USA > Maryland > Montgomery County > Sandy Spring > Annals of Sandy Spring history of a rural community in Maryland, Volume III > Part 22
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stitution, and went far in its development to its present standing in the County and the State."
At the State Horticultural Exhibition in Balti- more, early in December, R. Bentley Thomas took all the premiums offered for apples, and an expert who was present said that, though he had been at the St. Louis and Portland Expositions, he had never seen such fine apples anywhere. So perhaps careful attention-proper trimming and prompt and faith- ful spraying-may have more to do with success in apple raising than soil and climate.
The need for spraying has been growing more and more apparent for years, and this demonstration of its good results here brought to a focus the vague plans for securing effective spraying apparatus to work on a large scale, that have been in the air for a year or two. A stock company was formed by some of our chief fruit-growers, a spraying machine and materials bought, and an operator secured.
December 21, at her home in Ashton, Mrs. John Simon died, after a long and painful illness, and on the 23 her remains were taken to Baltimore for burial.
At Ashton M. E. Parsonage, the home of her sis- ter, Mrs. H. C. Smith, Eugenia Amos died, on De- cember 22, and her body was laid to rest at Belair on the 26.
Just across the threshold of the new year we met another heavy bereavement in the death of Susanna L. Thomas. The following notice was written by
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a member of the Home Interest, as a loving tribute to her from the society which she loved and in which she was beloved by all, and it so fully embodies in few words the impression made on every one by her beautiful life and character that we reproduce it here :
"When Sorrow is hovering over a community, waiting until the 'time appointed' to bring grief and desolation to many hearts, there is generally a pre- monitory note; perhaps the gradual drooping of some tender flower in the garden of humanity causes us to view it with anxiety and treat it with loving care. But when the Home Interest met in Novem- ber not one of us realized that one of our members, one apparently full of health and strength and vigor, Sue L. Thomas, was to pass that night forever out of the lives of most of those present.
"Some of us were with her as 'charter members' when the society was in its infancy, and some of us have only enjoyed that privilege in later years; but probably all of us have received the same impression of her individuality.
"One felt magnetically drawn to her, not so much for what she would say as for the way she would say it -- for the gentle, quiet dignity of her manner, for her fair and attractive personality; for the unvary- ing kindness and sweetness of her reception and gen- eral address ; and for her laugh, which all of us will long remember, so delightful and spontaneous, add- ing instantly a charm to her face.
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"She was born at Flushing, Long Island, in 1846, and lived on Long Island until she came to Sandy Spring, in 1867.
"Four years later she was married from Norwood, where she had made her home with her sister and brother-in-law, Anna L. and Joseph T. Mcore-to Alban G. Thomas, and took up her abode at Tangle- wood, which for thirty-five years was the spot where she most desired to be.
"It was easy to see that this home, so filled with comfort and beauty and harmony, was a noticeably happy one, even among the many happy homes of Sandy Spring, and it was equally easy to see that she was the heart and center of it all.
"To quote her own words, she was 'so entirely contented with her own home that it was always an effort to leave it.' Her ceaseless, thoughtful kindness for others outside of her own home circle, however, seemed a spontaneous impulse of her nature, to which her action gave such ready response that few but the recipients knew the number and quality of her good deeds. Cold charity-the bare 'gift without the giver'-none ever received at her hands, but al- ways loving service with the personal quality that made the receiving as blessed as the giving.
"It was at her suggestion that the Book Club was started, which has proved such a pleasure and bene- fit to the neighborhood; and she was not only the promoter of the idea, but she continued to take an active part in carrying it out up to the time of her death.
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"It has been said by one who should know, that the entire success which she made of her own life and of her home resulted from the consistent carry- ing out of two maxims which she often tried to im- press upon her children-1st. Be contented with your surroundings, but not satisfied, or you will never progress. 2nd. Good homemaking is far more de- sirable than good housekeeping.
"She passed away January 5, 1906, leaving a grievous blank in the home which had been her lov- ing pride and care, and a great wave of sadness passed over the whole neighborhood, where we are so closely bound together by the ties of relationship. or friendship that the sorrow of one is the sorrow of all." (H. J. B.)
