Newport Shuts Every Public Gathering Under a Sweeping Health Order
In November 1909, the town’s board of health ordered all public meetings and public buildings closed until further notice, with peace officers told to break up any gatherings that defied the ban.
To Whom It May Concern:
Notice is hereby given that under and by virtue of Rule 8 of the State Board of Health Rules and Regulations of the State of Washington, and under and by virtue of a resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Newport, Washington, passed on the 2nd day of November, A.D. 1909,
It is ordered that all public meetings and buildings wherein public meetings are held shall be and are hereby closed, and ordered and directed not to hold any meetings or permit any public gatherings at such places.
All peace officers are required to enforce the foregoing order by dispersing any such gathering or meeting held in violation of this order.
This order shall be and remain in force and effect until further notice.
Dated at Newport, Washington, this 3rd day of November, A.D. 1909.
J. T. Phillips, Chairman of the Board of Health of the Town of Newport, Washington.
“It is ordered that all public meetings and buildings wherein public meetings are held shall be and are hereby closed.”
A century before COVID-19, Newport used the same basic tool — closing public gatherings — to slow an unspecified health threat. The order also shows how quickly a local board could suspend ordinary civic life when state health rules gave it the authority.
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