On May 31, 1871, the cornerstone was laid for the first new building at the Maryland Deaf and Dumb Asylum off South Market Street in Frederick. On May 31, 1872, Mason L. Apple and Philip H. Heeter, who both lived near Point of Rocks, stabbed each other to death with pocket knives during a heated argument near the town's post office. On May 31, 1939, Michael J. Thompson, burgess of Emmitsburg and former dean of football officials, died suddenly at his home. He was born July 22, 1877. On May 31, 1940, a new Frederick High School was dedicated. It was built by Calvin Owens of Bethesda for $369,500. The contract was awarded December 21, 1938. On May 31, 1967, Martha Louise Reynolds, an Indiana native, assumed her duties as administrative librarian at the C. Burr Artz Library, succeeding Josephine P. Etchison, who retired after 30 years in the post. Reynolds retired April 30, 1993. If anyone can add information to these History Moments, or would like to suggest an item for another calendar day, please contact me privately. John W. Ashbury (wasps65@earthlink.net)