The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-07-15
For The Demoeratie Adeoeate.
TIE FOURTH IN TANBYToWN.

Taneytown is one Of the oldest il not the
oldest settlement in Carroll county. Itis
situated at the intersection of the roads which
before the time of Railroads were the main
lines Of travel between Virginia and the
northern States, and between Baltimore and
Pittsburg, and was consequently the centre
Of u great deal of travel. 1t has local tradi-
tons reaching back more than hundred
years. In an old deserted graveyard in the
neighborhood is . tombstone bearing the date
of l70l. Prominent among its traditions and
well authenticated is the fact that General
Washington and his wife once staid here all
night, and the very table from which they ate
their meals was used as a speakers desk at
our celebration. This far the tradition is
undoubtedly true; it goes on to say that the
worthy hostess of Adam Good tavern where
they stopped was concerned to know what to
give so great n man for his supper, and was
very much relieved by the Generals an.
nouncement that he would take s'mush and
milk. Tradition further says that as soon
as Mrs. Washington was comfortably fixed
she took an unfinished stocking from her
reticule and began to knit How she was
dressed tradition sayeth not, but am sure she
did not try to make her dress look like mis-
shapen pair ofbreeches and call it pull back.
Taneytown had heroes inthe revolution, in the
war VI anu Ill lllt llle W4lf Oh tilt fHOtl-
lion. 1t is within sight Of the battle Of AN
tietam, and within sight of the battlefield of
Gettysburg. Taking these things into con
sideration, also the fact that many of our
citizens could not possibly go ITO Westminster,
and tho additional fact that we thought the
day ought TO be celebrated not only in the
centres of population, but that all over the
land every heart should glow with patriotism,
every household send up hymn of grateful
praise to God for his goodness to us as u ma
ton, and with no wish to Interfere with the
more imposing demonstration in Westmin.
ster, We determined to celebrate the Fourth
in Taneytown.
The day was ushered in by the ringing of
bells, the firing ofgns, and the stirring strains
of martial music Every one that could OBJ
tain it showed the dear old Bunting from
their houses BY | o'clock p. M. the time
appointed for the meeting, all the places
Of business in town were closed, and large
and enthusiastic audience had assembled.
The meeting was organized by electing Rogers
Brine, President; benjamin Skunk, Dr.
Swope, and several others whose names |
have forgotten, Vice Presidents. Tho Chair.
man cad the proclamation of the President
calling upon the people to celebrate the day.
The Rev. MIR. Long made the opening prayer;
A. McKinneyroad the Declaration of lndepen.
dence; the united Chors of the Taueytown
churches sang my Country It's Of Thee "
Then followed the Grafton of the day by the
Rev. Mr.. Luckenback, which was interesting,
appropriate and eloquent, containing many
"reminiscences of Taneytown gathered from the
patriarchs Of the neighborhood. After this
q. Birnie read Washington's Farewell Adj
dress; the Choir sang Centennial hymn tof
which | enclose rppy,) composed for the
occasion by the Rev. Mr.. I.uckenback. II
was sung to the tame of Old Hundred, and
joined in by the whole assembly. The Rev.
Mr.. Long pronounced the benedietion.
The Copperville Band which had furnished
mufc for the occasion, played some more
national airs and the people returned to their
homes, well pleased with their celebration,
proud of being citizens of Taneytown, doubly
proud Of being American citizens, and thank
tul that they had been spared to see this the
One Hundredth Anniversary Of our Nations
Birth in '''fhc Land of the Free aud the home
OF the Brave" The following is a copy Of
the hymn: +,