- Mumps in 1909 -
In 1909, mumps were already recognized as a contagious viral infection that was caused by the mumps virus. The primary symptoms of mumps consist of swelling of salivary glands, high fever, headache, and muscle aches. Oftentimes, mumps could lead to complications that include inflammation of testicles in males or ovaries in females, along with meningitis. The lack of historical records makes it challenging to understand the prevalence of mumps during the time period but it was known that the virus was not uncommon. The virus typically appears during one's adolescence development and later childhood years.
On May 14, 1909, a nationwide lockdown was authorized by the Board of Health to mandate state quarantines. A yellow cardboard sign with black lettering placed on several different locations would emphasize staying in one's own house and refraining from leaving their home. The notice highlights the consequences that would occur if one did not follow the directions, which consist of paying a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or being imprisoned by the local jail. Throughout the years, vaccines, like the MMR, which prevents the virus, have become prominent, leading to a decrease in the prevalence of mumps.
Citation:
Anderson, Rachel. “Happy 50th Anniversary of NO MUMPS!” National Museum of American History, August 4, 2020. Accessed November 17, 2023. https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/mumps-vaccine
Smithsonian Institution. “Quarantine Sign, Mumps.” Smithsonian Institution - National Museum of American History. Accessed December 21, 2023. https://www.si.edu/object/mumps-these-premises-are-under-state-quarantine%3Anmah_1292509.
How prominent were mumps at the time?
Did the mandated quarantine affect the postal service?
Did Blanche ever have mumps herself?
The following object description information includes basic elements from the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI). An additional notes field is included to list dates from the actual letter, envelope postmark locations, and any other identifying details.
- Hurricane that Shaped Florida Key West in 1909 -
In 1909, a powerful hurricane made a long-lasting impact on the tropical paradise of Key West, Florida. The storm, known as the 1909 Florida Keys hurricane, struck the region with intense winds and heavy rainfall, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, and was noted as a category three. The hurricane profoundly affected the architecture of Key West, as many buildings were damaged or destroyed during the storm. The majority of residents, known for their resilience, faced the daunting task of rebuilding their beloved island.
In the aftermath of the 1909 hurricane, Key West underwent reconstruction and redevelopment. The community rallied together to rebuild homes, businesses, and infrastructure, contributing to the unique architectural character that defines Key West today. The experience of weathering such a formidable storm also led to improvements in building practices and preparedness measures to withstand future hurricanes better. The 1909 hurricane became a pivotal moment in Key West's history, shaping the island both physically and culturally, and serving as a testament to the resilience of its inhabitants in the face of natural disasters.
Citation:
“1909 & 1910 Hurricane Marker 501.” Key West historic marker tour. Accessed November 21, 2023. https://www.keywesthistoricmarkertour.org/marker/501.
In 1909, mumps was a prevalent infectious disease that affected a significant number of individuals, particularly children and young adults. Mumps is a contagious viral infection characterized by swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, leading to facial swelling. During the early 20th century, mumps outbreaks were common, and the disease often spread rapidly within communities, schools, and households. The lack of a widely available vaccine at that time contributed to the high incidence and prevalence of mumps, as preventive measures were limited.
The impact of mumps on communities in 1909 was notable, causing disruptions in daily life, school closures, and increased medical attention. The severity of the disease varied, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms while others faced more severe complications, such as meningitis or orchitis. The widespread occurrence of mumps in 1909 underscored the need for advancements in public health and vaccination strategies, which eventually emerged in the mid-20th century. The development and implementation of the mumps vaccine have significantly reduced the incidence of the disease, highlighting the progress made in preventing and controlling infectious diseases over the past century.
Citation:
Eggers, Hans J. “Milestones in Early Poliomyelitis Research (1840 to 1949).” Journal of Virology, June 1999. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC112492/.
“MUMPS Images.” Immunize.org, October 18, 2023. https://www.immunize.org/clinical/image-library/mumps/.