Fifty-one-year-old Clarence Oliver Carpenter was a successful Warwick farmer whose poultry, eggs and dairy products were among the highest quality to be found at RI markets. Carpenter put just as much effort into his position on the Warwick Town Committee and therefore quickly took appropriate action when he was informed, on Sept. 13, 1907, that the dreaded Diphtheria had returned to New England.

Originally regarded as a mystery illness or "the sore throat disease", written records show that an epidemic of the illness hit Spain in 1613, although it’s believed to have ravaged nations since at least 380 A.D.

Having once spread across New England during 1735, Diphtheria caused a sore throat, hoarseness, cough, chills, fever, headache and weakness. Within two to three days of contracting the illness, the respiratory system tissues of the afflicted are slowly destroyed. The dead matter turns into a slippery, gray coating that builds up in the nose and throat, impeding breathing and making swallowing painful. Nosebleeds and a bluish discoloration of the skin could also result, along with permanent damage to the body in the form of paralysis of the nervous system, kidney malfunction and heart rhythm disruption.

It wasn't until 1883 that the cause of the mystery illness became known. German physician Edwin Klebs identified a strain of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that created a toxin when introduced to the respiratory system of humans, through the airborne droplets of coughs or sneezes. Prior to Kleb's discovery, it was believed that the inhalation of odors which wafted from outhouses was the cause of the illness.

That fall of 1907, Carpenter visited the village of Apponaug, where 24 cases of sickness were contained. He ordered that the school there be closed until further notice. This move, and the acknowledgement that something dire was happening, created utter panic among residents. Those who were seriously ill and confined to bed included both adults and children and everyone now wondered what fate any of them may suffer from in the near future. The King family had it in their home, as well as the Wathey family and the Townsend family. The health officer made his way around town, quarantining such homes with "Diphtheria" signs nailed to the doors. 

Needing something or someone to blame for this recent epidemic, fingers were publicly pointed at those who failed to maintain their properties by cleaning away their ash piles and cleaning out their outhouses, and at those who freely carried uncovered meat, tallow or bones through the streets. Despite Kleb's discovery, there seemed to be a need to determine additional causes.

Within a week of the school closing, four more residents of Apponaug had been diagnosed with Diphtheria. Among them were 10-year-old Sadie Estelle Harrop and Teresa Donnelly, who had been caring for her two siblings already suffering with the illness. Some who were infected, such as engineer Joseph King, blatantly fought against orders to refrain from working and remain inside his home. For those of the same mind as King, they felt they had no choice as the town offered no assistance or provisions to families under quarantine.

The majority of those affected fully recovered and the epidemic of 1907 ended. But it’s unlikely that anyone ever forgot the fear that built with each “Diphtheria” sign that went up.

Kelly Sullivan is a Rhode Island columnist, lecturer and author.