Spanish Flu Outbreak 1918-- Part 4: A Major Fuel Shortage As Well That Year

In January 1918, the federal government ordered all businesses closed for five days due to a national fuel (coal) shortage.  In the local area (Belvidere, Illinois) the National Sewing Machine, The Belvidere  Screw and Machine Company, The Gossard Corset Company and Parsons Casket Company were shut down but food manufacturing companies like the Borden Plant and Wait Creamery were allowed to stay open. 

In addition, the railroad ran on reduced hours and any businesses that needed fuel to run were ordered to close on Mondays for nine weeks.  Schools which had enough surplus fuel to heat classrooms could stay open as could businesses which did not rely on fuel.

This caused a huge debate on whether to close the schools to use their fuel for businesses and residences.

So, the year 1918 was already off to a bad start and the country was still in the midst of World War I as American casualties increased dramatically.  So, before the virus hit, there already had been a major scarlet fever outbreak and the coal shortage.

--Cooter

The Spanish Flu Outbreak of 1918-- Part 3: A Massive Scarlet Fever Epidemic Preceded the Flu

In Boone and Winnebago counties in northern Illinois, hospitals had no neds for the stricken because of the fast rising demand so victims ended up roaming the streets seeking help and shelter.

The virus was not identified at first because these counties were recovering from a massive outbreak of scarlet fever in 1917.

Many children died from this contagious fever and a ban was put on school gatherings, interschool athletic contests and school activities.  The primary scarlet fever cases struck from January to April of 11917, but cases were still being reported as late as December of that year.  Local schools were closed on and off at varying times throughout the year as cases flared up.

--Cooter

Sunday Schools Called Off Because of Scarlet Fever and Infantile Paralysis Epidemic

From the October 3, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"The epidemic of scarlet fever and infantile paralysis and the order that children under 16 be kept from coming into contact with one another or meeting on gathering places, is responsible for the calling off of Sunday schools of the Methodist Congregational and Baptist churches."

--Cooter

Scarlet Fever and Infantile Paralysis Threatening DeKalb in 1918

Not only was the Spanish Flu a disease threatening DeKalb County back in 1918, but also scarlet fever and infantile paralysis (polio).

From the October 3, 2018, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

"The chairman of the DeKalb board of health issued a warning to the people of DeKalb that owing to the prevalence of  scarlet fever and infantile paralysis in the city, every precaution must be taken by the people to avoid a serious epidemic."

Ah Yes, the Good Old Days.  --Cooter

Quarantine Lifted in 1917 in Sycamore

From the April 12, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1917, 100 Years Ago.

"Quarantine was lifted this morning from the home of Mason Hooker on Cross Street in Sycamore where Mrs. Hooker and children have been ill for several weeks with scarlet fever."

Something You Don't Hear Happening Much Anymore.  --DaCoot

Looking Back to 1916: Home Quarantined

From the August 24, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1916, 100 years ago:  "The Otis Hinkston home in Shabbona Grove is quarantined on account of a case of scarlet fever having developed.

Dr. Moore of Shabbona is attending the case.

Something You Don't Hear Much These Days.  --Cooter

Looking Back 100 Years: The News of My Death Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

From the January 21, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1916, 100 years ago.

**  An error occurred in the obituary notice of Milo Wells which appeared in our last issue.  It was stated that Mrs. Wells was dead.  This was a mistake.  Mrs. Wells is living and is a resident of Chicago.

**  Sandwich (Illinois) schools were closed for a week after the holiday season because of an epidemic of scarlet fever."

**  "Any kind of weather you want a whole lot you don't has come this week.  Tuesday there was snow, Wednesday there was heavy rain and warm weather, and Thursday night the mercury dropped like a plummeted from the forties the temperature fell to 15 degrees below zero on Thursday morning."

Of Course, Living In Chicago Today Is Definitely Dangerous To Your Health If You Live In Certain Areas.  --Cooter