On August 4, 1865, Joseph Henry Apple, Jr., who would serve as president of Hood College for more than 40 years, was born. He died January 17, 1948. On August 4, 1895, Ambrosia Derwart Clarke, known as Mother Clarke, was born. She visited countless thousands of servicemen in hospitals all over Maryland. She had 24 children, 10 of whom survived her. She died April 21, 1987. On August 4, 1991, the first celebration of the confirmation of the title Basilica on the chapel of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg by Pope John Paul II was held. The Pope's official action was made on May 1. On August 4, 2005, the first edition of The Thurmont Dispatch made its debut. It was published by Raymond Buchheister, who also published The Emmitsburg Dispatch. Both papers have since ceased publication due to a major downturn in the national economy. 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]