remoteness from cultural centers.

The first schools were held in homes or at the churches with only a small percentage of neighboring children able to attend. The curriculum was mainly Bible-related and sought to prepare the child for participation in the church activities. Many times the preacher served as teacher and was often the best educated person in the vicinity.

As more and more families arrived in the Woodsboro area the number of children to be educated outgrew the home tutoring and the small church related schools.

In the Nineteenth Century the government took a hand and designated that schools be built to accommodate the growing need for education. These schools were mainly one room, within walking distance, encompassed seven grades and had three local men as supervisors. The teacher was usually a man who taught the three "R's". One notable exception was Miss Sadie Spurrier who taught at Continental School. walking to and from her home in Woodsboro each day.

Reading was necessary as it was the sole means of learning about the world, both past and present. Writing legibly was important as there were no typewriters; thus

handwriting and spelling became an indication of the person's degree of education arithmetic was basic and geared to the everyday needs such as bushels and pecks, So the farmer would not get cheated, and inches, feet, and perches, so that land could be surveyed, buildings erected, and distances measured.

At the north of Woodsboro there was the New Midway School, now occupied by an Allis Chalmer's dealer; at the east of town was Eyler's School, located on the now closed road from Cash Smith Road to Hill Road at the bend around Gruber's farm; Centerville School was also to the east of town on the Coppermine Road; Cedar Grove School was on Liberty Road where Mrs. Mary Fogle now lives: Smith School was located to the south of town on a small rise toward Woodsboro from "Bunker" Hill on Route 194. Troutville School was located to the west and is now owned by Nelson Summers. Continental School was on Gravel Hill and Dublin Roads while Oak Hill School was located at LeGore beside the church.

After 1900 the various one-room schools which were located around Woodsboro began to close and the children were gradually absorbed into the larger

school in town. By 1929 all of the little red schoolhouses were closed and the one room school virtually became extinct. Ironically the trend in 1975 is once again toward the open one room school but with embellishments that its ancestors would never recognize or believe.

The first school in Woodsboro was located on the crest of the hill leading to the railroad station, on the right side of the road. It was a brick building twenty feet wide and thirty feet long. Later it became a dwelling and finally a stable. The dates of this school are uncertain but the foundation was verified in 1922 bv J.P. Feiser.

The second school was built on the east side of town in 1870 on the site of the present school. It was two stories high with one room on each floor connected by a circular staircase. In 1891 many parents kept their children out of this school as the brick walls of the old building were budging and appeared to be collapsing. In the spring of the year 1892 the school house was torn down and a new four room school house structure was built.

While the new school was being constructed the children attended school in the old Methodist Church building on Canning Factory Hill. A curtain divided the temporary

school rooms but did not reach the ceiling. Spitballs as well as other missiles traveled back and forth and woe be to the body that leaned against the curtain as unfailing opportunist on the other side promptly inserted a pin into the protruding form. We assume that the year 1892 was pretty well lost of higher education from the graphic description by one of the pupils.

The 1892 structure was used until 1952 when an annex was built with four classrooms, a multi-purpose room. principal's office, library, and kitchen. The total cost was approximately $166.000

Principals of the school form 1892 were Miss Cora Shaw (later Mrs. W.B. Cutshall), Mr. Adam Roser. Miss Olive Bowlus. Miss Mae Dorcus (later Mrs. Howard Gross). Miss. Ethel Fogle (later Mrs. Jacob Shawbaker), Mrs., Mary Kline Repp, and Delmar Rippeon.

Under the principalship of Miss Eihel Fogle a hot lunch program was introduced. A three burner coal oil stove in the corner of the classroom provided the hot soup and cocoa which was a welcome addition on a cold winter day to the "lunch box special." During World War I the entire school knitted and pieced together eight inch squares of various colored squares of yarn to be made into blankets for the boys at the front. The Red Cross must have been sorely tried in making the dropped stitches and irregular ends meet.

School was assembled by the ringing of the bell on the school tower. When pulled sharply and hard, the bell would flip over and become immobilized. This involved a major crisis and one of the "big" boys had to shinny up to the belfry to unloosen the rope with the entire school watching admiringly from below and also consuming some of the lesson time.

The floors of the building were heavily oiled on weekends presumably to keep down dust and the strong odor of oil on Monday mornings permeated the entire building. With no fire codes in those days, the pot bellied stove stood bravely in the center of the room in a pool of oil, defying death and destruction for a whole generation of children.

Sanitary facilities were out the front door and away to the right along the fence to the chicken yard. At Hallowe'en the "necessary" houses suffered brutal upheaval year after year, a primary target of the young demons abroad the night before. On the morning after undoubtedly the same demons got out of school to set the structures upright and again got out of classes, with everyone content with the arrangement and diversion. One of the biggest highlights of the year vanished with indoor plumbing.

Mrs. Edith Wills sold taffy for a penny at this time and those with spending money of that sort were indeed lucky. Many adults in town still remember how good that candy tasted.

On May 7, 1936 the Department of Education certified that the Woodsboro school was a Standard State Elementary School. "At a meeting of the Parent-Teachers Association at the Woodsboro School Thursday evening, Mrs. Paul Douglas, president. it was announced by Thomas Gibson. State Supervisor of Music and also Supervisor of Attendance and Standardization, that the Woodsboro School had passed the tests and is now a standard school. All four rooms passed the test and the school is the first of its type in this county to achieve this honor. The pupils, teachers and parents co operated to attain the distinction. Mrs. John Repp is principal, and the teachers are Miss Evelyn Shoemaker, Miss Marian Dorsey and Miss Edna Michael. Several songs and playlets were given by the children, and Prof. Gibson, assisted County Superintendent of Education, J.C. Biehl and Miss Helen J.

Woodley, county supervisor, spoke. Mrs. J.P. Feiser, member of the Frederick County Board of Education, introduced the speakers."

Mrs. Repp was responsible for many innovations during her stay as principal. Children were taken to Arlington, Virginia to sing over the radio before there was a radio station in Frederick, among them Evelyn Caldwell and Elaine Bair. Children in the upper grades listened to American School of the Air by CBS and followed study guides.

On a trip to Mt. Vernon the children saw their first cloverleaf intersection. An annual trip to Washington, D.C. was established in the 1950's for grades six and seven; these trips were sponsored by the P.T.A. before the Board of Education furnished money for field trips.

