INTRODUCTION

The 1918 Pandemic is widely known under the misnomer “Spanish Influenza”. Experts continue to analyze and study the origin and timing of this highly contagious, lethal and mysterious scourge. Most agree it wasn’t Spain nor limited to 1918, but rather spread in successive waves from early cases late in 1917 through recurrent epidemic in 1920. The month of October 1918 was the deadliest.

The disease is also known as the “forgotten pandemic” because it was eclipsed in real-time and in the history books by the Great War. To attempt to capture the magnitude of the loss, nutshell summaries repeat how tens of millions were killed by flu, more than by battle in World War I (WWI).  Since the prevailing contenders for the original hot-zones for the disease were in or nearby military installations, perhaps there’s a case to be made for tallying civilian flu deaths together with any WWI datasets for a full impact of the casualties of WWI.

To this day, the precise number of cases of infection (morbidity) and deaths (mortality) caused by the 1918 Flu Pandemic are confounding and wildly disparate.  A vast gulf of divergent research estimates from 17.4 million to as many as 100 million people¹ died worldwide from this horrific epidemic; more than 700,000 died in the United States; and more than 260,000² died in Spain.

When the Influenza of 1918 raged in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the death toll surged to 183^* during six weeks in September and October.³

There was a perfect storm of transmissibility.

Until there wasn’t.

Gloucester ran a tight-ship.

*183 reflects the minimum deaths peak pandemic and published as of Oct. 26, 1918. A final tally would take into account pre and post pandemic.

Author note March 2020: Readers can search for surname, property, and addresses within the post to skip around for any relevant family info. Double click or pinch & zoom pictures to enlarge. The sources and inspiration (listed at the end) for this article were gathered from multiple books, journals, newspapers, rare old maps, local histories, photographs, background knowledge and family history.  I confess to a certain deliberate favoritism & primary sources related to the arts. I am grateful for the great archives and open content. Voices from the past may interest descendants, and give us perspective and hope during Covid-19. With so many worthy of honor, especially those who sacrificed to keep Gloucester safe, and those who suffered and died, I thought it valuable to make Gloucester’s part in this history accessible to all. So I curated a resource and visual gallery to put Gloucester’s 1918 Pandemic history on line. The Gloucester Daily Times daily chronicle which I transcribed intentionally are exhaustive & inspiring, and no part since 1918 had been previously published, or its full pages and article reproductions searchable on line. Other newspapers are fully accessible including big (New York Times) and small (Manchester Cricket).

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chapter 1 BEFORE LABOR DAY 1918

Crests of various flu waves circulated the globe during World War 1. Killer flu strains in France and England in 1917⁴ were portents of the pandemic to come.  So too were milder variants that conversely spread like wildfire, through Allied forces and civilian populations, here and abroad. Since the former advents were isolated and the latter were mild– and all studied in depth– the documentation did not attract medical concern or public notice. Because of its rapid recovery and light side effects, the milder form was known as “three day fever” and “five day plague” when it reached Shanghai May 1918 and “swept over the country like a tidal wave”⁵. Contemporaneous reports are all over the global map: Camp Funston, Kansas, in February 1918⁶; New York City Feb-April⁷; Camp Sevier South Carolina, China, and the Japanese navy in March; the Ford auto plant early April; Chaumont & Baccarat in May; the Royal Navy in France that spring and “Flanders fever” in the German trenches; Shanghai May-June; and more military establishments that spring and summer. Others pitched “German influenza,”  insisting the disease originated in the German trenches before touring the world, crediting the French for coining the eponymous title after noting its severity in Spain.

 Images of global spread – multiple sources ⁸

Setting aside conflicting prepandemic timelines and propaganda, consensus builds around what happens next.

In August 1918, naval and army establishments in Massachusetts sent the flu on a trajectory across the country.

WWI – SANITATION IN THE MILITARY

Forget hand washing and physical distancing: Challenging hygiene conditions are breeding grounds for lethal diseases for any nation at war. Clean water a luxury. 

For a generation before WWI, infectious diseases like cholera, plague, dysentery, TB, smallpox, measles, and the flu were the dire norm.  At the time and perhaps still, the Russian flu (1889-1892⁺) was considered the deadly disease bellwether, more disastrous than the 1918 Pandemic, lasting years past-pandemic and imparting after affect blows most severe. Accordingly, great steps were taken to minimize danger in order to preserve the health of the troops.

Sometimes WWI field sanitation included serviceable latrines, portable tubs, and cleaning stations like the one in the American Red Cross (ARC) photo op.¹⁰  

Troops were rotated back and forth to divisional bath houses for rest and relief from the line; and before re-entry back in the United States.

Library of Congress ¹¹

Mobile bath disinfecting equipment, laundry machines, irons and delousing rinses were brought to the troops in the field or camps, and bases at home.  Sterilizing wagons were deployed in New York to assist public health efforts to vanquish the flu.

The barbershop station was the last stop before returning to the U.S.

cleanliness is next to battlefields- block of images from multiple repositories¹²

Preventative measures weren’t enough. Virulent diseases are formidable foes.

FIERCE CONTAGION & FAST DEATHS

BOSTON NAVY YARDS

Densely populated bases and transports weren’t ideal sanitary environments. The Navy yards in Boston and vicinity were among America’s busiest for transportation of troops and supplies during World War I.

^{Boston Navy Yard a decade later:}

Vintage WWI embarkation and return photographs give a better idea of the scale of the operation of war: vessels are teeming with enlisted men squeezed shoulder to shoulder, potential carriers.

Library of Congress ¹⁴

Library of Congress ¹⁵

In August of 1918, Navy sailors shoreside were hospitalized in Boston with a flu so contagious that dozens at a time were admitted, and 1200 died by early October. The following brief account about the Boston outbreak was written in 1920 by Warren T. Vaughan, Preventative Medicine and Hygiene Department of the Harvard Medical School. His book, Influenza: An Epidemiological Study, was published by the American Journal of Hygiene in 1921. This Pandemic 1918 essential read includes Vaughan’s research investigating an outbreak at Camp Sevier in South Carolina, and a massive civilian census–thanks to a grant from Met Life– in Boston following the 1919 wave. (Vaughan was a physician at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital when he was drafted May 29, 1917; he advanced to lieutenant colonel.)

Sea of men (LOC) the author’s grandfather served on this ship; medical staff, Commonwealth pier (LOC); Naval training camp, MS (Naval Mus.) ¹⁷ 

FIERCE CONTAGION & FAST DEATHS

fort devens

Besides the naval bases in Boston, Fort Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts, was another military epicenter with fierce contagion and fast deaths; an estimated 15,000 men were infected by the flu and more than 800 died. Fort Devens was one of the country’s largest WW1 military bases, serving tens of thousands of soldiers in transition. According to the War Department research in 1926, “Accommodations were provided for only 36,000 men, but this figure often was exceeded, more especially in August and September 1918 when the strength was approximately 45,000 and 48,000 respectively.” Fort Devens housed the prisoners of war, also.

The base looks nearly a metropolis in vintage photographs. A selection of interior (clean!) and exterior shots were taken before the storm of flu. ¹⁸

‘Barracks at Camp Devens, Boys on Hillside Writing Letters, Ayer, Mass.’ the  Keystone View Company stereograph card, includes a write up about the barracks verso:

Barracks at Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass. Camp Devens, near Ayer, Massachusetts, was one of those national army camps that had a miraculous and mushroom growth during the summer of 1917, when everything had to be done with a rush to train our boys for the great combat overseas. In ten weeks time, 5000 men, on a weekly payroll of $100,000, built 1,400 buildings, laid 20 miles of road, 400 miles of electric wiring, 60 miles of heating pipes, and installed 2200 shower baths. All of this work was accomplished in time for the cantonement [sic] to receive 40,000 men early in September, 1917, when the first selective draft men were impressed into service, a service which the patriotism of most led them to embrace willingly and without a murmur. The camp was a veritable city, and a well built one for its purposes. It had a post office, telegraph and telephone service, police station, guard house, fire department and hospital, all directed and manned by service men. The auditorium seated 3000 men, and the base hospital treated at times as many as 800 men in a single day. Bare and uninviting as the camp was to men accustomed to the comforts, and in many instances the luxuries of home, it provided an unusual degree of comfort to men in training for military service. The laundries and central power plant with its great furnaces are installed in the buildings with high chimneys which we see in the distance. The soldiers in the foreground were using a leisure hour to write home, for in the intervals of training it was to home that their thought turned, and at home parents and sweethearts always eagerly awaited letters.

As with the navy images, photographs of separate divisions illustrate the density at these camps and impossibility of social distancing in some environments.

Library of Congress¹⁹

Portraits of divisions as thick as forests help to illustrate the shattering descriptions expressed by front line responders confronting so many felled by flu. Camp physician, Roy Grist, related “boys laid out in long rows, ” ²⁰  and Dr. Victor C. Vaughan recounted bodies “stacked like cord wood” in his autobiography published in 1926.

“…In the memory chambers of my brain there hang many pictures. Some are the joy of my life, too sacred and too personal to describe to any save my most intimate friends. But there are also ghastly ones which I would tear down and destroy were I able to do so, but this is beyond my power…While I am engaged in describing the horrors of my memory picture gallery I might as well say something of the others, and then I will promise never to touch this gruesome subject again…The fourth canvas is quite as large as the others. I see hundreds of young, stalwart men in the uniform of their country coming into the wards of the hospital in groups of ten or more. They are placed on the cots until every bed is full and yet others crowd in. The faces soon wear a bluish cast; a distressing cough brings up the blood stained sputum. In the morning the dead bodies are stacked about the morgue like cord wood. This picture was painted on my memory cells at the division hospital, Camp Devens, 1918, when the deadly influenza demonstrated the inferiority of human inventions in the destruction of human life.” ²¹

Victor C. Vaughan

Library of Congress panoramas ²²

As Dean of the University of Michigan School of Medicine and director of the Surgeon General’s Office of Communicable Disease, Vaughan was sent to Camp Devens as part of the federal government’s elite assessment team.  Carol R. Byerly who wrote a book about the pandemic in 2005, The Fever of War, added in a 2010 journal article how, “Camp Devens physicians performing autopsies described influenza pathology as unique, characterized by “the intense congestion and hemorrhage” of the lungs. But as Vaughan and [John Hopkins pathologist William Henry] Welch investigated Camp Devens, the virus kept moving. Before any travel ban could be imposed, a contingent of replacement troops departed Devens for Camp Upton, Long Island, the Army’s debarkation point for France, and took influenza with them.” ²³ It’s no wonder Vaughan didn’t dwell on this savage disease.

Another Vaughan, Dr. Warren T. Vaughan– who wrote in 1920 about the Boston outbreak in the Navy mentioned above– was “one of a board of officers appointed to investigate” a milder advent that “had broken out among troops stationed” in the army base at Camp Sevier, South Carolina. He explained how difficult pandemics were to predict.

“Sudden onset regimental infirmary…careful bacteriologic examination was made at that time and predominating organisms were found to be a gram negative coccus resembling micrococcus catarrhalis, and a non-hemolytic streptococcus. They were uncomplicated cases..at the time none of us dreamed of any possible connection with a severe epidemic to occur later (at that wave bacilli weren’t present)…”

Block of medical images, various collections ²⁴

W.T. Vaughan felt not a single community in which there were reported cases reached tallying anywhere near the total of actual cases.   And so he rolled up his sleeves. “Toward the end of January 1920 when recurrent epidemic as at its height in Boston,” Vaughn writes, “The author undertook with the aid of 13 trained social service workers and one physician graduate from the Harvard school of public health to make sickness census of 10,000 individuals,”  in person, in six districts.

His statements from 1920 echo in today’s news:

On determining first cases of infection

“There is evidence –the collection of which has not been completed– pointing to the existence of cases of the disease in various centers, probably widely distributed, weeks before they were definitely recognized as influenza…”²⁵ – Warren T. Vaughan, 1920

On healthy carriers

“Yes it does exist.”²⁶ – Warren T. Vaughan, 1920

On crowd gatherings

“Yet another phenomenon which would lead us to conclude that human intercourse is the most potent factor in the transmission of influenza is the fact that there is frequently a high increase in the influenza rate following crowd gatherings. Parkes observed long ago that person in overcrowded habitations, particularly in some epidemic, suffered especially, and several instances are on record of a large school or barracks being first attacked and the disease prevailing there for some days, before it became prevalent in the towns around…In discussing the recrudescence of influenza in Boston in November and December, Woodward remarks as follows: “Whether or not it may be more than a succession of coincidences it is certainly of interest to note that the November outbreak of influenza showed itself three days after the Peace Day celebration on November 12th, when the streets, eating places and public conveyances were jammed with crowds; that the December epidemic began to manifest itself after the Thanksgiving holiday…and that reported cases mounted rapidly during the period of Christmas shopping…” ²⁷ – Warren T. Vaughan, 1920

By way of summary

Looking for signposts | on the manner of the flu’s spread

Vaughan looked to the past as he researched the present:

He quoted 1847 influenza research by Thomas Watson that resonates poignantly:

“…although the general descent of the malady is, as I have said, very sudden and diffused, scattered cases of it, like the first droppings of a thunder shower, have usually been remembered as having preceded it.” Thomas Watson on Influenza, 1847 ²⁹

Local enlisted lads wrote about the infamous flu in letters home to Gloucester, Mass., and other Cape Ann towns before Labor Day, although they weren’t read or published until after the disease exploded in Gloucester. Private John J. Smith wrote his mother, Mrs. Charles W. Smith of 5 Center Court, a long letter dated September 1, 1918. At one point he puts it plainly: “I feel better over here than I did in Camp Devens and sure have got that same good old appetite…”³⁰ The letter appeared in the Gloucester Daily Times on the last day of September, included as part of the series, “Our Boys Write Bright Letters Home.”

Lt. J. Irving Baker from Manchester-by-the-sea wrote his mother, “Somewhere from France, July 23, 1918.” about how he was, “getting along fine now, you can tell by this paper. I went down the street myself and bought it. I have been moved into another building where I have a room with another officer. It is fine. From the window I can see hills and trees. It is a summer resort in the foothills of the Alps. There is a mineral spring here in which I hope to have a bath before I leave.” He broke off before mailing, and added an update July 31 from an Army base hospital in Allery, France, where he was sent to convalesce. 

“We just arrived at the convalescent camp and are pretty tired, did not get much chance to sleep on the train. This is a small place called Allery [sic] about 180 miles northeast of Flermont. It looks a good deal like an army cantonment with wooden barracks, partitioned into rooms, tow in a room. The town is only a station, cafe and a few houses…You know I lost nearly all my things when I came to the hospital, I am managing to get a kit together after a fashion. …They raise many geese in this section of France…Aug. 5. I am feeling fine now, only short of breath when I go up stairs or exert myself–as I’m pretty tired just now.”

The letter was published in the Manchester Cricket on September 21, 1918 within a column devoted to “Letters From Our Boys at the Front”.

Allery [sic] photo, WWI Centennial Commission³¹ 

Another soldier from Manchester, Private Wade Revere Brooks, joined the Marines. In a detailed letter from South Carolina, he described multiple quarantines at basic training camp(s) that began for him immediately upon arrival, back in June 1918, and with each new skills rotation until deployment.  His undated letter was featured in the Manchester Cricket on October 26, 1918, long after the crest of the pandemic. From the contents it seems to have been written in September. He signs off:

“…After coming off the range we were held for the influenza quarantine, and we are now awaiting for shipment to Virginia where we get our overseas training, which consists of gas attack drills, hand grenade throwing and more trench work. I hope we will move soon. There are six thousand trained troops waiting for the quarantine for Flu to be lifted. Well I have told you as much as I can think of just now, so I will close hoping this will interest you some. I am sincerely yours, Pvt. Wade Revere Brooks, Company 332, Battalion O, United States Marine Corps, Paris Island, South Carolina. ³²

Acting Mess Sergeant Frank A. McDonald sent a postcard from the hospital at Camp Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina, conveyed in the Gloucester Daily Times October 22, 1918 , “Many Local Boys Had the Influenza”:

“He is in the base hospital recovering from a three weeks’ serious illness of influenza. He states that Herman Amero* (illegible) is recovering after four weeks siege of pneumonia, Herbert Joyce and Robert Smith, Gloucester boys at the same camp, are also on the mending hand. The other Gloucester boys are all well, he [Frank A. McDonald] says.”

Social distancing is absent in the post office at Camp Jackson when this photograph was taken that September. Camp Jackson utilized tents for its flu management.

(Nat. Mus. of Health & Med., 1918) Camp Jackson, SC³³

War news produced by the military stressed the strength in numbers of America’s fighting forces as with this 1917 photograph “Embarked for France”.

National Archives

or this ‘We won’t stop coming till it’s over Over There’ image published on the front page of the Tribune Graphic  September 8, 1918.

“This photograph, taken aboard one of the first American transports sailing for France has just been released by the censor. At the time Germany was still loudly boasting that we couldn’t get an army over there in time to make any difference. To-day she is singing another tune.”

Library of Congress ³⁴

Besides arriving sick, more than 12,000 enlisted died from the flu pandemic on the troop transports heading to France before they landed.³⁵ Men in the September 1918 photograph could very well have been among the afflicted.

When the flu was mentioned in Stars and Stripes, the newspaper written by American servicemen for soldiers, it was late news and downplayed. This article, “Hot Coffee Checks Flu at St. Nazaire: Colonel, Cooks, and K.P’s Steam Germs Out of Newcomers”, published December 13, 1918, claimed that coffee, climate and command vanquished the deadly epidemic.

“It was hot coffee—thousands of gallons of it –that ended the deadly influenza epidemic in the dark autumn days when that disease was working ravages among American troops en route to France.”

If the extent of flu deaths within the military that spring and summer were understood, the government’s fall conscription push for 15 million registrations may have been impossible. Who among us would knowingly support a draft for our sons and fathers, our brothers and friends, with such a lethal disease out of control at training camps and ships bound for France?

The records do appear to indicate that federal guidelines were mostly held back until after the September 12th national draft registration day (and the preceding parades and rallies that encouraged registration).  By that date, officials including public health and infectious disease experts within the military knew key facts: that the death rate was higher in barracks and cantonments than tent camps; that quarantines were necessary at training camps; that geography was more important than cramped quarters; that healthy carriers exist; and that nurses and non commissioned suffered more than officers and privates. Gloucester would welcome and benefit from this military expertise.

Enlisted men who succumbed during training or transport, died from pneumonia or flu “in the line of duty. ”³⁷ Still, death in battle was mourned more openly than death by disease, tamping down stories and comparisons about the flu.  Efforts to reduce transmission at a time of heightened engagement in WW1 — whether communication was instantaneous (telegraph) or not; word of mouth or not; censored or not– were next to impossible by Labor Day.

The flu’s arrival in Gloucester was more or less timed with Boston’s.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND 1918

World War I guaranteed that the end of summer of 1918 wasn’t carefree and innocent. Dramatic photographs about World War 1 were published nationally. This photograph, a “remarkable view of a battle scene on the Marne in which lines of French infantrymen are crawling forward into action behind a French tank”, was printed on the cover of a photogravure insert of the Sunday New York Times.³⁸

This collage layout³⁹ conveyed the sheer scale of the Labor Day parade in New York City, and support for our nation at war.

LABOR DAY 1918 IN GLOUCESTER, MA.

The traditional Labor Day weekend in Gloucester, Massachusetts, was a big one with residents and visitors traveling to-and-fro thanks to its long established destination reputation. Families hosted guests from in state and out of state. Pleasure boats and fishing boats set out and returned. Art fans were encouraged to Rocky Neck studios and the Gallery on the Moors exhibition before their summer season exhibitions closed.

Despite a one-day traffic study banning cars that Sunday, to compel gas rationing, Stage Fort Park was packed:

“A large crowd participated in the picnic at Stage Fort Park yesterday, under the auspices of the Wainola Temperance Society and Waino Band. Two fine concerts were given by the band under the direction of Charles A. Glover. There were several tents for the sale of ice cream, tonic and lunches. Two baseball games attracted a large throng in the morning and afternoon…”⁴⁰

On the pages of the Gloucester Daily Times and Cape Ann Advertiser  and the Manchester Cricket, two local newspapers established in 1888, cultural events, casualty lists, and letters from enlisted men were published –unavoidably and disconcertingly –on the same page at times. Public notices and benefits in support of the war were broadcast over the long weekend, like this striking appeal for fruit stones for gas masks:

“Every peach stone counts: Patriotic barrel at board of trade will receive your contribution “The Board of trade peach stone campaign is meeting with wonderful success and the patriotic sugar barrel which has been placed in front of the rooms of Main street is rapidly being filled with the precious stones. Not only save the peach stones, but plum stones, olive pits, nutshells of all kinds except peanuts because they all make the best charcoal for making the gas masks our soldiers in France wear…One hundred peach stones makes enough charcoal for one mask and peaches are right in the height of their season. Get busy now and bring them…”⁴¹

The Gloucester Daily Times (GDT) regularly published submissions from the community on one or two inside pages, too. The individual joys & sorrows, boasts, and whereabouts were sorted by town and neighborhood with subheadings Rockport, Pigeon Cove, and Manchester; and in Gloucester, West Gloucester, Riverdale, Annisquam, Lanesville, Magnolia, and East Gloucester.  The columns are chatty and informal, a bit Facebook meets Page Six depending upon the neighborhood. 

Downtown, or specifically the Fort and Portuguese Hill, did not have a section.

