1919 Olive Poisoning is Topic at Historical Society Annual Meeting November 12

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One of the Carnation City’s most popular topics from the past will be the focus of the Alliance Historical Society’s annual meeting in 2024.

Karen Perone

Karen Perone, president of the Society, will deliver a presentation explaining the 1919 Olive Poisoning on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Rodman Auditorium.

The program will follow a brief business meeting.

The olive poisoning was one of the greatest tragedies to ever fall upon Alliance. Following a party at Lakeside Country Club in Canton given by Helen Sebring Gehris to welcome back World War I hero Col. Charles C. Weybrecht, several of the city’s most prominent citizens were ill. Seven people, including the hostess and the guest of honor, would eventually die from the mysterious malady.

Perone will talk about the people involved, the gala event, the search to find the cause of the sickness, and the toll it took on the city as she details the incident that has captivated audiences over the past 105 years.

Registration is required to attend the event.

[REGISTER HERE]