The winter was mild and pleasant on the whole, and it was only by snatching at any-even the thin- nest-skim of ice that our ice-houses were filled. So many were still empty at the end of February that the snow which fell in drifts on the 27 was most of it packed away; but even then a number of people found themselves still unprovided.
We had almost as many remarkably hot as re- markably cold days: On January 23, with a temper- ature above 70°, the bees were out seeking honey in the opening maple blooms, roseleaves put forth to half their full size, and jonquil and narcissus leaves peeped out of the ground. February 14 we swel- tered at 74° ; then we were chilled by a drop of 60º in eighteen hours; and we had three thunder storms in February. One, on February 25, was particularly
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severe, and it did remarkable things at A. G. Pal- mer's-striking a tree near the house, burning out the telephone and effecting various small damages to met- al work in the bathroom, without setting anything on fire. During February, too, the wild geese flew north, and the blackbirds and robins came back from their winter sojourn in the south.
On February 8, the Farmers' Convention at the Lyceum was the largest ever held there, and the per- sonnel of the gathering showed a high average of intelligence and ability.
Started years ago by what might be called a feder- ation of clubs, strictly local, the interest of the con- ventions has gradually drawn in outside organiza- tions-the White Oak Club has been an integral part of the federation for some years, and this time the Goshen Club took an active and most helpful part in the preparations, as well as in the actual business of the meeting.
Mr. Codwise opened a discussion of the road ques- tion, with special reference to the Shoemaker road law. There being "many men of many minds" pres- ent, the debate was lively, though the majority seemed willing that it should have a fair trial as it stands.
The convention was a unit on the desirability of having a County treasurer, instead of having the public finances managed in the present fashion; and it passed resolutions desiring our members of the Legislature to work for a law enabling us to make such a change. This law was passed.
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The Farmers' Institute at Colesville on the 28 February was another most interesting and valuable opportunity for agriculturists, and several from this region availed themselves of it, though perhaps not so many as in some former years.
Corn raising-especially the production and selec- tion of seed corn-and the feeding of dairy herds, were the main topics discussed by the lecturers.
On the evening of February 23, there was an excel- lent and well-attended musical entertainment at Ol- ney Hall, when a bright and pretty operetta, The Merry Milk Maid, was given by members of St. John's church. The proceeds, which were unusually large, went to pay for a new church organ.
On February 17, Mary M. Stabler sailed for Eu- rope.
On the 13 March, came a snow storm lasting for hours, followed on the 14-15 by a terrible sleet. The ice that hung over half an inch thick on every object in the landscape, weighed down trees, bushes and telephone wires to the breaking point, and much damage was done. The highways were obstructed by fallen poles and tangled wires ; cartloads of limbs were torn from our shade and orchard trees, and the telephone system was wonderfully demoralized. On the night of March 15 the storm ended with a light snowfall, and the crimson sunrise on the 16 was a sight which those who beheld it will ever remember- a sky clear blue, a world pure white, all irradiated
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by the sparkle of countless millions of diamonds and rubies.
The splendor of the morning grew hour by hour, and they will never forget it who were privileged to take a sleigh ride that forenoon in a spring-like at- mosphere, musical with bird-songs, and gloriously beautiful beyond words. By noon the snow had melt- ed, the sky was gray and many of the jewels had fallen.
On the 9 March, Sherwood school gave, at the Ly- ceum, an elaborate entertainment to finish paying for its new piano. There were songs and recitations by some of the younger pupils; and several interesting drills, among which a weaving drill deserves espe- cial praise for the accuracy and grace with which its complicated evolutions were performed. The Love of a Bonnet once more amused us-as bonnets and their wearers are prone to do-and the Little Old Folks' Concert showed that there are some promising voices among the rising generation. The climax of the even- ing came with the closing number of the program- a dialogue translated from the Antigone of Sophocles. rendered by Julia D. Thom and Edith Shoemaker.
