Class

Article

College

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

English Department

Faculty Mentor

Christine Cooper-Rompato

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the methods and rhetoric newspapers used to report on smallpox quarantines in the early 1900s. Newspapers from throughout Utah are examined, with special attention given to articles published within or written about the Cache Valley area. The goal of this presentation is to highlight the ways in which newspapers established quarantine regulations, reported on smallpox cases and negligence, and dealt with rumors and misinformation. Overall, it is concluded that newspapers were a valuable source of information and mass communication during the smallpox epidemic in the early 20th century.

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-8-2022 12:00 AM

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Apr 8th, 12:00 AM

Pest Houses, Quarantine, and Smallpox: Utah Newspapers Reporting on Quarantine in the Early 1900s

Logan, UT

This presentation focuses on the methods and rhetoric newspapers used to report on smallpox quarantines in the early 1900s. Newspapers from throughout Utah are examined, with special attention given to articles published within or written about the Cache Valley area. The goal of this presentation is to highlight the ways in which newspapers established quarantine regulations, reported on smallpox cases and negligence, and dealt with rumors and misinformation. Overall, it is concluded that newspapers were a valuable source of information and mass communication during the smallpox epidemic in the early 20th century.