Gateway by Lorraine Walker, Graphic Designer

CONTENTS frederick, md

june 2-3, 2018

FEATURING

T H E F R E D E R I C K FA I R G R O U N D S

SATURDAY, JUNE 2: 9AM - 6PM & | SUNDAY, JUNE 3: 9AM - 5PM

Thurmont Thurmont Parks: Destination for Relaxation ...................... 4 Catoctin Mountain Park .......................... 6 Cunningham Falls State Park ................. 7 Thurmont Main Street ............................ 8 The Creeger House .................................. 9 Explore Arts & Entertainment ................. 10 Tree City USA ........................................... 11 Murder On The Mountain ....................... 12

Emmitsburg The Seton Shrine ..................................... 14 The Doughboy & Emmit House .............. 18

About Gateway Gateway is a bi-annual publication of Town of Thurmont Office of Economic Development 11 Water Street, Thurmont, MD 21788 240-626-9980

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jim Humerick, Vickie Grinder, Donna Voellinger and Robert L. Eyler

ABOUT THE COVER

BUY PASSES

Cunningham Falls State Park Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Thurmont… Opening the Gateway to Endless Possibilities 2

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Welcome to Thurmont Spring and summer are great seasons to visit Thurmont to enjoy the amazing parks within town that provide a wide range of outdoor opportunities. There are many sports fields encompassing baseball, soccer, football, softball, and lacrosse. Tennis courts, basketball courts, horseshoe pits and hand ball court are also available to our guests. Our Community Park has walking trails that include exercise stations that can be utilized by individuals of all physical capabilities. There are sevMayor John A. Kinnaird eral tot lots throughout town and Town of Thurmont one of the first all-inclusive playgrounds in Frederick County. There are several pavilions, picnic areas with bbq facilities and ample open space for tag or frisbee. In the center of town we have the Trolley Trail bike and walking path. This trail has a blacktopped surface and offers an opportunity for the entire family to enjoy a walk or bike ride. There are bike repairs stations at both the Community Park and at the head of the Trolley Trail on East Main Street. For those looking for a wider or more challenging bike ride, hike or walk, Thurmont is the place to start

your trip. Brochures of biking routes are available and include routes to our three local covered bridges. We are also a great location for trips to the Cunningham Falls Park and the Catoctin Mountain Park. Both of these parks offer great trails, picnic locations and beautiful vistas. Cunningham Falls State Park features a lake with swimming, boating and fishing. If you are looking for a biking challenge these parks offer beautiful winding roads throughout. Thurmont serves as the beginning point for dozens of outdoor events through the year. We host the Century Bike ride that regularly attracts 1600 bicyclists taking routes up to 100 miles in length. We also host a classic motorcycle ride that attracts hundreds of interesting bikes, the ride originates in our Community Park and travels a course of over 100 miles before returning here for a picnic. There are always car and motorcycle clubs taking advantage of our close proximity to the parks and the miles of roads that pass through wonderful rolling countryside, orchards and local wineries. Our many restaurants offer amazingly tasty selections. There are local businesses with hunting, fishing and outdoor supplies, shops with antiques and decorating ideas from primitive to contemporary and many other shopping and browsing opportunities. Be sure to visit our local wineries and orchards for fresh fruit, baked goods and award winning wines. I invite you to visit Thurmont for a day or two of outdoor fun and adventure. You will find yourself returning again and again to this welcoming outdoor wonderland.

Welcome to Emmitsburg Though founded in 1785 and with a rich history, today it is commonly referred to as, “Fire Town” or “Green Town”. Fire Town because most every firefighter in the country knows Emmitsburg is the home of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Also because more than likely through the Fire Academy they have attended classes here or taken them on line. “Green Town” because of forward approaches to sustainability. In the spring of 2017 the town was awarded the prestigious State Mayor Donald N. Briggs of Maryland Green Registry’s LeadTown of Emmitsburg ership award. Later that year I was honored to receive the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Fund’s first Teddy Roosevelt award. Both awards would not have been possible without the hours of determined effort by our town staff and community. Emmitsburg from a first take is a quiet town set idyllically amid mountains, farmland and streams. But in an expanded sense it could be more aptly described as a “campus”. A campus where 2900+ residents go about their “day to days” amidst the daily scale of scurries and interactions of our restaurants, three museums and four archives, the world’s most visited fire house, the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Basilica and ministries, the Homeland Security/FEMA/

