Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Showing posts with label History 1920s Carroll Co. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History 1920s Carroll Co. Show all posts

Monday, September 14, 2015

Defense Day September 12, 1924 Parades to celebrate American power

On Sept. 12, 1924, Westminster, along with communities across the nation, observed National Defense Day.

At the time, the event was billed as a nationwide drill to test the readiness of our nation's defenses in the event of an attack.

[…]

Many local businesses, fire companies, schoolchildren, the Westminster Municipal Band and the Western Maryland College Football squad all took part in the parade.

The article also goes to great lengths to explain: "The members of Company H Machine Gun Company entertained the crowd with demonstrations in machine gun firing... Four machine guns were set up on the southern terrace of Hoffa field (at Western Maryland College — now known as McDaniel College) with four targets… The shooting was decidedly accurate.… Tracer bullets were used in the final shooting event. One target was a five gallon can of gasoline which was struck by the second shot. The can flamed in a mass when struck by the bullet."

Somehow, I simply cannot imagine such an occasion these days.

Read much more here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/carroll/westminster/ph-ce-archives-defenders-0913-20150910-story.html



Designating a day to celebrate the nation's military power a source of conflict
Designating a day to celebrate the nation's military power a source of conflict
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
On Sept. 12, 1924, Westminster, along with communities across the nation, observed National Defense Day.
Finding clues for the first woman in law enforcement
Finding clues for the first woman in law enforcement
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
On Sept. 6, 1973, the Carroll Record reported that, "The Maryland State Police will shortly have a new look — as a pilot program utilizing a limited number of females trained as Troopers gets underway. These women will have full police powers and will be assigned in specialized areas of law enforcement...
Fire department's move was never cause for alarm
Fire department's move was never cause for alarm
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
A story in the Aug. 31, 1895 edition of the American Sentinel, a Westminster newspaper, explained that the city's fire department had outgrown the building at 31 E. Main Street and was moving to a new location.
Building rural ramps onto information superhighway in Carroll County [Eagle Archives]
Building rural ramps onto information superhighway in Carroll County [Eagle Archives]
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
In Carroll County, the underpinning of the local economy has always been agriculture and access to supplies and markets. The politics and economics involved with the maintenance of the roads, bringing the railroad to Carroll County and providing access to employment have also played prominent roles...
Life in Carroll County midway through August meant riding shows and tractor pulls
Life in Carroll County midway through August meant riding shows and tractor pulls
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
On this date in years past, a tractor pull at the county fair, a horse show at the Westminster Riding Club, and the opening of the Carroll County Vocational Technical Center were all in the news.
Official: Westminster fires intentionally set
Official: Westminster fires intentionally set
MICHEL ELBEN
Two shed fires that occurred in close proximity and just a few hours apart early Thursday morning in Westminster were intentionally set, likely by the same person, according to a spokesman of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Westminster mayors often had short terms in office
Westminster mayors often had short terms in office
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
Though it had happened more than a week earlier, in early August of 1981, the greater Westminster and Carroll County community was still mourning the death of Joseph (Jack) Hamilton Hahn, Jr.
Roots of a county fair in Carroll hard to follow before the Civil War
Roots of a county fair in Carroll hard to follow before the Civil War
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
All last week, preparations were in full swing for this year's annual Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair that set up at the Agriculture Center, just south of Westminster. This year's fair will continue to Saturday morning, Aug. 8.
Fire damages vacant cabin in New Windsor
Fire damages vacant cabin in New Windsor
TIMES STAFF
A fire that burned late Tuesday night in the 1300 block Western Chapel Road in New Windsor damaged a vacant cabin that was being prepared for demolition according to a State Fire Marshal's office press release.
Sheriff's Office took long road to leading role in Carroll County law enforcement
Sheriff's Office took long road to leading role in Carroll County law enforcement
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
The idea to develop a Carroll County police force began as a whisper campaign in the mid-1960s. It would take a half a century of studies, commissions, elections, and acrimony to finally decide to make the county sheriff's department the lead police agency in the county.
Memories of Henryton State hospital fading with buildings demolished
Memories of Henryton State hospital fading with buildings demolished
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
It was 30 years ago that Henryton State Hospital was closed by the state of Maryland. The sprawling facility included 19 buildings with a total footprint of 30 acres in Marriottsville, about seven miles from Sykesville in southern Carroll County.
Annual commemoration brings home Carroll County connection to Civil War
Annual commemoration brings home Carroll County connection to Civil War
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
By July 5, 1863, the horrific results of one of the most cataclysmic events of the American Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, were really settling in on that small town in southern Pennsylvania.
Remembering Carroll's statuesque and statue sculptor
Remembering Carroll's statuesque and statue sculptor
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
Many would be surprised to learn that Blaze Starr, who passed away on June 15, is not the only creative statuesque figure with a Carroll County connection.
Shrine in New Windsor honors site where Methodism got its start
Shrine in New Windsor honors site where Methodism got its start
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
On June 18, 1937, the Strawbridge Shrine Association was formed just outside of New Windsor, where many historians believe the origins of Methodism in America are located.
Study of schools in Carroll provides an interesting education
Study of schools in Carroll provides an interesting education
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
The first weeks of June are a time when many young adults in Carroll County look forward to the end of the school year and graduation ceremonies.
Memorial Day and memories of native son killed in Vietnam nearly 50 years ago
Memorial Day and memories of native son killed in Vietnam nearly 50 years ago
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF, KEVINDAYHOFF@GMAIL.COM
On May 25, the 148th Carroll County Memorial Day observances in Westminster were once again organized by Carroll Post 31 of the American Legion.
Carroll County pays last respects to emergency responder [Eagle Archives]
Carroll County pays last respects to emergency responder [Eagle Archives]
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF
Friends, family, colleagues and law enforcement officers from throughout the central-Maryland region filled Legacy Hall at the Sykesville Freedom District Volunteer Fire Department recently to pay their last respects to fellow firefighter and EMS provider Robin Flater Chenoweth.
Westminster band in third century together
Westminster band in third century together
KEVIN E. DAYHOFF
Eagle Archives


