Addie Hoyt Did *Not* Die of Diphtheria, Part III

Comments about the Addie Hoyt Fargo blog dated 4/19/2012

This particular blog is interesting because it demonstrates a literary technique to makes facts out of fiction...  At the end Rosemary says something like 'one more reason we can state - authoritatively - that Addie Hoyt Fargo did not die of diphtheria'.  Really?  And the supporting evidence to support that authoritative claims has been determined by discounting historical information and conviction based on lack of historical evidence.  If it wasn't in the paper then it didn't happen....if it was in the paper is was a lie.  I can win any argument with this logic.  The obit was a 'complete fabrication' and can't be used to support Addie's death from diphtheria.  The paper did not print the E J Fargo home was quarantined and fumigated.  Therefore it never happened.  I guess Rosemary wants it both ways......since that's the ONLY way she can make her points.

When Rosemary states there was no quarantine or fumigation she doesn't know that is factual.  She writes like it's a fact but doesn't actually know anything about the events of the time.  There are newspaper accounts that strongly suggest there was quarantine, and probably fumigation.  Those are the only artifacts available.  The rest is fiction.

See my blog titled 'Addie Hoyt Fargo Newspaper Resolutions' date 2/10/12.  In that blog is a newspaper article that states that Elsie and Mattie Fargo could not attend the alumni banquet.  This article is the most authoritative historical document that there was a quarantine.  Rosemary may claim that E J's daughters missed the banquet because they were in mourning.....I don't buy that...she's simply trying to discount historical information for her own agenda.

I submit that Frank publicized his situation because of the criticism leveled at E J for not publishing anything.  And not because the ordinance wasn't followed.

Then for no apparent reason Rosemary decides that a child's obituary is haunting because it reads like Addie's.  Could be they both were written by the same person.....who knows.  Guess this is an attempt to add some drama because it serves no other purpose. 

The newspaper articles are nice and reflect the events of the time through the eyes of the reporter.  Best source of information available from that time period.

I'll skip to the end and then back to the rules from the local board of health.....

Rosemary states the Myrtie got a proper funeral, something Addie never had.  This is her interpretation of the article she displays.  I'm reading that there was a memorial service for the child being held in the morning.  Not sure the evening sermon has anything to do with the memorial service.  This is not a funeral.  I haven't found any record with details of Myrtie's funeral.  Addie did get a funeral.  It's described in her obituary published in one of my earlier blog posts.  It says her grave was covered with roses.  How appropriate does that sound considering the current discussions about Addie's death.

Back to the local board of health rules......  Rosemary claims these were not followed but offers nothing for proof except that it wasn't published in the paper.  That only means it wasn't published in the paper.  The rest of her assertion is unfounded.  So by the numbers:
1.  Addie was isolated when the disease was diagnosed and never left the house.
2.  This was observed as evidenced by the alumni banquet article
3.  Clearly observed since it was documented Addie had a caretaker
4.  This is a challenge provision that was not needed in Addie's case because the family didn't venture out.
5. Rosemary can claim this didn't happen but since there is sufficient evidence that the house was quarantined it seems natural that one can assume the place was properly disinfected.

In summary.....all provisions set forth by the local board of health were followed based on the historical articles that are available.  Lack of historical documents doesn't mean it didn't happen...simply means there isn't any retrievable documentation.

I believe I've set forth enough information to substantiate Addie's death by disease.  Contrary to Rosemary I have used historical information whenever possible to support my points and came to logical conclusions based on the historical artifacts I have at my disposal.  Rosemary has chosen a different path that attempts to compromise historical information that doesn't support her conspiracy theory and invent fiction when there isn't historical information that refutes her assertions. 

Guess that says it all............