Fire Academy facility with its $40+ million budget, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, the Grotto of Lourdes and Mount St. Mary’s University. All cylinders running 24/7/365. Emmitsburg not only welcomes its many visitors but also the streams of returning University alums, firefighters and skiers from a nearby ski resort. Recently I met with over a hundred firemen from the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association, while another hundred firefighters gathered in town to attend the spring meeting Executive Fire Officer Program Graduate Symposium. Both groups were among the many who come here for annual events. Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the current downtown section of Emmitsburg, the joint Town-State square - side walk replacement project is being respectfully revitalized to assure that our sense of history is preserved. For the recreation of our residents and guests, Emmitsburg offers many passive and active options. This spring a dog park and a renovated (to new) community pool will open to add to our exercise stations trail, tennis court, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, baseball and softball fields. For the more adventurous there is a 13 mile multi-user trail that traces through parts of the town’s 1,100 plus mountain acres. If that’s not enough memberships are available at the University athletic facilities with access to an indoor pool, track, and exercise equipment. Or how about taking a course or two at the University? We are day in and day out committed to enhancing the quality of life in Emmitsburg. Emmitsburg, a great place to live, work and visit. M A Y 2 0 1 8 | G AT E WAY

THURMONT

Thurmont Parks

Destination for Relaxation

BY JIM HUMERICK

Thurmont has always been a popular destination for folks looking to visit some great parks, relax, and get back to nature. With fantastic parks such as Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park close by, who wouldn’t consider Thurmont their “happy place” when it comes to parks? However, the Town of Thurmont is also proud of our local parks that fall within our corporate boundaries. Thurmont, with just over 6,500 residents and encompassing over 3 square miles in land mass, proudly manages and maintains 11 parks, totaling 76.7 acres. Each of the parks have their own interesting and unique characteristics and amenities. Thanks to grant funding from Program Open Space and Community Parks and Playgrounds, park upgrades and enhancements in many of our parks have been completed, providing top notch amenities for our residents and visitors to enjoy. Thurmont Community Park totals 23.8 acres and is a very popular spot for residents and visitors. Community Park is a hub of the annual Colorfest event which draws up to 100,000 visitors to Thurmont each October. Community Park is also home of the annual Halloween in the Park event sponsored by the Town of Thurmont, drawing several thousand participants each year. Horse and carriage rides, held each December during Christmas

INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND in Thurmont, trot through Community Park to see the holiday decorations which adorn the park each year. The annual Easter Egg Hunt is also held in Community Park, along with countless family reunions, birthday parties, corporate picnics, and events. Park amenities include 2 picnic pavilions that can be reserved, rest rooms, tennis courts, basketball courts, horseshoes, an exercise trail, a “Born Learning Trail” geared towards pre-school children, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a baseball/softball field. Bicyclists who often use Community Park as a starting and stopping point for large organized rides can also perform repairs or

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THE RESIDENTS OF THURMONT ARE EQUALLY PROUD OF THEIR PARKS AND ENJOY SPENDING THEIR TIME AT THE VARIOUS FACILITIES WATCHING GAMES, PICNICKING, SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY, OR JUST RELAXING. maintenance on their bikes at a bike “fix-it station”. The summer of 2018 will see the first summer park program organized from Community Park. This program will be held Monday through Thursdays July 23 through July 26, and July 30 through August 2. East End Park is another very popular park in Thurmont. Totaling 8.7 acres, many different types of park amenities can be found in East End. The East End Park Inclusive Playground was completed in 2017. This one-of-a-kind facility allows children of all abilities to be able to play together without obstacles. This $230,000 project was funded by grants from Program Open Space, Community Parks and Playgrounds, and from a Civitan International grant provided by the Catoctin Civitan Club, who also came up with this great idea. Other amenities within East End Park include a second playground, baseball/softball fields, a picnic pavilion, and the East End Dog Park. At the time of this article, an ADA accessible restroom is under construction with a projected completion by June. The Summer Lunch program sponsored by the Thurmont Ministerium is run out of East End Park each summer providing free lunches to children of all ages.

