Williamsport Sun
March 18, 1948
Clay Building Closes Due to Scarlet Fever

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.

Officials of the Williamsport School District and the Board of Health ordered closing of the Henry Clay School this morning after another case of Scarlet Fever was discovered.

The latest sufferer is Delores Finn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Finn of 927 West Fourth Street, a fourth grade pupil, Delores was in school Wednesday but was sent home when signs of illness became apparent to her teacher.
This brings to nine the number of scarlet fever cases at Clay School, however, other children living in the Clay district are suspected Scarlet Fever cases and it is reported that three youngsters attending St. Joseph’s School but living in the Clay area have contracted the disease.

The Finn girl’s illness would close four rooms in the building so after a conference of Dr. Paul Witmeyer, city superintendent of schools, Dr. Merl G. Colvin, city health officer and George R. Walters, Clay principal, on overall shut-down was decided until after Easter. Students will return to school, Tuesday, March 30, at the end of the Easter vacation.

Meanwhile, parents in the Clay building are advised to keep their children from assembling in groups and to watch them for sore throat, nausea and elevation in temperature. Presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that the child has Scarlet Fever but it suggests that family physicians be consulted when they are present.