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Monday, April 28, 2014

March 30, 1923: A gang of 25 Baltimore men attempted to rob Carroll County distillery.

March 30, 1923: A gang of 25 Baltimore men attempted to rob Carroll County distillery.

The robbers received some buckshot in the hide, but no liquor.

By Kevin Dayhoff, March 30, 2014

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2014/04/march-30-1923-gang-of-25-baltimore-men.html



On March 30, 1923, in the depths of prohibition, a local newspaper rang the alarm that “About 25 men, all from Baltimore, it is reported, attempted to raid McGinnis Distillery in Carroll County, just east of Westminster.”

It needs to be noted that although prohibition, known as the “Volstead Act,” did not go into effect throughout the nation until January 20, 1920; Carroll countians voted to outlaw the sale of alcohol in the county six-years earlier - in 1914, according to research by historian Jay Graybeal for the Historical Society of Carroll County.

Prohibition remained the law of the land until President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law the Cullen-Harrison Act on March 23, 1933.

Meanwhile in Carroll County, Graybeal reports, “production at local distilleries continued even after Prohibition began ….  These rural distilleries became tempting targets for gangs who supplied liquor to speakeasies and individuals who still imbibed.  The Industrial Grain Products Corporation in Carrollton was robbed in broad daylight and the story was front page news in the November 23, 1923 issue of the Westminster Democratic Advocate newspaper…”

That same newspaper reported on March 30, 1923 that the McGinnis Distillery robbery attempt was the second try, “within two weeks to rob the warehouse which contains 4000 barrels of the precious fluid.  The truck to haul the whiskey away was left at Cranberry about 2 miles from the distillery,” near Westminster.

The next morning 25 five-gallon “containers were found along the warehouse which was to be used to put the whiskey in.  The iron shutter was opened but they failed to gain entrance.”

The newspaper account further reports that on this occasion, the guard on duty was prepared and defended the distillery from the would-be whiskey-robbers.  “Guard Charles Thomson, who was on duty, was the target for the raiders.  

“They opened fire on Mr. Thomson, who returned it, and made it so hot for the gang that they retreated over the hills for safety…  

“Two men, Saturday morning, it is said, full of blood and mud, took the 6:30 a.m. train at Cranberry for Baltimore.  It is evident that some of the gang received some of the buckshot in their hide, but none were seriously injured.”

Although this attempt on the distillery ended in failure, a lengthy newspaper account from January 8, 1926 details a gang of 50 men who literally attacked the distillery. The ensuing battle, which appears to have lasted for a considerable length of time, eventually witnessed even the Carroll County State’s Attorney and the Sheriff joining the battle and being fired upon.

Other newspaper accounts of prohibition in Carroll County took a lighter approach. According to Graybeal, “An article from the May 30, 1924 issue of the Democratic Advocate newspaper about the discovery of bootleg hooch provided the writer, Ira N. Barnes of Freedom, with an opportunity to comment on Prohibition…

In an effort to properly dispose of the alcohol, Barnes, “dumped the contents of the jars, one by one, into the secluded retreat of this elusive animal….” A groundhog that had taken-up residence on the Barnes farm.