Because the general public was not informed about the severity of flu deaths in the military that  spring and summer, and even the experts missed possible tell tale signs, the busy destination season continued into September, as did the dreadful war.

The comings and goings over Labor Day were detailed within a September 3rd East Gloucester column.  Residents hosting summer guests, including young men on furlough, were quite possibly literal harbingers of doom or vectors. Visitors on Mt. Pleasant returned to Worcester and Watertown, and back to Somerville from Chapel Street.

“…Joseph Ehler of the U.S. navy transport service is spending a brief furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Ehler of  Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Walter Peterson of Camp Devens, Ayer, spent the holiday weekend on 8 Davis Street with his mother, Nina. Mrs. Charles E. Locke and family returned to Worcester from Mt. Pleasant. Miss Suzanne Parsons of Mt. Pleasant back from a visit in the South to resume duties at Watertown High School…Mr. and Mrs. Fred Benson and little daughter Elizabeth of Somerville were the weekend and holiday guests of Mrs. Benson’s parents, Lewis Rowe on Chapel Street.“⁴²

The East Gloucester column published on September 4th reveals a few more threads of what’s to come. East Gloucester would be hit particularly bad.

“…Walter Fenn, the artist, is improving gradually from his illness and at present he is at Rocky Neck.” (At the Chapel Street church school) “a full attendance is requested as business of importance is to come up for consideration and plans for the year made…There remains one more day to view the exhibition of paintings and sculpture at the Gallery-on-the-Moors…Members of the Chapel Street Baptist Sunday School will gather (for the end) of the summer season…” ⁴³ 

The first day of school commenced Wednesday, September 4, 1918. Headlines from the paper pronounced a hopeful beginning, “Teachers and Pupils Enter on Work of the Year with Vigor”.  That evening the city hosted a huge public event, “Community Sing at City Hall”.

“Community Sing Filled City Hall: Voices Raised High in Patriotic Song
The Community Sing at City hall…combined with the addresses by Dr. M. M. Graham, district service manager of the United States Shipping Board and Corporal Fran A.H. Street, a returned soldier who was twice wounded and later gassed while serving with the Canadian forces, attracted an audience which filled City Hall. Patriotic music was sung, opening with the “Star Spangled Banner,” following which a proclamation was read by President Antoine Silva of the municipal council, representing the city, after which the vast audience joined in singing “Speed Our Republic”…Among those on the platform was Private Joseph Merchant, who has recently returned from “over there” on a furlough after being wounded. The meeting closed with the singing of “America.”⁴⁴

This special event revved up attention for the draft registration two weeks away. Under the Selective Service Act, all men ages 18 through 45 would be required to register on September 12, 1918, the third and final registration for WWI. ⁴⁵  Local volunteer committees handled registration for this mandatory conscription and dispensed draft cards and exemption rulings. Booster efforts like the Community Sing in Gloucester were successful. About 13% of Gloucester’s total population would show up at the polls to register.⁴⁶

Two days later, the first article about a lethal flu in Massachusetts  was published in the Gloucester Daily Times on September 6, 1918 with the state surgeon general’s warning. There was no mention of the disease striking Fort Devens, or any other camp or military branch. The spread of the virulent flu was aptly described as a “pandemic”.  Though small and buried on the inside pages of the GDT, it was printed– ahead of other papers—,  “Lookout Now, Old Mr. Grip is Around”. ⁴⁷

Old Mr. Grip was already here.

PATIENT “ONES” – FIRST PUBLISHED MENTION OF A GLOUCESTER FLU DEATH

The funeral announcement  for young mother Mrs. Margaret E. Miller of Bass Avenue (see maps)⁴⁸ who died September 9th, 1918, “after an illness of only a week”, was one of the first published flu deaths in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Miller’s funeral was held at home, which was common, at her in-laws on Traverse Street in East Gloucester. She left behind a husband and their three month old daughter.  The first civilian flu death reported in Boston was just one day earlier. Quincy came 6 days later. Worcester ten.

As the first major American offensives in France were underway, the Massachusetts battle of the flu turned into a public health crisis.

On September 11, 1918 hundreds of cases of flu in the general public were reported in Boston and dozens in Quincy. The previous day, visitors from Everett and Quincy (where the flu flared early as well) were visiting East Gloucester; the church event advertised earlier in the week assembled a crowd of 140 people; and another resident on Rocky Neck was sick, Letter Carrier Sherman T. Walen. ⁴⁹

Were the Gloucester residents among the carriers or those exposed to the virus?

“Mrs. John Brainerd Wilson has been entertaining her sister, Miss Hildreth of Everett, who is supervisor in the public schools of that city. Mrs. Fred Pierson and Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop C. Sherman and child, all of Quincy, are spending a week at 62 Mt. Pleasant avenue. Letter Carrier Sherman T. Walen is indisposed at his home on Rocky Neck…The Ladies’ Society of the Chapel Street Church will hold a basket picnic in West Gloucester tomorrow…The Chapel Street Baptist church school gathered on Sunday noon, for the first time after the summer adjournment…There were 140 members of the school present…”⁵⁰

The School Committee convened, voting to uphold the marriage bar for female teachers, unless the husband was deployed. Duncan Wright of Annisquam was brought to Court by the Board of Health for “collecting swill without permit”. Sometime that week the Schooners Natalie Hammond and Athlete left Gloucester Harbor. And on the front page of the paper September 11, 1918 a reminder about Registration at all the voting places was the headline:

“All Flags to Fly and Bands to Play tomorrow– From 7 o’clock tomorrow morning until 8 o’clock tomorrow evening the voting places in this city and Rockport will be open for the enrollment of those coming within the new draft every man between the ages of 18 to 45 years both inclusive not already registered must register tomorrow for the Selective Service Draft.”⁵¹

“Tomorrow our streets will be thronged with men,” the Governor’s proclamation urging liquor stores to close began, “The day should be devoted entirely to such activities as will best expedited the enrollment of such a large number of men as are required by the National Government to enroll for military service.”  Gloucester encouraged a corps of volunteers, registrars and interpreters for those unable to speak English.

Though undoubtedly effective in generating support for the war and community, the local notices, meetings and events predate the coming calamity. With hindsight they make for a wincing read.  Unlike the general population in those days, contemporary readers know how each of these gatherings, little or small, ordinary or special, might spread the deadly contagion and end.

Badly.

Burn the peach stone barrel! 

Avoid committee meetings!

Steer clear of the crowds—especially singing ones!

Stay home! 

DRAFT REGISTRATION DAY & FIRST PUBLISHED STORY OF A GLOUCESTER FLU OUTBREAK

10 Days after Labor Day weekend . 5 Days after the Community Sing rally.

There was a massive turnout on draft day, September 12, 1918. “Cape Ann Awake to Registration: Over 1500 Had Respond to Country’s Call Before 11’ O’clock This Forenoon” was the headline, and after all the registrants were counted,

“The Total registration in the entire country is expected to pass the estimated 13,000,000 mark. Massachusetts has contributed 472,000, it is estimated and Boston has listed 102,867. Total registrations here yesterday were 3024 including 321 at Rockport and Pigeon Cove and 145 received by mail. Today 14 more have come in, making the grand total 3038…”⁵²

Enlisted immigrants comprised nearly 20% of the US Army during WW1. The draft in Gloucester indicates a comparable percentage of declared and non-declared registrations on September 12th. Volunteers helped with in-person interpretation and written translation in multiple languages, especially Italian and Portuguese.

(Lib. of Congress) Vice President Thomas R. Marshall draws draft number ⁵³

A second, smaller headline was startling: “Post Office Hit By Grip Malady: Eight Carriers and Two Clerks Victims of Prevailing Distemper,” ⁵⁴  the first article reporting a flu outbreak in Gloucester, published 10 days after Labor Day, a week after the community sing, and two days after Letter Carrier Sherman T. Walen’s failing health was listed in the East Gloucester column. [A little over a week after Registration day, William Francis Murray, the Postmaster in Boston, died from the flu on September 21, 1918.]

The Gloucester post office was located at the corner of Main & Pleasant Streets in 1918 (photo ©c ryan)⁵⁵

Post Office staff City Directory, 1917. Annotated with red arrows to indicate flu cases in 1918. ⁵⁶

Inside the community pages, two enlisted Ehler brothers are mentioned in the East Gloucester column, and a brother-in-law visiting on leave; a third brother had visited from Camp Devens over Labor Day. With so many ill neighbors, the column required a sub-heading:  “Spanish Influenza Prevalent Here” and included the first obituary to mention Spanish Influenza as the cause of death. Bertram Goodwin of 16 Highland Street fell sick September 5th and was dead within a week, among the first victims of the flu in Gloucester and the first to be public.

“Mrs. Carrie Hamsdell of Winchester is the guest of Mrs. Nellie M. Parsons of Highland street. Mrs. Parsons has just returned from a visit (illegible) the guest of Mrs. Jewell , of Boston, in Stratham, N.H. The Ladies’ Aid of the Methodist Episcopal church will hold a business meeting in the vestry this evening. Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Mason of Fall River, spent the week end with Mrs. Mason’s mother, Mrs. James Ehler of 51 Mt. Pleasant avenue. Mr. Mason is stationed as first class cook in naval service at Newport and he was here on two days leave of absence. Mr. and Mrs. Victor D. Ehler and family the former who is stationed at Bumpkin Island and Walter A. Ehler who is stationed at Camp Devens were (…illegible…). Spanish Influenza Prevalent Here The prevailing distemper of grip and Spanish influenza is felt much in this ward. Harry Dagle of the U.S. Mail Force is ill at home on Highland Place. Sherman T. Walen also of the U.S. Mail Force is very ill at his home on Rocky Neck. Freeman Hodson, a native of this place and letter carrier in the Mt. Pleasant Avenue lower district route of ward one, is confined to his home on Essex Avenue. Stanton and Eleanor Farrell, both children of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Farrell of East Main Street are ill with the malady. Agnes Ryan, the young daughter of Mrs. Alice Ryan is confined to her home on East Main Street. Fletcher Wonson, the young son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Wonson has been ill for several days. Chester Brigham of Haskell Street, agent for the Metropolitan Insurance Company, was out yesterday, after a severe attack of the grip. Ida Gerring, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Gerring of Avon Court is a late victim of the distemper. Mrs. Joseph T. Moulton was stricken on Tuesday, at her home on Highland Street. Miss Blanch Gilbert of East Main Street was stricken Tuesday and Dr. Arthur S. Torrey took to his bed today with the same trouble that has stricken a large number of his patients. Sudden Death of Bertram R. Goodwin Bertram R. Goodwin a well-known citizen of this ward, died at his home on Highland Street yesterday morning resulting from the effects of the prevailing disease, grip or Spanish influenza, which is broadcast at this time. The deceased was taken ill last Thursday…seven years ago he married Miss Della E. Frost of this ward. The funeral will be strictly private, owing to illness in the family.”⁵⁷ 

Gloucester Daily Times, East Gloucester column, Sept. 12

On September 13^th a tiny notice was released nationally, prompted by complaints from colleges. The War Department cancelled football for “colleges and universities with Students’ Army Training Corps,” surely a preventative flu measure based on so many military outbreaks, but not stated directly.

Letter Carrier Samuel Curtis died Saturday, September 14^th, at his parents’ home, two of his siblings still sick. That same day, the first guidelines from the U.S. Surgeon General were published nationally, very likely ready to go, but held back until after the draft registration.

Message from the U.S. Surgeon General

“Because the pandemic of influenza occurred more than 25 years ago, physicians who began to practice medicine since 1892 have not had personal experience in handling a situation now spreading through considerable part of the foreign world, and already appearing to some extent, in the United States. For that reason Dr. Blue is issuing a special bulletin for all medical men who send for it. In order to reach physicians of the country without a day’s delay, however, Dr. Blue has provided for transmission through the Associated Press the following summary of methods for control of the disease:

Methods of Control

Infectious Agent – The bacillus influence of pfeefifer [sic]. (Illegible) secretions from the nose, throat and respiratory passages or (illegible)

Incubation period: one to four days, generally two.

Mode of transmission – by direct contact or indirect contact through use of handkerchief, common towels, cups, mess gear, or other objects contaminated with fresh secretions. (illegible)

Period of communicability as long as the person harbors the causative organism in the respiration tract.

Method of control

(A) The infected individual and his environment.
“Recognition of the disease- By clinical manifestations and bacteriological findings.

Isolation- Bed isolation of infected individuals during the course of the disease. Screens between beds are to be recommended.

Immunization- Vaccines are used with only partial success.

Quarantine- None; impracticable.

Concurrent disinfection- The discharges from the mouth, throat, nose (illegible)causative organism is short-lived outside of the host.

(B)General measure- The attend of the case should wear a gauze mask. During epidemics persons should avoid crowded assemblages, street cars and the like. Education as regards the danger of promiscuous coughing and pitting. Patients, because of the tendency to the development of broncho-pneumonia should be treated in well ventilated, warm rooms. The present outbreak of influenza may be controlled more or less extent only by intelligent action on the part of the public. “There is no such thing as an effective quarantine in the case of pandemic influenza,” Dr. Blue adds, “but precautionary measures may be taken and should be taken. Thus far we have little information as to the susceptibility of children, but it is fair to assume this type of Influenza might spread through a school as easily and rapidly as measles for example.”

– End of U.S. Surgeon General Notification, published in the Gloucester Daily Times 9/14/1918

Gloucester Fights Back

By Monday three more deaths were reported and at least 300 cases of flu in town. A second letter carrier, Sherman T. Walen, succumbed. Not surprisingly, 600 students and 10 teachers skipped school, maybe sick or helping at home, or too scared to attend. Before the next school bell rang, Mayor Stoddart issued the first flu proclamation closing schools and banning all indoor gatherings. (The exemptions? Bars and churches were the last to close, and only after guidelines and state mandates.) The school board had to scramble and assemble to vote for closure as the action preceded procedure. Addison Gilbert Hospital was closed to visitors to prevent contagion. A Red Cross Emergency relief hospital was readied for patients, installed within the Spanish War Memorial Hall of the police station.

This strong roll-out happened within the first five or six days of Gloucester’s outbreak!

Clearly, city officials and various movers and shakers must have already sprang into action based on how fast they moved. Gloucester had the courage and foresight to get out ahead of the epidemic as much as possible, and far too much experience with the enormous sense of urgency and resolve required to handle a crisis after so many thousands of fishermen lost at sea. (From 1900 – 1918 nearly 800 Gloucester fishermen died at sea. A single February storm in 1879 claimed 143.) The devastating Influenza deaths in just five weeks added to a legacy of loss and coping.  

On September 23 Boston reported 23 deaths from Influenza; Gloucester 11.

At the post office where the disease surged, nine staff still struggled and cases in East Gloucester surged. A few vessels returned with sick crew. Sawyer Free Public library closed on the 24^th. Physicians and nurses from other towns arrived to help. There were so many new cases in Gloucester they enlarged the new Red Cross emergency hospital at the police station (and would again). Still, more hospital beds were necessary. The State Armory on Prospect Street seemed the ideal site to ready, however the State refused the request. Alderman (City Councilor) Poole headed to Boston with Osborne Knowles, Christian Saunders and John Radcliffe, representatives from Gloucester’s Board of Health and Public Safety, to negotiate with state and federal officials in person.

“That the authorities were fully cognizant of conditions in Gloucester was evident from the statement of Mr. Long, who said that Revere; Quincy and Gloucester were the most infected of any in the state. Mr. Long offered the committee every assistance and relief that could be given to handle the situation…In the opinion of state officials and leading physicians the out-door method of treating the disease is the most effective and successful. So interested were the officials in the local situation that the surgeon-general’s department yesterday afternoon notified Capt. Carleton H. Parsons, senior officer of the local state guard units; instructing him to present to the local authorities the offer of the state to send to Gloucester a military hospital unit to cope with the situation.”

Lieut. John A. Radcliffe, State Guard, resident, and veteran Gloucester Daily Times (GDT) reporter of nearly 20 years & volunteer on the Board of Health for 15 prior to the pandemic

The state discussions prompted additional protective measures, informed by the best doctors in the armed services. There were more cases in Massachusetts by then than all the other states combined. Influenza cases at Camp Devens had already climbed to 11,000. The Gloucester contingent left the Boston conference armed with a state of the art plan for a crisis team to be deployed in Gloucester, a military unit of doctors, nurses and multiple local State Guard companies. It would be the first one established for care of civilians and a model to follow. All necessary presentations and votes were sorted by nightfall.

“The adjutant general’s department in Boston was immediately communicated with, and arrangements made to send tents, physicians, nurses’ field kitchen, military equipment and supplies to this city.”

John Radcliffe, Gloucester Daily Times

Meanwhile, another floor was added to the Red Cross Emergency Hospital, State Guard called out, and police instructed to enforce any Board of Health recommendations such as the anti-spitting rule and fruit stand closures. Various strict fumigation requirements were put into immediate effect and there would be no crowding on street cars. Without calling it a quarantine, mighty efforts to effectively shut Gloucester down ensued. The City banned outdoor gatherings now, too. A women’s suffragist meeting and Liberty Loan rallies were among the first cancellations. “Gloucester calls her people to rise promptly to the emergency!” urged the op Ed.

Statewide the precise number of infected cases was a guess at best. (It would be a week before reporting deaths was required by law, ten days after Gloucester so ordered.) In local war news at this time, Gloucester advocates were seeking reimbursement from the federal government for vessels sunk by submarine– while pressing for flu support. Massachusetts established an Emergency Public Health Committee on September 25, 1918. Their first order of business was to ban all public gatherings especially in light of the upcoming liberty loan rallies and parades. It was suggested that the Federal Government was likely to take charge in Massachusetts as a war measure. The State Board of Health published treatment guidelines the next day because of the scarcity of physicians and nurses, and push back after bans and restrictions, which Henry Endicott defended mightily:

“…There are undoubtedly towns and cities in the Commonwealth from which the influenza has not been reported, but of course we must face the fact that the chances are very much in favor of the spread of the disease. I urge such communities to assume their part of the common responsibility, and to act as if they were already in the midst of the epidemic.

The doctors and nurses of Massachusetts who are devoting themselves to the care of the sick in this emergency are all heroes and heroines, and many of them have paid the penalty. Not one of them, as far as I am aware, has shirked in any way; they have overworked; they are without sleep—yet, still they go on. Massachusetts can never repay its debt to this noble band of men and women. We are using every effort, both through the government and outside the State to get additional help for these people… (Regarding) Cancellation of the Liberty loan meetings… It will never be said of Massachusetts that she was so immersed in her own private troubles that she for one moment failed to heed the Nation’s call to practical service. Massachusetts must and will do her part.”

Henry B. Endicott, Chairman Massachusetts Emergency Public Health Committee, established Sept. 25, 1918

Dr. Kelley, Massachusetts Commissioner of Health and a member of the state’s Emergency Public Health Committee, reached out to U.S. Surgeon General Blue. The Federal government lent army and navy doctors to take over doctor assignments. Kelley appointed a nursing Commission and assigned Miss Billings from his department as chairman. They hired 100 nurses to serve in case of emergency in the Massachusetts State Guard. “These nurses were given the rank and pay of Lieutenant. It is believed that this is the first time such rank and pay have been given to women in the United States…” ⁵⁹ The state deployed fifteen to Gloucester plus about 10 more registered nurses. The federal government released a detailed “Influenza” circular September 26. By then forty percent of Gloucester’s telephone company were absent “on account of sickness either of themselves or relatives whose care is devolving upon them.” The Gloucester Manufacturing Company “closed their plant indefinitely” and the Ipswich mills announced a shut down. There were 49 deaths in the city, up from 11 three days prior, among them Laura Silva, Alderman Silva’s sister, who died that morning from “pneumonia following an attack of the prevailing influenza.” Acting Governor Coolidge appealed to the President, select neighboring states, and the Mayor of Toronto for physicians and nurses:

“Massachusetts urgently in need of additional doctors and nurses to check growing epidemic of influenza. Our doctors and nurses are being thoroughly mobilized and worked to the limit. Many cases can receive no attention whatever. Hospitals are full, but arrangements can be made for outside facilities. Earnestly solicit your influence in obtaining for us this needed assistance in any way you can.”

Governor urgent telegrams disseminated 9/26/1918 (published in GDT 9/27/1918)

With no time to spare, the State Military Unit was installed on the grounds of Addison Gilbert Hospital Friday September 27, 1918, and completed before the sun was down Saturday.

“In a remarkably short space of time the tents were up and the unit well established, so that this afternoon it will be ready for patients. There are 100 tents for patients, each waterproof, provided with board floor, cot and other essentials for the proper care of the sick…The field hospital is a wonderful institution and shows in a large measure what the State Guard can be depended upon to bring about. Day and night the men have worked to put the hospital in shape and to look out for the sick ones. It is simply remarkable the way the many details have been arranged to establish such a wonderful institution well worthy of the name. Electric lights, water, sewerage and floors in the tents have all been put in, chiefly through the efforts of the fine types of men that compose the State Guard.”

John Radcliffe, GDT

Another 100 tents for the state guard, plus any necessary for administration and operations, were erected. Over on Main Street, the Red Cross established a children’s hospital in the Girl’s Club over Gloucester National Bank. Anticipating great need, the public safety committee announced an Emergency Fundraising drive for the Local Red Cross administered by Cape Ann Savings Bank. The Mayor and all but one Alderman were struck by flu—all those meetings! — and still that Monday they brought forth more precautions, seizing any and all educational opportunities and community measures possible to halt the spread. Public funerals were banned and soda fountains closed, though the latter was rescinded in one day. Detailed flu mask (face masks) instructions were published as part of optimum patient care and prevention.

