This is my annual reminder to shop local. Here's why it's a good idea:
135 Years Ago
Dr. Perry Kelly has two or three cases of small pox in the country east of us, all of which come into the county from Denver, where the loathsome disease is quite prevalent…. Our county commissioners should institute a quarantine against them at once.
Colorado Transcript, March 13, 1889
As that passage demonstrates, the Transcript tended to regard Denver with suspicion when it came to infectious diseases.
103 Years Ago
The small pox epidemic in Denver has caused considerable worry in Golden, and hundreds of people in this community have taken the precaution of being vaccinated. City Health Officer Kemble reports that there are no cases of the disease here.
Colorado Transcript, December 8, 1921
Denver’s epidemic impinged on Golden’s holiday social season:
103 Years Ago
Firemen’s Dance - One of the most enjoyable events of the season will be the annual Firemen’s masquerade dance which will be held at the Golden opera house on Friday evening, December 30th…. On account of the prevalence of small pox in Denver the committee has decided not to have a costumer come from Denver, but urges that dancers furnish their own outfits.
Colorado Transcript, December 22, 1921
The fear of small pox fit right in with the Transcript’s long-running campaign to encourage people to Shop Local:
103 Years Ago
Golden merchants have an excellent line of Christmas goods and there is no use in journeying to Denver to buy your Christmas goods. Besides, look at the danger of getting murdered, held up, run over or contracting small pox. Buy at home, help your home town and be safe.
Colorado Transcript, December 22, 1921
