We forget about infectious diseases nowadays what with our vaccinations and all. But back before vaccinations were available, diseases like measles could wreck havoc in a community.
On March 8th, 1887 it was reported in a local paper that a case of the measles "in the light form" had broken out at the Jurupa school, brought there from Los Angeles. Health Officer Sawyer was notified, made an inspection, and gave appropriate orders to prevent its spread. That meant that the school was closed. For some reason it took until March 19th for the paper to report that the Jurupa School was closed due to the "prevalence of the measles among the children."
Finally, after being closed for several weeks, Miss Alfaretta Wood, the teacher, was able to begin school again on April 4th. Nine students were there that day, a smaller number than usual.
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