The "The Pandemic Of 1918: A Lesson Learned?" Story

Preface:  The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 got its name due to the early affliction and large mortalities in Spain when it killed 8 million in May of 1918.  The first wave of the flu in the United States appeared early in the spring of 1918 when it surfaced in Kansas and military bases throughout the U.S.  Tomorrow the county of Lancaster, Pennsylvania plans to open its businesses and violate the proclamation that our State Governor Wolf has declared.  Why?  Government specialists warn it will cause a spike in cases once again in Lancaster County, but the majority of the County Commissioners think different.  And naturally, they are the ones who control our destiny!  Here's hoping they know better than the medical professionals and the Governor who is trying to protect the lives of all Pennsylvanians.  If not, the many deaths that occur due to their greed will haunt them for the rest of their lives.

It was an ordinary day.  Reading a variety of stories telling about the pandemic that struck the United States slightly over 100 years ago.  Known as the "Spanish Flu," it struck as World War I was drawing to a close.  The virus began in the United States in Kansas and was carried to Europe where it mutated and returned with our returning soldiers.  In March of 1918 the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, my hometown, had just finished celebrating its Centennial Anniversary.  At the time there were slightly over 172 thousand residents in Lancaster County or about a third of what call Lancaster County home today.  The disease caused confusion and conflicting opinions, just as it is dong in today's Lancaster.  The flu in Lancaster claimed its first  casualty on September 26.  I began a search of the Lancaster Newspaper's archives and found quite a few stories written about the 1918 Flu.  A story in the Monday, October 7 Daily New Era reported "3,000 CASES OF SPANISH "FLU" AFFLICT THE CITY."  

October 7 Daily New Era

The city estimated about 3,000 were suffering from influenza with 1,625 cases reported to the Local Board of Health.  Dr. J.W. Kinard fell victim to pneumonia with his system weakened by demand for services in the epidemic.  Wholesale liquor dealers had to close and churches must remain closed till Saturday evening when further notice would be given at that time.  The Street Department was ordered to sprinkle and clean all streets at once.  The flu cases were increasing 50% daily.  The Board of Health advised against coal conservation in homes where disease exists.  Another headline said, "BOARD OF HEALTH CLAMPS DOWN LID TIGHTER THAN EVER IN EFFORT TO CHECK EPIDEMIC - KEEP HOUSES WARM WHERE DISEASE EXISTS."   Then on October 16 the Lancaster Intelligencer carried several stories related to the flu.  One stated "FLU" NOT TO HALT BUSINESS ANY LONGER IN LANCASTER.  Stores and factories to open tomorrow morning for business as usual after being aired and fumigated.  "Flu" seems to have been checked slightly, although death rate is still high.  On the left side of the previous article was a list of 25 Lancaster residents who had died the previous day.  This is in a town that is one-third the size of what it is today and they had 25 deaths...IN ONE DAY!  AND THEY OPENED THE CITY STORES!!!  Have we learned nothing from the past??  

October 16 Lancaster Intelligencer

Another story on the 16th was titled "NATION'S CAPITAL BATTLES FOR LIFE AGAINST "FLU'.  In that story they tell the story of 31 deaths in one day with 21 dying the day before.  Schools and colleges are closed as well as theaters and movies.  All mercantile businesses are closed, but those needed for the war effort as well as food and drug stores are open.  No windows are allowed closed on street cars.  The health report for last week shows 37,945 cases of influenza and 4,313 cases of pneumonia.  The Army death rate at home is now greater than at any time since they went to war.  The flu is now working westward and there is little hope that the flu will be halted before it reaches the Pacific.  Washington is living outdoors rather than in a crowded building.  And...Lancaster was going to open for business!!  

October 16 Lancaster Intelligencer

Also on October 16 is a story about the nearby town of Columbia, PA reporting that "COLUMBIA CLOSES SODA FOUNTAINS AND CANDY STORES BECAUSE OF EPIDEMIC."  A few small stories tell about the influenza situation in the small Susquehanna River town of Columbia and reports of an increase in cases was cause for the closings.  They do say that from present indications, the epidemic has reached the crest in Columbia, and with proper precautions, it is believed that the crisis is passed.  The authorities, however, still enjoin the people to exercise the greatest care.  On October 30, The Intelligencer Journal posted a SMILES AND "FLUS" column where they reported that movies and the theatre will no doubt be open soon in the county.  The also wrote "Oppressed with the burdens of war to which have been added the horrors of a flu epidemic, it is essential that the people of Lancaster County smile, smile and smile.  The influenza is a disease of depression and hate so the proprietors of the movies and theaters can do much by showing those things that will make the people smile; to present those things which have as little of the burdens of care as possible and nothing that does not have a happy ending.

October 31 Lancaster Intelligencer

Let us conquer the flu by driving dull care away.  The following day, October 31 had a headline which read "HALLOWE'EN PARTY PLACED UNDER BAN; NO GHOSTS EITHER."  I  hope our country has learned a lesson from 1918 and the hardships that our ancestors suffered through.  But, opening up our country once again, too early, will prove that we learned nothing from the past.  God Help Us!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.