News: Diphtheria Scare (3-Mar-1900)
Poster: Laurel Bragstad Schaub
Email: Laurel715@att.net
 

Quite a diphtheria scare developed last Thursday evening and Friday, when little Edith Borseth was discovered to be suffering with the dread disease. The patient, with her father and mother, were taken to the building formerly used as a cigar factory and the restaurant was fumigated, it being hoped thereby to make it unnecessary to quarantine only the one building. Strong objection was made Friday to this course and as a result the bakery was quarantined and those passing that way since may by times see five wry faces gazing through the windows, longing for deliverance. Lousia Decker, Jessie Swetland, Martha Schwan and Inga Hanson, with Albert Christiansen to add dignity to the experience, are under quarantine here. School was dismissed Friday noon, and children were ordered to remain at home as much as possible. So every precaution has been taken to guard against a possible spread of the contagion. Mrs. Geo. Alton was reported Monday as having the symptoms of diphtheria and the entire building was at once put under quarantine. Rev. R. E. House and family live over the Alton family, so there are shut in and are learning to appreciate the way of quietness and peace as never before. Though the gossiping hearsay mongers have told of one or two other cases, no new developments have occurred. The Borseth girl and Mrs. Alton are both improving, so that it is likely the scare will be over by Monday, and that school and other public places will be opened in due form.

Greenwood Gleaner: 3 Mar 1900