"THE CASES ARE MOSTLY MILD, NO CAUSE FOR ALARM"

INFLUENZA HITS AMARILLO, FIFTH OF CITY'S POPULATION SICK

Amarillo, Texas (JFK+50) On February 27, 1926, Associated Press reports that "approximately 3000 persons" here in the city of Amarillo* "are sick with influenza**."  This represents one fifth of the population.

Fortunately, AP adds that the cases are mostly "mild" and are no cause for alarm.  No deaths have been reported as a result of the influenza epidemic.

Public schools, however, have been temporarily closed to disinfect classrooms.  They will reopen on Monday.

*Amarillo is located in the Texas panhandle & is gateway to Palo Duro State Park.  It is home of the American Quarter-horse Hall of Fame & Museum.  Its 2024 population 203,729.

**Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness spread by viruses causing fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and fatigue.  It commonly lasts 3 to 7 days.

SOURCE

"Fifth of Population In Amarillo, Tx., Ill of Influenza," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 27, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Route 66 Commemorative Water Tower

Amarillo, Texas

Photo by Cullen328

CC BY-SA 4.0

"1ST WOMAN ELECTED GOVERNOR IN GENERAL ELECTION"

'MA' FERGUSON SWORN-IN AS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS

Austin, Texas (JFK+50) On January 20, 1925, Mrs. Miriam Amanda Ferguson* was sworn in as the chief executive officer of the state of Texas here in Austin.

Mrs. "Ma" Ferguson's husband had been impeached as governor seven years earlier.  E. Ferguson, who served as governor 1915-1917, was accused of improper actions against the University of Texas.

According to S.J.K. Hughes, Mrs. Ferguson "swore that she had never fought a duel with deadly weapons and pledged herself...to administer the affairs of state with honesty and all capable wisdom."

Mrs. Ferguson becomes the first woman to be elected governor of Texas and the first woman to be elected governor of any state in a general election.

*Miriam A. "Ma" Ferguson (1875-1961) was born in Bell County, Texas & educated at Salado College & University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.  MAF served as governor of Texas 1925-1927 & 1933-1935.

SOURCE

"'Ma' Ferguson Now Rules Texas," by S.J.K. Hughes, International News Service, The Washington Times, January 20, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Miriam A. Ferguson

Bain News Service

Library of Congress