Little Angels - Harris Family

This is part of a series of geocaches that have been placed to remember the young lives that were lost to tragic circumstances and lost in history. Keeping their memories alive.

Scarlet Fever was a feared disease of the late 19th century, and Colac didn't escape the fury of this epic disease. From 1876 to 1878 there were over 35 children in the Colac district alone that died from this illness, and they are all buried in the Colac Cemetery, 98% without headstones.

This highly contagious disease affected mainly children. A child that would seem strong and healthy one day, could end up on their death bed the next. The symptoms of scarlet fever began with a sore throat, a fever of 38–40 degrees Celsius, and a feeling of sickness. This is followed within 12 to 24 hours by a red rash covering almost their whole body.

There was no cure for Scarlet Fever, only just keep the child as comfortable as possible. A cold press (a piece of material folded several times and soaked in iced water and wrung out) would be applied to their head, and regular baths to cool them down would help. Sucking on ice would help the throat. And total bed rest, usually in a well ventilated room that could be isolated to stop the spread of the infection.

One family stood out with my research - the Harris family.

Charles Harris owned the local brewery in Colac (where Colac Toyota is now). He and his wife Amelia lost 5 children from Scarlet Fever.

Thomas died 1876, aged 13

Charles died 1876, aged 10

William died 1877, aged 4

Anne died 1877, aged 1

Clara died 1878, aged 1

They are all buried together in the Colac Cemetery. Two years later, Charles and Amelia moved to Melbourne.

Scarlet fever still remains a today, but with antibiotics, it is easily treatable.

Cache: You are looking for a 1 litre sistema container