To the public in common with other business institutions in Almonte the influenza epidemic has decimated the staff of the Almonte Gazette. For eight days or so only a remnant of the staff has been able to be at office, with the result that neither-the Gazette nor the job work that has come to the office to be done could possibly be produced as usual, and the management asks for kind consideration until the epidemic has passed beyond our borders.
Last week, before the Gazette went to press, members of the staff began to drop off. First there was one Linotype operator and one of the business office staff. The editor was next. Then one of the young lady compositors fell ill. Another Linotype operator dropped, and next one of the hand compositors had to take to his bed and so on.This is how things have been running in the Gazette office during the last few days.
It appears that from the first taking the prevailing influenza the average recovery is about one week, and so it is hoped that very soon matters will again be normal. Meanwhile the best thanks of the Gazette are due to those who have lent assistance, and to none more so than those advertisers who helped out by making no changes in their business announcements this week. It was an immense help. This edition of the Gazette is far from being up to standard. News of importance has not been set— much of it has not been gathered.
In succeeding issues the management hopes to get back quickly to normal. It should be said that an appeal was made to the offices for help both in the city and county. This help would gladly have been given by all if it had been possible, but all of them were suffering also. The Ottawa Journal had five operators sick and the management was at its wits’ end to get the paper out. Mr. George F McKimm of Smiths Falls however seems to be in a little better position than others and he kindly states that he can help the Gazette out a little if necessary. His generous offer will be a accepted if conditions do not improve.
1918 Almonte GazetteAlmonte Gazette
Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 10 Oct 1918, Thu, Page 3
Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (US
More Family Names– Death by Influenza
Death by Influenza 1918- Any Names you Recognize?
They Lived and Died in Lanark County
What was Puking Fever? Child Bed Fever?
Think the Smallpox issue on Outlander was far fetched?
Smallpox in Carleton Place — Did You Know?
The Great White Plague
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