Since the beginning of the year there had been a movement on foot to have the Sherwood school prop- erty rented to the County officials for a public High School. Every one would prefer to maintain the Friends' school, which has been a credit to the neigh- borhood, and a benefit to a large section of the County for almost a quarter of a century; but it is practi- cally impossible to keep up a school that will meet
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present-day demands, without a more certain finan- cial backing `than the small tuition fees charged at Sherwood.
On the other hand, many patrons of the school find even modest school bills a burden, which, as they are already heavily taxed to support County schools, they feel that they ought not to have to bear.
These pros and cons were much discussed in priv- ate and in public, and finally crystallized into defi- nite form, at the Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting on March 4, when it was practically settled that if the County school commissioners shall consent, the Sher- wood "plant" shall be leased to the County for a High School, experimentally for one year. The future action of the school board we await with much inter- est.
Early in March the Haviland family made another move in the game of "puss wants a corner" they have been having in the angle of the Patuxent and the Hawlings for some years past-this time E. W. Havi- land and family have gone to Avoca, changing places with M. M. and Lydia W. Haviland who have re- turned to take charge of the Mill.
Each recurring season, certainly each new year, brings with it fresh railroad projects, and the twelve- month just ended has been prolific of schemes to pro- vide us with rapid transit somewhere. Whether we would be greatly benefited by a trolley to Ellicott City or Westminster, or even to Laurel, does not plainly appear, but half a dozen times in as many months someone has promised to do something for us
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in the way of a railroad, and "do it now." In the meantime we drive-in the mud if we must.
A local poet thus sums up the situation :
THE SANDY SPRING RAILROAD.
"This is the way we go to town,
Jiggelty-jog up hill and down. The road is broad and the pike is good, But the melting snows bring slush and mud, And carriage and wraps gain a coat of brown As we hurry along, up hill and down.
At a goodly pace we are trotting still, As we spy the school house at old Lay Hill, And the straggling houses white and red- While the smooth white hill shines far ahead, We hold in the prancing, frisky bay, While with the whip we touch up the gray ; Then into a steady gait, and fast,
Till the Norwood pike is left at last.
'Bicycle's Rest,' with board fence high, What does it hide from the passer-by ? Now on to the toll-gate, open wide- The toll-gate keeper is not inside- In the bird-cage house stands his empty chair, Perhaps he is seeking more room and air. Not a moment's time on him we spend. No matter !- We pay at the other end, And now as the time is fast rolling on, We pass by the entrance to Kensington. Up hill and down for a mile or two, When an obtuse triangle comes in view,
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A man comes out with a sleepy blink, Suggestive of plenty to eat and drink, And takes out the horses to rest-and then We see the car gliding from Forest Glen. Brush off the mud and stray horse hair! Don't be a 'hayseed' in 'Vanity Fair' ! On the velvet seats we at last sink down And feel we are really en route for town!
This thought to our mind the car will bring- Where is the railroad to Sandy Spring ? We heard of it oft in our childhood's day, And thought it was coming without delay. Was it killed by the endless engineers Who've scoured the country for years and years ? If it will not come, we will let it stay ! For we are as happy as birds in May. If we own our farm and a horse or two, Oh, Potentates mighty ! what more have you ? Beholden to none, we will go to town Jigglety-jog up hill and down !" (H. J. B.)
For many months prior to last August we, with the rest of the world, had watched-as under a horri- ble fascination-the appalling struggle raging in the Far East; and in unison with all civilized people had moaned: "Can nothing be done to stop it?" When a man with "inspired common sense" had the courage to call the hostile powers to a conference to try and agree upon terms of peace, we also rejoiced : and we waited with breathless interest for the daily reports of the Portsmouth Conference from the time of its assembling, August 9, till the treaty of peace
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between Russia and Japan was finally signed on Sep- tember 5.
The annals of the Russo-Japanese war are full of stories of courage and patriotism, but what more he- roic act do they record than Theodore Roosevelt's summons to the belligerents-"Lay down your arms !"
History in the past has celebrated the heroes of war-the history of the future will laud highest the heroes of peace. Of these, coming generations will recognize as among the greatest one whose long life of self-sacrifice and loving service has but recently come to an end-Susan B. Anthony, who died at Rochester, N. Y., on the 13 March. In her early prime perhaps the "best hated" and most reviled woman of our country, she lived to be loved and hon- ored the world around for her lifelong and absolutely unselfish devotion to work for the betterment of con- ditions for women. .