“The next night following this eventful discovery, alone wanderer traveling down Morgan Run Valley was greatly surprised to observe by the light of the moon about a dozen ground-hogs engaged in a disgraceful tango, bunny-hug and turkey trot to the accompaniment of jazz music, furnished by a frog orchestra from an adjacent morass. 

“A large number of sober animals ranged around viewing the performance were so completely scandalized at the affair that they were compelled to bow their head in shame, excepting a few old skunks…”

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Westminster Patch:
Kevin Dayhoff Westminster Online: http://www.kevindayhoff.org
Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com
Kevin Dayhoff Politics: www.kevindayhoff@net

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Westminster Methodist minister Lowell Ensor helped raise awareness of civil rights in 1940s

Anyone remember the Rev. Dr. Lowell Ensor, the pastor at the Westminster United Methodist from 1940 – 1947 and later became the president of Western Maryland College – now McDaniel, from 1947 – June 30, 1972? http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/carroll/westminster/ph-ce-eagle-archives-0323-20140325,0,3448847.story

[...]

By Kevin Dayhoff, March 25, 2014

In 1945, institutional racism in Maryland was a hot topic. In part, the discussion was driven by pragmatism in that, according to research by historian Kenneth D. Durr, more than 20 percent of the population in Baltimore was said to be black. But because of housing segregation laws, the city's black population was squeezed into 2 percent of the city's land mass.

Lowell Ensor would later assume the office of president of the college, now McDaniel, on July 1, 1947, according to Lightner's history of the college, "Fearless and Bold." He served until June 30, 1972, and died in 1975.


Lowell Ensor would later assume pres of college now McDaniel 1Jy1947, according to Lightner's, "Fearless and Bold." http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/carroll/westminster/ph-ce-eagle-archives-0323-20140325,0,3448847.story
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Westminster warming up for birthday celebration

... just endured are hard on a city — and expensive. In a recent edition of the city's newsletter, Westminster Mayor Kevin Utz wrote, "The City has spent all $100,000 of our snow budget plus an additional $50,000 in contingency funds purchasing ...
Vehicle license plates long a topic of interest [Column]
On April 12, 1946, Maryland Gov. Herbert O'Conor "announced his decision to provide permanent automobile registration tags for motor vehicles in the State," according to a local newspaper.
Oriole baseball history includes loss to Westminster in 1885 [Column]
There were actually at least two sports stadiums in Northeast Baltimore at 33rd Street and Ellerslie Avenue in what was once a city park by the name of Venable Park. The first, Baltimore Municipal Stadium, began operations Dec. 2, 1922.
Westminster minister helped raise awareness of civil rights in 1940s
In 1945, institutional racism in Maryland was a hot topic. In part, the discussion was driven by pragmatism in that, according to research by historian Kenneth D. Durr, more than 20 percent of the population in Baltimore was said to be black.
Current tensions in Ukraine bring back memories of Cold War
"Today's Paper Has Community Fallout Shelter Plan ? The new community fallout shelter plan for Carroll County is included in this newspaper. ?"
When cigars meant major industry in Manchester [Column]
... received an imported breech-loading shotgun. Throughout his career he gave away 5,000 guns representing sales of 5,000,000 cigars!" When he is not admiring the artwork on the old cigar labels,Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at .
Panama Canal opened markets for Carroll farmers [Column]
... City, a vast collection of skyscrapers and a thriving economic center that may be best described as the Hong Kong of Latin and South America. If he is not showing pictures of his trip to Panama to friends, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at
Wormseed was once a growing industry in the county [Eagle Archives]
... College: 621 employees • Carroll County Commissioners: 587 employees • Carroll Community College: 509 employees • Evapco: 440 employees When he is not counting the days until spring, KevinDayhoff may be reached at .
Streets and history of Westminster intersect at odd angles [Eagle Archives]
Many residents today may not recall the crazy-quilt "dog leg" intersection of John, Bond and Main streets, or the equally mismatched collision of Main and Liberty streets, Railroad Avenue, and the train tracks in Westminster. Years ago, these intersections did not look anything like they do now.
Long-standing history of ground-rent on property in Westminster [Column]
In the last several weeks, articles in the Baltimore Sun report that a ruling by the Maryland Court of Appeals "tossed-out ? an ambitious legislative effort" to address what some lawmakers perceived as abusive practices on the part of some ground-rent owners in Maryland.                                        +++++++++++++++
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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