100 years ago in The Monroe Evening News
Following are items from The Monroe Evening News, forerunner to The Monroe News, that published in January 1923. These are actual items that appeared in print.
Smallpox situation becomes alarming
“Every man, woman and child in Monroe must be vaccinated if the further spread of smallpox is to be prevented.” This is the warning broadcast today by George H. Ramsey, M.D., deputy commissioner of the Michigan Department of Health, who has been sent to Monroe to take charge of the acute and extremely serious smallpox situation.
Dr. Ramsey wishes to convey to the public the alarming situation that will be experienced in Monroe if the citizens do not heed the warning.
“The local situation will become most alarming if the epidemic is not checked,” said the physician this morning. “Smallpox gains virulence. The initial cases are usually light; the latter ones grow increasingly severe as the disease travels from person to person. Fortunately, there have been no deaths in Monroe, but lives surely will be lost unless the vaccination campaign is successful.”
That the public regards the smallpox epidemic, which is sweeping Monroe City and County, lightly is a most serious mistake, said the doctor.
“The community does not seem to realize its own danger,” he said. “Comments are frequently heard to the effect that a ‘smallpox scare’ is being created by the health officials, and that the cases are light. There is a not a ‘scare,’” said Dr. Ramsey emphatically, “but a widespread epidemic with several very sick cases of confluent smallpox.”
A free vaccination clinic is being maintained in the city hall. Due to the fact that the local physicians have rallied to the call to aid in the curbing of the terrible malady, this clinic will be kept open 12 hours a day beginning tomorrow (Tuesday). The public will be vaccinated free of charge at this clinic from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A final word to parents from the health officials and school heads is that all unvaccinated children will be excluded from schools.
Adults are especially urged to be vaccinated.
Smallpox vaccine clinic does rush business
The state board of health opened a free vaccination clinic in the commission chamber on the second floor of the city building, Washington Street, this morning. The office is in charge of Dr. T. B. Marsden, chief deputy of the state board of health, and Captain I. A. Potter, also of the state health board.
Up to 11 o’clock this morning, more than 25 people had been vaccinated. The records are kept by Captain Potter. The office will be open daily from 9 to 11 a.m. and 7 to 9 p. m.
It is the desire of the state health department that everyone should be vaccinated, and this is the reason that the state has taken charge of the smallpox situation here.
"It is compulsory for every child attending school to be vaccinated," said Dr. Marsden.
The health officials will remain in Monroe as long as it is necessary.
There are a great number of cases of smallpox in the county outside of Monroe. It is said that one township in the county has more than 30 cases. In another township, which is infested with smallpox, the children broken out with the disease are at large, according to reports rescued here. The local doctors will assist in the work of vaccinations in Monroe.
First smallpox death occurs here
The first death from smallpox in Monroe occurred Wednesday night at 11 o’clock, when Gilbert Navarre, 61, died at his home on Maple Avenue. Mr. Navarre had been seriously ill for the past two weeks. The remains were buried in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery today. He leaves three sons and one sister.
Dr. George Ramsey, deputy state commissioner of health, stated this morning that Mr. Navarre's case was one of the worst he has seen in some time.
Dr. Ramsey has called a meeting of the health officers of Monroe County to be held at the Park Hotel Saturday morning at 10:30 o'clock, at which time means will be discussed to combat the disease. Every health officer in the county has been ordered to be present at the meeting.
"The situation in the city and county is serious,” said Dr. Ramsey.
According to the state health officials, there are at the present time 60 cases in Monroe. In the past two months there has been 183 cases in this city. In the townships in the in the county there are more than 300 cases, it is said.
Report reached the health department Wednesday that a smallpox sign had been torn from the residence at 720 East First Street. The matter was turned over to Chief of Police Harry Micheau to investigate. He found that a boy age 10 years has removed the sign. The boy was brought to police headquarters and warned of the serious offense he had committed.
Two doctors from the University hospital, Ann Arbor, will arrive in Monroe today to help in the work of vaccination.
Dr. Ramsey warns people of purchasing celluloid shield caps to place over the vaccinated spot. He says that this should not be done, as the caps have a tendency to make the arm very sore.
Dr. Ramsey has ordered the county officials and clerks in the county offices to be vaccinated. The work will be done today.
