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Newspaper
Bedford Weekly Mail
Location
Bedford, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Dec 05, 1902
Page
1
Reports from Bloomington indicate at least twenty smallpox cases with rapid spread, including six in a single house near the public square. Health officials urge immediate general vaccination as quarantines are viewed as ineffective.
Mayor Smith asked the Board of Commissioners to permit using prisoners from jail for street work. City aims to clean and repair streets to save money and improve prisoner health. The decision seen as beneficial.
Public notice from Mitchell Indiana dated November 29 1902 clarifies smallpox cases. Sixty total cases to date with fewer than twenty five active. most released within a week. No deaths reported and contagion prevented by vigorous measures. Thomas J Wood town clerk signs.
The Newland family held its annual Thanksgiving reunion at Mrs. Susan A. Parks' home on East 16th Street with nearly twenty five attendees. Guests included Mrs. Carrie Hostettler and nephew J C Hostettler, Miss Geneva Napp, and several others from Decatur and Sullivan. A hearty dinner featured two large turkeys and abundant seasonal dishes. The Bedford and Terre Haute football game at Washington Park drew a small crowd in muddy conditions, ending 6 to 5 for Terre Haute. Railroad speculation arose about the Indiana Harbor Company and its planned Harbor City rail line, potential routes, and coal-transport aims, with mentions of John A. Spoor, Albert D. Erskine, and other officials.
Mr and Mrs M BE Buchanan thank neighbors teachers pupils and friends for kindness during Charley's sickness and death. They recall the coronations flowers and the vacant chair class and bed. They ask God to bless him and note the sorrow of losing a dear child.
Mrs James Matthews entertained a large group of children Wednesday evening for her daughter Theresa sixth birthday. Games delighted the youngsters and refreshments of popcorn candy and peanuts were served. Theresa received several nice and useful presents. Guests included Edna Hawkins Audrey Sears Edward Burke Lucille Cain Ralph Mullen Ralph Cain Noah Mullen Charley Manus Hisse Statsney Monroe Manns Frank Mathes and Miss Mary Owen assisted.
The Vermont Legislature seeks a local option vote in January to repeal the prohibitory liquor law if approved. The state shows strong rural support for prohibition while cities resist enforcement. The piece notes toy pistols and cigarette laws, urging responsibility of sellers and parents amid concerns over youth violence and safety, citing Bloomington Star observations.
Professor Troop reports 185 farmers from eighty six counties replied to a survey on Hessian fly impact. Sixty eight counties note damage, mostly in central and southern Indiana, with 15 to 75 percent crop losses in some cases.
The Bloomington Tribune reports how smallpox spread due to secrecy by health officers and physicians who hid cases to protect business and university interests. Quarantines were finally imposed after the disease became widespread, yet neighbors continued contact with the sick and new cases rose daily. S. J. Retardson leaves for Westport this afternoon to visit his parents.
The Friday program by the Teachers' Association at the First Christian Church drew a large audience. Nora Evans opened with a piano piece, Judge Alfred Elliston gave an engaging talk on Kings and Queens mixing wit, poetry, and clear insight. Flo Whitted and Adah Whitted sang The Holy City with Hattie Jones as accompanist, prompting a double encore.
The All Stars Athletic Club football team easily defeated the Orleans town team 21 to 0 after two halves of 25 and 20 minutes. Bedford players excelled on punt returns with Judah scoring and converting one kick. Dan Iseminger suffered a sprained collarbone in a scrimmage.
The Orleans Herald argues the Monon plans a Leipsic to Mitchell line may be built but the Springs branch remains essential. It notes abandoning current New Albany to Michigan City track could forfeits the charter and cites the Indiana Stone Road around Smithville Hill with trains 71 and 74 using it while others climb the fourteen mile hill.
Bedford correspondent notes Elizabeth Todd born October 15 1800 near the Adioen river North Carolina. She traveled with her father to Tennessee then Lawrence county Indiana where she has lived over 75 years. A devout Methodist, she credits cornbread diet and careful habits for longevity. Todd’s crossing on Monon railroad was named in her honor. She visited son George Todd a stock buyer in Elno ra. Also recorded a Thanksgiving gathering hosted by Mr and Mrs H D Manus with local guests.
Filia High School notes recount a large team at Orleans Saturday and a student change with Henry Benzel leaving to join a drafting office. Senior class officers elected Emery Dobbins president James McKinley vice president Stacy Burke secretary Norine Evans treasurer. The item also rebukes Washington papers for belittling Bedford High School in a recent game, noting travel expenses and a debt of eighty dollars tied to the visit.
John Roland aged 70 father of Richard Roland of North K street was struck by a switch engine while walking on the Monon track north of the Furst Kerber stone mill about 10 o'clock Monday morning. He was walking on the ties ends when struck and suffered bruises to back and chest but his injuries are not expected to be serious.
Attorney General Taylor at the coming legislative session will urge restricting sale of small firearms to law officers and imposing heavy penalties for carrying revolvers by non custodians of the peace. If enacted, a surplus of weapons would hit Indiana markets.
An old Thomas cat in Greencastle nabbed a yard and a quarter of lace submerged in milk meant for removing ink stains from handkerchiefs. The lace-sauce scenario began as the cat approached its dish, prompting a frantic effort to reclaim the fabric as the owner grows more determined to recover it at any cost.
John Cravens registrar filed with the Governor a request to extend the north side of the State University library to add a reading room and book storage. The reading room is too small for current and projected enrollment 751 this fall and about 1400 by year end. The university also seeks maintenance funds to raise salaries as six of nineteen department heads left for higher offers this year.
The Lawrence County Teachers Association met at First Christian church with small attendance due to south of the river smallpox. Reuben Post Hatleck of Boys' High School Louisville spoke after the new president Mr Tirey. Judge Alfred Ellison of Anderson Indiana, “The Poet Judge,” to entertain tonight. A bronze bust of Colonel Richard W. Thompson was placed at the courthouse park. the twelve foot monument, weighted at 600 pounds, uses Bedford stone with a Third Street facing inscription.
Memorial plans for Colonel Richard W. Thompson outline a veiled bust and an unveiling this week in the court house yard unless rain moves the service to the superior court room. Judge William L. McLean expected to deliver a brief address at the ceremony.
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