Headlines in History 1913: Vaccination is urged by doctors to stop a smallpox epidemic

What was making news in our area during this week in years past? The History Museum offers these newspaper excerpts to give you an idea.

Nov. 12, 1903: “Indications are favorable for the launching of a new industry requiring a large factory in Mishawaka. Plans have not sufficiently matured for the publication of the names of promoters or of the nature of the business.” — The South Bend Tribune

Nov. 13, 1913: “Following a death from smallpox last night, local physicians to-day made statements urging the public to exercise prudence to prevent a spread of the disease. It is said that many people have been exposed and some physicians declare carelessness on the part of the public may cause an epidemic.” — The South Bend Tribune

Nov. 14, 1926: “The formal opening of the new Booher Bros. Cigar store, 109 East Jefferson boulevard, will be held Monday. The proprietors are Encil and Arden Booher, the former being connected at one time as manager of the Pastime Cigar store and bowling alleys, Mishawaka.” — The South Bend Tribune

Nov. 15, 1933: “Associated South Bend Merchants meeting in the Oliver hotel Tuesday afternoon made preliminary plans for stimulating early Christmas shopping through use of unusually brilliant decorations and much music.” — The South Bend Tribune

Nov. 16, 1947: “Ten South Bend and Mishawaka commercial vehicle firms whose drivers earned the title ‘perfect gentlemen of the highways’ by not experiencing a single reportable accident during the 1946-47 fiscal year will be honored at a fleet safety award luncheon to be sponsored by the commercial vehicle section, safety council of the South Bend Association of Commerce, in the Oliver hotel next Thursday noon.” — The South Bend Tribune

Nov. 17, 1953: “Monday’s unseasonably warm weather was apparently to blame for vigorous activity on the part of the Mishawaka Fire Department. From 9 in the morning until 7 that evening they were kept busy fighting 12 fires, most of which resulted when small grass fires got out of control.” — The South Bend Tribune

Nov. 18, 1967: “An employee open house today and a preview Friday night for area business and civic leaders were conducted to show Oliver Corp.’s new look in South Bend. The open house and preview took place in the company’s newly completed South Bend plant administrative offices at 533 S. Chapin St., replacing a multi-storied facility that was erected in 1877.” — The South Bend Tribune

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: 1913: Smallpox causes physicians to make statements