Mayor Stoddart urged fresh air and ventilation.

“Every house whether a case of disease has existed or not, should be thoroughly aired during the day…Clean up the back yards, dumps and filthy places. If your neighbor will not act, consult the Board of Health or its emergency agents and prompt action will be taken. Let everyone co-operate and assist our health officials in the excellent work they are doing.”

Mayor Stoddardt, September 30, 1918

The deadline for the Draft Registration questionnaire was postponed until influenza was over. One bright note that bleak weekend, ten nurses arrived from Ontario, Canada, and five from the state thanks to the commonwealth’s plea and Gloucester’s hustle. Unlike other locations during the Pandemic 1918, folks rushed here to help rather than away.

On October 1 the City implored women to volunteer in the fight against the flu. Major A. N. Thomson, an esteemed infectious disease specialist, was detailed from the US Army Medical Corps to command the entire camp. The Major was empowered by the Federal authorities to take over facilities and property should they fail to be turned over, which never happened. Mayor Thomson’s excellent communication skills were evident his first day: daily briefings and public health notices commenced and a Civilian Relief Committee was established. Some restrictions were specific to Gloucester such as the mandatory fumigation of any vessels coming or going, the need for heaters for the State Guard and the curious ban on milk dealers, at the time believed to be a vector in this city. The general boil order may have covered it sufficiently; political savvy can be added to Major Thomson’s talents.

On October 2 the state issued its first Official influenza Bulletin

Doctors at Tufts University announced vaccine research and gave the city supplies and face masks. The Governor added to a growing insistence to bring teachers back to help since schools were closed. Deaths and infections continued rising in Gloucester. The Red Cross Emergency Hospital was open 24 hours a day until physicians would be able to resume nightly calls; the base was closed to all but patients and caregivers. Despite fumigation and social distancing protocols, 33 men from the street railway (trolley) were afflicted.

On October 3, 1918, after the community sing that first week of September, after registering for the draft on September 12, after advocating on behalf of the citizens of Gloucester, after traveling to Boston, Alderman Poole died from the flu.

These public servants were aware of the dangers of viral infection –if not the extent of this particular lethal disease– yet they met in person with great exigency, to keep people safe. They looked to science as they wanted to deliver model guidelines of care. As the death toll climbed they worked hard to determine how to halt its spread and prevent transmission.

The flu battle continued. The city spread lime on “bad spots and catch basins” throughout the city. Major Thomson estimated 800 cases of infection, a marked decrease. Local businesses donated food and treats to the base camp. The Red Cross measured the State Guard for winter uniforms and shoes. At the three week mark since the first deaths were reported, Gloucester recorded 137 deaths by flu. Dr. Manning was brought from France where he had charge of a children’s hospital, helpful with so many children sick, or having lost a parent, maybe two. Major Thomson declared that the teamwork in Gloucester “was certainly most remarkable, the like of which he had never before experienced and congratulated the city upon its good fortune.”

Bars were closed October 8. The death list fell to 3.

There are at present 10 patients in camp whose condition is normal, these being children who are being kept in camp under the supervision of the hospital staff until such time as proper home conditions are found for them. The number of patients sick is 32, those dangerously ill 3, and those seriously ill 2. During 24 hour period from yesterday noon there were three deaths. A noticeable feature in connection with the hospital camp is the very small percentage of sickness that has occurred among the soldiers.

Major Thomson October 8, 1918

Dr. Street joined Thomson’s medical team. He was the first to volunteer in Massachusetts to fight the flu and the last to leave Gloucester’s emergency. He had been practicing in China for 20 years. After Gloucester, he was sent to France.

Conditions were improving .

Not only the state, but the nation as well has its eyes on Gloucester at the present time. The first open air camp was established at Corey Hill, Boston, for the merchant marine, but the one in this city is the first for the civilian population and is far ahead of even the one at Corey Hill, so Col. Brooks, surgeon general, has stated. The wonderful success of the out-door treatment, the wonderful organization of the local unit and its many details is being set up as a model for other communities to follow.

John Radcliffe writing for the GDT, October 8, 1918

Plans turned to social work and after care. There were 121 patients at the hospital camp on October 10. Thanks to Dr. Manning,

This morning the big convalescent tent was completed and fitted with chairs, settees, tables, a graphophone and literature. Here the patients who have reached the convalescent stage will go each day, until they are in proper health to return to their homes. The graphophone was kindly donated by the Y.M.C.A. who have extended many other courtesies and valuable assistance in the present emergency.

John Radcliffe

The Mayor encouraged substantial philanthropy: Elizabeth Sherman (Mrs. Henry Souther) “offered the Red Cross the free use of (one of the) Souther residence(s in Gloucester), on Brightside avenue, Bass Rocks, as a children’s nursery for the care of the children now under treatment at the State Emergency Hospital Post and who on account of sickness or other conditions at their homes cannot go to their homes upon being discharged from the hospital.” [She was the daughter of Judge Edgar J. Sherman who built the iconic home perched on Bass rocks and nicknamed the gilded birdcage and Judge Sherman Cottage. Souther developed Bass Rocks and Sherman was a Trustee.]

Anticipating the closure of the camp and emulating its success, excitement built for a permanent out-door hospital to handle communicable diseases, and for pivoting efforts to support the Home Service Committee of the Local Red Cross:

“Only those who have been in close touch with the local conditions can have any idea of the extent of the suffering, or of the conditions that exist in many homes on account of the inroads of the epidemic. Whole families have been stricken and that means that the earning power of these families have been shattered. In many families it will be weeks before the members of the families who work will be (illegible) back bills to be paid, homes to be cleaned up, the sick made strong even after the over-worked doctor has ceased his visits. And in many homes where death has entered, sometimes both father and mother have been taken, leaving children who must be looked after and cared for for a long time, and where the father has been taken the mother and the children without the father’s care for a long time.”

John Radcliffe, GDT October 11, 1918

On October 15th, Dr. Manning and some of the nurses were reassigned. The Trustees of Addison Gilbert Hospital were willing to grant the Board of Health and hence the City use of it land for such an out-door hospital, and voted that way just in case. In the end the city opted to purchase the Braewood property, the former estate of Maria H. Bray. (Bray operated a popular summer inn from her home; Louisa May Alcott was one famous guest.) For convalescents not yet ready to go home and any lodging necessary for nurses, the site was ideal. St. John’s stepped up to provide shelter for convalescents that were homeless. Major Thomson’s last day at the base was October 16, the first day no deaths were reported. The State Guard started to breakdown the State Emergency Hospital Post. On October 18th the city council voted to continue the ban on public gatherings until October 22, 1918, and the school committee voted to re-open October 23. A resolution of appreciation of all who helped in the epidemic was passed October 24th. The State Emergency Hospital Post officially closed October 25, 1918. The total number of infections on closing day was 70 cases. Despite harrowing weeks at war and battling the flu, Gloucester surpassed its fundraising allotment for liberty bonds AND an emergency health fund.

Gloucester’s destination reputation, proximity to Boston, fishing industry, people & cultures, and their patriotic hearts– evident in strong showings at the community sing Sept. 5 and draft registration Sept.12– heightened gatherings and travel into and out of the city, especially at the end of the summer and the first weeks in September. Enlisted on leave came home. People traveled for art. Sadly, the timing was a tragic storm of transmissibility.

City, state, and federal leaders’ decisive response to establish temporary emergency facilities to address a broad range of needs, and to recruit personnel were stunning.  An extensive operation was set into motion right out the gate, beginning with crucial partnerships with organizations like the Gloucester District Nursing Association, Salvation Army, and district Red Cross, as well as priming boards and committees, and a doctor and nurse network. The bold decision that both the “new” Armory on Prospect Street and Addison Gilbert Hospital would remain non-contaminant institutions in full operation was a masterstroke that allowed for maximum state and federal support not to mention the best in public health care. The government could send crisis teams straight away and did. Gloucester benefited from the latest military research, and top doctors serving in the U.S. armed forces. Major Thomson, the army major dispatched to lead Gloucester’s Flu Battle from the State Emergency Hospital Post was a nationally recognized epidemiologist. Expertise, speed and collaboration were possible thanks to an indefatigable army of citizen volunteers, and great hiring. 

CONCLUSION

Although hit at the same time as Boston, the severe flu outbreak in Gloucester, Massachusetts, is relatively unknown.  With a population just under 25,000 in 1917, Gloucester was perhaps too small to be on the radar of significant research study, notwithstanding its steep death rate, outstanding communication, bold decisions and impressive teamwork among local, state and federal officials. The city of Gloucester was struck early by the pandemic and should rightly be remembered for its sacrifices, resolve and model response.

Catherine Ryan, March 20, 2020

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NOTES FROM the AUTHOR

Here is the impressive list of key properties* of significance modified throughout the 1918 Pandemic flu battle in Gloucester. (*author note: search for surname, property, and addresses within the post to see skip around for any relevant info. Double click pictures to enlarge)

• ^{City Hall including DPW and sanitation}
• ^{Police Station – site for Red Cross Emergency Hospital for the afflicted which expanded three times: the Spanish Veteran’s Hall; then the Old Army; and the district court offices}
• ^{New armory – National guard HQ}
• ^{State Emergency Hospital Post, out-doors, on the grounds of Addison Gilbert Hospital for the afflicted added. Both hospitals were FULL.}
• ^{Red Cross Nursery for families of front line workers and orphans in the Girl’s Club over the Gloucester National Bank and Children’s hospital}
• ^{Gloucester District Nursing Assoc.}
• ^{Red Cross HQ and Public Health Dispensary}
• ^{Emergency Food and needs pantry}
• ^{Souther estate at Brightside on Bass Rocks  for children convalescents, and orphans}
• ^{Braewood – convalescence for those not well enough to go home (across from Pauline’s gifts)}
• ^{Fundraising for Red Cross and support Cape Ann Savings Bank}
• ^{Tibbet’s block – Emergency committees, Liberty Bond drive and Draft Registration}
• ^{Gloucester Daily Times corner of Pleasant and Center- David Cox in the photograph}
• ^{Post Office}

FAST FACTS – Population

• Gloucester, Mass. population in 1917:  24,478  (2020 hovering 30,000) *183 flu deaths at peak pandemic
  • Essex County population in 1917: 436,477 and in 1920: 482,156
• Worcester, Mass. population in 1915: 162,267  *est. population was 180,000 and 1294 flu deaths all waves (pre, peak, and post epidemic) in 1918
  • Worcester County population in 1920: 455,135
• Quincy, Mass. population in 1917: ___ *flu deaths at peak pandemic 150
• Norfolk county population in 1920: 219,081
• Massachusetts population in 1915:  3,693,310 and in 1920: 3,852,356
• United States population in 1917: 103,208,000
• World population in 1917: 1.8 billion
•  Mortality and Morbidity (cases) counts remain speculative. US Deaths from flu: 675,000 – 800,000

Regarding 183* deaths in Gloucester, Mass.:  The estimates of morbidity and mortality in Gloucester are not final or definitive as they encapsulate solely published stats at its apex. For the time being, the 2020 Covid-19 closures limit access to research. Final numbers will increase and are estimated to be more than 250. Follow-up will expand window from 1917-spring 1920, especially August and November 1918, to verify death records and tracing, etc., also delving into nuanced themes I’ve developed and curated here. Though the Fort was targeted for clean up, East Gloucester was the epicenter. The timeline of the flu impact on the fishing industry does not precede the Gloucester epidemic. Commonplace examples of prejudice sting: draft categories; status of women; and class.

“Spanish Influenza” in the Gloucester news accounts was also known as: grip, grippe, malady, prevailing affliction, pestilence, prevailing distemper, dread influenza, Grip Malady, flu, new distemper, ‘three day fever’, and malady.

The State Emergency Hospital Post installed on the grounds of Addison Gilbert Hospital was also known as: a military hospital camp, field hospital, state hospital, hospital camp, state military hospital, tent emergency hospital, out door hospital, and portable hospital.

No surprise here: Thacher Island is spelled Thacher and Thatcher.

What happened? Was it super spreader carriers or locations? How many patient zeros? Margaret Miller, Bertram Goodwin, and five Walen family members — each from East Gloucester– were among the first Gloucester deaths, followed by many more in East Gloucester. The Post Office was a ground zeros locale. All those war letters and stamps a red herring it seems.  Other post offices were not devastated like Gloucester. Vaughan (1921) guides the lay person past dead ends.  “Still another fallacy in the comparison of incidence in institutions and the like is proven by the work done by Jordan, Reed and Fink, who found that in the various Chicago telephone exchanges the attack rate varied from five per cent to twenty-seven per cent, although the working conditions were approximately the same.” Enlisted men on leave traveled back and forth to training camps and naval bases. Gloucester was a destination for visitors from in and out of state, including artists and art enthusiasts.

I was inspired to help connect local history and remember the victims and families impacted by this savage flu. The medical and military personnel, public officials and volunteers who performed heroically during this pandemic have not been memorialized in Gloucester.  Councilor Poole lost his life; Councilor Silva lost his sister. What happened to Radcliffe and Drs. Thomson, Street and Manning? Gloucester could recognize the grand scale of the Lost Generation as a double tragedy – WW1 and the 1918 Pandemic.  There are scarce memorials worldwide.

For my grandfather whom I adored, who lived to 101, a WWI veteran residing in Southie at the time; and his brother Arthur, whom he cherished, and died in the 1918 Pandemic while enlisted.

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WHO’S WHO 1918 – Gloucester Flu fighters

Look to the front line helpers that faced down this dreaded virus: I hope the many, many local heroes of the 1918 Pandemic in Gloucester are remembered. Readers in 2020 will recognize surnames, many associated with the very same neighborhoods then as now, and connect descendants that continue to volunteer in the community. I suggest searching surnames and/or street addresses within this piece.

LOCAL who’s who

Mayor John A. Stoddart

Aldermen Antoine A. Silva, William F. Poole, Asa G. Andrews, Augustus Hubbard

Gloucester Board of Health Dr. Philip P. Moore, M.D., Chair, Osborne Knowles, Christian D. Saunders, John A. Radcliffe, Clerk. High School Faculty – Miss Mary Bennett asst. clerk, stepping up to help Radcliffe

Gloucester Board of Health Special Agents Simeon B. Hotchkiss, Fred W. Tibbets and Fred A. Shackelford (also Chair of Fuel Committee), and Senator Charles Brown

Gloucester Public Safety Committee, Chairman Thomas J. Carroll, John A. Stoddart, Mayor, Henry F. Brown, Secretary

City staff (incomplete list) Clerks- John J. Somes, John Drohan, Mrs. Mildred A. Hall, Allen F. Grant and Willis Wheeler; Board of Registrars- Addison P. Burnham

Physicians at the time Gloucester physicians listed in the 1917 City Directory: Silas H. Ayer; Parker Burnham; Hanford Carvell; Alton Choate; Horace Choate; Thomas Conant; SPF Cook; Mary D. Dakin; John Egan; Daniel J. Finegan; Albert Garland; Roy Garland; William Hale; Edward Hallett; Edward Hubbard; Avis Keith; James Knowles; Philip Moore; Scott W. Mooring; Charles H. Morrow; Albert F. Oakes; Percy C. Proctor; Charles M. Quimby; William Rowley; Ellwood Shields; Philip Shinn; Arthur W. Smith; Arthur Torrey; Harper E. Whitaker. Also: Major Sturgess [alt. Sturgis], of Salem, was sent to open up the State Guard unit before the emergency hospital post and worked with the city’s physicians; Mayor hired Dr. A.A. Haig of Essex and Dr. Ernest A. Dyer of Salem to work under direction of Dr. Philip Moore at Red Cross Emergency Hospital Sept. 21, 1918. **red indicates some infected while taking care of patients** Shinn received vaccine trial samples from Tufts study

Gloucester Registered nurses Gloucester nurses listed in the 1917 City Directory: Madge Brideson; Mary E. Buckley; Mary E. Butler; Rachel B. Coffin; Alice M. Collins; Louise Connor; Kate W. Cook; Betsey Curtis; Hester M. Dann; Christy Dart; Carrie Davis; Florence Dickinson; Mrs. Mary A. Dinnen; (Lydia) Florence Griffin; Emma Hanson; Katherine Macdonald; Gertrude Maddocks; Mrs. Alva Pennington; Sally Pew; Mary E. Powler; Ella P. Richardson; Mrs. Belle Robinson; Mrs. Ethel M. Sanborn; Eva Thurston; R. Fannie Thurston; Eva Wheeler; Mary A. Walters; Mrs. Mabel E. Wardrop; Esther B. Wonson; Mrs. Annie Woodbury; Gloucester District Nursing Association (Dir.,Florence Griffin)

Gloucester District Nursing Assoc. All nurses and organizations supplying volunteer nurses reported at the District Nursing Association each morning for instruction.<

Women of Gloucester volunteers as nurses’ aides and other duties are not named. A Mrs. Alfred W. Spurr is mentioned.

Addison Gilbert Hospital Miss Leach (Matron of AG) Miss Wylie (may be misspelling– Miss Wyles from state) Miss Brooks; and Fred A. Barker of the trustees

The Red Cross: Temporary Red Cross Emergency Hospital set up at the Police Station where it was expanded 3x (first in the Spanish Veteran’s Hall, then expanded into the “old Armory” and enlarged a 3rd time with the whole 2nd floor district court offices, “turned over to the Red Cross by Judge Sumner D. York for use for hospital purposes.”); Doctors beyond Gloucester jumped in to help until state hospital established; Dr. Carter of Haverhill, head of Essex County Chapter of Red Cross; Dr. Bullock retired physician; Others from Lawrence and Salem; Nursing – see local list above for registered nurses. Miss McCarthy of the Red Cross mentioned in paper; “In addition to the regular nurses, a large volunteer force is assisting in the work necessary for the carrying on of the hospital. Yesterday afternoon the rooms of the Girls’ club over the Gloucester National Bank were taken over by the Red Cross as a children’s section, after small children whose parents are sick are being cared for there. It is the intention of the Red Cross to establish a children’s hospital there. Big and small additional jobs (woolen socks, uniforms and shoes for all companies); 24 hour Face “Mask Factory”; social services; and RN Mrs. Raymond Calpin mentioned as point of contact at the state hospital.

Civilian Relief Committee big wheels volunteering working with the Military field hospital: Fred W. Tibbets (selected as Chairman), Walter C. King (selected as Sect.), Mayor Stoddart, Alderman Andrews, Hubbard and Silva, Daniel T. Babson (Cape Ann Savings Bank), Fred A. Shackelford, Rev. Albert A. Madsen, Miss McCarthy of the Red Cross, George W. Woodbury, Fred A. Barker and Miss Wylie from the hospital, George Frye Merrill, and Chaplain Bertram D. Bolvin of the State Guard.

State Guard Cmdr. Captain Carleton H. Parsons of Co. L; Lieut. Radcliffe in command Company L on account of illness of Capt. John J. Burke; Company K commanded by First Lieut. Charles T. Smith; Quartermaster-General, Lieut. Emery directed delivery of supplies; supply division commanded by Lieut. Cole of Salem (later replaced by Capt. Richmond) of the Supply Company 15^th infantry, detailed by Col. Edward H. Eldredge; Command of the base Information Depot, Rev. Capt. Bertram D. Bolvin, chaplain of the 15^th regiment. Thomas L. Devlin 1st Lieut. Company K. Local members of the state guard, “some 30 of Gloucester’s leading young business men…sacrificing their businesses and vocations…”, unnamed

Police department Early flu work included transporting patients to hospital and later enforcing Board of Health edicts added to scope. Police staff mentioned in newspaper (uncommon): Officers: Cronin and Harry Foster

Public Works (incomplete) [enforcing new City edicts- extra lime/cleaning]

Private philanthropists thanks to Mayor- estate of Mrs. Henry Souther was used for children including orphans; estate of Mrs. Maria H. Bray, 531 Essex Ave, formerly Braewood Property sold to John D.W. and Eliza Estabrook / realtor = Fred A. Shackelford, sect. Board of Health, negotiated sale to city during pandemic as convalescent home, later TB clinic. **author note: Articles mention that support from summer residents to battle the flu was lacking during this autumn wave. Despite crewmember deaths and illness aboard Sch. Natalie Hammond, and history of large philanthropy in Gloucester, I did not see John Hays Hammond family in this time frame, maybe later? Ditto A. Piatt Andrews and other Eastern point notables. Some were quite active in war efforts. Andrews busy cofounding the American Field service, for example.**

Small businesses extend courtesies to community and cause, and hospital and guardsmen: many their employees are the state guardsmen; Sponagle, barber at 68 Main Street, partnered with Red Cross to open an emergency food center and prep and later use as staging for dispensing clothing articles to those in need; M. L. Wetherell gave ice cream; Edward Hodgdon donated green corn; Samuel Curtis & Sons donated tomatoes; Dr. Elmer Babson gave corn; Rockport farm sent apples; Everett P. Wonson and Henry C. Brown supplied smoking material; George L. Browne, undertaker; William T. Morton of the Woolworth 5 and 10 cent store joined state guard collection of toys for tots

Bigger businesses: Daniel T. Babson, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Treasurer of the Home Service Red Cross Emergency; Gloucester National Bank Headquarters for Red Cross District Nursing Assoc. then childcare, and children’s hospital; Gorton-Pew Fisheries Company $1500 donation; $500 contributed by the Gloucester Electric Company; several unnamed $100 donations

Organizations: Y. M.C.A.; Girls Club (over Gloucester National Bank); Salvation Army (Adjutant and Mrs. Gunn)

Places of Worship: St. John’s parish on Middle Street was used for adult convalescents; Clergy Rev. Albert A. Madsen, Trinity Congregational Church; William J. Dwyer;

Teachers Miss Mary Bennett high school faculty filled in for Radcliffe

School Board Dr. Garland, Chair, Vice Chairman Jordan, Mr. Carroll, Mrs. Curtis, Miss Brooks, the Mayor, Mr. Patch (deployed in France), Mr MacInnis (state guard) and Mr. Phillips; Supt. Haines

Individuals: A. Manton Pattilo and Story & Shepherd gave use of vehicles for police ambulances; Arthur J. Grimes and William A. Bolger volunteered to drive nurses around to homes; Mrs. William Hooper (Alice Forbes Perkins) of Manchester major assistance

Boy scouts of America local chapter- 60 or more, unnamed

Groups including Fighting Fourth Liberty Loan Men’s committee, chairman Kilby W. Shute, and Tibbets; Fighting Fourth Liberty Loan Women’s committee, chairwoman Mrs. Preston O. Wass, and Mrs. Alan S. Rowe; other women’s clubs such as Riverdale Range and Girls Club Of Manchester and its Allied Associations;  Fuel Committee, Chairman Fred Shackelford

STATE who’s who helped in Gloucester

Governor W. McCall

Sect. to Governor Henry F. Long

Senator Charles D. Brown; Representative Lukin

Massachusetts State Surgeon General Col. William A. Brooks

State Commissioner of Health Dr. William C. Woodward (1918);

State Board of Health – Miss Wyles

Massachusetts Emergency Public Health Committee established. Sept 1918: Chairman Henry B. Endicott*, W. L. Putnam, Manager; Matthew Luce, Secretary, commissioners: Dr. William A. Brooks*, Miss. B. W. Billings, B. Preston Clark, Dr. E.R. Kelley*, George H. Lyman, Mrs. F.S. Mend, W. Rodman Peabody, James J. Phelan, A.C. Ratshesky*, Adj.-Gen. Jesse F. Stevens, John F. Stevens, Mrs. Nathaniel Thayer, Dr. William C. Woodward* *indicates someone that worked closely with Gloucester. Kelley was colleague friends with Major Thomson; their approach was in concert. Boon for Gloucester.