Every woman of us-whether we seek for higher educational advantages, for wider industrial oppor- tunities, for freedom of speech, for property rights. for the guardianship of our children-has to thank Susan B. Anthony for opening for her the way to her heart's desire. And though the great end for which she toiled-the full political equality of wom- en with men-is as yet unattained, the memory of her passionate, unflagging devotion to the cause will inspire us who loved and honored her to redoubled effort until that goal is won.
However our thoughts may stray to wider fields. affairs at home must ever claim our first attention.
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more especially in these annals, and most especially when again and yet again the Death Angel comes to claim as his own those in our home circle. Who among us had thought for anything outside our bor- ders when word came to us of the sudden death of James B. Hallowell ?
"The son of James S. and Margaret S. Hallowell, he was born in Alexandria, Va., in the year 1854, and moved permanently into this neighborhood when his parents purchased the place then known as Ful- ford in the year 1862. He was educated at home in his father's boarding-school for girls, which was, per- haps, a disadvantage to him, as he was thereby de- prived of the contact and rivalry with other boys which acts as a stimulus, and is such an important part of education. His bright mind showed no lack of the knowledge gained from books, or gleaned from a close watchfulness of public affairs; but the free- dom and good-fellowship that exist between old school- mates was denied him, to some extent, because of his isolation at that period of his life.
When he was in his eighteenth year the school was broken up and the family moved to Oak Grove, near Brookeville. This was a sore trial to him, as he had no taste for farming, and he was attached to Fulford. He spent most of his time on the farm, occasionally traveling in the hope of finding more congenial oc- cupation, until his father's death in the year 1886. when he settled down for some years at home with his mother and sisters. But his health was not equal to the task of managing the large place with unrelia-
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ble labor; he had much physical suffering to bear, and about two years ago he gave it up altogether, renting the fields and finally selling his share of the farm to his two younger sisters.
"He was stricken with pneumonia while away from home, and after a short illness in a Washington hospital he died on the morning of March 24.
"He was an omnivorous reader and well posted on all subjects of human interest. He was an entertain- ing conversationalist, and delighted in argument; in debate he was usually more than a match for any one who undertook to compete with him. His political convictions were strong and absolutely independent- he cared nothing for party lines, but voted in strict accordance with his principles, never hesitating to scratch the name of a candidate whom he considered unworthy. He was very fond of poetry and had com- mitted much of it to memory.
"Judged by cold business standards, his life may not seem very successful, but these scales are not the ones used by the Eternal Searcher of hearts in weighing character and attainments-they are not delicate or accurate enough for Him. Before any one presumes to sit in judgment, let him listen to the two sisters with whom he made his home, and learn from them of his loving kindness and attention, and also of the ill-health that sapped his strength and closed to him the opportunity for greater usefulness." (A. F.)
On the morning of March 31, 1906, at his home,
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Pen-y-bryn, Joseph T. Moore, Jr., died suddenly, in the forty-fourth year of his age.
Startlingly sudden as this summons was, its com- ing in the middle of the night but added to the shock ; and it seemed to those hurriedly aroused that it could not be true -that there must be some mistake !
"Alas! it was but too true ! Never was there a bet- ter exemplification of the truth of the saying-'Death loves a shining mark.'"
"Joseph T. Moore, Jr., second son of Joseph T. and Anna Leggett Moore, was born at Flushing, L. I., on May 2, 1862. Five years later his parents moved to this County, making their home at Nor- wood. There his early life was spent, his education being received at neighborhood schools and at Swarth- more College, Pa.
"In October, 1884, he married Estelle Tyson, and settled at Pen-y-bryn. For over twenty-one years they lived there together, their singularly harmonious union being blessed with six children, two of whom died in infancy. * *
"He not only improved his own farm, and reclaimed many waste acres of it, transforming them into fer- tile and productive land ; he gradually took from his father's shoulders the entire burden of managing the latter's farms. Having a decided turn for machinery, he successfully operated saw-mills, grist-mill and theshing outfits, without, in the slightest degree, neg- lecting his manifold farm duties.