COMMUNITY PARK Eyler Road Park is the largest of Thurmont’s parks, totaling 31.87 acres. Eyler Road Park focuses mainly on sports and recreational activities and is the home of Catoctin Youth Association’s football, cheerleading, soccer, and lacrosse programs. All home games for these teams are played on the park’s 7 soccer fields and 2 football/lacrosse fields. Many events are held in Eyler Road Park including the annual Community Fun Fest and the annual Gateway to the Cure 5K run. Other popular park amenities include 2 playgrounds, a picnic pavilion, a sand volleyball court, and an ice skating pond (when weather permits). While it may not be a typical park by definition, the Thurmont Trolley Trail is a very heavily used and popular recreational amenity in Thurmont. The .72 mile trail was constructed by the Thurmont Lions Club and is a shining example of a “rails to trails” project. The trail was installed over the former trolley tracks that serviced CONTINUED ON 13

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Catoctin Mountain Park Catoctin Mountain Park is one of 417 units of your National Park System that is committed to preserving its natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. At Catoctin Mountain Park, outdoor recreation, nature, and history await you. Twenty-five miles of maintained trails will rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit regardless of whether you are a first time hiker or a veteran of the trail. Two premiere trout streams will challenge fishermen of every skill level. Thinking about camping? Introduce your family and friends to the great outdoors at one of our wooded campsites, or stay in a historic cabin. Come and make memoires at Catoctin Mountain Park. It’s close by and most activities are FREE. Plan your visit today. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Maps and information are available at the Visitor Center which is located at 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont. The Visitor Center is open daily 9 am - 5 pm. You can also plan your visit to Catoctin Mountain Park by first visiting our website at www.nps.gov/cato. We’ll see you in the park!

Scenic Drives - Park roads wind through wooded areas and along streams. Hiking – Challenge yourself with over 25 miles of trails that traverse easy to strenuous terrain. Well maintained trails lead to scenic vistas and to Cunningham Falls. Camping/Cabins - Owens Creek Family Campground, Camp Misty Mount, and the rustic Adirondack shelters are great for families and individuals. Group accommodations are available at Poplar Grove Youth Campground, Camp Round Meadow, and Camp Greentop. Check out the amenities and reserve your lodging at www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Horseback Riding – Bring your horse and enjoy 6 miles of wooded trails. Free trailer parking is available across from Camp Greentop on Park Central Road. Fishing – Cast your line into Big Hunting Creek or Owens Creek, two premium trout streams that will challenge even the most experienced ﬂy fisherman. Maryland fishing license and trout stamp are required. Picnicking - Owens Creek Picnic Area offers picnic tables and grills. Chestnut Picnic Area offers restrooms, picnic tables and grills. Picnic tables are also available at Thurmont Vista parking area, Hog Rock parking area, and at the Visitor Center, but grilling is permitted only at picnic areas where grills are provided. Ranger Programs - Scheduled ranger programs are offered every Saturday at the Owens Creek Campground. Programs are free and open to the public. Check the website www.nps.gov/cato for times and topics. Junior Ranger Programs, TRACK Trail guides and other activities for children are available at the Visitor Center. Rock Climbing & Bouldering - Enjoy technical rock climbing at Wolf Rock or bouldering at numerous locations throughout the park. Wildlife Viewing - Bring your binoculars to observe the many species of birds and other animals the call the park home.

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THURMONT

Cunningham Falls

STATE PARK

Adventure & Fun Await at Cunningham Falls State Park Summer is an adventurous time at Cunningham Falls State Park. There are so many activities to choose from that everyone in the family will find something to enjoy. The camping is incredibly popular with 183 sites in two campgrounds with options including mini cabins with air conditioning, pet friendly campsites and electric sites with 30 amp hookups. Each loop has a centrally located bath house with hot showers and water hydrants located throughout for water access. We also have a dump station for those who have a camping unit. Our camp store is stocked with wood, ice and an assortment of other camping necessities. The William Houck Area boast 44 acre Hunting Creek Lake and the park’s name sake Cunningham Falls, locally known as McAfee Falls, Maryland’s longest cascading water fall at 77ft from top to bottom. Enjoy the ½ mile hike to the waterfall but we ask that visitors respect the view and refrain from climbing on the rocks. People have been injured and impact the stream environment. Our day use area is open from 8 am until sunset and has picnic pads with tables and grills, a playground, and two guarded beach areas that allow swimming from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 am until 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Pets on leashes are welcome anywhere in the day-use area except buildings and the sandy beach area. Lakeside Concessions operate the concession stand that has a variety of food choices and they also provide canoe, kayak and stand up paddle

