On July 17, 1755, Maryland Governor Horatio Sharpe summoned the Frederick County Militia to a meeting in Frederick after learning of British General Edward Braddock's defeat. On July 17, 1856, Dr. William Crawford Johnson was born. He was a physician in Frederick for more than 50 years. He was buried on New Year's Eve in 1943 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. On July 17, 1978, Mrs. Frances W. Ashbury was re-appointed to a five-year term on the Frederick County Board of Education. She had been recommended for the post by the Republican State Central Committee after the Democratic State Central Committee declined to do so. She was a life-long Democrat, and this marked the first time a central committee made a successful nomination of a member of the other party. On July 17, 1978, the Francis Scott Key Mall, located between MD 85 and MD 355, opened. 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)