A Resolution...
The City Council met as a board of health on October 14, 1918. A virus was ravaging the country and the local area. On the recommendation of Des Moines and Washington, the city made the move to close "schools, churches, theaters, skating rinks, all dance halls, all societies, all clubs, and any and all other places public or private , where people congregate."
Even restaurants were restricted. The sale of ice cream and soft drinks were restricted.
Yes, there was even a curfew put in place. Parents were directed to keep kids off the streets of the city. Do you think that was a tall order back then as it has probably been today?
Spanish Influenza was a pandemic like the world had never seen. World wide, the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic was responsible for the death of around 20 million people. That is more than the death toll of World War I, which was about to end when the outbreak occurred. There are links below for more information about the Spanish Flu pandemic.
Spanish Flu Links
www.snopes.com/news/2020/03/17/10-misconceptions-about-the-1918-spanish-flu/
www.history.com/news/spanish-flu-second-wave-resurgence
American Experience (PBS) Documentary (VERY GOOD)
Even restaurants were restricted. The sale of ice cream and soft drinks were restricted.
Yes, there was even a curfew put in place. Parents were directed to keep kids off the streets of the city. Do you think that was a tall order back then as it has probably been today?
Spanish Influenza was a pandemic like the world had never seen. World wide, the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic was responsible for the death of around 20 million people. That is more than the death toll of World War I, which was about to end when the outbreak occurred. There are links below for more information about the Spanish Flu pandemic.
Spanish Flu Links
www.snopes.com/news/2020/03/17/10-misconceptions-about-the-1918-spanish-flu/
www.history.com/news/spanish-flu-second-wave-resurgence
American Experience (PBS) Documentary (VERY GOOD)
A Proclamation...
The language in 1918 is strikingly similar to that of today. See the Mayor's proclamation. Social media was full on Monday with posts reminding parents that this was not a vacation.
A curfew...
A notice for High School Boys...
I miss my students and my co-workers.
Take this seriously, and in the end, I hope that all of the precautions have been for not. Sometimes a little temporary inconvenience prevents long term heartbreak and bigger problems. I miss ordinary life, but I can endure short term so that long term is brighter. I will try to spend a little time each day sharing some of what I am learning about. If you are looking for something to do, blogging is a great way to learn. People of Clarion, if you have any questions about times or events in Clarion history, contact me with ideas.