Schools, Mills, Churches, Places of Amusement Closed, Sept. 30, 1918

“Prompt Action to Prevent Spread of Influenza,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Sept 30, 1918

Town Authorities Close Schools, Churches and Places of Amusement, Prohibit Serving of Drinks at Fountains and Quarantine Against places Where Disease is Prevalent—90 Cases in Lumberton—Cotton Mills Shut Down

Schools, churches and places of amusement were ordered closed indefinitely, serving of drinks at public fountains was forbidden, and Lumberton was quarantined against Charlotte, Wilmington, Fayetteville and all points in Bladen and Cumberland counties by Mayor Proctor and the town board at a meeting held Saturday morning to consider the serious spread of Spanish influenza here. The action was taken upon the advice of Dr. W.A. McPhaul, county health officer, who met with the town authorities.

A week ago today there were only six cases of this dread disease in Lumberton, whereas up to today 90 cases have been reported in Lumberton and vicinity and 117 cases in the county.

The order was put into effect at once. The moving picture show was closed immediately after the order was passed. No services of any kind were held in town yesterday. Saturday morning Evangelist B.F. McLendon’s big tent was erected in front of the town hall, but of course this action postponed the meeting, which was to begin yesterday, indefinitely, and Mr. McLendon was notified of the situation Some of his advance workers who came before the order was passed left town Saturday.

The four cotton mills in Lumberton were closed down this morning indefinitely on account of the epidemic.

This morning the county health officer wired the manager of the Sparks shows, billed to exhibit here Saturday of this week, that the show would not be allowed on that date.

In the week ending Saturday the disease had made its appearance in every State and all but a few camps causing many deaths.

Robeson Soldier Victim of Spanish Influenza. . . Remains of Mr. Coy Britt Sent to Home at Barnesville from Army Camp

Mr. Coy Britt, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.Q. Britt of the Barnesville section, died at an army camp Tuesday of last week of Spanish influenza. The remains were sent home and arrived at Barnesville Saturday morning.

Deceased was about 23 years old and had been in the army several years.

Superior Court

Superior court for the trial of civil cases opened this morning and it is expected it will close today. The jury was dismissed by Judge C.C. Lyon of Elizabethtown, who is presiding, at noon today.

Calls Canceled for Entrainment of Registrants October 7 to 11

Because of the epidemic of Spanish influenza in army camps, Provost Marshal General Crowder tonight canceled calls for the entrainment between October 7 and 11 of 142,000 draft registrants.

2 Young Men Die Near Clarkton of Spanish Influenza

Lon Owen and McElwain Wooten, young men living four miles from Clarkton, died Friday of Spanish influenza. Mr. Wooten recently visited Wilmington and contracted the disease, and Mr. Owen called on him and contracted it.