board rentals. Anglers will enjoy fishing for bass, sunfish, trout and catfish. Boats are welcome with electric motors only. The Manor area of Cunningham Falls State Park is located off of US 15 just south of Thurmont and is home to the Scales & Tales Aviary and the Catoctin Furnace historic area and a large picnic shelter that is available for rent for large events. The aviary houses live birds of prey including owls, hawks and a bald eagle. The Catoctin Furnace was built by the Johnson Brothers in 1774 and the site was in operation until 1903 when it was shut down forever. Isabella, the last remaining furnace stack, the casting shed and the Iron Master House ruins are all that remain on this once bustling industrial site. For those looking for a more private experience in nature, we have over 15 miles of trails in the park in addition to the 27 mile Catoctin Trail, a National Recreation Trail that connects Cunningham Falls to Gambrill State Park, the Frederick City Watershed and Catoctin Mountain Park. These hikes are accessed from either the Houck or Manor areas. They can be strenuous but will lead to some amazing natural overlooks. Please remember alcohol is prohibited and our day-use facilities are trash free to help protect the park environment so plan to take your trash home with you when you leave. The Houck Area may fill to capacity and temporarily close for extended periods on weekends so plan to arrive early or visit mid week. For more information, visit dnr.maryland.gov or call 301-271-7574. M A Y 2 0 1 8 | G AT E WAY

THURMONT

Meet Me On Main Street BY VICKIE GRINDER

Thurmont is one of the twenty-eight towns that has earned the prestigious Designated Main Streets title in the State of Maryland. Main Street Maryland is a comprehensive downtown revitalization program created in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and Thurmont received their Main Street Designation in 2005. According to the Department of Housing and Community Development, “Main Street Maryland’s traditional downtown economic and cultural districts are the cornerstones of local communities throughout the State of Maryland. They feature historic architecture as well as locally owned shops, boutiques, arts, entertainment and events.” The Thurmont Main Street designated area completed a Complete Main Street Beautification in 2016 including 62 new lamp posts, sidewalks, benches constructed from recyclable materials, bike racks, and trash receptacles to create an idyllic Main Street culture. Cyclists can even find a bike fix-it station on East Main Street by the Trolley car.

types to display and sell their work. Paintings, photography, pottery, and painted glass are just a few examples of the local artwork you find at the Main Street Center in addition to locally written books. The Main Street Center also serves as a visitor center and is full of local information and fun things to do, and places to dine while visiting Thurmont!

Main Street is home to many locally owned businesses along with arts and entertainment including the Main Street Center on Water Street. On East Main Street you will find Timeless Trends Boutique, a 4,200 square feet retail store where you will find oneof-a-kind furniture pieces of all sizes, antiques, local art, pottery and jewelry. Main Street is also home to ESP Productions, a nationally acclaimed dance studio that provides a professional staff who travel from coast to coast to study and bring to the studio the best and most current dance education possible with award winning results! Up the street from ESP Productions, you will find The Main Street Center which serves as a local artist coop for artists of all

Main Street also hosts several events annually such as the Farmers Market that is held every Saturday from June through September from 9 AM-Noon at the Municipal Parking Lot, The Art & Wine Stroll held the second Friday of May and November, Paint the Town Plein Air in September, and the ever-so-popular Christmas in Thurmont complete with horse and carriage rides the first Saturday in December. While on Main Street, make sure you see the Murals on Main Street and explore the Thurmont Trolley Trail that will take you to the Thurmont Regional Library where you can sit a spell and relax on their beautiful deck! When visiting Thurmont, don’t forget to make it to Main Street! You’re going to love it!!

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THURMONT

History Lives at the Creeger House BY DONNA VOELLINGER

The historic Creeger House is home to the Thurmont Historical Society where they are the keepers of the towns history! The Creeger house was originally a two-story log cabin and is now is a two-story brick house. The original owner of the house, Colonel John R. Rouzer, enlarged the two-story log cabin and encased it in brick after returning from the Civil War. The log cabin is still under the structure you see today. The house would be purchased by the Creeger family during the 1920’s. After Mrs. Ethel Creeger left the house, it remained vacant for several years, and in 1999 the house was gifted to the Thurmont Historical Society by Ethel Creeger. Restoration was undertaken by this all volunteer organization with the goal of having a repository for artifacts, pictures, and the history of the town of Thurmont and the surrounding area. As you enter the front door you see the beautiful stairway which was constructed by Colonel Rouzer as he added some Victorian touches to the interior. The remainder of the house is furnished much as it was during the time the Creegers resided in the house.