Henry Huffman was instrumental in funding these trips by holding square dances in his barn to raise the necessary money.

Woodsboro also participated for many years in the county field meets, where in 1937 the school won first place in the County D Class and in countywide folk dances. Local folk dances and a June fete have been part of the program as well as monthly programs of the P.T.A., assembly programs, use of the Weekly Reader, and many other activities in keeping with advancing education.

In 1973 a new large open space school was erected on and around the 1952 school, with the Media Center named in honor of Mary K. Repp. The new school has a kindergarten and art and music rooms. The school now owns four and one-half acres, part of which is an updated modern playground with accompanying facilities expected in conjunction with modern open space education.

When the new school was built in 1973 two plaques were moved - the old cornerstone of the 1870 school and a memorial plaque to Bertha Rice Fogle, who died in 1951, which honors her as "Teacher-friend. Her life an inspiration, her friendship and affection a lasting memory."

Part 9 - Personalities

The climate in Woodsboro, both physically and emotionally, produced many beloved and well known characters through the years. People in the earlier days could afford to be, and were' their own masters and as a result many rugged individualists were nurtured in town and added special flavor to the community.

Doctors

Some of the most interesting early citizens of Woodsboro were its first physicians, such as Dr. Baltzell, Dt. Henry Staley, Dr. Kuhns, Dr. Thomas Sinn, Dr. J. M. Geyer, Dr. H. L. Donsife, Dr. R. L. Hammond, Dr. W. H. Wagner, Dr. H. K. Kerr, Dr. C. A. Stultz, and Dr. Dorsey Etzel.

Dr. Hammond was in practice here over forth years and Dr. Wagner was a member of the Sydenham Society of England

The practice of medicine in the early days was rather casual and as elsewhere relied heavily on home cures and common sense. Tuberculosis, typhoid fever, smallpox, diphtheria, and whooping cough killed many people, especially small children.

About fifty-five to sixty years ago the above quatet from Woodsboro posed for this postcard photograph. Looking from left to right they are Ross Etzler, formally a member of Shank and Etzler Line company; Raymond ‘Solly’ Smith of the Rosebud Perfume Co; Lynn ‘Peggy’ Smith, one of the town's greatest pitchers and long time telegrapher at the Pennsylvania Railroad station; ‘arry W. Barrick, Sr. former Woodsboro postmaster; and, the late Melvin ‘Tuck" Anders, who served for many years at the Woodsboro Savings Bank.

The photo is the property of Franklin Barton, Woodsboro, and was taken by the late Frank Thomas who rented a room to develop pictures in the old Charlie Slagle property. This property stood near the existing War Memorial in Woodsboro. The property was rented by Dr. W.A. Stultz before it burned down fifty years ago.

A road which has long since been out of existence led from the top of Town Hill to the present Copper Mine Road.. The late Sim’ Gilbert's property recently purchased by the State Roads Commission is in the background in the the photo. To the right are piles of dirt that that resulted from the digging of the foundation for the Feiser

property. Lewis Yost, Hanover, Pa. made it customary to have a picture taken at this spot by parking a temporary horse-drawn photograph shop near the site of the present War Memorial, well over seventy years ago'

Lester (Barber) Long

Lester (Barber) Long was the oldest active licensed barber in the state of Maryland, retiring in February, 1975 at age eighty-seven after practicing over sixty years. Mr. Long came to Woodsboro in the fall of 1914 from Unionville, Marylanci and opened his barbershop in the center house of three dwellings which were torn down to make way for the G.F. Smith residence. "Barber" Long moved to the other side of the street in 1919 and continued his shop in that location until he retired. The shop was the gathering place for many men where gossip was swapped and conversation dealt

principally with baseball, his major interest and hobby for years. "Barber" distinctly remembers cutting women's hair in the 1920's during the flapper age which made a lasting impression on him as such a thing was unheard of at that time.

"Barber" Long had as big a career in baseball as in barbering. He managed a local team for thirty-five years. Expenses were met by passing the hat with the highlight of the collection being a five-dollar bill as a contribution one Sunday. Many good local ball players got their first chance to play on "Barber's" ball team. The most notable probably was Nelson Fox of Rocky Ridge (Nellie Fox of Chicago White Sox fame) who

was spotted by Connie Mack and subsequently signed to a great career on the ball field.

One of the most exciting times in "Barber" Long's league came one Sunday (the regular playing day) when through a mix-up three games were scheduled for the one day. Nothing daunted, "Barber's" team played all three games and won all three in order.

One story repeated many times was about a man who came to the shop for a haircut after his reputation had preceded him from the local pub. After due time "Barber" asked the customer his name; the man said. "I am a Booser." "l know that," said "Barber", "but what's your name?"

Also repeated in the shop was the story of the lovelorn swain who gave a young boy in town five dollars to steal a pair of silk stockings from his girlfriend's clothesline for a personal good luck keepsake. (An original panty raid.) The boy enterprisingly enough took a pair of his mother's stockings and gave them to the lovesick man who never knew the difference. However, the romance also faded and died.

When "Barber" Long first came to town, five automobiles were involved in the entire traffic, plus hoses and buggies, of course, and the town was very quiet. When he retired this year, many, many automobiles passed by his shop and the town had gone out of the horse and buggy age forever.

Ben and Barney Saylor

For many years Ben and Barney Saylor transported the Woodsboro mail from the downtown post office to the railroad station up over station hill. A large two-wheeled push cart served as the vehicle for most of the year. Usually, with a light load, either Ben or Barney singly made the trip. When the mail trains were due and the load was heavy, both put their strength to pushing the cart.

Ben and Barney were always punctual and townsfolk could tell the time of time by watching for them on the trip up the street to meet the next train. Residents also sometimes hurried to write their own letters in order to get their missives in the next mail, and made sure, if late, by stopping the cart, that Ben and Barneg would personally get the letter on the next train and hence to its destination.

It is related that when Ben and Barney were awarded the original government contract for hauling the mail, the decimal point was misplaced in the contract figure which went unnoticed until after they had signed and accepted. Subsequently, they worked at a disastrously reduced income for a full year before being able to correct the mistake.

In Woodsboro winters, before snow plowing days, the station hill often became packed with snow and ice making travelling quite treacherous. For Ben and Barney the snow slicked hill then became a challenge in both directions. With true enterprising spirit they re sorted to a large bobsled which could be pulled and tugged more easily uphill and was a cinch to get back downtown to the post office.

