Moore Business Forms on Apples Church Road in Thurmont opened I believe in 1951. They hired a lot of local people and brought management staff from the Niagra, New York facility. Many of the staff that came here from other locations went on to become part of our community, with several of them finishing their careers and staying here in Thurmont. The Jagow's, Buchanan's, McFarland's and other families all moved here when the plant opened. The name Moore has not been associated with the plant for many years but from the 1950's through the 1970's Moore was one of the biggest employers in Thurmont. We lived next to the plant on Apples Church starting in 1961 and my mother worked there from 1960 to 1963. Newcomers to Thurmont will recognize the building as the R. R. Donnelly facility.
The photos of the Moore Business Forms plant under construction were taken by George Wireman. I think George was one of the early local employees along with William Willhide, Bill Riffle and others. These photos were probably taken in 1950 and show the plant as it was being built. One of the most interesting images for me are the photos of the water tower being built. There are also several photos showing the Sunrise Cafeteria that sat on Apples Church at the railroad crossing.
