The Elder Building

The Emmitsburg Chronicle was the first proper newspaper published in this small Maryland town near the southern border of Pennsylvania.

Two other short-lived publications preceded the Chronicle. The Banner lasted only a few issues before folding, and The Star, which was dedicated to literature and fine arts, also had little staying power.

Princeton graduate Samuel Motter issued the first editions of the Chronicle on June 14, 1879. In the second issue, he unleashed his Ivy League erudition full force with the following fiery missive:

“Sneakthieves are warned to avoid this office. Go round, be distant. Our weapons, offensive and defensives, consist of a carbine nearby. Our apprentice has a single barreled pistol in his vest pocket; the muscular development of the foreman are just nicely symmetrical. He is skilled in the use of his composing and shooting sticks, as well as, of good solid mallet which he uses in a sinister way; the devil has a way of grinning that is significant of his capabilities; but best and most reliable of all, is our pair of crutches, stout and seasoned, which have sustained us in many an emergency, during not a few years; we are thus in good practice; unoffensive we trust, in deposition, but nevertheless on our guard. Avaunt Ye!”

This paper had staying power! Sadly, Mr. Motter passed away in 1889, leaving his widow to run the paper with one W. H. Troxell. In 1899, they sold the paper to William Troxell, who took the reins as publisher until he sold it to Sterling Galt in 1906.

The Chronicle helped to move the town forward, advocating for a water supply company and playing an instrumental role in initiating the piping of mountain water into the town. In 1909, the title was changed to the Weekly Chronicle owing to growth in readership.

The paper passed through several other owners before landing with Michael Thompson and John D. Elder in 1922. In 1925, the Chronicle relocated from its offices on East Main Street to its current home on South Seton Avenue - the Elder Building.

Mr. Elder bought out his partner in 1927 and continued to run the paper until he died in early 1943. Publication ceased during World War II, but resumed in 1948. Charles Elder (son of John Elder) formed a partnership with Edward Stull. The paper remained in publication until 1977 before shutting down.

After a 32 year hiatus, the paper was resurrected by Lisa Elder, granddaughter of John D. Elder, and editor Michael Hillman. The Chronicle has once again ceased publication, but Ms. Elder still runs the printing business, Chronicle Press, in the same building where her grandfather once operated this great local institution.