In their bachelor quarters Ben and Barney were next door to the bank and spent much time in front of the store and bank building exchanging gossip and waiting for the next mail haul.

As Ben and Barney grew older, the trains became more infrequent. Mail came to Woodsboro at times by truck, delivered to the front door of the post office. Their services were needed less and less until eventually the railroad no longer carried the local mail and Ben and Barney Saylor slipped away as quietly as the town's dependence upon the train service. Their contribution to the community, however, was immeasurable and they are gratefully remembered by all.

Robert J. Donsife

Woodsboro's Blacksmith thought it a wonderful thing to remember the place where you where born and except for two years in a textile mill he lived his life in Woodsboro. To people for miles around he was something of a legend.

He was in business over fifty years, seven years as an apprentice and forty-six as his own man in his own shop.

His shop had been enlarged a good deal but little changed. Mr. Donsife might well have been a lineal descendant of Longfellow’s mighty hero, for his business had many elements of the village blacksmith’s a century ago.

He learned the craft from his father and uncle, Otto J. and Francis G. Donsife, who were partners in the original shop which is now torn down. They in turn had learned from their father, Heinrich Conrad Donslfe, a metal worker and locksmith from Frankfurt-on- Main, who came to Woodsboro and set up a smithy in 1817. As the older Donsife generations retired from the business they passed on its equipment and methods.

Mr. Donsife used many of the old tools in his work. Among his finest was a set of handmade wooden planes, purchased by his father, which were as sharp and true as the day they were turned out. With them he could match any elaborate shape of wooden moldlng. Another prized possession was a set of wood chisels which his father bought as a young man.

Hanging from the roof of the shop was a bellows that Heinrich Donsife made and used. It was a huge thing of wood, metal, and leather put together with hand made bolts, pins, and nails. There was a hand wrought spade head more than one-hundred years old, and sledgehammer head and a plow polnt made of iron from the Catoctin furnace around the time of the Revolutionary War. There were hand made nails, Civil War weapons, old scythes and sickles hanging from the walls.

Mr. Donsife changed the place through the years only as much as he had to. He installed a few pieces of modern machinery - lathes, drill presses, grinders, and

the like to take care of the demands of farmers and manufacturers who brought him a wide variety of machine parts to duplicate.

He always had a backlog of bits, blades, and cutter bars to sharpen for farm and-factory machinery. His daily work varied from patching a hole in a copper kektle to repairing a clock or replacing parts to broken ice cream dippers and even making for a lady who could not find one to fit her.

He gave up shoeing horses in I928 saying he didn't abandon the horses, the horses abandoned him.

In one corner of the sprawling frame building was the workbench where with a file he sharpened saws.

In later years, he found it necessary to connect most of his hand powered equipment to motors. He had a gasoline engine belted to a line shaft, which ran the length of the building. Belted to this was a number of jack shafts, which relayed the power to the different machines.

The smithy sharpened all woodworking tools over a belt-powered sandstone wheel. Modern grinding wheels, he said, had a quick, harsh way of biting into metal. Only wet sandstone would give an axe, chisel, drawknife, or any other woodcutting tool a satin-smooth and lasting edge.

Mr. Donsife was working on a perpetual motion machine, a wheel arrangement fitted with shifting steel balls, when he died.

Passed down from his father and uncle was a technique for brazing with brass an metal tempering techniques, in which they gauged the temperature of heated metal by its color.

His shop was always piled up with work. "I’ve never sat down and waited for something to do," he recalled. "l let my work advertise for me."

Mr. Donsife's thinking about a lot of things, including money, was original and refreshingly at variance with many modern economic concepts. A comfortable living, he thought, was preferable to a mad scramble for money.

In February, 1955, Mr. "Bob" became famous state-wide when he appeared on the cover of the Baltimore Sunday Sun Magazine. Much of the information in this article was based on this feature story. Modest man that he was, the story impressed him not at all, being anxious only to get on to his next piece of work. He was also featured in many other stories from time to time.

It was most impressive for the town’s children to watch Mr. Donsife at work; there was something splendid and awe-inspiring in the sounds of the hiss of hot metal in water and the sight of the red hot piece of iron being bent to the desired shape.

Mr. Donsife was a proud and truly great man. In 1958 the business of Robert J. Donsife died with him.

Archie M. Stimmel

Archie Stimmel was a lifelong resident of Woodsboro and a well-known professional right-handed baseball pitcher around the turn of the century for the Cincinnati Redlegs, where he was one of the regular Redlegs’ hurlers for a number of years.

Archie got his first chance in Scranton, Pennsylvania with the old Eastern League, then he went to Pottsville with the Pennsylvania State League. Next he advanced to Richmond where he felt he turned in his greatest mound accomplishment. Arch went seventeen innings for a two-two tie against Red Ames of Hartford, who later moved along to fame with the New York Giants under the great John McGraw.

After his retirement, Mr. Stimmel returned to Woodsboro where he was a familiar figure on the streets, always having a kind and pleasant word for everyone. He loved fishing and spent many happy hours in his later years presumably returning to his boyhood haunts. His wife, "Miss Abbey," had a shop on the street floor of their house on Lot 5 where she sold penny candy, sundries, and articles for ladies.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Stimmel were well liked in Woodsboro and were especially gentle and patient with children who often frequented the shop.

Dr. Andrew Robert Hitchcock

One of the many beloved personalities of Woodsboro for many, many years was Doc. Hitchcock. The only veterinarian in town during the early part of the Twentieth Century, he was a familiar sight to all on the way to make his calls. He usually rode safely in the center of the road at a very conservative speed with the bottles and equipment of his trade in plain view in the back of his 1928 Chevrolet coupe. Upon arrival at the farm where he was headed, he was greeted with relief, as he was responsible for saving the lives of many animals for the local farmers.

Dr. Andrew Robert Hitchcock was born in Stewartstown. Pennsylvania, on June 30, 1873. He died on December 24, 1951, after a busy and useful life. He attended the University of Pennsylvania until he became ill with typhoid fever and had to stop school.

Dr. Hitchcock had two older brothers, George and Nelson. Both were graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and became veterinarians, George in Westminster and Nelson in Taneytown.

After Dr. A.R. Hitchcock's illness he did not go back to school but studied and rode with Dr. Wilson in Stewartstown for two years. He then came to Taneytown and studied and rode with his brother Nelson for one year. He was married in 1910 and built a home in Mt Airy where he opened an office. However, he again developed typhoid fever and was again very ill. As a result he wore a spinal brace for several years.