At request of Surgeon General Brooks, Commissioner Kelly appointed a Nursing Commission with Miss Billings of his dept. as chairman. “Patriotic response came from across country for service in afflicted sections. 100 nurses were given the rank and pay of Lieutenant. FIRST time such rank and pay have been given to women in the United States.” Because of shortage of doctors, nurses, and nurses assistants, Dr. Kelley reached out to US Surgeon General. Blue. The US government lent Navy doctor to take over the state’s doctor assignments. 

FIRST in country – State Appointed Emergency Hospital Post (for civilians) Crisis team in Gloucester (coordinating with local and state boards; civilian relief committee; Red Cross Emergency Hospital and Addison Gilbert Hospital; Gloucester District Nursing Assoc.; and social service agencies) includes many from Gloucester

• COMMANDER Major A. (Alec) N. Thomson (misspelled initially Thompson), U.S.A. Medical Corps, Commander
• Aide to Major Lieut. John A. Radcliffe, from Gloucester
• Military unit of doctors including
  • Dr. John B. Manning, field hospital Superintendent (Harvard)
  • Dr. Lionel A. B. Street (lead Gloucester and helped in Manchester and Rockport) the first physician in the state to volunteer to fight the pandemic. Later Supt. after Thomson left before his Red Cross assignment overseas
  • Major Sturgis/Sturgess/Stugis,  prominent Salem physician, state guard, early help then assigned at Red Cross Emergency Hospital, then to The State hospital post at AGH 
  • Capt. John J. Egan of Gloucester
  • Lieut. Burbeck/Burbank of Salem
  • Lieut. Ratshesky (State Emergency Relief Committee)
  • Capt. George E.B. Strople of Co. M, Haskins Hospital, Rockport
  • Dr. Atwood
  • Dr. Gosman
  • Fourth year medical students did “fine work”
• 15 nurses from the State Guard; Mrs. Raymond Calpin 
• 5-15 nurses from the State Department of Health (one named: Mrs. Augusta Weeks who stayed through the end)
• Red Cross R.N. Mrs. Raymond Calpin mentioned as point of contact at the state military hospital (not sure if she is local or state hire)
• Out of state and International:  nurses, including 12 from South Hamilton, Ontario: C.E. Alward, Beatrice Dellimore, Nora (illegible), A.E. Lindrum, Martha Long- (illegible), Ruth Wilthum, Henrietta Patterson, Mrs. Harriette Willoughbey, Lillian Futa(illegible). Others serving from out of town are Vera Averill, Maine; M.E. Barker, Cushing Hospital, Boston; Esperie Cahors, Boston; Lieut. T.M. Develin, Boston; E.H. Hastings, Providence, R.I.; Dr. John Lehner of Boston; Dr. John O’Keefe of Leominster; Mrs. A.F. Weeks of Maine
• Volunteer registered nurses
• Civilian orderlies (unnamed)
• 5 ambulance crews (reduced to three)
• Nurses’ aides – 100 women in Gloucester volunteered | Mrs. Alfred W. Spurr volunteered at post
• Executive Post Adjutant, in command of companies L, K, M and I state Guard Captain Carleton H. Parsons of Co. L
  • State Guardsmen – one hundred (30+ from Gloucester) a few named individually in news stories: Thomas L. Devlin 1st Lieut. Company K,;Sergeant Earl O. Philips and Corporal J. William Darcy with Company K
• Cook – Frank H. Shute, a well-known Gloucester hotel proprietor and experienced steward head commissary, and Harold S. Maddocks — for patients, staff and 100+ state guard all living at the camp
• Chaplain Bertram D. Bolvin, commonly termed “fighting parson”
• Mayor Stoddart and George Frye Merrill a committee to confer with Major Thompson to see what assistance could be given the military hospital
• Area Universities and colleges

FEDERAL who’s who helped in Gloucester

• President Wilson – Gov. Coolidge direct appeal to the President
• United States Public Health Service led by US Surgeon General Blue. Dr. Rupert Blue, a physician soldier, appointed by Taft, was the 4th Surgeon General. He served 1912-1920 – coordinated with state board and committees
• United States Army physician and 22nd Surgeon General of the US Army (1914-18) William Gorgas
•  Doctors serving in the United States armed forces

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VESSELS REPORTING AFFLICTED CREW

Flu cases in Gloucester’s fishing industry came after the reported civilian and post office cases by a couple of weeks. Mandatory Fumigation was instituted September 28, 1918. Five deaths and many crewmen were stricken aboard the following schooners, steamers, and seine boats: Note: Where names published various spellings on different days I have included each spelling version. At a minimum, 19 children of fishing fleet suffered the loss of one parent.

• Sch. Natalie Hammond, Capt. Charles Colson- 16 returned to port: 8 crew member infected, 3 died– William or Wallace Doucette of Lynn; Soren Bjerm or Bjerrum of Gloucester: and Augustus Thompson who left a widow and 5 kids—their 6^th child, an infant, died a couple of weeks before
• Sch. Polyanna or Pollyanna, Capt. John G. Stream, skipper and crew all sick
• Sch. Laverns, Capt. Robert Wharton, turned back after getting as far as Provincetown with 11 sick
• Sch. Edith Silveira, two sick
• Steamer Killarney
• Sch. Saladin (illegible)
• Sch. Adeline, one of the “Portuguese fresh haddocking fleet”, 10 sick men, 1 hospitalized
• Sch. Arthur James, Capt. John Seavey, another seining vessel returned with sick crew
• Sch. Hjela J. Silva skipper and crewmembers ill
• Sch. Henry L Marshall, skipper and crewmembers ill
• Sch. Athlete, crew sick, from report 10/2/1918 crewmember Frank Dagle died – ship left several weeks back (week of Sept 9, same time as sch. Natalie Hammond)
• Sch. ______ (Illegible) Crew so sick difficulty landing when arrived at Canadian Port
• Sch. Harmony, Capt. George Hamor & cook seriously ill
• Sch. Gov. Foss, Capt. Ernest Young (Not the crew. Captain returned to ill family: his sister in law died, brother and their kids sick at hospital; also his sister and brother-in-law)
• Sch. Topsail Girl, crewmember Ansel Webber died; others sick
• Sch. Marjie Turner, crew sick on 2nd trip out (all ok)

Three captains’ wives died:

• Vessel name_____, wife of Capt. Manuel P. Domingoes, Mrs. Marion B. (Brown) Domingoes died of flu; they had 8 children
• Vessel name_____, wife of Capt. Avaro P. Quadros; they had two daughters
• Vessel name_____, wife of Capt. Thomas J. Benham, Mrs. Ruth M. (Springham) Benham; three kids

Anthony Cooney Fish Dealer at the Fort Passed Away at Rockport 10/2/1918
Jimmy DeLouchery, Waterfront Authority, American Halibut Co. employee died 
WW1 and fishing industry news of the day : Lufkin/city leaders seeking reimbursement for torpedoed ships (See Sept. 28, 1918, Gloucester Daily Times, below)

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LOCAL NEWSPAPER

The coverage of the pandemic in the Gloucester Daily Times was excellent, and deserving of rediscovery and recognition. If ever there was a posthumous award they’d be eligible.

The Gloucester Daily Times and Cape Ann Advertiser (GDT) employed 7 beat reporters, all but one were men, and most resided in Gloucester: John D. Woodbury, J. Harold Russell (11 Summit), Roy L. Parsons (7 Trask), John A. Radcliffe (27 Mt. Vernon), Alexander G. Tupper (60 Mt. Pleasant Ave), William S. Webber, Jr.(5 Columbia), and Margaret A. Dwyer (4 Phillips Ave. Pigeon Cove, Rockport).  George H. Procter was the President and Associate Editor. Newburyport resident, Fred E. Smith, was the Managing Editor. Arthur L. Millett, the City Editor, lived downtown at 18 Mason Street. Representatives from the GDT joined former and active well-known newspaper men in establishing the Gloucester Press Club. Members included Walter Osborne, who owned and operated a hotel on Eastern Point Road in retirement, Wilmot A. Reed of the Associated Press, and James Pringle correspondent for the Boston Globe. Many of these writers served their community and country.

Looking back through daily newspapers, customary gatherings whether happy (celebrations/Church functions/first day of school/art exhibits) or serious (funerals/public meetings/draft registration/art exhibits) help to pinpoint the track of the virus and its containment by the crisis team led by Major Thomson, a nationally acclaimed infectious disease specialist. There are no bylines so sorting who wrote each article is unlikely. Perhaps some families found drafts in their attics.

Regardless, this busy fleet of writers delivered war news and essential pandemic coverage –fast facts and fast writing—that saved lives. Even at this time of war and battle all around, the journalists shared memorable small moments.  See October 4th 1918 for Some Good News when the state guards initiated a collection for toys for the Red Cross childcare and children’s hospital (with help from the local Woolworth’s) and the doctors daring house call on a stormy night to the Lightkeeper’s family on Thacher Island. Don’t miss the double page spread on October 11, 1918, a sweeping recap of the efforts to combat the epidemic. Every day is worth a read; even the one revision I came upon was smart: “Charles Tifft Far From Dead: Summer Resident Reported Influenza Victim Talks With Wife On Phone”. [A true “Finnegan’s Wake” (1864 ballad) moment for me: “Common Jesus do you think I’m dead?”] Daily crisis reports were a matter of life and death and all involved went to great lengths to ensure the counts were accurate.

Emergency information and top expertise were broadcast in Gloucester in large part due to the specific talents of John Radcliffe. By the time of the pandemic, Lieutenant John A. Radcliffe was steeped in the city. He worked for the GDT for nearly 20 years, and had volunteered on the city’s Board of Health committee, acting as secretary, for 14 years, where his esteemed service was noticed at the State level. When the military hospital post was established he was a natural appointment. As a result, medical recommendations and decisions were gleaned from meetings first hand; and best practice notices were disseminated as fast as any in this digital age. His colleagues singled him out for credit.

The paper published a wrenching quantity of personalized obituaries. The flu took one employee: Mrs. Chester H. Dennen, Ella L. (Putnam), a beloved proof reader at the Gloucester Daily Times, died September 25, 1918. She was the second in her family to succumb. Although she was on staff, there was no article or mention on the front page of the paper, just the obituary. Maybe she preferred it that way.

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TIMELINE

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MAP OF SPREAD IN GLOUCESTER

–coming–

Need to confirm death reports beyond *183 peak window

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NOTABLEs- flu cases and the arts

President Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and General Pershing were infected. David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister of England, the King of Spain, Gandhi, and the German Kaiser- all stricken. The youngest son of the King of Sweden died. Cultural notables including Georgia O’Keefe, Raymond Chandler, Lilian Gish, Mary Pickford, Groucho Marx, Walt Disney, Virginia Woolf, John dos Passos, and Kafka lived to see another day. Gustav Klimt’s death in Vienna in February 1918 may have been an early wave contender. Painter Egon Schiele died peak pandemic, October 1918, three days after his spouse, Edith, and their unborn child. His family portrait, unfinished, a deliberate and devastating memorial.

Symbolic and perhaps apocryphal, the funeral procession for Guillaume Apollinaire, French poet and art influencer, wended and intensified amidst the jubilation of armistice celebrations.

While a journalist in Denver, Katherine Anne Porter barely survived her peak pandemic case that October. Her niece and fiance did not (nor Denver’s Mayor). Like Munch, Porter had preexisting conditions, having spent two years prior in a Texas sanatorium recovering from bronchitis. She published her masterwork, Pale Horse, Pale Rider (first edition 1936)– three short novels together– amidst rising global tensions leading up to WWII. It’s the most well known work of art of the dual terrors. Great War, Great Flu.

“But not the singer, not yet, said Miranda. “Death always leaves one singer to mourn.”

Katherine Anne Porter –the singer — Pale Horse, Pale Rider (1936)

William Randolph Hearst’s mother died April 1919. Edvard Munch surmounted his bout that spring. Having chronicled a lifetime impacted by disease, he turned to art and life for this horror, too. Self Portrait with Spanish Flu (seated on bed) oil over crayon fetched 1,688,000 GBP at Sotheby’s auction in 2006. [You can see the vertical self portrait, seated with flu at the National Gallery of Norway, and the after at the Munch Museum.]

Expecting parents W.B Yeats and Georgie Hyde Lees nearly suffered the fate of the Schieles, had Lees not pulled through. Yeats wrote Second Coming (Second Birth) while she recuperated. Their daughter Anne was born in February 1919.

Spouses, poet T.S. Eliot and writer Vivien/ Vivienne Haigh-Wood, were ill in 1919. Eliot drafted bits of the The Waste Land (1922) in 1918, a time of demons — war and flu and an unhappy marriage. Author Willa Cather suffered during a late Influenza wave as well. The influenza pandemic is mentioned in her Pulitzer prize winning book, One of Ours (1922). The fictionalized snippet is asterisked to acknowledge she took liberty with the menace’s timeline– no offense, nor ignorance: *The actual outbreak of influenza on transports carrying United States troops is here anticipated by several months.” Maybe not. See prepandemic outbreaks.

That night the Virginian, who berthed under Victor Morse, had an alarming attack of nose-bleed, and by morning he was so weak that he had to be carried to the hospital. The doctor said they might as well face facts; a scourge of influenza had broken out on board, of a peculiarly bloody and malignant type.

Willa Cather, One of Ours (1922)

During the height of this public health catastrophe, companies sold elixirs and cures and plastered the papers with advertisements presented like news. They increased in frequency during Gloucester’s desperate days of September and October 1918. Less than a year later, Vick’s vapor rub was no match for the 1918 pandemic: The flu killed its inventor in August 1919.

The two brothers who co-founded the Dodge Bros. automobile manufacturing company contracted the flu in New York in 1919: John died at the Ritz hotel in January 1920, and Horace in December 1920 after a wicked year battling its complications. Poet John Crowe Ransom published “Sickness” in Poems of God, 1919. I don’t know if he had the flu, but in two lines he managed to express the suffering that everyone must have felt from the war (mustard gas) and influenza. (Here Lies a Lady was published in Chills and Fever, 1924).

And on this poisonous glare of dawns,

The whole world crumples in disease

John Crowe Ransom – lines from poem, Sickness (1919)

There are classic depictions in which artists transformed their experiences touched by WWI and/or disease in real time including Walter Bayes, Lovis Corinth, Kathe Kollwitz, Amy Lowell, Paul Nash, C.R. Nevinson, August Sander, John Singer Sargent, Walter Sickert, Edward Wadsworth and John Hall Wheelock.

Some of the best art created in the midst of war and the “Spanish Influenza” pandemic came from syndicated artists like Clare Briggs, W.E. Hill, Winsor McKay and Walter Allman.

Hill was commissioned for a few syndicated series with different publishers. There’s a “Spanish Influenza” single panel from Among Us Mortals. I thought of it immediately when friends mentioned passengers moving to one side of a NYC subway car if there was coughing in the last week of February during Covid-19.

(You may have seen the optical trick illustration on the left, first published in 1915, without knowing W.. E. Hill’s name.)

The political cartoons were at times stunningly direct, even international examples printed in the U.S. papers. “Slaughtered by Influenza: Here lies confidence in our military medical authorities.” was from Zurich.

The generation fighting in WWI grew up captivated by Winsor McKay’s elaborate and glorious comic strip. In WWI , McKay created editorial cartoons for Hearst and Liberty Bonds. McKay’s son, Robert, an inspiration for Little Nemo in Slumberland, returned with war honors.

Pestilence is more than included in this single panel 1918, it pops.

A. Hyatt Mayor, esteemed curator with many connections to Gloucester, included McKay’s work in an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1960s.

Another artist, Walter R. Allman shines brightly, even more when you learn that, “The Doings of the Duffs, ” comic strip was a daily. He succeeded in depicting ideas about war and influenza together, a rare instance of pandemic in the art of its time. Enjoy five strips to get a sense of his brilliant art, humor and commentary all from 1918.

Here’s Allman on the Draft Registration and Influenza Advice to open windows, “Speaking of Air and Questionnaires”:

And two more inspired by the final Draft Registration for males age 18-46. These were a bit PSA.

Here’s Allman on the timely Call to Woman to work or help, a side nod to the Red Cross, and an evergreen husband gag

Here’s Allman with the mic drop “In Flew Enza” reference, a meme of its time (probably did more for public health message than any bulletin!)

Look at the sweet arrow! “Tom Thought They all had Spanish Flu.”

I don’t know if Allman had the flu personally but he did battle that punishing schedule. And he had a baby in 1917, so there’s his life as a dad in the mix. Sadly, he had some type of health issue or breakdown for months before dying in 1924. Others continued the Duffs strip for nearly a decade. (**Author note: Look again at the Federal guidelines related to Influenza methods of control September 26, 1918 and artists for whom interiority was an intrinsic source of inspiration like Munch, Woolf, and Porter. Severe mental health after affects were forewarned and expected: “Former epidemics have been characterized by marked mental depression.” Madness hung in the flu air– and suffering from shell shock and other effects from the war broadcast in newsreels. **)

Families in 2020 can appreciate Clare Briggs October “Influenza” and Halloween panel from The Days of Real Sport. A great Briggs single panel can last a day.

Works of art that predate the pandemic, created during– or inspired by– prior infamous pandemics, were used to illustrate 1918 Pandemic news stories. For example, a John Collier painting from 1902 was used to illustrate a syndicated article in October 1918 :

“The English Artist [John] Collier’s Famous Picture of “The Plague [1902].” Such Epidemics Which Ravaged England and Almost All of Europe in the Seventeenth and Earlier Centuries Are Now Impossible, Modern Medical Science Having Devised Infallible Means of Coping with Them. The Influenza, Bad as It Is, Is a Slight Disorder Compared to Ancient Pestilences That Followed Wars.”

[John Collier 1898 painting, Lady Godiva, about 5 ft’ x 6 ft’, Herbert Museum Coventry, UK]

Not sure any matched Max Klinger – Plague (Pest), from the series Death, Part II (Vom Tode Zweiter Teil) etching from 1903

And of course WWI posters by James Montgomery Flagg

Across the pond

The war illustrated album de luxe; the story of the great European war told by camera, pen and pencil – Vol. one alone features 1130 pictures and chapters by Arthur Conan Doyle and HG Wells. After thousands of pages Influenza warrants a meager 9 words on a single page, in the final volume, and only about General Marshall and the hardships of the Mesopotamia campaign:

Influenza added materially to the handicap of other diseases.

I will append this section with more local examples and inspiration at Cape Ann Museum when Covid-19 restrictions subside. The following poem, Autumn, translated from the French from Lamartine by Mary A. Witham, was published in the Gloucester Daily Times October 19, 1918.

“the flower in dying gives out its last perfumes…”

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SOURCES/FOOTNOTES

Listed at the end.

