In this current situation we find ourselves in with life as we know it being canceled, rescheduled, or changed or delayed in some way I thought I would go back in time and see what notes I had taken on the last big pandemic, the Spanish Flu of 1918.
Resources are from Newspapers.com
Sterilized Influenza masks- Any customer that prefers to do her shopping with a mask on can get one FREE of charge at our ribbon counter. Ask for one and remember this store is thoroughly sprayed every day with a powerful antiseptic spray making it a safe place to shop ( Pantons’ on Holly Street- Bham) – Ad in the Bellingham Herald
October 4, 1918 – Bellingham Herald
The local board today received a call for five men to be entrained for Pullman State College on October 15. Only men capable of general military service are wanted and it is stated that volunteering under this call may be permitted until October 12. Men with an aptitude for mechanics are desired for instruction as carpenters, auto mechanics, blacksmiths, horseshoers, radio operators, etc. For these and exceptional opportunity is offered, the board is advised.
The call is the first issued since the suspension of the October entertainment orders, as a result of the influenza epidemic. None but registrants physically fit for general service will be accepted. The states and number of white men to be furnished, together with the educational institutions to which the registrants will report include Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
October 5, 1918 – Bellingham Herald
Bham Herald – Seattle reports 20 cases of influenza; closes all indoor assembly buildings; only open air gatherings permitted. Schools, theaters, and churches included in order. Theaters were instructed not to give today’s matinees and pastors were ordered to hold no services in their churches tomorrow. An order issued last night stopped all Seattle dances. Police were instructed to see the orders are obeyed. Mayor Hanson asserted reports to the health department indicated influenza was getting a foothold in Seattle, with 100-200 cases. “We don’t know how many cases there are because many of them are diagnosed as grippe and are not reported,” the mayor said.
A strict quarantine at Port Townsend has been established. No passes will be given soldiers to visit Seattle and other cities and they will not be permitted to visit moving picture shows, attend dances, or other public gatherings. The Army WMCA has been forbidden to give entertainments for the soldiers. Soldiers are permitted to visit Port Townsend, but are not allowed to sit in hotel lobbies. The members of the 39th regiment of railroad artillery, under training, expecting to be sent to France in a short time, are in strict quarantine and are not allowed to leave the post.
In Bremerton, 12 known deaths amongst the sailors at the Puget Sound Navy Yard and one civilian have resulted from the Spanish influenza. There are several hundred cases reported. Five public halls have been commandeered to be used as emergency hospitals should the spread of the disease warrant their need.
October 8, 1918 – Bellingham Herald, Dateline Seattle
192 caes of influenza are reported with 10 deaths at Naval Station; hundreds of civilians have died.
Bellingham- Having been informed by Dr. WW Ballaine, city health officer, that there are two cases of Spanish influenza in the city, Mayor Sells last night issued a proclamation from the city council chamber ordering all schools, churches, moving picture houses, card and pool rooms and all other public gathering places in Bellingham to be closed until further orders. All the schools in the city are closed. Pupils who had not been notified of the order reported at the various schools this morning but teachers were on hand to instruct them to return home. The Normal school also is closed but students have been notified to hold themselves in readiness to return to their studies on a moment’s notice. Gatherings of all kinds which had been scheduled this week were postponed or cancelled. The meeting which was scheduled by the Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen at Liberty Hall Thursday night was postponed and Colonel Brice P. Disque was notified by wire of the mayor’s action. Colonel Disque will come later. Company E’s drills will not be held this evening. This morning Judge Jeremiah Neterer, who arrived from Seattle yesterday to hold an adjourned session of the federal court, announced that on account of the epidemic the court would be adjourned until January. The only case which the court had yet to hear was that of TH Gourley, indicted for seditious statements.
This morning Dr. Ballaine reported that there are 3 cases of Spanish flu in the city. In each case the disease has attacked persons of middle age. In this connection, Dr. Ballaine issues a warning advising them to stay out of public places and away from crowds as much as possible from other sources. It is advised that all person be aware of anyone sneezing. Such persons should not sneeze outside of a handkerchief, otherwise disease germs will be scattered broadcast. Spitting on sidewalks and in public places is also dangerous and the Chief of Police, Max Laase, says he will enforce rigidly the ordinance prohibiting spitting on sidewalks and elsewhere. Spanish flu is much like the common grippe, but it is more likely to develop into pneumonia. Dr. Markley advises anyone who is fearful that he has been attacked by the new form of influenza to consult a physician at once.