In 1913 he opened an office in Woodsboro and practiced here until he retired in 1950 at which time he was seventy-seven years old.

"Doc" was a regular contestant in the continuous checker game at "Eph" Stoner's store. In physical appearance he very much resembled "Doc" Adams on Matt

Dillon's TV show. "Gunsmoke."

Raymond (Sim) Gilbert

"Sim" Gilbert was a town fixture during the first half of the Twentieth Century in Woodsboro. Regularly seen on the streets going to the Post Office, he brought the mail by hand to many residents in the northern end of town, a more or less self-appointed mailman.

Mr. Gilbert, who could fix anything, worked in leather for upholstering or other uses having inherited the knowledge from his family who were carriage makers and shoemakers and lived on Lots 21 and 22.

"Sim" loved cats and had one cat said to be twenty-three years old. He also had a green thumb and grew any plant capable of being propagated by seed, cutting, or layering. In his early days "Sim" was an expert fiddler, playing for many "lawn" parties and square dances at various local homes.

Although "Sim" was a slight man, slightly stooped in posture, he stands out as one of the town's best-remembered characters.

Roy Lenhart

Among many other things, Roy Lenhart is remembered as the town's last farrier. When he came to a farm in the course of his trade he exuded a feeling of confidence and assurance, which even the most fractious animals felt and respected. Roy's skill at horse shoeing transcended the generation of workhorses and driving horses (a necessity in the early days) to the influx of horses during the era of pleasure riding. In later years he was much in demand as shoeing riding horses and racehorses alone consumed his time and talents.

Roy was a "spiffy" dresser when he was not working at his trade and enjoyed getting away from it all by a complete change of living. It was often difficult to recognize the change in appearance and many acquaintances must have said, "Well, I didn't know you!"

Roy was a happy example of a self-made man, at peace with himself, enjoying his chosen employment knowing that horseshoeing was a basic community need and that he was fulfilling a worthwhile service.

Miss Janet Barrick

"Miss Jennie," as she was affectionately known to everyone, devoted her life to helping others For many years she cared selflessly for "Mr. Sam" Barrick, her father, and was always the first person to arrive in any home in town where bereavement or sickness had occurred. Miss Jennie loved flowers. When an especially beautiful bloom appeared in her garden, she promptly took the flower to a friend or invalid Many times she also brought the flowers to the school for the teacher's desk so that all of the children could enjoy them.

The author's first love of flowers blossomed with one of "Miss Jennie's" bouquets. Admittedly "hard of hearing," "Miss Jennie" never quite got used to the contraption which she was forced to wear in later years. A loud, strong voice was needed to communicate in addition.

"Miss Jennie's" communication with people came however through her interest in the human race. She wrote regularly to boys overseas in World Wars I and II and was a mother to them as well as to her many nieces and nephews. An early advocate of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, "Miss Jennie" was a militant leader for this cause in the pre-Prohibition days and throughout her entire life remained strongly opposed to the consumption of alcohol.

"Miss Jennie" was short and slight of stature but stood tall in the memory of many people.

Famous Sons

Mention should be made of several prominent men who were Woodsboro natives and later achieved fame in various fields.

R. Paul Smith became President of the Potomac Edison Co., and also served on the board of directors of several institutions.

Archie Stimmel and Ted Beard became outstanding baseball players in national leagues.

Hairy W. LeGore was on the All American Football team at Yale in 1977.

Dr. Roy Dorcus became an authority on experimental psychology, teaching at University of California in Los, Angeles and writing several important books in his field.

Judge Samuel W. Barrick is now one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Frederick County.

Harry LeGore

Harry LeGore enrolled at Yale University where he played for the school's football, baseball and basketball teams and was a member of Skull and Bones.

In football, LeGore played halfback and fullback. He also handled punting duties and reportedly had a 65-yard average. American sports writer Grantland Rice once wrote that he wouldn't trade LeGore for Red Grange and added: "Harry never played a poor game in his life. He was always a competitor first, last and always — and always had a little more when the chips were down."

In 1914, LeGore was the starting fullback for a Yale football team that compiled a 7-2 record and defeated Notre Dame 28-0, ending Notre Dame's 27-game win streak. Knute Rockne later wrote in his autobiography: "I sat on the sideline at New Haven that Saturday and saw a good Yale team captained by Bud Talbott with a crack halfback named Harry LeGore leading the attack. They made Notre Dame look like a high school squad."

At the end of the 1914 season, LeGore was selected as a first-team All-American by International News Service sports editor Frank G. Menke, and as a second-team All-American by Walter Camp for Collier's Weekly and Walter Eckersall, of the Chicago Tribune.

LeGore also played shortstop for the Yale baseball team. In 1915, LeGore was ruled permanently ineligible to complete in college athletics after it was found that his food and lodging had been paid while playing summer baseball.

In 1916, LeGore's eligibility was restored. The Yale football team in 1915 had won only four games without LeGore in the lineup. With LeGore back in the lineup, the 1916 team went 8-1. A syndicated newspaper story about LeGore's return to Yale stated:

"Harry Legore is the real shining light of the Eli football team, there isn't any doubt about that. Legore is the star, with a big 'S.' A couple of years ago Legore made a name for himself as an end runner and was the man who struck more terror to the hearts of 'Old Eli's opponents than any other man on the team. In the summer Legore played baseball, and someone said it was professional baseball with the result that Legore was barred from football as a 'professional.' Quite a sensation was created, but this year Legore was restored and it has been a mighty good thing for Yale that he was. And with his restoration to eligibility as an amateur athlete came the job of fullback on the Yale eleven."

At the end of the 1916 season, LeGore was selected as a second-team All-American by Walter Camp for Collier's Weekly. In selecting LeGore as an All-American, Walter Camp called him "one of the nation's greatest athletes."

With the entry of the United States into World War I, LeGore was one of ten Yale students recommended by the President of Yale for commissions in the United States Marine Corps. LeGore served overseas for two years with the Second Division.

After his discharge from the Marines, LeGore worked for the LeGore Lime Company. In 1930, LeGore was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. In 1934, he was elected to the Maryland State Senate. In 1936, he made an unsuccessful run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. LeGore eventually became president of the LeGore Lime Company and also served as a director of the Potomac Edison Company.

