?Child dies after street game

In the modern era children have plenty of toys to keep them busy. In the old days they had to make their own fun. Sometimes this could have terrible unexpected consequences. In April 1920 a young boy died in Scarborough Hospital. Stanley Wilson was nearly seven years old when he died. He had previously been in good health and had never had to see a doctor.

He complained to his mother (Mrs Amy Wilson) who observed a swelling on his knee. He had been accidentally hit on the left leg whilst playing out in the street where he lived on Hoxton Road. His mother rubbed his wound with embroication. The following Thrusday he complained that his pains had got worse. At this point Dr Libbey was called for. The doctor stated that his injurey was serious and he ordered the use of hot flannels. His mother stayed up all night to nurse him.

His brother named Reggie Garwood as th young boy he had been playing with at the time of the accident. His brother stated "The stick was of iron, about a foot long and half an inch thick and was used to drive the hoop along. Reggie Garwood was hitting the hoop when the stick flew out of his hand and hit Stanley on the left calf. He cried for a time, but Reggie said he was sorry, and they played on again for about a quarter of an hour, and then went home."

His injuries became so bad he was taken into Scarborough Hospital. He was operated on but later succombed to his illness.

The doctor stated at the inquirey that the death was caused by osteo-myelitis imfammation of the bone, which caused blood poisoning. The coroner recorded the verdict accordingly.

His life could have been saved if his limb had been removed in time. When he was taken into hospital it was too late.

Source Scarborough Mercury, 23rd April, 1920. Page 5.