The sources and inspiration for this article were gathered from multiple books, journals, newspapers, rare old maps, local histories, photographs, background knowledge and family history.  I confess to a certain deliberate favoritism & primary sources related to the arts. I am grateful for the great archives and open content. Voices from the past may interest descendants, and give us perspective and hope during Covid-19. With so many worthy of honor, especially those who sacrificed to keep Gloucester safe, and those who suffered and died, I thought it valuable to make Gloucester’s part in this history accessible to all. So I curated a resource and visual gallery to put Gloucester’s 1918 Pandemic history on line. The Gloucester Daily Times articles below which I transcribed intentionally are exhaustive & inspiring, and no part since 1918 had been previously published, or its full pages and article reproductions searchable on line. Other newspapers are fully accessible including big (New York Times) and small (Manchester Cricket).

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DAY BY DAY – Gloucester Daily Times

Excerpts 9/1/1918-10/26/1918 related to the 1918 Flu Pandemic from the files of a Gloucester, Massachusetts, daily newspaper, Gloucester Daily Times, also known as “GDT” were transcribed by author, Catherine Ryan, from spooled reels, scanned by and from originals held at BP, accessed at Sawyer Free Library, and published for the first time since 1918 as first access to all. The selection includes full article reproductions. When various and sundry items not GDT are included on telling days, they’re so noted. The GDT did not publish a Sunday paper.

If you have time for just one day, make it October 11, 1918

**author note: Face masks 9flu masks) DIY sewing pattern instructions,  September 30, 1918**

Continue to September 1918

Monday, September 2, 1918

**author note: WWI surged and Labor Day was big and busy. Friends and family host visitors — especially in East Gloucester. City residents traveled and/or returning. The paper is filled with notices for upcoming events in Gloucester and beyond, like new films coming to the North Shore Theatre.**

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Tuesday, September 3, 1918

Front page– “Gasless” Day on Cape Ann: traffic estimated about three percent of normal sabbath in summer  
…Spirit of cooperation was general among public. Along Western Avenue, Main and Middle the main thoroughfares of the city, the number of machines which passed during the busy parts of the day were few indeed when compared with the hundreds that pass hourly on a normal Sunday.

Inside page– East Gloucester column
Joseph Ehler of the U.S. navy transport service is spending a brief furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Ehler of (51) Mt. Pleasant Avenue. Walter Peterson of Camp Devens, Ayer, spent the holiday weekend on 8 Davis Street with his mother, Nina. Mrs. Charles E. Locke and family returned to Worcester from Mt. Pleasant. Miss Suzanne Parsons of Mt. Pleasant back from a visit in the South to resume duties at Watertown High School. “Mr. and Mrs. Fred Benson and little daughter Elizabeth of Somerville were the weekend and holiday guests of Mrs. Benson’s parents, Lewis Rowe of 37 Chapel Street (works at 35 Wharf House). 

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Wednesday September 4, 1918

**note from author: Large crowds/public gatherings before flu crisis hits**

Inside page Public Schools Opened Today – Teachers and Pupils Enter on Work of the Year with Vigor

Inside page Grand Patriotic Meeting Tonight: Community Sing and War Speaker Will Pack City Hall

Inside page East Gloucester Column
excerpt – “…Walter Fenn, the artist, is improving gradually from his illness and at present he is at Rocky Neck.” …(At the Chapel Street church school) “a full attendance is requested as business of importance is to come up for consideration and plans for the year made…There remains one more day to view the exhibition of paintings and sculpture at the Gallery-on-the-Moors…Members of the Chapel Street Baptist Sunday School will gather (for the end) of the summer season…”

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Thursday, September 5, 1918

Front page Community Sing Filled City Hall: Voices Raised High in Patriotic Song
The Community Sing at City hall…combined with the addresses by Dr. M. M. Graham, district service manager of the United States Shipping Board and Corporal Fran A.H. Street, a returned soldier who was twice wounded and later gassed while serving with the Canadian forces, attracted an audience which filled City Hall. Patriotic music was sung, opening with the “Star Spangled Banner,” following which a proclamation was read by President Antoine Silva of the municipal council, representing the city, after which the vast audience joined in singing “Speed Our Republic”…Among those on the platform was Private Joseph Merchant, who has recently returned from “over there” on a furlough after being wounded. The meeting closed with the singing of “America.”

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Friday, September 6, 1918

Inside page Lookout Now, Old Mr. Grip is Around
**message from the Massachusetts State Department of Health**
An epidemic of influenza prevails among the sailors stationed at Commonwealth Pier, Boston, and the state department of health issued a warning to civilians to take such measures as they can to protect themselves from the expected spread of the disease. More than 350 cases have been unofficially reported from the pier within a week. Unless precautions are taken, disease in all probability will spread to the civilian population…people with coughs and colds are not choice companions.

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Saturday, September 7, 1918

Front page Local Lads on Torpedoed Liner

Inside page Large Decrease in Number at School
This will be due in a great measure to many of the boys having secured lucrative positions which they are desirous of holding, the decrease in registration being confined almost entirely to the High School and 8^th and 9^th grade.

Inside page Chance for few in State Guard

Inside page East Gloucester column
…Walter Fenn, the artist, is improving gradually from his illness and at present he is at Rocky Neck.” (At the Chapel Street church school) “a full attendance is requested as business of importance is to come up for consideration and plans for the year made…There remains one more day to view the exhibition of paintings and sculpture at the Gallery-on-the-Moors…Members of the Chapel Street Baptist Sunday School will gather (for the end) of the summer season…

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Sunday, September 8, 1918

No local paper

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Monday, September 9, 1918

**author note: Sch. Natalie Hammond and Sch. Athlete leave port sometime this week**

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Tuesday, September 10, 1918

Inside page School board meeting Employment of married teachers
**vote to continue marriage bar–married teachers can’t be hired**
The present rule should not be changed except in cases where a husband is to enter the United States service.

**author note: There were of course exceptions, however nursing and teaching jobs were targeted to all the single ladies, by law. Some who argued in defense of the policy expressed how limiting one job per household helped those who needed it most to earn a living. (One way to skirt that rule was to use the “maiden” name and keep mum about the marriage.) The teaching bar began in the late 1800s in the U.S. and lasted until the Civil Rights act in 1964.**

Inside page East Gloucester column
Mrs. John Brainerd Wilson has been entertaining her sister, Miss Hildreth of Everett, who is supervisor in the public schools of that city. Mrs. Fred Pierson and Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop C. Sherman and child, all of Quincy, are spending a week at 62 Mt. Pleasant avenue. Letter Carrier Sherman T. Walen is indisposed at his home on Rocky Neck. Adjutant Charles A. Gunn of the Gloucester Salvation Army, supplied the pulpit at the Methodist Episcopal church Sunday, at both services, giving two helpful addresses. The Social Hour club will meet on Thursday afternoon, instead of Wednesday in the Methodist church vestry. Mrs. Christen Jensen will be the hostess. On Thursday evening, the Methodist Ladies’ Aid will meet in the church vestry, when business of importance will be transacted and every member is requested to be present. Mrs. William Fraser and young son (illegible) numerous relatives and friends for a few days when they will go (illegible) for the winter. Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Pinkham returned recently from Ocean park and Bath, me. (illegible) of East Gloucester have used their automobiles the past two Sundays only in case of absolute necessity. With the hundreds of automobiles passing (illegible) Pleasant avenue and the shore boulevard particularly (illegible) Sunday as well as week days, the change was most noticeable and there was a feeling of lonesomeness. The patriotic feeling of East Gloucester is certainly inspiring. The Ladies’ Society of the Chapel Street church will hold a basket picnic in West Gloucester tomorrow. Those planning to attend will take the 9.15 o’clock car from Rocky Neck. Rally Sunday Observed: The Ladies’ Society of the Chapel Street Baptist church school gathered on Sunday noon, for the first time after the summer adjournment (illegible) There were 140 members of the school present and it is hoped that the number will greatly increase in the next two or three Sundays, and the autumn schedule of this important function of the church work will be in fuller operation. Favorite songs will be sung: Many of the favorite popular songs of the day will be sung and represented in tableaux by a large number of people, in the Methodist Episcopal church vestry, tomorrow evening at 8 o’clock, under the auspices of the Ladies’ Aid Society. Trolley Car and Auto Collide at Rocky neck Avenue: An addition to the chapter of accidents at the dangerous corner of Rocky Neck avenue and East Main street was the collision of the 4.30 o’clock car from Rocky Neck and a limousine car owned by the Misses Jones of Brookline, summer residents of East Gloucester. The Misses M. H. and B. D. Jones were driving towards Eastern Point, when suddenly the trolley appeared around the corner and before the brakes could be used in time effectively, the automobile hit the front end of the car. Fortunately no one was hurt. The front of the auto was damaged, and the trolley car received scratching for several feet. Last week an automobile narrowly escaped being crashed into by the trolley car at the same spot…

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Wednesday, September 11, 1918

**author note: among first published obits death by Influenza 1918 in Gloucester**
**author note: Manchester Cricket front page includes instructions on how to register for the draft**

Front Page All Are Urged to Register Early: Crowder Wants All Flags to Fly and Bands to Play tomorrow
From 7 o’clock tomorrow morning until 8 o’clock tomorrow evening the voting places in this city and Rockport will be open for the enrollment of those coming within the new draft every man between the ages of 18 to 45 years both inclusive not already registered must register tomorrow for the Selective Service Draft. The process of enrollment is simple and early registration (for the WW1 draft) by all those who can is advised in order to avoid confusion in the later hours of the day. The day is one of great moment and those concerned should not fail to grasp the full seriousness of the situation. The state may be bone dry as the men enroll, while Provost Marshal (illegible) It is anticipated that the state will be bone dry tomorrow. McCall appeals to liquor men. Governor McCall’s proclamation is as follows:

“Tomorrow our streets will be thronged with men seeking to enroll themselves for service under the Selective Service act. On the occasion of the previous registration in June,1917, I requested and my request was almost universally complied with, that those who were engaged in the sale of intoxicating liquors refrain from selling intoxicating liquors on that day. Our State law prohibits the sale, gift or delivery of liquor on election days, but it makes no provision for such an occasion as the enrollment of men for military service. In the absence of authorization to order the closing of saloons and other places that sell intoxicating liquors I sincerely hope and most strongly urge that the men engaged in this business throughout the State to patriotically refrain from selling liquor on this day. The day should be devoted entirely to such activities as will best expedite the enrollment of such a large number of men as are required by the National Government to enroll for military service.” – Gov. McCall Proclamation

Inside page Op Ed
Jail term for failure to register: So that nobody can possibly say he misunderstands what is expected of him tomorrow, draft officials again repeat that Thursday, September 12, 1918, is registration day for men of every race and color between 18 and 46 unless they have already registered under the first 21-31 Man Power act, or are now in the Army or Naval service. The hours are from 7 am to 9 pm. Failure to register means one year in jail and enforced military service thereafter.  (illegible) After enrolling each registrant will be given a registration card that proves he has complied with the law, and it ought to be always in one’s possession because any officer has the right to see it. This registration day does nothing more than enroll you. Questionnaires come later. Get registered first, and think of the questionnaire later. Volunteer Registrars Here: While the work is directly in charge of the local Exemption Board for this division which comprise, Gloucester and Rockport, the work of registering will actually be performed by a large corps of volunteer registrars. A chief registrar has been designated in each precinct and he has a capable force of registrars to work with him. Most of these ward boards met the chief registrar last evening were sworn in, (illegible) advocated and it is also for those unable to speak English to have an interpreter accompany them to the place of registration. The registration commences at 7 o’clock tomorrow. The Public Safety Committee through Thomas J. Carroll, Executive Manager, has requested employers to allow all men in their employ who come under the draft requirements, a sufficient length of time in which to register tomorrow without loss of pay. By doing this congestion will be avoided at the noon hour and in the evening. Where to Register [list]. Bells will ring: In response to the request of the public safety committee, the bells of the churches of the city will be rung tomorrow morning from 6:45  to 7.15 o’clock in order to call the attention of registrants to the day, and an order to this effect will be adopted at the meeting of the municipal council this afternoon.

Inside page East Gloucester column
Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Wonson have sold their Highland street residence to Capt. Black of Friend street, Gloucester, whose family will occupy the house the first of next month. Mr. and Mrs. Wonson will occupy their house at the East Gloucester square in the tenements now occupied by Mssrs. Gilbert and Dedcovich and improvements will be made. The entertainment of song tableaux will be held in the vestry of the Methodist Episcopal church this evening at 8 o’clock. All ladies of the society are required to contribute candy. Miss Mildred Gerring, who met with an accident by crushing her hand so badly in a mangle at the Montgomery place laundry, several weeks ago, so that her left hand had to be amputated at the Addison Gilbert hospital, is now at her home in this ward and getting along nicely. Mrs. Thos. A. Miller Died at Hospital: Mrs. Margaret E. Miller, wife of Thomas A. Miller of Bass Avenue, died at the Addison Gilbert hospital on Monday [9/9/1918] after only a week’s illness of pneumonia, at the age of 23 years. The deceased gave birth to a little daughter only three months ago, which makes the mother’s passing away a particularly bad case…Funeral from the home of the parents of Mr. Miller, 8 Traverse Street.

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Thursday, September 12, 1918

**note from author: first time local paper runs story about flu in Gloucester**

Front page Cape Ann Awake to Registration: Over 1500 had Responded to Country’s Call Before 11 o’clock this forenoon—Local Board Has Also Registered 300 Out-of-Towners 
“The man power of the nation is (illegible) enroll has been sounded since the United States entered the war against the Central powers of Europe. (Illegible) them, complying with the provisions of the Man Power Act recently passed by Congress. The registration which is very large here, started at 7 o’clock this morning and the names will be enrolled until 9 o’clock although the official time will be extended in the various enrolling precincts as long as they keep coming. Local Registration Large The local registration has been large and the registrants wee early in putting in appearance at the designated (illegible) part of the forenoon the Exception Board made a tour of the cape and came back delighted both with the patriotic response both of the registrants as well as with the many loyal citizens who gave up their entire day to the registering of the applicants and those who served as interpreters in some of the wards where their services were very much needed. At 11 o’clock registration in the wards was as follows:

• Ward One…130
• Ward Two…325
• Ward Three…240
• Ward Four…150
• Ward Five…200
• Ward Six, Prec. One…100
• Ward Six, Prec. Two… 45
• Ward Seven…50
• Rockport…110
• Pigeon Cove…67

Registering Out-of-Towners: The Board reported that in every ward the registrars were doing their work well and that the registration was going along with a snap and little or no hitch. In the last four days the Board has registered over 300 out-of-tow folks here and today at its headquarters in the Tibbets’ block, has on an office force of six clerks, all of whom are engaged in registering out-of-town people and those representing  …Among the first to be registered in Ward six, precinct one, this morning, was Alderman William F Poole (illegible) Municipal council coming within the draft provisions…”

Front Page Post Office Hit by Grip Malady: Eight Carriers and Two Clerks Victims of Prevailing Distemper
The Gloucester Post Office is certainly having its difficulties these days during the prevailing distemper of the new distemper the Spanish influenza (illegible) taken down with sever attacks, one (illegible) there is some difficulty in these times of scarcity of men in finding substitutes. However Postmaster Smith is managing affairs (illegible) by the employee will on their feet things are going along very well. The carriers stricken are Harry Dagle, Sherman T. Walen, Freeman Hodson, (illegible), Reginald (illegible) Chester Andrews, Samuel Curtis and clerks John Drohan and Willis Wheeler. Sherman Walen is reported very ill and Oliver Nelson and Chester Andrews have quite recovered.

Inside page Sterling Red Sox Winners of War-Time World’s Series Honors 
Boston is again the capital of the baseball world, history repeating itself yesterday (9/11/1918) when the Red Sox who have never faltered in this great classic, defeated the cubs 2 to 1.

Inside page East Gloucester column
Mrs. Carrie Hamsdell of Winchester is the guest of Mrs. Nellie M. Parsons of Highland street. Mrs. Parsons has just returned from a visit (illegible0 the guest of Mrs. Jewell , of Boston, in Stratham, N.H. The Ladies’ Aid of the Methodist Episcopal church will hold a business meeting in the vestry this evening. Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Mason of Fall River, spent the week end with Mrs. Mason’s mother, Mrs. James Ehler of 51 Mt. Pleasant avenue. Mr. Mason is stationed as first class cook in naval service at Newport and he was here on two days leave of absence. Mr. and Mrs. Victor D. Ehler and family the former who is stationed at Bumpkin Island and Walter A. Ehler who is stationed at Camp Devens were (here). Spanish Influenza Prevalent Here:The prevailing distemper of grip and Spanish influenza is felt much in this ward. Harry Dagle of the U.S. Mail Force is ill at home on Highland Place. Sherman T. Walen also of the U.S. Mail Force is very ill at his home on Rocky Neck. Freeman Hodson, a native of this place and letter carrier in the Mt. Pleasant Avenue lower district route of ward one, is confined to his home on Essex Avenue. Stanton and Eleanor Farrell, both children of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Farrell of East Main Street are ill with the malady. Agnes Ryan, the young daughter of Mrs. Alice Ryan is confined to her home on East Main Street. Fletcher Wonson, the young son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Wonson has been ill for several days. Chester Brigham of Haskell Street, agent for the Metropolitan Insurance Company, was out yesterday, after a severe attack of the grip. Ida Gerring, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Gerring of Avon Court is a late victim of the distemper. Mrs. Joseph T. Moulton was stricken on Tuesday, at her home on Highland Street. Miss Blanch Gilbert of East Main Street was stricken Tuesday and Dr. Arthur S. Torrey took to his bed today with the same trouble that has stricken a large number of his patients. Sudden Death of Bertram R. Goodwin Bertram R. Goodwin a well-known citizen of this ward, died at his home on Highland Street yesterday morning resulting from the effects of the prevailing disease, grip or Spanish influenza, which is broadcast at this time. The deceased was taken ill last Thursday…seven years ago he married Miss Della E. Frost of this ward. The funeral will be strictly private, owing to illness in the family.

Inside page Bisterma death, 14 years old

Inside page Rockport column
Miss Lillian Roffey the Mt. Pleasant Street Rockport grocer, has been confined to her home for a week with the grip. She was back again on duty yesterday.

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Friday, September 13, 1918

Front Page 3038 Registered to Whip Huns: Flower of Cape Ann’s Manhood Proudly and Willingly Signed Up to Do Their Part in Great Common Cause 
A total enrollment of 3038 men between the ages of 18 and 46 years was Cape Ann’s willing and patriotic response, too, one in which every man…man (illegible) Uncle Sam’s great army. The registration was accomplished easily and with little confusion. (illegible) and by supper time nearly all had complied with the President’s proclamation. There were very few registrations after 6 o’clock. The total registration in the entire country is expected to pass the estimated 13,000,000 mark. Massachusetts has contributed 472,000, it is estimated and Boston has listed 102,867. Massachusetts has contributed 472,000, it is estimated and Boston has listed 102,867. Total registrations here yesterday were 3024 including 321 at Rockport and Pigeon Cove and 145 received by mail. Today 14 more have come in, making the grand total 3038, but today’s registrants do not appear in the table. All Went Smoothly: There was remarkable efficiency in the work of registration. The volunteer organization of more than 125 (illegible) contributed their services to Uncle Sam made the gigantic task a very simple one. Once the machinery organized by the local Exemption Board was put in motion, everything went along smoothly and perfectly. On every side a wonderful spirit of cooperation marked the proceedings of the day.

Probably the busiest place yesterday was ward 2 where 508 men, 123 more than ward five, the next largest total were enrolled. But in this district as in the others the work was accomplished with a minimum of effort. Few, if any, perplexing problems arose and the non-English speaking residents were easily looked after…in many of the precincts to have fathers and sons appear together to enroll. Only two colored [sic] men were registered here and eight Orientals [sic] (and looks reversed in chart)…The licensed liquor establishments were all closed, even the hotels and clubs, complying with Governor McCall’s request that no intoxicating liquors be sold on Registration day.

• Ward 1… 240
• Ward 2… 508 (359 citizens, 23 declarants, 126 non declarants)
• Ward 3… 380
• Ward 4 …204
• Ward 5… 385
• Ward 6 …244

Inside page Notices: College Football barred
Colleges and universities with Students’ Army Training Corps units have been advised by the War Department not to make plans for football schedules this fall.

Inside page Council Session Was Quite Brief  **author note: no flu mention**

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Saturday, September 14, 1918

Front Page Letter Carrier Curtis is Dead: Wife of Popular young man passed away only two months ago  Wife of popular young man passed away only two months ago. Letter Carrier Samuel E. Curtis, whose serious illness from Spanish influenza was recently mentioned in the Times, died at the home of his parents [192 Washington Street] …His brother Chester L. Curtis teller at the Gloucester National Bank is also seriously ill while his sister who is a teacher in the Revere schools is ill with pneumonia, both being at the home of their parents in this city.

Inside story Influenza and Grip Prevalent Here (Gloucester, Ma.): Several Deaths and Many on Seriously Ill list.
The epidemic of Spanish Influenza in this city is assuming a serious aspect and appears to be spreading. Three deaths have already resulted from it and among scores of cases, quite a few are reported in a serious condition, some with the dreaded pneumonia. A great many well-known people are seriously ill. This disease does not appear to be confined to any particular (illegible).

U.S. Surg. Gen. Blue of the public health service has made a telegraphic survey to determine extent of Spanish influenza in the United States. Gen. Blue has found there was a sharp outbreak at Fort Morgan near Mobile Alabama in August, and at about the same time a tramp steamer arrived at Newport News with almost the entire crew (illegible) The Boston outbreak was reported September 11 (**author note- reported  Sept. 6 –five days earlier–in GDT**) since when the pandemic has appeared at New London while New Orleans not wholly escaped.