Horses

For two centuries the main source of living in Woodsboro concentrated heavily on farming. The rich soil produced excellent crops, carefully cultivated by the thrifty, industrious Germans settling the area who usually owned about two hundred acres. This was considered the proper acreage for a self-sufficient farm, which had normally a good supply of water, a bottomland for grazing, level fields for plowing and a wood lot, important in the operation of an early farm.

Necessary to the existence of a farm also was the horse, used for travel, work, and pleasure.

Great interest has been shown throughout the area in good horseflesh and many farmers were good judges of fine animals.

One of the early breeders of fine horses was James M. Smith, also owner of the hotel in Woodsboro, conceded to be one of the finest rural hostelries in the country.

Mr. Smith gave much time and attention to the breeding of stock and the raising of thoroughbred horses.

He owned the noted stallion "Circulator" for which he paid $3,500. The stud's first colt was sold in Charlestown, W. Va. for $2,000. He also owned "Lady Stevens" a noted brood mare. Mr. Smith for many years bought and sold thoroughbred Kentucky horses. He was for many years engaged in buying and shipping livestock to Baltimore.

In the days when families were known for their fine horses and carriages, or lack thereof, Mr. Smith was instrumental in supplying the best available to meet current needs.

Huffman Percherons

In the years from 1930 to the late 1950's, the Huffman brothers, Henry and John, owned and bred percheron horses. They owned five horses - Beauty, Polly, Princess, Rose, and Sonny Beauty Vlll was the most outstanding mare raised on the spacious and beautiful farm where Lehigh Portland Cement Company is now located. The mare was Reserve Grand Champion at the 1939 Ohio State Fair; in 1938 and 1939 at the Maryland State, Fairs at Timonium; the Frederick and Hagerstown Fairs in 1938; and Grand.

Champion at the Frederick Fair in 1939. She was also shown in the International Livestock Exposition at Chicago where she was Reserve Grand Champion, being outclassed by a stud.

The Huffman Percherons were well known and admired throughout the county, state, and nation for their good conformation, handsomeness, and gentleness.

The Offutts of Woodsboro

The Bernard Offutts of Woodsboro started in 1949 and have not since missed a race at the Frederick Fair. Their Standardbred horses compete all over the east coast from Vermont to Florida.

The operation involves the whole family: wife Lillian, four sons. and two daughters. The farm of two hundred and eighty acres was purchased in 1943 from Elsie Dorcus and Ella Whitmore and the Offutts built an all-weather track.

During the past twenty-five years the Offutts have owned over two hundred horses, mainly from the breeding line of Ichabod Crane, for which there has

been much demand in the trotting field.

Stein Standardbred Farms

The Stein Standardbred Farm was established in 1964 by Orren F. Stein an attorney from Washington. D.C. All phases of the Standardbred industry are carried on including breeding, boarding, and training on a regulation 1/2 mile all weather training track.

The farm serves as a boarding facility for some of the top standardbred pacers, trotters and broodmares.

The farm is situated on a very fertile limestone ground which is so beneficial to building strong boned horses and is evidenced by the high percentage of race

horses raised at the farm each year. A two-year-old seasons champion, raised at this farm was sold this year for $30,000.

Interestingly, the Stein Standardbred Farms are located on the original James M. Smith horse farm.

Keen interest in horses exists in the entire Woodsboro community.

Lewis T. Ramsburg operates the Ironstone Pony Farm: Dr. Lee E. Miller (veterinarian) maintains several fine horses, while his wife is an accomplished

equestrian.

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Spicer belong to the New Market Riding Club and own several handsome mounts.

The Shriner brothers (Sewing Factory) own several valuable thoroughbreds, also "Doug" Williams.

Many other people in the district keep their own horses for pleasure. There has been a rapid increase in the ownership of horses in the area in the past thirty years after a decline following the arrival of the automobile.

DenBrooke Farm

In 1969. Jesse W. Armstrong purchased the Hammond Farm on the Liberty Road east of Woodsboro. On DenBrooke Farm he raises thoroughbred horses for racing. Jesse also brought with him from his native California a desirable bloodline of Appaloosa horses.

His brother, Charles Lew Worley, manages this farm and also maintains a collection of "vintage" Ford panel trucks.

One of the last outfits used in the area strictly for transportation belonged to Cletus Fogle who was a familiar sight on the road until the late 1950's.

Chapter 10 - Reminiscences

The Rosebud Perfume Company

by Allen R. Smith, Jr.

The Rosebud Perfume Company was founded by my grandfather, George F. Smith, during the year of 1895. Initially the business began in a small drug store located across the street from what is now known as The Rosebud Building. Many years ago friends of my grandfather suggested that he prepare for them a "family type" salve that could be used for various minor skin irritations. With this as a challenge. he formulated a product known as "Smith's Balsam of Rose Buds' which was later renamed 'Smith's Rosebud Salve'. Knowing how popular his product had been received locally he started advertising his product in country tabloids and within a few years he had organized one of the most unique mail order businesses in the United States.

Several years later grandfather bought the Smith Hotel, sold his drug store, and moved his business into the very imposing looking brick building which has served as the home of Rosebud products ever since.

Today our mail order business offers four major products to agents to be sold on a door-to-door basis, 'Rosebud Salve'. 'Tholene Mentholated Salve', 'Bouquet No. 3 Perfume', and 'Vivian Perfume', named after the founder's granddaughter. We also package two lotions for men, 'Poke of Limes After Shave' and 'Tobacco Five Cologne' which are being sold in specialty shops. Of the approximate 70,000 agents, some have been selling our products continuously for fifty years. Some have made names for themselves in other fields, among them Louis Goldstein who sold Rosebud Products as a youngster. Former White House Press Secretary Liz Carpenter was an agent in rural Texas. Dumas Milner of Mississippi, now co-owner of National Car Rental System, started his career in selling by distributing Rosebud Salve, according to an article in Time Magazine.

Dr. George F. Smith was born near Woodsboro on the 25th of March, 1865, the son of Solomon and Adeline Locke Smith and the grandson of John and Susan Earnst Smith. He received his preliminary education at public schools in Woodsboro and attended the Shenandoah State Normal School. Harrisonburg, Virginia. He was married to Minnie F. Baer of Utica and subsequently taught school in Frederick County for five years. Later he entered the drug and proprietary medicine business and was registered by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy in 1902. Grandfather and grandmother had eight children. Mamie Irene. Lillian Mae, Raymond Lee. Henry Ward, Allen Reno, Alta La Rue, Mabel Pauline, and Mildred Naomi. Mamie, Henry, Allen and Alta are now deceased. Dr. Smith was president of the Commercial State Bank, Frederick from 1925 to 1930, and from 1937 until the close of his life in 1952 he held an office in the Woodsboro Savings Bank, of which he was a charter member in 1902. He served as Mayor of Woodsboro for nineteen years and President of the Mt. Hope Cemetery Board for a number of years.