Smallpox is under control, report
The smallpox situation in Monroe is pretty well under control at the present time, according to the health officers.
No cases were reported in Monroe on Tuesday, and eight people were released from quarantine. At the present time, there are 53 cases in the city of Monroe.
The free vaccination clinic in the city building on Washington Street will close on Thursday, January 25, according to information given out by the state board of health officials this morning.
Dr. George H. Ramsey, deputy state health commissioner, went to Lansing last night, but expects to return to Monroe again next week.
Practically the entire population of Monroe has been vaccinated. The exact number vaccinated will be known as soon as the records are checked.
46 girls taken into religious order
Retired Rev. Michael J. Gallagher, bishop of Detroit, officiated at the solemn ceremonies of religious investures of 46 young ladies who became members of the order of the Sisters, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at St. Mary’s Convent chapel Tuesday afternoon.
The bishop was assisted by Very Rev. Edward Cantwell, C. SS R., of Detroit, Rev. Herman Catterlin, C. SS. R. of DeSota, Missouri and Rev. Walter Marron, chaplain of St. Mary’s College and Academy. Very Rev. Dennis Hayes, president of the Sacred Heart Seminary of Detroit, preached the sermon. Fr. Hayes took for his text "Did you not know that I must be about the things that are my Father’s business?,” St. Luke Chapter 11.
It was a beautiful sight when the young ladies marched through the chapel to the sanctuary where the ceremony took place by which they renounced the world and took vows of chastity, obedience and became members of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Sister choir sang beautifully, and the altars presented a magnificent appearance with many lighted candles and appropriate decorations.
The chapel was filled with relatives and friends of the new sisters. More than fifty priests were present, among them being Rt Rev. Monsignor Van Antwerp, of Detroit, who accompanied Bishop Gallagher. Ten made their final vows.
Monroe Gas, Light hearing begins
LANSING – Hearing of the Monroe Gas, Light and Fuel company was started before the public utilities commission today to determine the full value of the company's property and permanent gas rates for its service.
Engineers of the utilities commission reported their appraisal of the original cost of the company's physical property at $290,000, reproduction cost, less depreciation, was estimated at $395,000 under present price levels.
On December 2, 1921, the City of Monroe applied to have the gas company brought under the authority of the utilities commission, the franchise having expired that year.
The company agreed to the proposal of the city, and two preliminary hearings were held before the commission. During 1922, the company's plant was appraised and all books and records audited.
With Monroe Folks
Presby Missionary
The regular monthly meeting of the Presbyterian Woman's Missionary Society was held in the chapel Wednesday afternoon, at three o’clock. An interesting program took place as follows: Business session; the people of the Philippines, and two-minute items: New Jersey Academy, Wattana Wittaya Academy.
Lodge Installs
William Hampton of the G. K. R. and S., assisted by T. Champallors, and Walter Vandergrift and A. A. Kopke, installed the officers of the Valentine Lodge last evening.
The Pythian Sister Lodge was well-represented at the installation.
In a few lines
Fifty licenses issued
Fifty automobile license plates were issued at the First National Bank on Friday.
Sentence suspended
John Meier of Monroe was let off on suspended sentence by Justice Charles Hoyt this morning when he pleaded guilty to using indecent language. The complaint was made by Katherine Mushing.
Fined $21.94
Newton Bucknell of Ottawa Lake was fined $21.94 by Justice Charles Hoyt this morning when he pleaded guilty to assault and battery upon John Shidler. The arrest was made by the sheriff forces. He paid and was released.
Monroe couple married
Justice Lee Smith united in marriage late Friday afternoon, Edward Whitaker and Miss Della Carter, both of Monroe.
LaSalle
• The Gross home is under quarantine for smallpox.
• Mr. and Mrs. S. Lagginess entertained a large crowd of relatives New Year’s night.
• Mrs. Ernest Krueger and children are visiting in Detroit.
• Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Bottimer have received word that Miss Dorothy, who is in the west, is not as well as usual.
• Owing to so much sickness in different homes, also the stormy day, there was small attendance at the RNA meeting. Woodmen have postponed their installation on account of the former reasons.
• Congratulations to Miss Hazel Leonard, a former LaSalle girl, whose marriage occurred in Toledo, Christmas week.