October 9, 1918- Bellingham Herald
The trophy train will not come to Bellingham. After consulting the mayor this morning, Judge John Kellogg, chairman of the Bellingham Liberty Bond committee, decided that the train’s visit to Bellingham should be cancelled in the interest of public health. He believing it would be unwise to take a chance of spreading Spanish flu through the congregation of the crowds that would mingle in the exhibition cars and outside the train. Judge Kellogg had been studying over the subject for some time and the longer he studied the greater his fear grew that the assemblage of men, women, and children in and about the trophy train would tend to spread Spanish influenza, which often develops at the slightest encouragement.
October 12, 1918
Bham Herald- Now 63 cases in Bellingham of Spanish flu reported. Skagit County is taking precautions, ordering all county schools, churches and public gatherings to close on account of the prevailing epidemic of flu.
October 14, 1918
Now 112 cases reported in Bellingham – first death is a student from the Normal school.
Dateline Mt. Vernon- Nine new cases reported, among the victims being Dr. Cleveland of Burlington who is ill at the Burlington hospital. No deaths reported. In the meantime the public schools, churches, and all public gatherings have been closed, this being the first time in years that such drastic measures have been necessary. Among the recent victims of the malady is Joseph Fredericks, who is ill at the Burlington Hospital, although not seriously. ‘
October 16, 1918
Bham Herald – Dateline Mt. Vernon
First death reported in Mt. Vernon – Carl Gustafson, a plumber, aged 33.
October 18, 1918
War Efforts
Bham Herald – The scrap ion situation is extremely bad just at present since the various war industries are taking so much of it now. Before the war $18 was a very high price to pay for scrap iron and now it is not at all uncommon to pay #34 per ton for the same material. Local plants have paid more for the scrap iron, but the government has fixed the prices so that no more than $34 may be paid. . The government urges persons who have old scrap iron or any kind of iron material to sell it to junk dealers and thus make it accessible for the manufacturing concerns which are so in need of it right now.
Posters furnished by the National League for Women’s Service and bearing the legend “Give ‘Em a Lift”, are now ready for free distribution to all automobile owners. The cards signify that the driver of the car is ready to give any soldier or sailor going in his direction a ride. They can be obtained at the league’s rooms in the federal building.
October 19, 1918
Seattle less cases of flu; Sedro-Woolley increasing- The Valley hospital is filled to capacity with 5 cases being brought over from Burlington where they have more patients than they can take care of. All of the available nurses in this community have been pressed into service and a number of the girls who recently took the course of elementary hygiene and home care of the sick given by the Red Cross have been called on to assist. There are a large number of cases of colds and grippe among the residents of the city in their homes.
October 24, 1918
Bham Herald- How to Care for Influenza Cases – by Surgeon General
“Every person who feels sick and appears to be developing an attack of influenza should at once be put to bed in a well ventilated room. Where a physic is needed a dose of castor oil or Rochelle salts should be given.”
Should Clear Room: The room should be cleared of all unnecessary furniture, bric-a-brac and rugs. A wash basin, pitcher and bowl, soap and towels should be at hand, preferably in the room or just outside the door. If the patient is feverish a doctor should be called as this should be done in any case if the patient appears very sick or coughs up pinkish (blood-stained) sputum or breathes rapidly and painfully.
Most of the patients cough up considerable mucus; in some there is much mucus discharged from the nose and throat. This material should not be collected in handkerchiefs, but rather on old rags or on paper napkins. As soon as used these rags should be p laced in the sickroom and should not be used by patients. The rags or paper in the paper bag should be burned.
Light Diet: The patients will not be hungry and the diet should therefore be light. Milk, a soft-boiled egg, some toast or crackers, a bit of jelly or jam, stewed fruit, some cooked cereal like oatmeal, hominy or rice,–these will suffice in most cases.
The comfort of the patient depends on a number of little things and these should not be overlooked. Among these may be mentioned a well-ventilated room; a thoroughly clean bed with fresh, smooth sheets and pillow cases; quiet so that refreshing sleep may be had; cool drinking water conveniently placed; a cool compress to the forehead if there is headache; keeping the patient’s hands and face clean and the hair combed; keeping his mouth clean, preferably with some pleasant mouth wash; letting the patient know that someone is within call but not annoying him with too much fussing; giving the patient plenty of opportunity to rest and sleep.