The Woodsboro Concert Band was supported by him for several years and frequently concerts were held on the upper porch of his office building. Grandfather's principal recreational interests were bicycle riding and automobiles; during his lifetime he owned more than eighty cars and Packards were his favorite. He thoroughly enjoyed the Miss America Pageants at Atlantic City and seldom missed a judging.

Allen R. Smith, Sr. managed the Rosebud business for more than fifty years until his untimely death in 1971. The firm was then left in trust to Raymond L. Smith, and to Lillian Smith Bair, Mabel P. Smith, Mildred S. Huffman, Douglas Jones, Jr., Vivian S.Clipp, and Allen R. Smith, Jr. as heirs.

lt is interesting to note that grandfather's drug store was one of the first stores in the country to sell fountain-made Coca-Colas and at one time was visited by the originator of the beverage. For several years grandfather was an agent for Columbia Records and frequently gave musicals with an Edison Phonograph, the type with a brass horn and cylinders.

The Rosebud Building, constructed in 1886, is furnished with antiques and the atmosphere is still that of a hotel, however, there is an ever-present fragrance of Perfumes. On the third floor is located a room filled with apothecary bottles and adjacent to it is a room that at one time was used by the Heidelberg Workers, an organization of local women who made quilts to raise funds for the Reformed Church. My grandmother was a member of this group. She also managed to make a quilt for nearly every member of her family.

Many of them were made from discarded cloth that cloth that was worn by the particular child or grandchild to whom the quilt was given. During the Civil War, the Union Hotel, located on the same site as our building' was host to meetings to resolve the backing of Governor Hicks and to express the citizens' determination for remaining in the Union.

I am very pleased to be informed that the Rosebud Building is being considered As a Maryland and possibly a National registered landmark.

Chapter 11 - Reminiscences

Barbara Dorcus Kreh remembers the Dorcus Store

The property known as Dorcus Store stands in the center of Woodsboro. It is an old and interesting landmark which time put to varied uses.

The original house was built of stone. Added later was an adjoining front room and store building of wooden construction.

Sometime before 1900 it was used as a residence and carriage shop by Marshall Gilbert and his family.

It was then bought by Dr. George F. Smith and his family who lived there and conducted a Drug Store in which he operated a soda fountain. It was here l am told by his daughter Mrs. Lilliam Bair, that Dr. Smith the owner of fine phonograph, invited his friends and neighbors for an evening of music every week.

In 1927, Harry Dorcus acquired the property from Dr. Smith. In 1922 Mr. and Mrs. Dorcus moved into the big, old house and settled down to raise a family of five children and run a general store which was to become "more general" as the years went by. Mr. Charles Hahn was employed-as one of the first clerks. At that time he was courting Miss Frances Donsife who soon became Mrs. Hahn.

At this time the second floor over the store became a Pool Parlor. Later, when Mr. Dorcus became a Justice of the Peace for that district. The "pool room" became the courtroom where all kinds of cases were heard, usually, to standing room only. It was often feared the Court would fall into the store below.

As Mr. Dorcus was very enterprising, there was always a "sideline" to the store. A complete shoe repair shop was installed in what was the carriage house. At one time he sold a line of farm machinery. The store boasted a varied inventory, almost anything from penny candy to long winter underwear for both sexes. It was said, "lf you can't find it anyplace else Harry could get it."

During almost forty years of "storekeeping" Mr. Hezekiah Shank from New Midway, Frank Winebrenner, and lastly, Mr. Harry Nichols who could fix everything from a flashlight to a car, were employed by Mr. Dorcus.

Saturday evening, Woodsboro, especially in the summertime, assumed a holiday atmosphere. Families walked, rode in carriages or buggies, all in their best, and in a gay mood. At the store extra help was called in to fill the large weekly orders and count the large eggs which many customers brought from the country to exchange for groceries.

The soda fountain sent forth servings of ice cream in pint and quart sizes, not to speak of the wondrous banana splits.

Later in the evening it was my father's custom to have an auction of bananas (by the bunch) and watermelons that had been trucked from Baltimore earlier in the day. This usually attracted a large crowd, some among them, having finished their "weekly bottle", were ready for a bit of "fighting and feuding." Edward Stitely who was both the auctioneer and local sheriff was a very busy man.

About midnight there was a general exodus and the town would settle back for another week.

During the critical shortages of World War II, Mr. Dorcus, through long experience and contacts. was able to supply some of the scarce commodities.

"Scrounging" for the store became a very challenging game.

Time and progress brought an end to the Dorcus store. Mr. Dorcus retired in 1959.

As I look at one of the old wooden benches that stood in front of the store for so many years, I think of so many who paused there for a while each day Particularly. I think I hear Pete Donsife laughing loudly at one of Melvin (Tuck) Ander's remarks or I hear James Reddick beating a "rat a tat" on his imaginary drum. Perhaps it is Barber Long (Mr. Lester) giggling happily over the latest ball scores to Arch Stimmel.

I believe that is Baxter Smith smiling very contentedly.

Mae Dorcus Gross remembers …

"This must have happened around 1902. I do not know the present day names of the streets, but on the west side of the Back Street in the block corresponding to the block on Main Street, between the home of the late George Huffman and Lillian Baer, there was a two room log house occupied by a dear little old lady known to everyone as Aunt Easter Beck.

"There was a black walnut tree beside the house. Aunt Easter made black walnut taffy and molded it in circles about the size of a teacup. These she sold to the neighborhood children for one penny.

"She also made and sold various healing remedies. One I remember distinctly. It was a salve for boils and carbuncles. My father suffered from these repeatedly.

One day when I was quite small, Mother gave me a little container and told me to get some of Aunt Easier Beck's salve. She was out of it said she was too old to make any more. She graciously gave Mother her recipe.