There are displays throughout the house of items which have been donated to the care of this small museum to preserve and share. A Research Library is located on the second ﬂoor and is available for use by the public. There are many reference books, family histories, and subject files accessible to visitors. A member of the Thurmont Historical Society will happily help you with your research! Visit the Creeger House at 11 N. Church Street in Thurmont. Just up from the square, this house is open from 12 PM to 4 PM on Sunday afternoons throughout the year. If you are unable to visit during our regular hours arrangements can be made to visit by calling 301 271-1860 or leave a message on our face book page.

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THURMONT

Explore Arts & Entertainment If you like art, wine, and entertainment, you will not want to miss the Thurmont Main Street Art & Wine Strolls! BY VICKIE GRINDER

The Art & Wine Stroll focuses on local artists and the amazing talent that is right here in Frederick County and takes place the second Friday in May and November! The Stroll features local artisans displaying and selling their art inside participating Main Street businesses and musical entertainment in various places on your stroll. You will find wine along the way in various businesses, and Detour Winery and Catoctin Breeze Vineyard are always on hand for a wine tasting of their various wines. You will experience interactive art along the way on your stroll, and there is always a live drawing session by Gnarly Artly at the Thurmont Bar & Grill to enjoy! While you are walking around, take a minute to stop at the square and listen to some great live entertainment and in other locations along your stroll. Explore and experience a fun-filled evening on Main Street while discovering all the arts and entertainment Thurmont has to offer. The Art & Wine Stroll is Friday, May 11 from 5-8PM, and the Fall Art & Wine Stroll will be held Friday, November 9 from 5-8 PM. Mark your calendars now!

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THURMONT

Thurmont recognized as Tree City USA Second Consecutive Year BY JIM HUMERICK

“This award is a because of all of you”, Buehrer said while addressing the Green Fest attendees and participants, and added “The Town of Thurmont thanks you”.

The Town of Thurmont was recognized as a 2017 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of the town’s commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the second consecutive year that Thurmont has achieved this accomplishment. Becky Wilson from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources presented the award during the Thurmont Green Fest on April 21. Ms. Wilson stated “It can be challenging to achieve all required standards and to do so for consecutive years. This certainly demonstrates a commitment to the critically important role trees have in the health and vitality of our communities. It has been a pleasure and honor to share a passion for trees with Thurmont and its caring citizens, Green Team, local organizations, staff and elected officials for the past two years”. Thurmont Commissioner Bill Buehrer accepted the award and thanked the Thurmont Green Team, Town of Thurmont staff, and the many volunteer organizations that helped during tree planting activities and the ongoing care required to sustain the trees.

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Thurmont achieved the Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a dedicated team devoted to tree care, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. In 2017, Town staff and volunteers planted over 150 trees in the Thurmont Community Park, Eyler Road Park, and East End Park. The Town shares the Tree City USA distinction with only 42 other communities in Maryland. Together, in 2017, Maryland’s Tree Cities planted over 43,000 trees and maintained hundreds of thousands more. Staff and volunteers have been planting trees since 2016 when the town identified many of the ash trees in Thurmont Community Park had been impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer. Proactive tree planting, along with chemical treatment of the impacted trees have proven to be very effective in the battle against the insect.

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THURMONT

Bessie Darling....

Murder on the mountain! BY ROBERT L. EYLER

By all accounts Bessie Darling was a well-respected socialite from Baltimore Maryland, who owned and operated the Valley View Hotel in Deerfield, just a few miles from Thurmont in the Catoctin Mountains. In 1926 Bessie became acquainted with a gentleman by the name of George F. Schultz. George and Bessie became so close that Mr. Schultz went to see her family for Christmas in 1930. George Schultz began to suspect Bessie may have been seeking the company of other men, and he was particularly suspicious of a gentleman by the name of Charles Wolfe. He was a 63 year-old widower who had lost his wife the previous year. To avoid George and his anger, Bessie Darling left Baltimore in September to stay at her beloved Valley View Hotel with her maid. On October 31, 1933 which was a Halloween night, Schultz decided to act on his suspicions. He hopped on a Mail Train headed to Thurmont, getting off the train just 10 minutes from Bessie Darlings residence. He then got a ride from Clarence Lidie, at gun point when he insisted Mr. Lidie take him to the Valley View Hotel. Once at the hotel Schultz was informed by the maid that Bessie was in her room. Schultz then rushed up the stairs forced open the door,