“The disease is characterized by sudden onset,” said Dr. Blue in a statement to the Associated Press. “People are stricken on the streets, while at work at factories, shipyards, offices or elsewhere. First there is a chill, then fever with temperature from 101 to 103, headache, backache, reddening and running of the eyes, pains and aches all over the body, and general prostration. Persons so attacked should go to their homes at once, get (illegible) call a physician.” Treatment of Disease “Treatment under direction of a physician is simple, but important, consisting principally of rest in bed, fresh-air, abundant food with Dover’s powder for the relief of pain. Every case with fever should be regarded as serious and kept in bed at least until temperature becomes normal. Convalescence requires careful management to avoid serious complications, such as bronchial pneumonia, which not infrequently may have fatal termination. During the present outbreak in foreign countries the salts of quinine and aspirin have been most generally used during the acute attack, the aspirin apparently with much success in the relief of symptoms.” 

Message from the U.S. Surgeon General

“Because the pandemic of influenza occurred more than 25 years ago, physicians who began to practice medicine since 1892 have not had personal experience in handling a situation now spreading through considerable part of the foreign world, and already appearing to some extent, in the United States. For that reason Dr. Blue is issuing a special bulletin for all medical men who send for it. In order to reach physicians of the country without a day’s delay, however, Dr. Blue has provided for transmission through the Associated Press the following summary of methods for control of the disease:

Methods of Control

Infectious Agent – The bacillus influence of pfeefifer [sic]. (Illegible) secretions from the nose, throat and respiratory passages or (illegible)

Incubation period: one to four days, generally two.

Mode of transmission – by direct contact or indirect contact through use of handkerchief, common towels, cups, mess gear, or other objects contaminated with fresh secretions. (illegible)

Period of communicability as long as the person harbors the causative organism in the respiration tract.

Method of control

(A) The infected individual and his environment.
“Recognition of the disease- By clinical manifestations and bacteriological findings.

Isolation- Bed isolation of infected individuals during the course of the disease. Screens between beds are to be recommended.

Immunization- Vaccines are used with only partial success.

Quarantine- None; impracticable.

Concurrent disinfection- The discharges from the mouth, throat, nose (illegible)causative organism is short-lived outside of the host.

(B)General measure- The attend of the case should wear a gauze mask. During epidemics persons should avoid crowded assemblages, street cars and the like. Education as regards the danger of promiscuous coughing and pitting. Patients, because of the tendency to the development of broncho-pneumonia should be treated in well ventilated, warm rooms. The present outbreak of influenza may be controlled more or less extent only by intelligent action on the part of the public. “There is no such thing as an effective quarantine in the case of pandemic influenza,” Dr. Blue adds, “but precautionary measures may be taken and should be taken. Thus far we have little information as to the susceptibility of children, but it is fair to assume this type of Influenza might spread through a school as easily and rapidly as measles for example.”

– End of U.S. Surgeon General Notification, published in the Gloucester Daily Times 9/14/1918

Inside page Personal Mention notice
Mrs. A.E. Butler and daughter Gertrude are spending a two weeks vacation with friends in Maine. Walter Collins driver of the Dale Avenue chemical returned to duty this morning after a week’s illness with the grippe. John F. Foster is reported seriously ill with pneumonia at his home on Washington Street (works at Russia Cement Co.). The condition of Mrs. Mabel Butler, who was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital…”

Sunday, SEPTEMBER 15, 1918

No newspaper on Sunday

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1918

Front Page Three Deaths From Influenza: Whole Families Severely Ill with Prevailing Distemper—Several Doctors Are Stricken—Fully 300 Cases in the City—Fumigate Post Office
The epidemic of Spanish influenza is continuing to cause deaths and three more have occurred since Saturday noon, Letter Carrier Sherman R. Walen, Mrs. Lillian Martin and William J. O’Brien, Jr. Quite a number of people are very ill and there are several cases of whole families being ill with the disease. Eight deaths were reported in Boston yesterday. There is no way of securing an accurate number of cases in this city, but there are probably at least 300. Among those who have been stricken are several of the doctors and the others have been kept exceedingly busy by the extraordinary number of calls during the last few days. While the disease infested every section of the city, East Gloucester seems to be particularly hard hit. In view of the large number of cases among the postal forces, Postmaster Smith had the main office and also the annex on Duncan Street thoroughly fumigated on Saturday afternoon. No action has been taken by either the (local) Board of Health or school authorities, as neither board deems it necessary to do so at the present time. There are a large number of pupils out in the High school this morning, but whether largely on account of being or a precautionary measure against contracting the disease could not be ascertained. Several teachers in the schools are also at home on account of the illness. Much trouble can be avoided, however, if the public will use the ordinary precautionary measures. For instance, when a person becomes ill he should see a physician at once, for as the old saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine.” In a large number of cases, persons afflicted have been loth to give in until finally compelled to do so. A physician should be consulted as soon as possible.

Front Page Bright Young Man influenza Victim – William J. O’Brien
William J O’Brien passed away this morning at age of 23 years. William James O’Brien Jr., son of William J. and Jessie F. (MacLeod) O’Brien, passed away as his home on Main Street early this morning at the age of 23 years after an illness of only a few days (illegible) of the prevailing epidemic of Spanish influenza which developed into pleuropneumonia. (illegible) of this city where his entire life has been spent, his father being the well known telegraph operator at the office of the Western Union Telegraph Office. He was formerly (illegible) and the Gorton-Pew Fisheries Company, but during the past summer has been employed as a gardener at Eastern Point. Besides his parents, he is survived by his brother, Harold. His funeral will take place at his home, 354 Main Street on Wednesday at 2 o’clock.

Inside page What do you think of this Chowder? (recipe)

Inside page East Gloucester column ** author’s note: all sickness and death**
Mrs. George Wonson and Miles Wonson of Calder street, are both ill with the prevailing distemper. Mrs. Ralph Walen is ill on Rocky Neck. Her four daughters, Misses Susan, Laura, Lucy and Margaret Walen are all very ill with the distemper at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walen on Mt. Pleasant Avenue. George Goldthwaite is very ill at his home on Chapel street. His wife has just recovered and two children are now stricken with the disease. Salvatore Puglisi, one of T.E. Reed’s employees for a number of years is critically ill with pneumonia at his home on East Main street. He was reported as being more comfortable yesterday. Mrs. Puglisi has just recovered from the new disease spreading in this vicinity. Mrs. Arthur S. Torrey is indisposed. Dr. Torrey is reported more comfortable. Dr. Charles M. Quimby took to his bed yesterday. Owing to the great strain upon him caring for patients day and night it will be absolutely necessary for him to rest now in his illness. Mrs. Christian Jensen is ill at her home on East Main street, with the prevailing distemper. Letter Carrier Harry Dagle is reported as being in critical condition with the prevailing distemper at his home on Highland place. Ellsworth Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Anderson, is seriously ill with distemper at his home on East Main street. Misses Daley and Norma Dennis of Lynn and Alfred Small of Boston were the Saturday guests of Mrs. Nellie M. Parsons of Highland street. Mrs. Ralph B. Herrick (nee Miss Eva Nickerson) and three young sons, Hermon, Robert and Ralph Herrick Jr., of Mt. Pleasant avenue, who have all been at the Addison Gilbert hospital for the past three weeks, with typhoid fever, are getting along gradually. Mrs. Herrick, who was first taken ill, was in a critical condition and Hermon and Ralph are now in the height of the disease. The son Robert, the second stricken, has passed the crisis with the mother. It is thought that something which was eaten made most of the family the victims of the awful disease. Mr. Herrick and the eldest daughter, Eleanor, who were away from the home at the time, escaped. Mrs. Herrick before her marriage, was for several years bookkeeper at the Gloucester Co-Operative Bank. Her many friends are pleased to learn that she has passed the crisis favorably. Mrs. Emma Dulace, of Chichester, N.H., her son Frank Goodwin of Belmont, and the former’s daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lesley R. Goodwin of Pittsfield, N.H., were here recently to attend the funeral of the late Bertram R. Goodwin. Lesley R. Goodwin who is in training at Camp Devens, Ayer, is expected to make a short visit with his aunt Mrs. Charles H. Douglass and other relatives. Miss Dorothy Gilbert, daughter of Motorman and Mrs. Arthur Gilbert, is ill with the prevailing distemper of grip and Spanish influenza, instead of Miss Blanch Gilbert as reported. The Red Cross meeting of the Christian Endeavor society to be held this evening will be postponed indefinitely. The body of the late Capt. Abner T. Barnes, who died in East Boston on Tuesday, was laid at rest in the family lot in Mt. Pleasant cemetery Friday afternoon. Relatives were present at the burial. Death of Letter Carrier Sherman R. Walen: After a desperate fight for life for several days with the prevailing distemper of Spanish influenza developing into pneumonia, Letter Carrier Sherman R. Walen died on Saturday afternoon at his home, Rackliffe street, Rocky Neck. The deceased was born in East Gloucester, his parents being Ralph and Alice (Parsons) Walen. He is the second one of the Gloucester mail carrier force to succumb to the awful malady, in the extensive list now ill, reported recently in the Times. The deceased was a young man highly esteemed and a valuable employee in the service of the Gloucester postoffice. He will be greatly missed. The deceased leaves besides his parents, a wife (formerly Miss Harriet Lawson) no seriously ill at the Addison Gilbert hospital, and two small children, Barbara and Elizabeth. He also leaves six sisters, Mrs. Margarie, wife of Andrus Coleman of Bath, Me., Misses Susan, Laura, Lucy, Sally and Margaret Walen, and one brother, Nestor Walen of Gloucester. Funeral of Bertram R. Goodwin: The funeral of Bertram R. Goodwin took place Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, from the late home of the deceased, 14 Highland street. The services were held private owing to illness in the family. Rev. John B. Wilson, officiated, speaking fittingly of the good life of the deceased and giving words of comfort to the bereaved wife and relatives. There were many beautiful floral tributes from relatives and friends. A large anchor set piece was a token of sympathy from the employees of the Gorton-Pew Fisheries Company, where the deceased was formerly employed, a basket of flowers from the Men’s Class of the Chapel Street Baptist church of which the deceased was a faithful member, and a large bouquet of flowers from the Swastikas, of which Mrs. Goodwin is a member. The pall bearers were Charles H. Douglass, Ralph Bragdon, Loren Frost and Webster Morton. The internment was in Mount Pleasant cemetery.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1918

**author note: by  the 5^th day of epidemic – SCHOOL CLOSED**

Front page

PROCLAMATION FROM THE MAYOR

To the people of Gloucester:

In view of the growing epidemic of Spanish Influenza, the serious nature of the disease, and of our inability under (illegible) the health of our community to impose, for a while, the following requirements to which all good patriotic citizens will conform.

Until further notice (illegible) dance halls, and other places where people congregate in large numbers shall be closed.

Parents are hereby notified that children are not be (illegible) in which they may loiter about the streets, or congregate at beaches, playgrounds or elsewhere. Children should be kept at home; if the disease is in the home, to prevent its spread; if the home is free from the disease, to keep it free.

Police are notified to enquire into all suspicious cases of children or adults needlessly loitering or congregating about the city. It is hoped that all will appreciate that this is being done in the spirit of doing everything we can to check the spread of the disease which suddenly breaks up homes, robs them of their support and disorganizes our industry. Let each individual and still (illegible) improve his general health and in which he can further protect his family and neighbors.
John A. Stoddart, Mayor

Front pageClose Schools and Amusements: Board of Health and School Authorities Adopt Stern Measures to Prevent the Spread of Grippe Epidemic Mayor’s Proclamation | Out of School Yesterday by Reason of Illness—Belief that Disease has nearly reached its height—Health Authorities to make provision of extra hospital facilities if needed—Two Deaths
The local epidemic of influenza shows no improvement this morning. So serious is the situation that the Board of Health has taken the matter in hand and this morning voted to close the theatres and all public places of amusement, entertainment and the like indefinitely. Similar action was adopted last evening at a conference between Dr. Philip P. Moore, Chairman of the Board of Health, Supt. Haines, (illegible) relative to the closing of schools.

Just how many cases there are in the city at present would be difficult to ascertain. There are considerable with a large number of new ones since yesterday. It is believed, however, that the distemper has nearly run its length, and an improvement in the situation is looked for in a few days. The ban on the closing of schools and public places is indefinite, the length of time in which it will be in force depending upon conditions.

The Board of Health is taking an active hand in the situation and accommodations for temporary hospital quarters are being looked into. In this the board has the able assistance of the local Red Cross section and Spanish War Veterans hall, which the Red Cross has for an emergency hospital that may be taken over should the situation demand.

Police station then on corner of Duncan and Rogers

Following last evening’s conference, Mayor Stoddart issued a proclamation (illegible) The schools were hard hit yesterday, reports from the various buildings indicating a total of 636 pupils and 10 teachers absent on account of illness.

Up to noon, there had been two deaths since yesterday’s report, both being from pneumonia developing from the grippe. Owing to the presence of the disease, visitors will not be permitted at the Addison Gilbert hospital until further notice except in cases of serious illness of the patients, the trustees ordered this morning.

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Wednesday, September 18, 1918

Front pageNo More Deaths From Influenza- Believe that Epidemic will soon be checked – situation regarded more satisfactory Public Cooperates with Board of Health
No deaths have occurred in the past 24 hours from Spanish influenza or pneumonia and while there are some new cases today, the health authorities are inclined to believe that the (illegible) city. Following the proclamation of the mayor and order of the Board of Health, the North Shore theater was closed all day yesterday and all forms of entertainment and amusement have been indefinitely postponed. The Board of Health order closing all places where people congregate in large numbers will remain in force until all danger has passed.

There are hundreds of cases of the disease throughout the city. Doctors and nurses have been working night and day (illegible) street was taken over this morning as an emergency hospital station and equipped with cots and beds. Nurses will be secured and hall made ready for the considerable number of patients should the situation require it. The proclamation of Mayor Stoddart has been generally followed out by the public. Although the schools are closed, children have been kept at home by parents to a large extent. Last night the streets were deserted indicating that adults remained at home too.

Front page Salem has 1000 cases

Spanish influenza has more than 1000 victims in Salem and already had been the contributory cause of three deaths. Physicians, while unusually busy, do not express alarm over the situation and say that continuance of mild weather will aid in checking the epidemic. Although many children of the public and parochial schools are confined to their homes, opinion is expressed that children are as immune in school rooms as elsewhere and probably better safeguarded through the vigilance of the city physicians, nurse and teachers. Several inmates of the City Home are reported ill. The Salem Hospital was closed yesterday until further notice (illegible) except accident cases will be admitted

In compliance with the regulations and request of the mayor and Board of Health, the members of the Young Men’s Christian Association are advised that the gymnasium and swimming pool of the association building will be closed until the epidemic of influenza has passed. Shower baths will be open for use. During this time the swimming pool will be cleaned and repainted. Two of the men on the employed force are ill and all members are asked to cooperate even more than usual in helping maintain the building and its necessary activities.

Front page Mill Employee Ill Short Time

**author note: first flu obit. to mention business*

Miss Harriet Haskell died at her home on Andrews street, Essex, early yesterday morning at the age of 21 years. She was ill only about 24 hours going home Monday from the Ipswich Mills where she was employed with the symptoms of Spanish influenza. Monday evening her condition became serious and she died shortly after midnight. She is survived by her parents.

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Thursday, September 19, 1918

Front page Grippe Situation About the Same: Two Deaths reported in past 24 hours
There is but little change in the situation in this city from the epidemic of influenza today. Two deaths had been reported up to noon and there are a number of new calls for physicians, although it is generally believed that the situation locally is well in hand.The emergency hospital has been fitted out in the old armory, on the third floor of the police building by the Red Cross and some 20 beds have been made ready. There were no patients this morning but it was expected that there might be some this afternoon. The station has been equipped to care for both men and women of all (illegible) cancellation of all public gatherings will continue until the danger has passed. On every hand a willing spirit of co-operation with the Board of Health has been manifested again last night, Main street was almost completely deserted even after the storm had entirely abated, showing that the public is cooperating in this direction too. Although there were some new cases today, the situation is regarded as satisfactory and it is believed that the epidemic has nearly run its course.

Spanish influenza continued to exact its toll of death in Greater Boston and vicinity yesterday while public health and army and navy doctors redoubled their efforts to defeat the spread of the malady. There was no alarming increase in the number of new cases or deaths yesterday, however, and physicians were hopeful and generally of the opinion that the disease would be checked before it had progressed much further. Dr. William C. Woodward commissioner of health, in making public the number of deaths recorded by his department and ascribed to Spanish fever expressed the opinion that the great majority of the deaths recently reported were the result of “strictly old-fashioned grip.” It would seem that while the number of deaths at this times is unfortunately large, there is absolutely no need of public apprehension.

Camp Dix has 1500 Cases

Six deaths from Spanish influenza have occurred in Camp Dix among the 1500 men who have been stricken with the disease since Sunday, and 200 other cases are considered by camp medical officers to be serious. Two hundred new cases were discovered yesterday, and it was found that 35 men ill with influenza had developed pneumonia. The doctors believe however that the spread of the disease has now been stopped. Every officer and man in the camp was ordered to spray his throat and nostrils twice daily as a preventative measure.

100 Cases at Hampton Roads

(Illegible) Enlisted men at the Hampton Roads naval base, Commander Bell, senior medial officer announced yesterday that a quarantine had been established No fatalities have resulted so far.

Devens has 6000 Cases

It was roughly estimated yesterday that there are 6000 cases of “bad cold” or grip among the soldiers in Camp Devens. The department of the Northeast will take over the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital on Parker Hill, Boston, tomorrow, with 300 additional beds. At the same time, plans were made for improving the accommodations at Camp William A. Brooks on Corey Hill, Brookline, to the hospital of which stricken sailors from the merchant marine have been removed. There are more than 100 merchant marine sailors at present in the Corey Hill hospital which is under canvas and two deaths were reported from there last night. Nurses ministering to the wants of the sick men had a hard time yesterday to carry on their work in the pelting rain which soaked the sod on which the tents were pitched. Twenty of the merchant marine lads were discharged from the hospital yesterday. Two emergency hospital motor trucks one fitted as a pharmacy and the other as an operating room were drawn up near the camp.

Inside page East Gloucester column

…Mrs. Matilda MacDavid is ill at her home, 14 Highland street, with the epidemic. Eleanor Parker has improved from her illness of grip. Douglass Parker is now ill at his home on Rocky Neck avenue. Mrs. Bertram Goodwin of Highland street is stopping with her mother, Mrs. Frost, on Sayward street. J.T. Moulton is ill with the prevailing distemper at his home on Highland street. Harry Dagle (illegible) glad to learn. Caleb Goodwin has removed his family from the old Stanwood house on East Main to the old house (illegible)…

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Friday, September 20, 1918

Front page Four More Die From Epidemic: Relief Hospital at Old Armory Opened Up Yesterday Afternoon | Has 21 Patients | Number of New Cases Smaller Today

The Spanish influenza epidemic still continues and a number of new cases have been reported today. Four more deaths have occurred since yesterday’s report and the emergency hospital at the old armory is caring for 21 patients. The deaths are Bernard Hemeon, 39 years; Henry C. Crowell, 24 years; Mrs. Alice G. Nixon, 43 years, and Mrs. Simeon Moody, 41 years.

The emergency hospital was opened yesterday (9/19/1918) shortly after noon, and the police and the hospital ambulance were kept busy all the afternoon bringing in patients. Under the direction of Miss Leach, matron of Addison Gilbert Hospital, and local Red Cross committee, the relief station has been (illegible) are both men and women patients. There is still a scarcity of nurses and it is possible that some may be secured to come her from Boston if the epidemic grows worse. Eighteen patients were brought in yesterday afternoon and three more this morning. A marked decrease is looked for in the number of new cases now, and with clear weather and warm sunshine, the situation should improve. Local physicians are working night and day, and are endeavoring to care for all that need medical treatment. Some of the physicians have been getting but a few hours sleep, so large has been the number of calls. The disease affects both old and young and in some cases, whole families are afflicted. The cases admitted to the relief hospital are those where no other provision could be made for looking after the patient.

Churches will hold service Sunday

Rev. Albert A. Madsen, Ph.D., pastor of Trinity Congregational church, had a conference with Mayor Stoddart today and the mayor said he would not recommend closing the churches at this time. Morning service will be held at Trinity church, Sunday, but the Sunday school and evening service will be omitted. Rev. Mr. Madsen also got in touch with Rev. L. M. Powers of the Universalist Church and Rev. John B. Wilson of the Chapel Street Baptist church and they had agreed to follow the plan. He was (illegible) but it is believed that the churches will generally follow the plan of a morning service and omit the Sunday school and evening service.

Believe Disease to Be on the Wane

Although the list of deaths from influenza in Boston proper yesterday was the largest since the spread of the malady attracted public attention, Army and Navy medical authorities, Boston’s Health Commissioner, the medical director of Boston public schools and other physicians are all convinced that the epidemic of grippe which has been raging in Eastern Massachusetts for more than a week is on the wane. The official reports of deaths in Boston from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 10 p.m. Thursday included 32 influenza and 10 of pneumonia, bringing the total (illegible) Yet with a few days of sunshine and such temperatures as prevailed yesterday, the doctors say the germs will be given a knockout blow. Meanwhile they advise the public not to relax its vigilance, but to continue spraying of throats and avoid coughers and sneezers.

