Now that takes me back. I was born in 1958, and I do remember when I was a kid that if some kid in the neighborhood had the German Measles, the other parents would sent their daughters over to play. The idea being that better to get it over with now than take a chance on them getting it during child bearing age. I did not realize that they did this with chickenpox as well.
RE: I did not realize that they did this with chickenpox as well.
My mother did it to me and my brother when we were 6 and 7 respectively.
My brother got the chicken pox. Strangely, I did not, but got it later in my twenties.
My wife hosted a chicken pox party,around 1992 or 1993.
German measles, so nasty. I have a relative who can barely walk, and shes deaf. Her Mother got it while pregnant. It seems to destroy many of the nerves required for walking and hearing. The mother was warned by the woman who gave it to her, to stay away from her. She ignored the warning, as the woman no longer had symptoms. So sad.
I remember all these parties for mumps, measles and chicken pox.
I had every one of those illnesses, and parents would send their kids over and we would all share lollipops.