The current Covid-19 outbreak has people locked up at home for the time being, but it is far from a new experience on the Harbor. Earlier communicable diseases (smallpox, diphtheria, scarlet fever) required in-house detainment on a case-by-case basis, and authorities took a very dim view of violators as seen in these stories from the Aberdeen Herald.

INSTRUCTIONS FROM HEALTH OFFICER — Dr. Bush, the county health officer, has addressed the following instructions to all practicing physicians in this county, respecting contagious diseases:

It is desirable that you report to this office all cases of contagious disease as soon as discovered. Also, that you enforce reasonable quarantine in all such cases.

All cases of smallpox must be rigidly and effectually quarantined as soon as discovered; also the house where it is discovered, together with all those who are in it.

A guard must be kept night and day that quarantine may not be broken. After the period of incubation has fully passed, and no other case occurs, the house and inhabitants thereof may, after thorough fumigation and disinfection, be released from said quarantine. A.K. Bush, Health Officer Chehalis County. — February 3, 1893

James and Gus Baldwin, both of whom have been quarantined with their families for some weeks on account of their affliction with scarlet fever, are out again, and report their children and all is in good health again. — May 10, 1894

From the Hoquiam Washingtonian: Dr. C.T. Frary, of the U.S. Hospital Service, hearing the dangers of smallpox brought in by foreign vessels, has raised the quarantine flag at this port. All foreign vessels, of those with contagious diseases on board, will be compelled to remain away from the docks until they have been inspected. — March 25, 1897

Aberdeen has experienced quite a small-pox scare, and for a time it looked as if it was going to be endemic, but by the energetic action of Health Officer Smits, and the board of health, the disease has been confined to the locality where it started, and there is, practically, no danger of its further spread.

A family named Fielder, recent arrivals, brought the complaint from Duluth, Minn., and were promptly isolated, and have now recovered, and the time is passed for the spread of the disease through exposure from this family. The only case now in the city is that of Mrs. Cartha Ballew, who had been exposed while the Fielder family was sick. The block in which the disease is located is under strict quarantine, five guards being employed to preserve the isolation. As this location is in a sparsely settled part of the city, no further cases are anticipated. The school board held a meeting last evening, to consider the propriety of closing the schools, but, after consulting the health officer, decided not to do so, and the schools will complete the term, provided no new cases develop. — May 23, 1901

THE CITY SUED — Mrs. M.E. Wood and her husband, A.H. Wood, have brought suit against the city for services alleged to have been performed by Mrs. Wood as a nurse for Mrs. Robt. Birmingham during the recent quarantine for smallpox.

Mrs. Wood claims in her action that she was employed to attend to the case by Dr. Smits. The health officer of the city, and for that reason the city should pay her $90, or $5 per day for eighteen days. The case will come up for trial on Thursday, the 17 inst., in Judge Pearson’s court, and the important question as to whether or not the city is liable on certain quarantine bills, will probably be decided. — October 10, 1901

ELMA — An Elma lady was arrested Saturday, for going into Mrs. Amsler’s contrary to quarantine rules. The judge assessed a fine of ten dollars. — March 14, 1901

MONTESANO — Perry Kelly is the latest victim of smallpox. He is quarantined in the Wilder building near Silvia Lake. — April 10, 1902

One of the female inmates of the Eagle Dance Hall has the smallpox, and is quarantined in her room. – April 10, 1902

Jerome Devine, a logger, was observed on the street Saturday slightly broken out with a mild case of smallpox, and was quarantined in his room by the health officer. — April 28, 1902

Complaint is made that the diphtheria quarantine is, or has been, neglected in a case in East Aberdeen, and that the attending physician was anything but courteous when his attention was called to it. – July 3, 1902

Ruth, the 9-year-old daughter of Mayor and Mrs. Anstie, is afflicted with diphtheria. The house is quarantined. — July 31, 1902

The schooner Halcyon, Capt. Schroder, arrived in the harbor Monday from Mexico, and is now in quarantine at Hoquiam. Captain Schroder was suffering from gangrene in his foot, and the member was amputated at the Hoquiam General Hospital. The cook was also sick, and the crew had a hard trip throughout. The released from quarantine, the Halcyon will come to Aberdeen to load lumber. — February 11, 1904

HOQUIAM — Doctor Horace Campbell is confined to his bed with a severe attack of diphtheria and Health Officer King today quarantined the place. He is attended by Dr. Watkins, of Cosmopolis, who will look after Dr. Campbell’s work in the city until his recovery. — February 18, 1904

HOQUIAM — The city was shocked Monday morning by the report that little Harold Levy, who had been sick for several days, was suffering with a severe case of diphtheria, and nine o’clock died. The little fellow had been sick since last Thursday, but not seriously ill until Friday night. — February 18, 1904

There is a case of diphtheria at the corner of Second and G Streets, and the premises have been quarantined. — October 26, 1905

W.C. Judson, who has been under quarantine is on the streets again. Mr. Judson says it is all right at the city hospital but just a little lonesome. — May 13, 1907

Mrs. Catherine Lowry returned from Seattle Friday, where she went to remain during the winter with her daughter, Mrs. Judd Elliott. Finding the home quarantined, she decided to return home. – January 27, 1908

The son of J.W. Clark, editor of the Grays Harbor Post, is ill with diphtheria, and Mr. Clark is confined to his home by quarantine. — September 13, 1909

Four young persons arrested last Sunday for breaking a quarantine, were fined $20 each by Judge Phillips, who then suspended sentence, the evidence showing no intentional violation of the law. — September 13, 1909

The quarantine for diphtheria on the house of C.H. Williams, at the corner of Market and M Streets, has been raised. June 30, 1910

Roy Vataja is the son of Finnish immigrants and is doing his part during the statewide Stay Home order. Fortunately, sitting on the sofa and reading old newspapers is where he excels.