at which time he shot and killed Darling with his pistol. It was then he sent the maid to call the authorities, as she was doing so, George Schultz attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself. His attempt failed, he was captured and taken to the local hospital. Schultz recovered from his self-inﬂicted gunshot wound and was tried in court on March 13, 1934. He was found guilty of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. His plea during the entire time of his trial was that the murder was in self-defense as Bessie Darling had also been armed with a pistol. The self-defense plea was thrown out of court when the court decided that Bessie Darling had a reason to be in possession of her weapon as he had previously threatened her life. To this day, Bessie Darling is still Thurmont’s most notorious murder case! Bessie Darling is laid to Rest in The Weller Cemetery in Thurmont.

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THURMONT PARKS CONTINUED FROM 5

Thurmont in the 1900’s. From 1908 to 1954, Thurmont was the “end of the line” for the trolley system that traveled from Frederick to Thurmont. During its hay day in the 1920’s, the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway (H &F) carried 3.8 million people per year. However, with great strides in the world of transportation, the demands for the trolley dwindled and the H&F made its final trip to Thurmont in 1954 and the tracks were removed. The existing trail begins at the historical trolley car and promotes a glimpse at Thurmont’s historical transportation services. Thanks again to grant funding from Program Open Space, the trail was recently paved so baby strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes have smooth sailing while enjoying the trail. A bike “fix-it” station is located at the trolley car on display at the beginning of the Trolley Trail on East Main Street. Plans are underway to restore the trolley car in the near future. Many of the residential neighborhoods in Thurmont have parks located throughout to provide open space and recreational activities. Pleasant Acres Park is a 1.0 acre park with a half basketball court, a playground, picnicking, and open play areas for neighborhood “pick up” games. Orchard Hills Park is another neighborhood park with a playground and open play areas. Orchard Hills Park totals 5.9 acres. The 2.08 acre Woodland Park has a large playground, picnicking, a half basketball court, and open play areas. Carroll Street Park is home to the Thurmont Community Gardens where residents can rent garden plots to create some home-grown goodies. Carroll Street Park, totaling 1.7 acres, also has a large playground, picnic areas, and open space play areas. All of these neighborhood parks play an important role in their respective communities providing facilities nearby so families do not have to go far from home to enjoy their parks.

Ice Plant Park is a .47 acre park located near the downtown area adjacent to the Thurmont Carnival Grounds and has a nice playground, as well as open play areas. Mechanicstown Square Park is also located within the downtown area. This urban style .95 acre park is the headquarters for Santa Claus, the town Christmas tree and all the Christmas in Thurmont activities on the first Saturday of each December. The park has a beautiful water fountain, as well as equally beautiful ﬂower beds which come alive each summer. The gazebo is used by musicians throughout the year during special events in the downtown shopping area. Tables in the park have checker boards built in for friendly games of checkers and chess. Memorial Park is a 2.0 acre park that is located adjacent to the Trolley Trail on East Main Street. This park honors our local veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice while representing the United States military. The park hosts events on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans’ Day. Summer concerts are also held in Memorial Park during the town’s Summer Concert Series. Parks in Thurmont are maintained in the highest quality by the Town of Thurmont Streets and Parks Department. Supervisor Tim Eyler, along with Russell Sanders, Colby Savage and Steve Nicholson take great pride in our parks and the results certainly are evident. The residents of Thurmont are equally proud of their parks and enjoy spending their time at the various facilities watching games, picnicking, spending time with friends and family, or just relaxing. For more information on Thurmont’s parks, call the Thurmont Municipal Offices at 301271-7313, ext. 210. We hope to see everyone get outside and enjoy the wonderful parks that Thurmont has to offer! It’s a destination for relaxation!