1924 city budget is placed at $150,000
At the meeting of the city commission Monday evening the appropriation to operate the city for 1924 was fixed at $150,000, which is $4,000 more than raised to run the city during this year.
The ordinance was placed on its second reading and will be passed at the meeting next Monday evening.
The amount is raised by assessments levied upon the real estate and personal property.
The following are the amounts to be raised in each fund: Contingent, $15,500; street, $14,000; city property, $4,000; police, $20,000; fire department, $30,000; water, $11,000; lighting, $15,000; bridge, $1,000; interest and sinking, $35,000; temporary aid, $2,000; general sewer, $2,000; and ambulance, $500.
In other news, the city clerk was instructed to advertise for bids for a new water pipeline on East Elm Avenue.
School board buys playground site
The Monroe Board of Education has purchased from Jacob Seps the property next to the Lincoln School, East Second Street. The deal was closed Friday afternoon through Attorney Oliver J. Golden, who represented the board of education. It Is said that the purchase price was $8,000. The property will be converted into playgrounds.
Mr. Seps has promised to have the buildings on the land removed by August 15, and after this date the grounds will he fixed up for playgrounds. The property has a frontage of 150 feet and is 150 feet deep.
The Ice Carnival at Bolles Harbor
Everywhere throughout the country, winter days are becoming more popular. Today, cities in Northern Canada are advertised quite as much as cities in Southern Florida as THE REAL PLACE to spend the winter.
Having tasted a few of the many pleasurable sports offered by Old King Winter and realizing the unexcelled natural resources within almost a stones-throw of Monroe for enjoying them, the Entertainment Committee of the Bolles Harbor Club have originated for this community what is hoped will become a permanent institution — An lce Carnival.
This Carnival will be of many purposes; first, to carry the gospel of the great pleasures and benefits of “winter-outdoors” to those who may have heretofore looked upon winter days with fear and trepidation; second, to give genuine opportunity to all people of this locality to become invigorated through the wonderful spell of winter; third, to enable all people of this locality to take full advantage of the natural resources we have here for winter sports; and, lastly, to create a bigger and better fellowship among the people of this community.
Everybody knows where Bolles Harbor is and how great are its summer attractions. The lce Carnival with its unlimited offering of sports will make it even the more attractive in winter — and besides these winter pleasures are open to everybody. We want the entire community out there forgetting all their cares and troubles and adding years onto their lives.
The Carnival will he officially opened by Old King Winter himself Saturday, January 20th, at 1:30 p.m. promptly and will continue until the evening of Sunday the 27th. Be on hand to See the Old King take the first “zip” down the one hundred-and-seventy-five foot toboggan.
The Club house will be opened to all during the entire week; refreshments will be served, and booths will be provided for the entertainment of those who want to spend a little time indoors. There will he dancing every week day night during Carnival Week, and among other sports which will be more detailedly announced later, will be tobogganing, ice skating, hockey, ice-boating, ice fishing, racing and many other things to give you a thrill every minute. So get all your winter clothes out and be ready to shake hands with Old King Winter next Saturday at one-thirty. You’ll find him a regular fellow, generous and eager to give to you a new lease on life.
The Entertainment Committee Bolles Harbor Club
Mount Clemens to play here Friday
A quintet of basketball tossers from the Mount Clemens High School, together with nearly 100 rooters, will journey to Monroe Friday in an effort to wrest a game from the five of the local institution of learning.
Friday night's fracas promises to be one of the best tilts of the season seen in these parts. The boys from the Bath City hold Monroe as one of their toughest rivals and are coming here intent on avenging the defeat handed them by the Muskrats a year ago.
The quintet coming from Macomb County is probably the best outfit in the Southeastern League. The lads have beaten some of the best teams in the state and do not mean to stop their list of winnings here.
Mount Clemens admits that they have, in Monroe, a strong adversary, and they come here with no thought of an easy victory, say reports from that burg. Two special cars will bring the rooters from the up-state city.
Monroe promises, however, to make it just as hot a contest as the Bathers seem to expect. All sore arms recently vaccinated, will be in battling trim by Friday and the boys will be fit for the speedy game they are capable of. The lads are having stiff workouts this week. A preliminary tilt will be staged between the Monroe Reserves and the Toledo Newsboys quints. A dance will lie staged after the games for the Monroe and Mount Clemens' fans.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: 100 years ago in The Monroe Evening News