It is advisable to give the sick room a good airing several times a day. The patient should be well protected against cold and draughts and then the windows should be opened wide to let in the fresh air.
Nurse’s Precaution: So much for the patient. It is equally important to consider the person who is caring for him. It is important to remember that disease is spread by breathing germ-laden matter sprayed into the air by the patient coughing or even in ordinary breathing. The attendant should therefore wear a gauze mask over her mouth and nose while she is in the sick room. Such a mask is easily made by folding a piece of gauze four-fold, sewing a piece of tape at the four corners and tying the upper set of tapes over the ars, the lower set around the neck. If the folded gauze is about six inches square it will nicely cover both mouth and nose. Such a mask can be worn without discomfort for several hours, after which it can be boiled in water, dried and used over.
The attendant should always wash her hands with soap and water immediately after waiting on or touching the patient. This is important, for carelessness in this direction may easily cause the attendant to become infected with the disease germs.
Attendant should, if possible, wear a washable gown or an apron which covers the dress. This will make it much simpler to avoid infection.
It is desirable that all attendants learn how to use a fever thermometer. This is not at all a difficult matter and the use of such a thermometer is a great help in caring for the patients. The druggist who sells these thermometers will be glad to show how they are used.
In closing and lest I be misunderstood, I wish to leave one word of caution: If in doubt, call the doctor.
INFLUENZA SPREADING A RATE OF FIFTY CASES DAILY
Bellingham is now fairly at grips with the influenza. During the last two days more than 100 cases have been reported to Dr. WW Ballaine, city health officer and in the same time there have been four deaths from that disease, or from pneumonia, to which it gave birth. Last night Dr. Ballaine wired the government that 51 new cases had been reported to him yesterday. Since then there has been one death, that of Fred Mouso, one of the city’s best known young business men and manager of the Model Transfer Company, who died this morning after an illness of about a week.
This morning masks employed as a protective measure against the spread of influenza made their first appearance in this city, being put on by the Hotel Leopold barbers. As yet masks have not been used by local physicians or nurses, but if the situation gets much worse they are likely to become common. It is probably not generally known, but the Puget Sound Traction Light & Power company daily disinfects all its street cars and will continue to do so while the epidemic rages here.
Dr. Ballaine asks that the people exercise the utmost caution for with the influenza spreading rapidly over the city they cannot be too careful, he says.
In this connection the Herald was asked to day to issue a warning against giving children’s parties. A mother who had heard of one such party declared that she believed these gatherings to be dangerous and she urged that mothers be asked not to countenance them.
All sales have been banned in Bellingham. Most of the merchants of the city have not attempted to put on any special sales, but a few of them have. Some have voluntarily postponed projected sales, he declares. The measure which Dr. Ballaine propose to put in force will be taken as a precaution against influenza.
No disease develops so quickly or spreads so rapidly. The first symptom usually is a sharp rise in temperature to 103 or 104 degrees, headache, pain in the back, throat feeling dry or sore. Unless promptly checked by proper treatment, the best plan is to go to bed and stay there for at least a week, keeping warm to avoid pneumonia and let the minor ailment run its course and also prevent the spread of the disease to others. Most of us, in these busy days, cannot afford, if it can be avoided, to lose a week or more or work so it is all the more necessary that at the very first sign of grip or influenza a counteracting treatment should be taken.
Health Board Gives Warning of Influenza Danger
Probably no better or more effective treatment could be followed at such a time than to get from the nearest drug store a complete Hyomei outfit consisting of a bottle of pure Oil of Hyomei and a little vest pocket, hard rubber inhaling device into which a few drops of the oil are poured. This is all you will need. Put the inhaler in your mouth and breathe its air deep into the passages of your nose, throat and lungs. Every particle of air that enters your breathing organs will thus be charged with an antiseptic germ killing balsam that will absolutely destroy the germs of influenza that have found lodgment there. You can’t do this too often. The Hyomei Inhaler is small and can be conveniently carried in a handbag or your vest pocket. Every half hour or so throughout the day take it out and draw a few breaths of its pure healing air into your nose and throat. Relief comes almost instantly. The Grip or Influenza symptoms subside. Congestion ceases, fever disappears, throat conditions become normal and you are soon feeling fine. The outfit is not at all expensive for the rubber inhaler will last a lifetime while the Oil of Hyomei can be obtained at little cost from any reliable druggist. Lots of people already have a Hyomei Inhaler. Take it out, charge it and use it without delay if you haven’t got one, get it today.