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EMMITSBURG

The Seton Shrine

Welcomes Everyone to Visit At the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, you’ll discover the story of Elizabeth Ann Seton. Born in 1774, she was a wife, mother and educator, and experienced many ups and downs in her life. After converting to Catholicism in the early 1800s, Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the first congregation of sisters in the U.S. and the first free Catholic school for girls staffed by sisters in the U.S. She died at age 46 in 1821, and eventually became the first American-born saint in 1975. The Seton Shrine welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover her inspirational story. At the Shrine, you can see a museum and 12-minute film about Elizabeth Ann Seton’s life. The museum has a variety of exhibits that tell the story of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s life and legacy. As part of her legacy, one of the exhibits illustrates the sisters’ involvement during the Civil War. Another exhibit features photos of sisters as they perform their mission work, serving the poor and marginalized. In addition to the museum and film, guided tours are available daily of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s two historic homes, the Shrine’s historic cemetery, and the Basilica where her remains are

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entombed. The guided tour, film and parking are free. There is also a gift shop at the Shrine, where people can purchase a souvenir of their visit. For more information, please visit the Shrine’s website at setonshrine.org.

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eginning une 11, 201 Custom Window Treatments Energy-Efficient Window Treatments Custom Upholstery Specializing in Period Furniture Heart and Hands Decorator Workroom is taking on New Designers Call for a Personalized Home Visit We’ve expanded and are now open at our new location 202B East Main Street Thurmont 21788 (301) 271-1028 14

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226 East Lincoln Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727

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Emergency and long-term social services

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your local, high-quality thrift shop

301.447.6102 www.setoncenterinc.org

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Frederick, MD is a top-ranked destination for businesses to start, expand and locate. 301-600-1058 â&#x20AC;¢ www.discoverfrederickmd.com #WhereBigIdeasGrow

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NEEDLE & THREAD WOODED HAMLET DESIGNS

Offering a beautiful line of fabrics, notions, and patterns. • Brown Polished Cotton • Pendleton Navy Wool • Hainesworth Wool • Historical Textiles

Life can change directions, when the unthinkable happens turn to Black’s

Serving All of Frederick County

2215 Fairfield Road Gettysburg, PA needleandthread.biz • 717-334-4011

60 Water Street | Thurmont, MD 21788 | 240-288-1300 blacksfuneralhomes.com

Gambrill State Park

Take a break from your daily grind and become one with the great outdoors. Scenic waterways, a 78-foot cascading waterfall, and picturesque mountain trails in National and State Parks are waiting to be conquered. Nature’s beauty is more evident with every step you take in Frederick County. VISITFREDERICK.ORG • 800-999-3613

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Town of Emmitsburg and State Highway Administration (SHA) partnered to redesign the Square and finish with brickwork and replace sidewalks in the historic district. The project started in 2016 and is scheduled to be completed in spring 2018.

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EMMITSBURG

The American Doughboy and the Emmit House

The “Spirit of the American Doughboy” is a WWI statue that was set in 1927 to commemorate all the young men from Emmitsburg that served in the 1917-1918 war. Those who gave their lives are specifically noted as are the “Colored Soldiers”.

The “Emmit House” circa 1800 (at one time the “Farmers Inn”) was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 by the United States Department of the Interior. This view facing northwest in July, 1863. Photo is courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Enjoy memories

of the eras gone by Stroll through our 34,000 square feet of antiques and more

Emmitsburg Antique Mall 1 Chesapeake Ave. Emmitsburg, MD 301-447-6471 emmitsburgantiquemall.com Open every day 10am to 5pm

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THURMONT, MARYLAND

THURMONT

Getaway to the Gateway!

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Bird is the word

Visit our store for the freshest... Turkey, Turkey Sausage, Turkey Jerky, Potpies, Smoked Turkey Parts, Pork Bacon and ALL NATURAL FRESH CHICKEN.

Lunch Meats:

Smoked Turkey Breast Roasted Turkey Breast Turkey Pastrami Turkey Salami Country Ham Baked Ham Turkey Ham Black Forest Turkey Ham and so much more

Snack Stix:

Teriyaki ● Plain Sweet ● Pepper Jack Cheese ● and Beer

Cheese:

American ● Provolone ● Swiss Colby ● Horseradish Cheddar Farmers ● Italian Blend Pepper Jack ● Smoked Cheddar Lacey Swiss Farmers with Vegetables

EAT MORE TURKEY. 301.271.2728

30 Elm Street, Thurmont, MD 21788 Store Hours: Thursday and Friday 8am-3pm & Saturday 8am-12pm 20

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