History

In 1918 San Fran Mayor James Rolph Was Fined Fifty Bucks For No Mask

Written by Ryan Prost

Recently a Texas Mayor apologized for breaking her own stay at home order to be at an appointment at a local nail salon. As the saying goes, “history rhymes”, seems to be true once again.

Did you know that the mayor of San Francisco James Rolph was fined $50 dollars 1918 for not obeying the city ordinance requiring a mask be worn in public by all citizens.

Americans in San Francisco were not happy about the legal obligation to wear masks at all times when in public, with the exception of “at mealtime”.

As a result Americans formed the Anti-Mask League in response.

At a time when health officials such as the American Red Cross called Americans who refused to wear masks “Dangerous Slackers” the mayor of San Francisco James Rolph thought himself above the city ordinance requiring one.

Americans Formed the Anti-Mask League

The Babylon Bee recently made a comment in jest about the governor Michigan Governor: ‘Revolting Against A Tyrannical Government Is Simply Un-American’.

This came after some have questioned the morality and even constitutional legality of her recent actions in her efforts to “flatten the curve” by locking down Michigan.

It turns out that Americans are a people shaped by civil disobedience. Virginians made the tarring and feathering of tyrants an American pastime.

1918 San Fran barbers cutting hair while some refuse to wear masks in public.

The efforts of the Anti-Mask League in resisting the mandatory mask rules were successful. In December 1919 the second mandatory mask ordinance was voted down.

James Rolph Didn’t Wear A Mask

Rolph resigned from the office of mayor in January 8, 1912 to become the 27th governor of California.

San Francisco residents who refused to wear a mask were fined, on average around $5 and were cited with “disturbing the public peace”.

However, it turns out the Mayor James Rolph felt that he was not obligated to wear a mask even though it was the law.

He was captured on camera by photographers posing in public with no mask beside other politicians and quickly fined $50 by the police chief.

San Fran Mayor James Rolph

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About the author

Ryan Prost

Ryan is a freelance writer and history buff. He loves classical and military history and has read more historical fiction and monographs than is probably healthy for anyone.

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