Scarlet Fever and Smallpox
Cholera was not the only epidemic to be feared. Scarlet fever and smallpox were a constant threat. When one of these outbreaks occurred, affected residents would hang red signs on their doors for scarlet fever and yellow for smallpox.
Scarlet fever raged during the 19th century. In 1859, one of Glendale’s most prominent citizens, Judge Stanley Matthews, and his family suffered the loss of four of their children. When the eldest, Morrison, became ill with scarlet fever, the youngest, still an infant, was rushed across the street out of harm’s way. On February 12, Stanley died. Febuary 13 Mary died followed by her brother Thomas on the 15th, and two weeks later brother Morrison died. Only the infant survived. The Judge and his wife had 4 more children who lived to adulthood. One, Eva Lee, founded the Community of the Transfiguration.
A Village Takes Care of Its Own
The community of Glendale has always taken care of its citizens and efforts were made to combat disease and help those who in need.
During the Civil War, the Village Council established a relief program in 1861. Suitable provisions for the destitute families were provided to those who were serving in the Northern army.
Two outbreaks of smallpox occurred again, one in 1868 and again three years later. Dr. Robbins was hired by Village Council to visit premises where outbreaks had occurred and to vaccinate children and all those needing it. Epidemics, as had the Civil War, caused destitution and the need for relief programs. Money was furnished for nursing, groceries, wood, milk, prescriptions and undertakers’ bills.
