Family gathering turned deadly

For The Madera Tribune

Dr. Dow Ransom, shown here, was one of the 5 physicians who attempted to save two Madera families who had been struck down by food poisoning in 1918.

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It was a proud moment for Grover Mitchell, when he joined the growing number of Maderans who had switched from a horse and buggy to the horseless carriage. He was pleased with his new vehicle, and on Sunday, Jan. 27, 1918, Mitchell loaded his wife and two children into the car for an inaugural spin in his “Tin Lizzie.” Little did he know he was taking them to meet the Grim Reaper.

The Mitchells left their home on North Lake Street and headed out to the country. Their destination was the Mackey home on Madera Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Mackey were the parents of Nellie Mitchell, Grover’s wife.

When the Mitchells arrived, Nellie carried their infant in her arms while their 3-year-old, Orval, walked with his dad. Standing on the porch to greet them were Nellie Mitchell’s father, her six year-old sister, Nina, and her 14-year-old brother Elsworth. Inside, her mother was busily putting the finishing touches on the evening meal — including that deadly jar of apricots.