Ten Deaths in Ayer

The Ayer board of health has declared a quarantine against Camp Devens, close Page’s Theatre, the Soldiers’ Club and the Federation house. Yesterday a letter was addressed to pastors of the Ayer churches asking them to postpone services for a short time.

Major E.K. Sprague of the U.S. public health service advised this drastic action upon the advice of Surgeon-General Victor Blue, who telegrapher from Washington to take vigorous steps for the suppression of the epidemic. Houses in Ayer have been placarded as rapidly as the cases are reported by the physicians. No action is forecast in camp as a result of the Ayer Board of Health’s decree. Uniformed men continue to come and go between camp and the village. Reports of 10 deaths at the base hospital were made yesterday. One was a meningitis case and the others the result of the Spanish influenza epidemic.

Front page IMPORTANT NOTICE to Theatres, Dances and Public Amusements and Entertainments

Inside page Death notices 9/20/1918 Disease Takes Both Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Martin die within three days of each other.

One of the saddest cases in connection of influenza is the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Martin, residing at Fort Square, the death of Mrs. Martin occurring Wednesday at noon, only three days after the death of his wife, which took place Sunday night, while by their deaths four small children are left orphans. The family came to this city a few years ago when the gill net fisherman from Michigan took up their residence here.

Mrs. Lilian (LaFond) wife of Joseph- (illegible) was a native Wisconsin, her parents being John and Sarah (Slone) La Fond, who survive her, and she also leaves three brothers and three sister, Samuel Egene L. and William LaFond, Mrs. Josephine Lasley, Mrs. Sara Leveillie and Mrs. Little Benney , all of this city.

Mr. Martin, who passed away Wednesday noon at the age of 59 years and 29 days was a native of Manistique, Michigan, being the son of Franklin and Harriet (Cashlin) Martin and is survived by his father, Franklin Martin of this city, three brothers, Franklin Jr., and Freddie of Manistique and Corporal Abraham Martin now in France, and three sisters, Mrs. Laura Davenport and Mrs. Mary Holmberg of Manistique and Miss Lena Martin of this city. The couple are survived by four children Violet, aged 9 years, Gladys, aged 7; Lilian, aged 5, and Delor, 3 years of age.

Inside page Suffrage meeting tonight at Postoffice square

Leader will speak at Postoffice Square on Experience as voter. There will be a women’s suffrage meeting in Potoffice square this evening at 8 o’clock. Mrs. G.G. Scott, secretary of the New Jersey branch of the National Woman’s Party, will preside and the other speaker will be Mrs. Mildred Schwinden of Chicago. Mrs. Scott will speak on the national amendment, which it is expected the senate will vote on this month.

Saturday, September 21, 1918

Front Page & continues page 2 Death Claims Local Business Man: William L. Jeffery Ill only Short Time – Victim of Pneumonia

William L. Jeffery who has conducted a stationery store in this city for several years, passed away about (illegible) this morning caused by pneumonia following an attack of influenza, he being ill about (illegible). The son of George L. and Elizabeth J. (McPherson) Jeffery, and has always resided here. After graduating from the Gloucester high school, he studied for a few years at the Lawrence Scientific school connected with Harvard University, but left his studies to assist his father in the latter’s printing establishment, and about seven years ago, established a stationery store on Pleasant Street, which he has since conducted. He was a man universally esteemed (illegible) confidence and esteem of all with whom he (illegible) relatives have the sympathy of all in (illegible)Masons, also of Gloucester Lodge (illegible) Elks, Cape Ann Lodge (illegible) Moose, and Gloucester Lodge Knights of Pythlas. He married Miss Adelia H. Nickerson, and he is survived by his widow and parents, also by a brother, Ralph M. Jeffery, and two sisters, …

Front page notice You Can Help

With all persons who have promised blankets, linen or articles of any kind for Red Cross Emergency, please sent them to Red Cross Headquarters, 53 Main street, at once. THE NEED IS URGENT.

Inside page, p.2Five More Die of Epidemic: Death List in Last 24 Hours Largest Since Inception of the Disease- But Little Change in Local Situation

There is practically no change in the Spanish influenza epidemic (illegible) have occurred from pneumonia developing from the (illegible) Goldthwaite and William L. Jeffery, (illegible) Mrs. Freeman, W. Hodsdon, Frederick F. Lambert, and Mrs. Richard F. Moore. Mrs. Hodsdon and Mrs. Moore both died at the Red Cross Emergency hospital.

Schooner Laverna Returns with 11 ill

Sch. Laverns, Capt. Robert Wharton returned this morning after getting as far as Provincetown and brought in 11 men sick with the disease. Joseph Marks and Jesse Riva of the crew of sch. Edith Silveira were taken to the Red Cross hospital at 1.35 o’clock this morning in the police ambulance. Fishermen of the str. Killarney and sch. Saladin (…illegible…)

In order to relieve the local physicians, several of whom are on the sick list themselves, while the others are working almost continually day and night on account of the almost unprecedented number of calls for their services, Mayor Stoddart has secured the services of two outside physicians, Dr. A.A. Haig of Essex and Dr. Ernest A. Dyer of Salem, who will give their attention to such patients as may be treated at the Red Cross Emergency Hospital in the old armory on Duncan Street under the direction of Dr. Philip P. Moore. Another physician will be secured from Salem if conditions demand it.

Dogs Should be Looked After

It is well right here to warn people who have folks that are ill in their families and who have dogs to take some means of having these animals secured or in some place where they will not accost and threatened the physicians as they are making their house calls. In the present stress it obtains that the doctors are often obliged to call at the houses of the ill at all hours of the night and unannounced and in some cases to go to the back door in order to disturb and more than possible. One physician while making a call last night was set upon by a dog in the house and bitten through the knee. As the doctor said “It is bad enough to be bitten, but what bothered me the most was that I had to return to my own home and take care of my wound which took considerable time, and it is the time that is valuable just now. We haven’t a moment we can spare; our people need it. Won’t you ask the families where there are illnesses and dogs to take the pains to have the animals put so that we shall not be menaced or bitten?”

Red Cross Hospital Will Appreciate Any Assistance

The Red Cross Emergency Hospital is doing a grand work in this most trying time. Those in charge emphasize the fact that it is being used for Cape Ann Savings Bank and handed Daniel T. Babson his check for $100 to help on the work that those not so fortunate as their neighbors receive the best of care. It should be known (…illegible…) Mr. Babson will cheerfully receive how large or small. (…Illegible…) and now local physicians believe that no less than 350 cases are under treatment, occurred yesterday. At a special meeting of the school committee yesterday afternoon, it was decided to close the public schools a week. The board of health and selectmen in a joint special session ordered the suspension of motion picture shows, dances and other amusements, and efforts will be made to prevent contagion among children.

Three more deaths

Although the weather was unfavorable yesterday, only three deaths and 156 cases of influenza were reported in the Second Naval District at Newport. There are only a few cases in the district outside of the Naval stations at Newport. Twenty six new cases among

Epidemic in the Nine Army Camps

The outbreak of Spanish Influenza at five additional Army training camps announced last evening by Surgeon General Gorgas making a total of nine camps in which the disease has been discovered. The total number of cases reported from all camps up to noon yesterday included 11 deaths. The greatest number of cases, 6153, was reported from Camp Devens, Mass., while Camp Lee, Va., has 1211 and Camp Upton NY 602. Camp Devens also reported 43 new cases of pneumonia, which medical officers believe resulted from the influenza epidemic.

The camps included with the number of cases at each were: Camp Gordon, Ga., 138; Camp Syracuse, VA., 56; Camp Merritt, NJ 182, and Camp Lewis, Washington, 11. Two vessels with influenza aboard were quarantined at Newport News. And in all parts of the country steps were taken by health officers to check the spread of the disease.

Nineteen Die in Boston

With a total yesterday of 19 deaths among civilians in Greater Boston, in a population of approximately 800,000; 16 deaths in the navy with a personnel hereabouts of 20,500; and no death at all among the 13,397 army men in that vicinity, the mortality toll in the present influenza epidemic wave was reassuringly lower than it has been at any time within the past 10 days. The condition was such as to create in the minds of medical officials in the army, the navy and the municipality the feeling that the high point of the fatalities had been reached and passed.

Inside page Discover New Organism

Examination of the Spanish influenza germs by bacteriologists of the New York Department of Health has resulted in the discovery of a new organism, Health Commissioner Copeland announces. Further tests will be made to establish the identity of the organism which, it is hoped, will throw more light on the nature of the malady and enable physicians to deal with it.

Inside page obit Mrs. F. W. Hodsdon Dead

Ethel P. (Wheeler), wife of Letter Carrier Freeman W.  Hodson of 106 Essex avenue died yesterday afternoon, a victim of the prevailing distemper, at the Red Cross Emergency hospital on Duncan street. The deceased was born in East Gloucester  her parents being Percy W. and Annie P. (Ingersoll)Wheeler. She possessed a pleasant social nature and was highly esteemed by all who knew her and her sudden death is sincerely regretted. For several years before her marriage she was employed as bookkeeper in the insurance office of Fitz. J. Babson, Main street. The deceased leaves her husband, Letter Carrier Freeman W. Hodsdon, who is just recovering form the malady, a young son, also her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Percy W. Wheeler, the former the well known boat builder, and two sisters, Mrs. Estelle W., wife of Albert W. Purdy of Bond street and Mrs. Mildred A., wife of Charles W. Wise.

Inside page obit  Death notice Mrs. Richard F. Moore

Mrs. Elizabeth (Williams), wife of Richard F. Moore, who was stricken with influenza and taken to the Red Cross Emergency Hospital…survived by three sons and three daughters

Inside page obit Death notice Frederick Burton Lambert

Frederick Burton Lambert, a well known young man of East Gloucester is a victim of the prevailing distemper, passing away to the beyond last evening, from his home, 8 Fremont street, Rocky Neck, at the age of 25 years, 8 months and 1 day. The deceased was born in East Gloucester, his parents being the late Sidney and Harriet (Stewart) Lambert. He was employed up to the time of his demise as chauffeur for Mr. and Mrs. William H. Weiss. He had been ill about a week. He leaves besides his wife, Louise (Carter) Lambert, a little daughter, Vera M. Lambert. The funeral will take place from his later home…and with a requiem high mass at St. Ann’s.

Inside page Two More Give Up Their Lives: Thomas R. Doucette Died of Wounds on Same Day Father Died – Private Edward Peterson Officially Reported Killed

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Sunday, September 22, 1918

No local newspaper on Sunday

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Monday, September 23, 1918

Front page Epidemic Claims 11 More Victims: Toll Largest Since Inception of Disease in City – Total Number of Deaths Now 24- Many New Cases Since Saturday

The death toll, resulting from influenza cases over Saturday and Sunday was the largest since the epidemic hit cape Ann. Up to noon today, 11 deaths had been reported, bringing up the number of victims to 24. A number of new cases have been reported, while at the Red Cross hospital, there are 32 cases. Those who have died are as follows:

• Mrs. Manuel P. Domingos, 46 years (husband Mngr. at 288 Main) house 37 Taylor
• (illegible)
• Manuel Goulart, 30 years, 32 Perkins Street
• Austin A. Kinselia, 15 years, 36 Trask street
• George R. Mederios, 7 years, Sargent Street
• Edward J. Rose, 23 years, 22 Sadler Street
• Olivia M. Souza, 17 years, 33 Perkins Street
• James S. Driggers, Jr., 19 years, 1 Horton Street (died 9/20/1918)
• Richard W. Jedrey, 9 months, 10 Arthur Street
• Catherine S. Lake, 1 year, 9 Harrison

Look for Improvement

It is hoped that with continued good weather there will be a marked falling in the number of cases. It is advised that the public keep out in the air as much as possible, but avoid public gatherings. Walk briskly in the open air and one will feel better. Avoid getting chilled, eat well and sleep with the windows open, are among the fundamental suggestions for one to observe in avoiding the disease.

Church Attendance Small

The epidemic made itself apparent by the decreased number of persons on the street Saturday night. The attendance at the churches yesterday was small, on account of the large number of persons afflicted and those who kept away in order to guard against the disease.

The Gloucester Board of Healthhas directed the local physicians to report the number of cases they are attending and furnish a list no later than 10 o’clock each morning hereafter as to the new cases. The Board is endeavoring to ascertain the number of cases in the city and to learn by the reports each day the progress of the disease.

Many in Some Families Down with the Disease

In some instances many of the families are down with the disease, while there are other cases where all in the household have been afflicted. Mrs. Henry Frost and seven of her family are ill with the prevailing distemper on Blake Court, Arthur B. Stilphen, a son-in-law, is also quite ill at the Frost home. Mrs. Stilphen was in Bath, Me., visiting her husband’s relatives and she came on here when she received word of Mr. Stilphen’s illness.

Doing a Splendid Service

Through the efforts of the Red Cross, Gloucester has received noble assistance from outside sources. In every instance where a request had been made by the local Red Cross authorities it has been immediately complied with.

Saturday night at 9.45 o’clock, Dr. Carter of Haverhill, head of the Essex County Chapter of the Red Cross, was appealed to for assistance. At 11.45 the doctor and three nurses were here and went to work, not waiting until yesterday morning. They came back again yesterday to help out. Dr. Bullock, a retired physician, is also here for the present emergency. Lawrence and Salem are other places that have given assistance. The number of patients at the Red Cross Emergency hospital this morning numbered 32 and 10 more beds were put in today in order that number more patients could be taken care of. While the Red Cross hospital is caring for influenza cases, there are few patients at the Addison Gilbert hospital and that institution is pretty near empty of the disease, no influenza cases being taken there. At the post office where the epidemic first made its appearance in force, there are no new cases but nine of the postal employees are still on the sick list.

Big Toll in Boston.

While all hospitals are taxed to their limits and physicians working day and night to prevent the spread of the grippe epidemic many new cases were reported yesterday in Boston although there was an appreciable falling off in the number of deaths. The panicky stage seemed to have been passed and physicians believe the worse is over. In Boston yesterday there were 44 deaths from the grippe and 19 from pneumonia as compared with 57 deaths from the grippe and 23 from pneumonia

Front page obitPassing of a Promising Life: James S. Driggers, Jr., High School Graduate Dead from Disease

The death of James Samuel Driggers, Jr., at his home, 1 Horton place, Rocky Neck, on Saturday evening shortly after 3 o’clock has cast a shadow of gloom among his wide circle (…illegible…) The deceased was a victim of the (…illegible…)pneumonia rapidly developed. The young man had been working the past summer with his father, who is foreman on the wharf of the Gloucester Salt Fish Company at Rocky Neck and it (…illegible…) University of Maine next week. (…illegible…) popular wish his classmates (…illegible…) and all who knew him. He was a member of the Trinity Congregational church, being an usher there and was also connected with the Sunday school and the Christian Endeavor society. He was a talented pianist and he formerly served in that capacity for Fernwood lodge, I.O.O.F. of this city. He was also very prominent in private theatricals, being associated with the Players Club, and was one of the most talented among its performers. The young man was born in this city, his parents being James S. and Katherine (Ferguson) Driggers, who he leaves, besides two half-sisters Mrs. Ella (Putnam), wife of Chester Denned and Miss Christina A. Puttnam and a half-brother, Private Artemus Putnam, who is over in France. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock from the residence of the parents of the deceased, 1 Horton Place, adjoining Clarendon Street, Rocky Neck. Interment will be in Mount Pleasant cemetery.

Front Pagenotice Library closed to the Public on account of the presenting epidemic

Front Page notice You Can Help

Will all persons who have promised blankets, linen, or articles of any kind for Red Cross Emergency please sent them to Red Cross Headquarters, 53 Main Street at once. THE NEED IS URGENT.

Front Page notice City Clerk Somes An Octogenarian: Oldest City Official Recipient of Many Congratulations Today

City Clerk John J. Somes is receiving  the congratulations of his friends today on attaining the age of four score years, he having first seen the light of day 80 years ago today. He is active as usual and bids fair to live for many years to come, which is the earnest hope of his (illegible) and to resort to the use of glasses to assist his vision. **author note- while the flu epidemic striking the City Clerk staff**

Front Page Primaries Open at 11 Tomorrow

The primaries for the nomination of candidates to be voted for at the state election will be held tomorrow, the polls being open from 11 o’clock in the forenoon to 8 o’clock in the evening, and from the present indication a light vote will be thrown locally by the voters of all parties…

Inside page obits continue Was Well Known Barber- David L. McKenzie

David L. McKenzie, one of the well-known young men of this city, died at the Red Cross Emergency Hospital on Saturday from pneumonia, caused by the prevailing epidemic of influenza at the age of 29 years and 18 days, after an illness of about one week.

He was a native of this city, his parents being Roderick and Jane (McKay). After leaving school he learned the trade of a barber, and at the time of his fatal illness was employed at the shop of Isaac B. Webber. He enjoyed a large acquaintance among all classes, and was universally liked because of his pleasing manners and fine character. He married Miss Jennie Murphy, who survives him, and he also leaves two brothers and three sisters. He was a member of the Gloucester Elks

Inside pageObit Ill Only a Day Mrs. Manuel P. Domingoes passed away yesterday forenoon

Mrs. Marion B. (Brown) wife of Capt. Manuel P. Domingoes, died at her home 37 Taylor Street yesterday afternoon after an illness of but a single day with pneumonia following an attack of the prevailing influenza at the age of 46 years. She was a native of the Azores but had been a resident of this city for over 20 years coming here in her young womanhood. She was a woman of fine character and disposition and held the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends. Besides her husband, she is survived by eight children…

Inside pageObit Death of Martha E. Walen: Aunt of letter carrier who succumbed to Disease recently

Inside page obit Arthur S. Olson

Inside page obit Mrs. Simeon T. Moody

Inside page Casualty List

The Casualty list for yesterday and today contain 1028 names in the army and 53 in the Marine Corps. There are no Gloucester boys but there are 83 New Englanders in the army and five on the marine list.

Inside page Neighborhood columns **author note: beyond East Gloucester report flu though nothing like impact there** 
Annisquam mentions one case (Miss Alice Plourde is recovering from an attack of influenza); West Gloucester 4 mentions ( Owing to the epidemic of Spanish influenza the regular meeting of West Gloucester Grange will not be held this week. Elliott Waldren is reported ill at his home on Laurel street. Warren Lufkin of Magnolia avenue has recovered from an attack of the prevailing distemper. Miss Marjorie Lufkin is confined to her home with illness.);  Riverdale 0 mention

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Tuesday, September 24, 1918

Front page Epidemic Shows No Local Change: Six More Victims Claimed by Disease During Past 24 Hours- First Death in Rockport Yesterday. District Court Quarters taken over in connection with Red Cross Emergency Hospital- Use of Armory for Hospital Quarters Refused but Tents offered—Board of Health and Municipal Council Will Confer on Situation this Afternoon – Rockport Orders Schools and Libraries closed.

The past 24 hours has brought but little if any improvements to the local influenza situation. Up to noon, there had been six new deaths reported, as well as a number of new cases, making the total number of deaths so far 30. The first death resulting from the disease in Rockport occurred yesterday (…illegible…)

• Nester T. Walen, 23 years, stationed at Camp Devens
• Raymond Urquin of Lanesville.
• Arthur A. Prelier, 35 years, a member of Co. K., 15^th regiment, M.S.G. rear, 33 1-2 Millett Street
• Mrs. James C. Greely, 32 years, 35 pleasant Street
• Mary L. Brown, 18 years, Caledonia Place.
• Rockport: Henry D. Dyer, 27 years, Clark Avenue.

Will Meet This Afternoon

The Board of Health and Municipal Council will hold a joint meeting this afternoon, with a view of adopting such additional measures as may be deemed necessary to cope with the situation.

Close Schools and Libraries in Rockport

Owning to the increasing number of cases, in Rockport, the Board of Health ordered the public schools, libraries of Rockport and Pigeon Cove and places of amusement and entertainment closed until further notice. The first death in Rockport occurred yesterday afternoon when Henry D. Dyer, succumbing to pneumonia, following an attack of influenza.

Refuse Use of Armory

Dr. Benjamin F. Sturgis, Jr., of Salem, of the Surgeon’s General department, came here this morning to look over the situation and after a conference with Aldermen Poole, Hubbard and Andrews of the Municipal Council, inspected the present Red Cross Emergency Hospital and then looked over the state armory. Dr. Sturgis founds the latter place ideal for the purposed and arrangements were being made to transfer the local hospital to the armory when a request for its use was refused by the adjutant general’s office according to the city officials. Plans were then made for enlarging the present hospital and the entire second floor occupied by the district court offices was turned over to the Red Cross by Judge Sumner D. York for use for hospital purposes. Some 30 more beds and cots have been secured and will be placed in the court room which has had all the movable furniture removed.

Offer Tents for Hospital Purposes

The adjutant general’s office offered to send down a consignment of tents to be used for hospital purposes, and suggested that the local state guard companies be called out for guard duty. In view of the scarcity of ….alderman Poole time thanking the department for its offer. The district court will meet in the guard room of the police station until further notice and the office of the clerk will also be at the police station but will closed each day following the session of the court until the present emergency has passed.