NEWS OF THE WAR
Bham Herald – Mr. and Mrs. CE Bingham received a letter from their son, Sergeant Albert Bingham from France on Monday which was written on German paper found in their canteen on their hasty retreat from one of the villages which the American troops had driven them. Albert’s letter stated that among the inhabitants in this village was a woman who could understand some English and also talk some and was overjoyed at meeting the American soldiers. She made coffee for the boys all day long. She told them of their four years of suffering under German rule and how they would have died of hunger only for the Red Cross. Sergeant Bingham at the time of writing was enjoying a few days’ rest.
The Surgical dressing department of the local Red Cross has received an emergency call for 10,000 contagious ward masks to be made and delivered immediately. Everyone who can possibly help in making up of these masks is urged to put in an appearance at the surgical dressing rooms on the second floor in the federal building in the federal courtrooms.
For the purpose of getting donations to a fund which will be used to buy a phonograph and records for the crew of the USS Bellingham, Charles A. McLennan, city comptroller and chairman of the local draft board and a number of naval lads will be at the Owl Pharmacy corner at 7 o’clock tonight. The fund was started today by Major Sells and Mr. McLennan says any sum above a penny will be acceptable. “We do not want to take the children’s pennies”, he says.
The local secretary of the US civil service commission has been advised that there is an urgen need of mechanics for the nation’s navy yards and arsenals. All information concerning the same may be obtained from him at the federal building.
HELP ALONG THE THRIFT MOVEMENT- Make every Monday Thrift Monday. Use Fels-Naptha soap. It enables you to be thrifty with fuel; and it saves wear and tear on clothes by cutting down washboard rubbing.
October 25, 1918
Bham Herald – Influenza Cases Increased by 98 in Bellingham, almost twice the number reported on the previous day.
October 26
A warrant has been issued by County Attorney Hilen for the arrest of Dr. Montgomery of Sedro-Woolley for failure to register in the county. Dr. Montgomery is a new arrival here, having succeeded to practice of Dr. BF Brooks who entered the army service this month. The present epidemic of influenza, which has been keeping all of the doctors more than busy the last two weeks, together with the already large established practice of Dr. Brooks, is largely due to Dr. Montgomery’s neglect to register. Dr. Montgomery comes to this city well recommended, being associated with Dr. Ghent in Seattle, who is also associated with him in his practice here. A misdemeanor charge, however, will be placed against the doctor.
October 28, 1918
Influenza shows decrease Sunday – but a slight increase in the number of deaths. Dr. WW Ballaine reported 92 cases and 2 deaths on Saturday but only 64 new cases and 3 deaths today. Two of yesterday’s deaths were those of Austrians, members of the south side Austrian Colony, who died in local hospitals.
October 31, 1918
For the first time in the history of Bellingham there will be no Halloween parties tonight. In the past years parties and entertainments have been given a week before and after Halloween and the youngsters will miss the fun and frolic which goes with these affairs. The only suggestion of the Halloween season that we have are the attractively decorated shop windows with the usual color scheme of black and orange predominating and filled with Halloween novelties. As long as the Spanish influenza epidemic lasts there will be no parties or gatherings of large crowds.
December 24, 1918
Bham Herald- Dateline Sedro-Woolley
Many suffering from the flu, some deaths from pneumonia caused by influenza
Private Quimby Bingham came up from Camp Lewis Saturday evening and will enjoy a five day furlough with his parents. A Sunday evening luncheon was enjoyed at their home by the Community Dinner Club. Places were laid for the Kirby’s, Alverson’s, Hammers, Binghams, and Quimby Binham, Mrs. ES Bingham and Richard Odlin.
Mr. and Mrs. CE Bingham. Mrs. Margaret McDonough left Sunday evening for Sumas where she will act as nurse at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bingham, both of whom are suffering from an attack of influenza. Mr. Willet, of Standard oil company has sufficiently recovered from an attack of influenza as to be around among his friends again.
Percy Stendal of Camp Lewis returned to the home of Mr. and Mrs. FA Hegg Friday. He has been discharged from military service and has already gone to work in the grocery store of FA Hegg & Son.
For more on the century old story see this recent post from my son’s best friend – Matt Benoit from Whatcom Talk