"Besides managing successfully all his own large business interests, he was secretary and treasurer of
013 3 200
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the Enterprise Telephone Company from its com- mencement, and the capable manner in which he per- formed the arduous duties of that position, and helped to steer the Company through stormy times, will make his loss keenly felt by the management.
"These varied occupations made him known to 'all sorts and conditions of men' in every direction, giv- ing him, wide circle, not only of acquaintances but of friends-his absolute honesty and fairness in all business matters, his great courtesy and manly di- rectness, winning the respect and liking of all with whom he came in contact.
"He was the same courteous gentleman to all, with- out: regard to their age, sex or station in life. He was ever ready to extend prompt and efficient help to a friend in need, whether it was to assist in raising a barn, or to lend his team, or to sit by a sick bed through the watches of the night. To crown all, he was at his very best in the family circle; always de- ferential to his parents and elders, devotedly attached to his brothers and sisters, invariably loving and con- siderate to his wife and daughters; he left an exam- ple that few are able to follow.
"It was only those nearest him who were privileged to penetrate the armor of his reserve-who really ever knew him at his best, and they all loved him truly and devotedly.
"He led an absolutely temperate life, never having drunk a glass of liquor, nor even used tobacco. *
On April 2, the mortal remains of Joseph T. Moore. Jr., were laid to rest in the graveyard at the Friends'
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meeting-house, surrounded by hundreds of sincere mourners, including many colored people, whose grief at the loss of their conscientious employer and friend was evident and genuine. BE *
* (S. B. W. and A. F.)
The shock of a sudden death always sets us think- ing, the tenor of our thoughts depending in large measure on our personal idosynerasy, but on mature reflection can we not all join in this wish of the poet ?
A WISH.
"When thou, O Death ! shall wait without my gate, Call not the porter out, with knock and shout,
But still, unnoticed bide, the gate beside,
Till sleep, my oft-tried guest, doth come in quest Of me. Quick after her; fast bolt and bar; Enter all silently.
Henceforth, for me, the gate thou mayest keep, That calm-browed sleep, so often missed before, Pass forth no more."
In glancing back over the records of the year just past one can but feel that they
"Do take a sober coloring from an eye
That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality."
Notices of seventeen deaths appear upon these pages, all of them affecting the life of the neighborhood in some degree-several of them in a way almost un- precedented.
We all seem to be oppressed by a heavy load of . sorrow, which it is hard to throw off. But we who
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are left must carry on our lives as cheerfully as may be, giving thanks for the blessing we have enjoyed, in the beautiful lives of those whom we "have loved * and lost awhile."
CHAPTER XII.
1906-1907.
According to the plan announced last year, this chapter of our record begins on April 1, 1906, and runs only to the 1 April of the present year (1907), though the exigency of the moon's phases throws the Annual Meeting late in the month this time.
April, 1906, began with a fine spring day, and the weather continued fair and seasonable for more than a week; the apricot blossoms making their appear- ance on the 7; the peach blooms following promptly the next day ; pear and cherry bloom coming on the 19, and apple on the 28. The whippoowills were first heard on April 26; the first wren song on the 27; and there was a snow squall on the 23 April.
On April 18, the whole world was horrified by the catastrophe in San Francisco, where earthquake and fire combined to produce such destruction and suf- fering as the world had hardly ever known before. Sympathy and help from all parts of the globe een- tered upon the stricken city, and Sandy Spring con- tributed its mite towards the relief fund, $175.50
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being forwarded from here through the Baltimore Red Cross Society.
The Annual Meeting, on April 9, was the signal for a deluge of rain, that lasted all day, and was one of a number of causes that made the assembly very small, only fifty-seven people being present, and no business of importance was transacted.
The reading of the history, which contained seven- teen obituaries, made the occasion seem like a mem- orial meeting, and the heavy cloud of bereavement, consummated and still threatening, had far more effect upon the attendance than the weather.
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