On December 12, 1752, Francis Key, grandfather of Francis Scott Key, the author of The Star-Spangled Banner, married Miss Arnold Ross of Annapolis. At the time Francis Key was clerk of Cecil County MD. On December 12, 1860, the citizens of Frederick voted 314 to 117 to remain loyal to the Union. The vote was taken by having the citizens in favor of The Union passing through the east gate to Court House Square, and those favoring the South passing through the south gate. On December 12, 1902, the Masonic Lodge on West Church Street in Frederick was dedicated. On December 12, 1922, a contract was awarded to Hahn & Betson to build the colored high school, which was later named Lincoln, for a price of $23,000. The building is now part of Lincoln Elementary School and was formerly part of South Frederick Elementary School. The latest name chance became effective at the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year. On December 12, 1924, Newton M. Zentz, longtime owner of The Zentz Mill on North Bentz Street, south of the National Guard Armory (now The William Talley Recreation Center), died. He was born July 16, 1852, in Carroll County MD. On December 12, 1930, "Diamond Tooth" Claude Countee and two accomplices escaped from the Frederick County Jail on West South Street in Frederick. On December 12, 1952, Citizens National Bank and Farmers & Mechanics National Bank announced plans to consolidate. 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 [email protected]