Out of the Past
Posted: December 31, 2012
100 years ago
Mr. J.H. Henry has leased the Harris Hall building on North Main Street, owned by Mr. A, L. Shearer, and will at once make many improvements and install a modern moving picture theater on the ground floor of the building.
The room, which is well adapted to that purpose will have a seating capacity of 400 persons. Mr. Henry stated this afternoon that he will run a strictly first-class moving picture theater. The policy of the house will be a straight 5-cent admission at all times.
A modern indirect lighting system, which now prevails in the cities will be installed. It will be strictly modern in every particular. Mr. Henry’s Empire Theater was recently destroyed by fire and now that he has decided to engage in the same business again all his numerous friends will be glad to welcome him into the field again and await with much interest the formal opening of his new theater, which will take place about Jan. 15, 1913.
The name of the new theater will be “The Gem” as it will be a thing of beauty. Mr. Henry’s original intention was to build an elaborate theater on his Market Street site, but was unable to acquire adjoining property on Rouss Avenue for a more convenient entrance.
Dec. 20, 1912
Owners of horses would do well to bear in mind the fact that while the streets and roads are so full of ice and snow, they should rough shod their horses’ feet.
It has been quite a common occurrence to see horses slip and fall on the streets today, when the small cost of roughing would prevent the animal from possibly being badly hurt or injured, so as to entirely disable them from further service.
Dec. 26, 1912
HAYFIELD — Dr. and Mrs. W.A. Hedrick of Washington gave a number of neighboring friends at “Burcorft” their county home near here, at Christmas, one of the most novel and unique entertainments of the Yuletide season.
Immediately upon their arrival they began the plans for the festivities. Instead of having it in the house, as had been their custom, they decided to celebrate in the woods nearby.
The greatest barrier was an 8--inch snow, but a snow plow was pressed into service and the obstruction removed. A large and beautiful pine was adorned with presents and gay trimmings. The exercises were held Christmas Eve, “Joy to the World,” being the introductory song.
Instead of coal stoves and steam radiators, a large bonfire modified the temperature. At the conclusion of the program, Santa Claus of the Patagonian type, emerged unexpectedly, taking charge of the distributions of presents expediting his mission with wonderful skill and ingenuity.
Dec. 28, 1912
Mr. George W. Rathman, the well-known owner and manager of the Rathman bread, cake and pie bakery on East Cecil Street, had the palm of his left hand severely crushed and gashed about 7:30 Sunday morning while operating an electric bread-kneading machine at his plant, and he is now confined to his home, 417 S. Market St., unable to attend to his business.
While the dough is in process of being kneaded, it passed through steel rollers, and it was while operating the machine that Mr. Rathman’s hand was caught and drawn in.
Mr. Herbert Hiner, who was nearby, saw the predicament of his employer, and at once turned off the electric current, which undoubtedly prevented Mr. Rathman’s entire hand and arm being crushed.
Dec. 30, 1912
75 years ago
Fortune smiled upon Legionnaire Jim Loy, well-known filling station operator in Winchester, last week, when it came time to determine who should receive the automobile offered by the American Legion for prompt payment of dues. Mr. Loy’s name was drawn and he has been informed the car will be delivered in a short time.
Dec. 20, 1937
Some years ago, representatives of the Smithsonian Institute came to this section to inspect the graves of several Indians revealed by floods which had receded into the banks of the Shenandoah River in the Castleman’s Ferry section. At that time, some of the graves were reported to be seven feet long and it was believed that possibly a tribe of giant Indians once roamed this area.
Yesterday, a youth named Oliver found a gigantic battle axe made of stone which is far above the average in size. He presented it to Capt. E.C. Goss, who had it on display at the gas company office. So large is the axe that it is not at all difficult to conclude the man who wielded it possessing plenty of heft and that possibly he was a giant. Made of flint, the axe is in an excellent state of preservation.
Dec. 21, 1937
Another of the time-honored institutions so dear to the hearts of many is reported to be taking its place in the limbo of forgotten things.
It pertains to the old-time hog- butchering party, which in years gone by was oft a social gathering among men and women of rural neighborhoods, and at which a general good time was had by all.
Instead of the folks gathering from near and far on certain dates in mid-winter, usually when the moon was on the increase, to assist Friend Farmer in his butchering operation, the work is now being done in may localities by itinerant butchers who make a specialty of killing, dressing and cutting up hogs at so much per head. The specialists even render the lard, stuff the sausage and pudding, and make the ponhoss.
Dec. 28, 1937
50 years ago
Winter tightened its icy grip today and the weatherman said the mercury may plunge to zero to 10 below tonight.
It dipped to seven above this morning at the Winchester Fruit Research Laboratory as the worst cold snap of the season enters its third day.
Dec. 31, 1962
25 years ago
At noon on New Year’s day, pause for a moment and listen. The clanging of church bells throughout the community will signal the official beginning of Frederick County’s 250th birthday party, a year-long celebration of the county’ founding.
Amy Hammond, co-chairman of publicity of the Frederick County 250th Anniversary Commission, said the day’s activities are the commission’s way of “shooting in the new year.”
The other big feature that day will have local 4-H clubs carrying out an old German New Year’s custom, in which children go from house to house shooting off firecrackers and then are invited in for ginger snaps and punch.
Dec. 30, 1987
— Compiled by Priscilla Lehman. Contact plehman@winchesterstar.com.