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100 Years Ago - Scranton mayor asks residents, businesses to help with snow cleanup

Times-Tribune - 2/7/2020

Feb. 7--Feb. 7, 1920

Snowstorm creates havoc

A two-day snowstorm and the influenza outbreak created major issues in the city of Scranton.

The storm dropped more than 15 inches of snow on the city, and the virus hit members of the city Department of Public Works hard. In light of these two situations, Scranton Mayor Alex Connell put out an appeal to residents and business owners for help.

Connell asked businesses to use trucks, wagons and employees to help with the removal of massive snow piles that formed on the city's streets.

He also asked residents and businesses to clean the snow from sidewalks and gutters.

Dancing banned in Scranton

In an ongoing effort to control the spread of influenza in Scranton, Health Director Dr. N.E. Newbury banned all public dancing in the city until further notice. Anyone found conducting a dance could be prosecuted.

In the two weeks since the outbreak, the Health Department had counted 460 cases.

Newbury's office also released tips on how to avoid influenza: Don't let people sneeze or cough in your face; wash your hands; stop shaking hands; walk more; get fresh air; keep your feet dry; and keep your fingers out of your mouth and away from your nose.

Scouts attend funeral

Members of the Girl Scout troop of St. Peter's Cathedral attended the funeral for one of their own, Alice Toohey.

Alice, daughter of attorney and Mrs. John Toohey, was the first person to die from influenza in Scranton in 1920. She had been an active member of the scouting group since its formation at the cathedral.

BRIAN FULTON, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune's expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.

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