For some reason, before i was married, I copied this recipe, along with several others I wanted, in my cookbook I used when taking Domestic Science at Woman's College or Hood as it is known today. I thought you might appreciate the recipe:

Aunt Easter Beck's Salve

(good for boils)

• 1 cup fish oil
• 1 cup sweet oil
• 1 cup sheep tallow
• 1 cup bee's wax

Boll the above. Add three tablespoons of turpentine when taken from fire. When slightly cooled, add one well-beaten egg.

"Also, across the street from our home was a two story, four room frame house. The siding was of boards at least a foot wide, put on perpendicularly and then whitewashed. This was occupied by a Mrs. Hope. In the side yard was a draw well and a large bake oven where Mrs. Hope baked her pies and bread and also dried her fruit. This was located at Main Street and Liberty Road.

"Miss Mae" died shortly after sending the above to the author.

Changes

Through the past two hundred years the buildings in Woodsboro have often times changed hands frequently As a consequence, few structures remain in their original state. New occupants inevitably sought to convert the premises to meet family and business needs, adding or removing as deemed necessary or convenient.

Originally each home no doubt had a business housed on the property as the early residents sought out a trade, craft, or service for their livelihood. The village was mainly self sufficient in goods and services, with the exception of some raw materials such as metals, salt, sugar, and molasses. All other products were produced and crafted locally.

Two of the town's older citizens recall some of the former occupants and businesses of many locations in town.

Raleigh Winebrenner remembers the mill operated by Albert Ecker near the Railroad Station. Next to the mill the Holbrunner brothers made flour barrels. On the town side of the station was the printing establishment of the Banner of Liberty operated by Harry Lewis who employed Charlotte Donsife and Marion Eichelberger. Later the business moved to a new building down the alley from the Lutheran Church. Mr Lewis later committed suicide by hanging himself near the canning factory. The paper was then published by Augustus Clem.

• On the top of Statlon Hill, on the north, was the stone building used first by the Methodist Church and later as a schoolhouse. Also there were lime burning kilns on the eastern slope of the hill
• At the foot of the hill in the fork of the road was a large stone building (Slagle's Inn), which was destroyed by fire in the early 1900's.
• Across the road on the east side of Main Street was the tombstone business of John Lough. Charles Anders operated the National Hotel in the building now owned by Dan the Barber (Lot Number 2).
• On down the street, west side. George and Marshall Stimmel operated a confectionery store. Next was the Drug Store of Dr. George Smith.
• The Bank Building was the site of a wooden structure where John Newman had a store. Jacob Adams had an undertaker's establishment on Lot Number 19.
• At the corner of Libertytown and Frederick Road (Routes 550 and 194) stood an old log house which was torn down when Otho Donsife and Son. Robert built their blacksmith shop.
• A dry goods store was run by Kate Stimmel on Lot Number 33 and an undertaker's business by Mr.and Mrs. Sharetts on Lot Number 32.
• Dr. Wagrer and later Dr. Kable had offices in the brick building on the northeast corner of Elizabeth and Frederick Streets, now the home of Mrs. Lillian Bair.
• Dr. G.F. Smith built a new home where three homes once stood: one a bakery operated bv Mr. Wisotzky, one a barbershop, and one an ice cream parlor.
• Joseph Shank's residence was on the north east corner of Frederick and Dorcus (First) Alley where he owned and operated a general store. The Albert's had a coach shop on the southwest corner of Parsonage Alley and Second Street.
• Mr. Winebrenner also remembers the old Universalist Church building, later Methodist, which was later used as an entertainment hall before it was torn down.
• The graveyard back of the school originally belonged to the Universalist Church and until the mid-Twentieth Century was kept in good condition by Melvin Anders, a descendant of Joseph Wood through the Harlan family.
• John William Eyler, aged ninety-eight, recalls the names of the residents of Woodsboro. Some of the homes are known to him by the name of people who lived there about 1950.

At the north end of town . . .

• Glenn Stoilemeyer's stone house was built by Jessie Giselman.
• Slagle's Inn and Livery Stables where George Washington stayed at night stood where the Memorial stands.
• Mr. Highhouse's residence was built in 1912 by Dr. C.A. Stultz.
• The Parsonage was built by Fipps and was sold to the Woodsboro Lutheran Charge.
• Mrs. Geisberi's residence was built by Mr. C.M. Anders.
• Mrs. Winebrenner's residence belonged to Mr. George Winebrenner, a tinner.
• The National Hotel was owned by Moses Anders. The brick end was built out of the bricks from the Universalist Church when it was torn down.
• The Stimmel residence was the old Stimmel saloon, the place where a man rode his horse up to the bar to get a drink of whiskey.
• The Lee Winebrenner residence was owned by James Wood who operated a tailor shop.
• The Ward Smith residence was owned by Dr. Hammond: the middle part was used as a saloon operated by Gibson Smith. It later became a drug store.
• The H.C. Dorcus store was owned by E.M. Gilbert, coachmaker.
• The Barber Long residence was owned by the Bakers: it was used as a post office and barber shop.
• The W.R. Smith residence was owned by George Shank and was a general merchandise and tinner shop.
• The Bank Building replaced one owned by J.M. Newman which was used as a general store.
• The Allen and Ward Smith residence and store was owned by Frank Saylor, painter, and part of the building was used by Aaron Beck for a saddlery shop.
• The Mabel Smith property was owned by Caroline Saylor.
• The vacant lot was the old stone blacksmith shop operated by J. McCoskrey in 1860 and later by the Donsife brothers.
• The Carroll Wickless residence was owned by Hull Bowen: it was a log house, weather boarded and used as a saddlery shop. The dwelling was rebuilt by William Smith.
• The Allen Smith residence was built by Allen Smith.
• The J.W. Eyler residence was owned by the Flemmings. It is a log house weather boarded, and a large tinner shop which stood in the yard burned down in 1898.
• The Lamar Barrick residence was owned by George Shank; it is a log house Weather boarded.
• The William Schwarber home was built by Elmer Birely.
• The Lutheran Church was built in 1860 and rebuilt in 1914.
• The Charles Lutz residence was a log house weather boarded. It was torn down and the lot belongs to the Lutheran Church and is used as a lawn. Miss
• Grace Stull, who lived there for many years, was a seamstress.
• The Charles Hahn residence was owned by Oliver Harmis.
• The Cramer Powell residence was owned by Jacob Adams, undertaker and cabinet maker.
• The Paul Douglas residence was owned by William Smith.
• The Robert Donsife residence was owned by Wilson Carmack.
• Mrs. Boller's home was the farmhouse of Mrs. Eva Shank.
• The William Adams residence is built on the ground where the old tanning yard stood.

