On October 24, 1837, President Martin Van Buren stopped at Robert's Tavern in Frederick. On October 24, 1889, Thomas F. Show was found not guilty of any wrong-doing in the death of John W. Hooper. Show had shot Hooper to death in a dispute over a beehive in a tree west of Middletown. On October 24, 1900, William Jennings Bryan, the candidate of the Populists and Free Silverites in the presidential election, addressed a crowd of local citizens from a platform in front of The Frederick County Courthouse at West Church and North Court streets. On October 24, 1918, Thurmont ministers canceled all Sunday services in an effort to halt the spread of the "Spanish influenza," which devastated numerous communities across the country. Attendance at funerals was restricted to family members only. On October 24, 1983, the old Frederick County Courthouse on Court House Square was deeded to Frederick City, which paid $500,000 for it. It is now Frederick City Hall. 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]