On east Main Street at the north end of town . . .

• Jacob Feiser's residence was owned by Slagle's Inn; one of the Inn's livery sables stood there. The last slave in Woodsboro lived with the Slagles.
• The Dorcus residence was built by Sammy Ports for a bakery shop.
• Miriam Bowers residence was built by the M.P. Church and then sold to the Church of God.
• Louise Kline's residence was built by John Lough who ran a stone cutting shop and made memorials.
• Amos Arnold's residence was owned by William Gilbert who had a blacksmith shop in the rear.
• The Dorcus residence was owned by George Gilbert who was a shoemaker.
• Edgar Hahn's residence was owned by Mrs. Peter Fogle.
• Mrs. Wile's residence was owned by J.M. Holbrunner who ran a cooper shop.
• Dorcus' garage and dwelling was owned by George Shank and used as a general dry goods store.
• Jenny Barrick's and Oscar Barrick's residences were owned by Benjamin Smith, a saddler who made all kinds of harnesses.
• The Nina Anders residence was built by George Shaw, after the first house burned down in 1884.
• The Rosebud Building was the Smith Hotel that burned down in 1884 and was rebuilt by James M. Smith.
• The George Smith residence was owned by William James Smith. The old which it replaced was used as a bakery, barber shop, and dwelling.
• The Reuben Bair residence was owned by Dr. Wagner.

Crossing Elizabeth Street . . .

• Harry Runkles' residence was owned by George Shank.
• The apartment building was built by Grover Beck as a store and restaurant.
• The Barnes residence was owned by D.A. Sharretts.
• The Broadwater residence was built on a spot where a millinery shop and dry goods store built by Hull Bowers stood.
• The John Crum residence was owned by Charles Shank and was at one time a millinery shop.
• Mrs. Huffman's house was owned by the Lutheran Church as a parsonage.
• Lots Numbered 20, 21, and 22 were owned by Mrs. Ainsworth. The first lot had a dwelling and two and three were the old blacksmith shop. The houses were built by Gene Donsife.
• The George Etzler residence was owned by Jacob Holbrunner.
• The Roger Hildegrand residence was owned by Ellen Loots.

On Second Street beginning at the north end . . .

• The Lawrence Dorsey residence was owned by Michael Grinder was originally an old brick house and was replaced with the frame house built by Augustus Shank.
• The apartments owned by Lawrence Dorsey are log underneath with weatherboarding over them.
• The next lot was the site of the first lumber yard operated by Shank and Saylor.
• The log house which stood across the street was the place where Colonel Joseph Wood died.
• The Albert Eyler residence was owned by the Snyders and was used as a wagon maker shop.
• St. John's Church was a Union Church of Lutherans and Reformed. The Lutherans left in 1860.
•  
• The Mills residence was owned by the Saltzgivens; they used it as a surmmer school.
• Roy Snyder's residence was owned by James Smith and was built in 1910.
• Ira Houck's home was owned by George Barrick who ran a huckster business.
• The John Crum home was owned by Jacob Hull.
• The Ablert Eyler home was the residence of O.J Donsife.
• The Fox residence was owned by Wesley Devilbiss.
• The Wills residence was owned by Wesley Devilbiss.

Remember When??

• Ralph Dorcus manufactured "Rosalene Cough Syrup," toilet water, catarrah balm, and hair tonic at his King Drug Company, in Woodsboro.
• Bruce Fogle made and sold "Helo Salve".
• Harry Spahr produced "Smoke-'Em’", a concoction mixed with sawdust, for the treatment of "gapes" in chickens.
• Ray Gilbert raised and fought game cocks.
• George Biddinger had a two lane bowling alley back of the store located next to Lester Long's barber shop.
• Dick Fissel stood on his head atop the electric pole in front of the bank building.
• Moses Winebrenner produced and sold bottled bluing.
• Elmer Powell and his son, Sherman, had an ice cream factory and store.
• Bill Crum operated a model T school bus to Frederick High School.
• "Pee Do" Smith drove a cattle truck for Stitley, and allowed that he could go "siccy" miles per hour.
• The Woodsboro Garage was located on west corner of Elizabeth and Main Street and as a rental garage by Grover Beck.
• The streets of Woodsboro were vacated during the "Amos and Andy" radio broadcast.
• Chestnuts could be picked by the bushel on Chestnut Hill.
• Lou Dorsey made home-made ice cream.
• Bob Donsife owned a large bobsled.
• Red pepper would be thrown into the pot-bellied stove, driving loafers and customers from Uncle "Cal" Smith's store.
• The crust on the snow drifts would be thick enough to permit skating and sleighing over the fences.
• We played "fox and geese" at school.
• Romanus Stitley referred to a breed of cattle as "Whole Steam".
• Uncle "Cal" Smith had a large nickelodeon in his store. It was plugged into a pull chain socket. A string was attached to the chain and cleverly concealed. The
• string was taken to the outside through a crack in the window, and pulled after Uncle "Cal" retired. "Angry" is a mild word to use in describing him when he appeared in his flannel night shirt to turn off the music.
• Charles Dixon operated the Mobil gas station located just North of Derr's Liquor Store.
• Bruce Fogle built the Valley Garage originally for a bowling alley.
• Butcherings were social events, and that it was almost certain that a pig's tail would be pinned to your coat.
• Each household needed a soft water supply, some used cisterns and rain barrels to store the water. There were two large sheds in Woodsboro used to collect and store rain water: one built by G.F. Smith on the Canning Factory Hill; the other was on the hill back of the Lutheran parsonage.
• Charles Saylor made brooms.
• "Ed" Geesey made baskets of all sizes.
• You could estimate traffic on the Coppermine and Liberty roads by the rattle of the bridges over Israel Creek.
• Pool tables were popular at Windsor's Garage.
• John Huffman had a pool hall.
• The Hall of the bank building was the waiting room for Steiner Smith's school bus.
• Everyone got sno-cones from Mrs. Cornell.
• There was a May-pole Dance at the school June Fete.
• At his shop, John Huffman sharpened your ice skates and could fix anything.
• Mr. Harshman was the truant officer and a man to be feared.
• Hunting "apple tritches" was pulled on the younger generation.
• "Shivarees" (serenades) were customary for newly' weds