State May Order Quarantine

In a letter to health boards of the state, Dr. Eugene R. Kelley, Massachusetts commissioner of health, yesterday authorized them to declare a quarantine against households in which there are influenza cases. The local boards, however, are cautioned not to exercise the authority “unless absolutely necessary.” Dr. Kelley states that the mortality in the state, so far as can be ascertained from incomplete reports, is not over 2 per cent from influenza and pneumonia. This letter has been sent also to the heads of all state institutions. The reports so far received by the state health department are, as stated in the communication, exceedingly meager, and in some cases incomplete. These show, however, that up to last night there had been reported from Arlington 414 cases and three deaths; from Chelsea, 420 cases and no deaths; Beverly, 256 cases and five deaths; Norwood, 220 cases and one death; Fall River, 117 cases and three deaths; New Bedford 130 cases and no deaths; Holyoke, 31 cases and no deaths; Clinton 70 cases and no deaths; Winthrop, 22 cases and one death; Cambridge 17 cases and seven deaths.

Ban at Quincy on Public Funerals

In order to stamp out in the shortest possible time the influenza epidemic now raging in Quincy, the Board of Health, at a special meeting yesterday afternoon, voted to prohibit any more public funerals until after the epidemic has subsided. Undertakers were notified that bodies must be closed up in caskets as soon as they are prepared for burial, and that caskets must not be opened in the cemeteries. The board also voted to request the members of families where the influenza exists, or where a death from the disease has occurred, not to visit other persons unnecessarily. In conformance with the ruling of Mayor Whiton issued last night, all public amusement places were closed last night. As a result of this closing up of the amusement places Quincy presented a somber appearance last night and a great part of the traffic consisted of ambulances and undertakers’ wagons.

Lieut. L. M. Stowe, U.S.N., the Naval surgeon who was made medical officer of the Quincy district yesterday, put in a hard day yesterday, mapping out a plan of systemic work. He has under his command a corps of physicians, nurses and hospital orderlies, besides chauffeurs for ambulance work. Lieut. Stowe said last night.

Boston Deaths yesterday 74

Seventy-four deaths from influenza and 14 pneumonia were reported at the health department yesterday, which was the highest number recorded there since the broncho-pulmonary wave began. This was 25 deaths more than Sunday. (Illegible) The school committee as it mentioned last night, considered the situation in conference, and gave out this statement: “The conditions today do not seem to warrant the closing of the schools because of the prevailing epidemic.” As conditions warrant, the committee will take appropriate action. The sickness in the school s is not abnormal.

Devens has 10,700 Influenza Cases

The war department yesterday announced that up to noon today 2225 new cases of influenza has been reported by telegraph by camp surgeons from the various army camps. This brought the total of cases reported so far to 20,211. “The epidemic continues most severe at Camp Devens Mass. Says the report. The total number of cases reported from this camp to date is 10,700. Camp Dix NJ with 1870 earns (illegible) the number of pneumonia cases is high 424 new cases having been reported during the past four days. For the previous two weeks the average number of cases per week was 45. The total number of influenza cases by camps is as follows: Greene, 1; Logan, 175; McClellan, 11; Sevier, 2; Syracuse, 596; Devens, 10,700; Dix 1897; Funston, 181; Gordon, 419; Grant, 70; Humphreys, 209; Jackson, 794; J.E. Johnston, 14; Lee, 1819; Lewis, 50; Meade, 222; Pike, 1; Sherman, 1; Taylor, 87; Travis, 37; Upton, 1141; Newport News, 28; Hoboken, 1417; Cola, Pa., 32; Edgewood arsenal, 188, and miscellaneous posts, 11.

Five Deaths in Chelsea

Influenza and the resulting pneumonia caused five deaths in Chelsea yesterday and made necessary the closing of St. Rose’s Parochial School.

Brockton Closes Schools

In an effort to check the spread of influenza, which has caused 24 deaths since Saturday, Brockton health officials yesterday closed the schools and took other preventative measures. So many new cases were reported that hospital accommodations were exhausted.

Two Deaths at Waltham

Two more deaths from influenza were reported at the Waltham hospital yesterday, which brings the total up to 16 in four days.

Schools Close in Everett

Front page Quiet Primary Election Today

(illegible) candidates to be voted for at the state election opened at 11 o’clock this forenoon, and will close at 8 o’clock this evening. During the first hour there was a small attendance generally reported, but during the noon hour a noticeable increase too place at most of the voting places, but indications are that a very light vote will be thrown.

Front pageGermans are Beaten on Every Front

Front page Local Boy Down German Plane: Sergt. [sic] Earl F. Tribon Wins Fame for Himself in France

Front page Died of Wounds on French Front Thomas F. Meuse (Reading, MA.)  Born in this City Enlisted Two Years Ago

Inside pagePersonal Mention

The friends of Alfred I Lufkin janitor the Sawyer School will be sorry to hear he is ill with the grip.

Inside page Notices Deaths and Funeral

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Wednesday, September 25, 1918

Front pageInfluenza Adds to its Long Toll: Eleven Victims Since Yesterday’s Report—Red Cross Hospital Extended—Health Board Seeks Use of New Armory in Present Grave Emergency

With a record of 11 more deaths and numerous new cases, another 24 hours has dragged by and there is still no improvement in the influenza epidemic situation. Doctors and nurses are badly needed and this morning members of the Board of Health with Senator Brown and Alderman Poole of the Municipal Council went to Boston for a conference with Gov. McCall and the Surgeon-General at the State House with reference to the local situation, and to urge the taking over of the Armory for hospital purposes.

The total number of deaths to date is 41 and the condition of a number of patients is regarded as serious. (illegible)

• (illegible)
• Frank DeMarco (tailor on East Main Street East Gloucester) (illegible) 78 Maplewood avenue
• Joseph LeClar (no more info)
• Mrs. Elizabeth E. LaFond, 27 years, 64 Western avenue
• Howard E. Swinson, 28 years, 6 Rowe square
• Mrs. Elisabetta Lucido
• Bartlett Gillie, 39 years, 55 Mansfield Street (funeral at 54 Centennial Drive)
• William H. Bentley, 27 years, 58 Duncan Street
• Mrs. Mary Maud Carlson, 28 years, 159 East Main Street
• Mrs. Chester F. Griffin, 30 years, 8 Porter Street

At Camp Colt, Gettysburg, Pa.

• James E. MacDonald, 29 years, 112 Maplewood Avenue

Another Floor for Hospital

The situation has grown worse at the Red Cross Emergency Hospital which is now even outgrowing the enlarged quarters made yesterday by taking over the district court room on the second floor of the police building. The convalescing patients are being cared for now on the second floor and those more seriously ill are being cared for at the old armory. This morning the hospital was caring for 48 patients, two pneumonia, one bronchial and the rest influenza. Nine patients were admitted yesterday during the period between yesterday afternoon and this morning and two passed away, William H. Bentley and Mary Lafley.

Local Board Takes Action on Return of Questionnaires (registering for draft)

(illegible) entrants are sick or there is sickness in their families, the time limit of seven days for the return of the questionnaires will be extended, and all registrants, either sick themselves or with sickness in their families, are hereby notified that they must not attempt to have their questionnaires filled out, nor mail or take them to the office of the local board until they or sick members of their homes are completely cured of the disease. The local board has also notified the adjutant general that until the sickness is under control, they deem it inadvisable to hold any physical examinations.

Schooner Adeline Prostrated

Schooner Adleine, one of the Portuguese fresh haddocking fleet, is tied up with 10 men sick. Nine of them went to their homes while the 10^th one was (illegible) the hospital. The police station has had no (illegible)and this morning there were at least a dozen or more in various parts of the city. Dr. A.A. Haig of Essex who has rendered valuable assistance in the present emergency was here quite early again today to visit the sick. Officer John Wilson brought in a child about seven or eight years old that he found at the post office who was quite sick. He had been sent on an errand by his mother and was taken to his home on Harbor Terrace.

Government May Have To Act

With the mortality toll from broncho-pneumonia still high in Massachusetts yesterday, it was learned that the United States Department of health at Washington is likely to take other supervision of the grip situation throughout Massachusetts in a day or two as a war measure.

Gov. McCall, after telephonic conversation (illegible) members of the Massachusetts health safety committee, issued a proclamation urging the authorities “seriously to consider the closing of all theaters, schools, churches and places where the public congregate in large numbers until the abatement of the epidemic. “

Won’t You Volunteer

Among those doing some splendid work in the present crisis are the nurses of the Gloucester District Nursing Association. They are in great need of transportation facilities in order to cover the ground necessary and the use of a number of automobiles is needed. Arthur J. Grimes and William A. Bolger have voluntarily devoted their entire time to taking the nurses from house to house. Undoubtedly a lot of people will be willing to help in this urgent cause and volunteers can secure a schedule by calling 605.

Front page obit Many Mourn at Driggers Funeral**at parents’ home 1 Horton Street Rocky Neck**

The funeral of James S. Driggers Jr took place yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the residence of his parents, 1 Horton Street, Rocky Neck, East Gloucester, relatives and friends attending. The services, though simple (illegible) S. Madsen, Ph.D., pastor of the Trinity Congregational Church of (illegible) The remained, were surrounded by beautiful tokens of sympathy and esteem. The interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery and the pall bearers were William D. Brotherton, Kenneth Webber, Henry O’Maley, Milton Trevoy, Stanley Gillie and _____ all classmates of the deceased, of the Gloucester High class, 1918.

Front page City Places Ban on Out-door Meets

A suffragist rally was to have been held in Postoffice square this evening, but after a consultation of the police authorities and Alderman Andrews at City Hall, it was deemed inadvisable in the present condition of the health of the city to allow it to be held, although a permit had been granted several days ago, as it was decided that outdoor gatherings came within the scope of the mayor’s proclamation prohibiting the assembling together (ineligible)

Front page Notice Important Fuel Notice esp. for those where there are cases of sickness

Front page Notice Postpone rally and fourth liberty loan parade

Front page Primary Vote Here Hit Hard by Influenza- Caucus Balloting Lightest on record (ineligible)For Representative Nomination—Only One Socialist Vote Cast—City Went for Coolidge, Long, Cox, Ingraham, Wells, Atwill, All of Whom Were Winners- Good Native Son Vote for Burke.

The primaries yesterday drew out a very small vote locally, a total of only 696 votes being polled, of which 600 were for the Republican nominees, 95 for the Democratic nominees and one lone socialist. Two Surprises featured the local situation, the defeat of (illegible) utter collapse of the Socialist party which in previous years has at times made quite a respectable local showing, but which yesterday was represented by a single vote.

Front page Notice Gray’s Lending library closed

Inside page East Gloucester column

• Dr. Arthur S. Torrey (164 East Main) and Dr. Charles M. Quimby (1 Highland) are able to resume practice after being confined by the prevailing distemper.
• George Douglass (35 Mt. Pleasant Ave) is seriously ill with the Spanish influenza at the home of his wife’s relatives in Essex.(see Bertram Goodwin)
• Mrs. Roy Parsons (Clarendon Street), who is at the Red Cross Emergency Hospital with the prevailing distemper is somewhat improved.
• Edward Marble of 6 Davis Street was taken ill yesterday.
• Mrs. J. T. Moulton is able to be out a while each day after her illness.
• Paul B. Oakley is recovering from his illness of the prevailing distemper.
• Miss Gertrude Silva, daughter of Mr.(fisherman) and Mrs. Antoine Silva of 9 Davis Street is ill with the distemper.
• Mrs. James McCurdy is improving nicely from her severe illness of influenza and pneumonia at her home on Rocky Neck (10-1/2 Clarendon, Rocky Neck)

Inside page, p.6 Bad Conditions at the Fort 
Officers Cronin and Harry Foster were detailed to investigate conditions at the “Fort” section this morning, and submitted a report to police headquarters that was something fearful. The report went into details and cited terrible conditions that were found in nearly all the houses regarding the outbuildings and cesspools. All kinds of filth were found in the yards and two catch basins were reported full and giving out a bad stench. In several instances cesspools were found emptying on Pavilion beach above the high water mark or above a medium high water mark. The report was submitted to Inspector Curtis and will probably be turned over to the Board of Health for immediate action.

Inside page 6 obit Death Notices
Mrs. Chester H. Dennen Passed Away: Second in Family to Succumb to Dread Malady
Mrs. Ella L. (Putnam), wife of Chester H. Dennen, whose death from pneumonia resulting from an attack of influenza took place this forenoon, was the second member of her family to succumb to the dread disease, she being half-sister of James. S. Driggers Jr. who died on Sunday at his home on 1 Horton Street, Rock Neck. **author note:a beloved proof reader at the GDT—why not on front page?**

Died at Camp Colt | Private James E. McDonald Was a Victim of Pneumonia (he entered the services July 15)

Mrs. Mary Maud (Jedrey) wife of Charles R. Carlson, died at her home 159 East Main Street, East Gloucester yesterday (9/24) of the prevailing distemper of Spanish influenza and pneumonia. The case is very pathetic one as the deceased gave birth to a little daughter on Monday and the mother did not rally. The child is living. “Funeral from her late home, 159 East Main Street.

Death of mary Lillian Brown died at the home of her parents Caldedonia Place, East Gloucester, Tuesday after a short illness of Spanish influenza.

Nestor T. Walen, aged 23 years, who died at the Red Cross Emergency hospital yesterday after an illness of the prevailing distemper was born in East Gloucester, the son of Ralph W. and Alice A. (parsons) Walen. Before his going to Camp Devens about four months ago, he was employed by the Gloucester Salt Fish company at Rocky Neck. The deceased resided at 33-1/2 Millet street. Funeral at the Rocky Neck chapel. **author note: Third death in family and 2^nd in immediate family**

Inside page 6 Personal mentions

• Chester L. Curtis Gloucester National Bank teller recovering
• Mayor recovering

SEPTEMBER 25, 1918 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LIKELY TO TAKE CHARGE IN MASSACHUSETTS

“With the mortality toll from broncho-pneumonia still high in Massachusetts yesterday, it was learned that the United States department of health at Washington is likely to take other supervision of the grip situation throughout Massachusetts in a day or two as a war measure.

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Thursday, September 26, 1918

Front page obit The Fourth Victim in One Family (Walen): Mrs. Ruth A. Parsons is dead of the Prevailing Malady

The death of Mrs. Ruth A. (Walen) Parsons has cast a deep shadow of gloom over the Rocky Neck neighborhood and all the friends of the young woman, she having passed away at the Red Cross Emergency hospital last evening. The deceased (illegible) which has died of the fearful malady (illegible) The deceased had been ill a little over a week, following the death of her nephew, Letter Carrier Sherman R. Walen. Since that time, her sister, Miss Martha E. Walen died and was buried on Tuesday. The death of another nephew, Nester T. Walen, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph W. Walen, occurred Tuesday, his funeral taking place from Giles Chapel Rocky Neck today. The deceased also has another brother critically ill with (illegible) The deceased was the youngest (illegible) employee of the Gloucester Water Department. She possessed a pleasant disposition and won friends wherever she went. The deceased leaves behind her husband and a little son, Winship Parsons, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Walen, four brothers, Ralph W., James C., Kirk E. Edward M and Chester N. Walen, and two sisters, Mrs. Jennie, wife of James E. McCurdy, Mrs. Annie, wife of N. (illegible)

Front page Notice: Employers of State Guard

You are hereby urgently requested to see that members of the Massachusetts State Guard in your employ are allowed to attend their public duties without loss of pay. Compliance with this request will be greatly appreciated. – Gloucester Public Safety Commission

Front page Notice of thanks for family of deceased William O’Brien **paper is filled with thank you for condolences in coming days**

Inside page 6 State Hurries Hospital Aid in Crisis Here Military Unit Military unit of Doctors, Nurses and 100 Tents Will Arrive Today to Aid City in Coping with Spread of Dread Influenza—Board of Health Energetic, Issues Drastic Order- Eight Deaths and Tents for Military Camps

Stringent measures were adopted by the Board of Health last evening to wipe out the epidemic of influenza that has hit the city of Gloucester and already caused nearly 50 deaths among its (illegible) approval to an offer from the state to send down an outdoor hospital unit, to consist of 100 tents, State Guard, surgeons and nurses and complete equipment. Companies L and K of this city have been ordered out to assist in connection with the military hospital which will probably be located on the Addison Gilbert hospital grounds and established during the afternoon. There was no improvement in the situation this morning, reports up to noon giving 8 more victims, bringing up the total to 49 deaths to date.

Today’s Mortality List

• (illegible)
• Mrs. Ruth A. (Walen) Parsons, 27 years, 11 Clarendon Street
• John F. Whittendale, 49 years, Duncan Street
• Mrs. Exilda M. (St. John) Cunliffe, 28 years, 1082 Washington Street
• John F. Nally, 39 years, 28 Friend Street
• Manuel P. Roderick, 20 years, 8 Elwell Street
• Mrs. Margaret M. (Wagner)McMahon, 27 years, 53 Duncan Street
• Miss Laura A. Silva, 38 years, 238 Main Street

At Camp Devens

• Frank Ingersol, 21 years, Ivy Court

At Camp Upton

• George F. Lendall of Essex, 32 years

At Essex

• Edward A. Hubbard, 26 years

Conference at State House
A conference was held at the office of Governor McCall yesterday morning between the governor’s secretary, Henry F. Long; Alderman William F. Poole representing the Municipal Council and Osborne Knowles, Christian D. Saunders and John a Radcliffe, the latter secretary of the Board of Health, relative to the situation in the city. That the authorities were fully cognizant of conditions in Gloucester was evident from the statement of Mr. Long, who said that Revere; Quincy and Gloucester were the most infected of any in the state. Mr. Long offered the committee every assistance and relief that could be given to handle the situation.

In accordance with action taken by the Municipal Council and Board of Health on the previous day, relative to securing the State Armory for an emergency hospital formal application was made for the use of the local premises. The local authorities set forth the local situation in a brief which was submitted to State Emergency Public Health Committee at a meeting later in the day.

In the opinion of state officials and leading physicians the out-door method of treating the disease is the most effective and successful. So interested were the officials in the local situation that the surgeon-general’s department yesterday afternoon notified Capt. Carleton H. Parsons, senior officer of the local state guard units; instructing him to present to the local authorities the offer of the state to send to Gloucester a military hospital unit to cope with the situation. The local physicians who have worked day and night for several days expressed their approval of the idea (illegible).

Joint Convention Considered Situation
Last evening at a joint meeting of the Public Safety Committee, the Municipal Council and Board of Health: the state’s offer was presented by Capt. Parsons. The Board of Health recommended that the offer of the state be accepted in which sentiment Aldermen Silva, Poole and Andrews; representing the Municipal Council and the Public Safety Committee concurred. The adjutant general’s department in Boston was immediately communicated with, and arrangements made to send tents, physicians, nurses field kitchen, military equipment and supplies to this city. During the evening; (illegible)

State Guard Called Out
Orders were immediately promulgated to call out two local state guard companies. Capt. Parsons was soon in touch with several members of Co. L owning autos, who hastened to the armory to consult the alarm list and notify the members to report at 9 o’clock this morning.

Up to noon, some 90 members of both companies had presented themselves to be in readiness for duty as soon as the hospital unit arrived today. The local guard members are on active duty acting under state orders today. Col. Edward H. Eldredge on the telephone this morning informed Capt. Parsons that he would also give every assistance in establishing the local hospital and the equipment of the troops.

Will Enforce Health Regulations
The Board of Health instructed the police department in a communication last evening to enforce the anti-spitting rule of the Board to a letter. The board also requested the marshal to order all fruit dealers to remove fruit from outside stands that is offered for public consumption. Another order of importance was also passed in which owners and drivers or operators of hacks, motor vehicles and conveyances which are used at funerals should fumigate the same after each funeral.

Mustn’t Crowd Street Cars
Crowding of passengers on the local street cars has also been prohibited by the Board in the following letter to the local superintendent:

Sept. 15, 1918

Gentlemen- At a meeting of the Board of Health held this evening it was voted that until otherwise ordered the Bay State Street Railway Company operating in the city of Gloucester; be and hereby is forbidden against crowding its cars and in no case shall any car contain at any time a greater number of passengers than for which there are seating capacity. The Board of Health also orders that all said cars operating in the city of Gloucester shall be fumigated, washed thoroughly with creoline and aired at least once in every 24 hours. It is not the intention of the Board of Health that any interruption of the local service shall ensue by reason of these orders. Trusting that you will co-operate with us in our efforts to deal with the present emergency which has arisen in our city.

Bay State Street Railway Co., Gloucester Division , published 9/26/1918

It is earnestly requested that persons shall not call at the emergency hospital in the police court building, unless on matters pertaining to patients or hospital business. The hospital is highly pleased with the support it has received from the local public, who are co-operating splendidly with the authorities in the present emergency.

City NOT Quarantined
Reports that a quarantine had been placed on the city last evening by the Board of Health were widely circulated and the Board of Health, city officials and authorities were besieged with inquiries all night long and this morning seeking information on the matter. No quarantine has been established, the Times is informed; neither has such a measure been contemplated yet.

Governor Much Interested

As above stated, the state authorities and Governor McCall are much interested in Gloucester’s situation. Following the conference in the governor’s office yesterday, Secretary Long sent the following letter to Alderman Poole this morning:

Sept 25, 1918
Mr. William F. Poole, Representative Municipal Council, City of Gloucester, Mass.

Dear Mr. Poole- Governor McCall wishes me to acknowledge receipt of your letter of September 25, signed by you, Osborne Knowles, Christian D. Saunders, and John A. Radcliffe, in relation to the epidemic of influenza now in your city. This matter will have the immediate attention of the Commissioner of Health, the Surgeon General and other authorities who are no coordinating in doing everything for the purpose of combating this disease in the Commonwealth.

Yours Very truly
Henry F. Long, Sect. to the Governor.

78 at Red Cross Hospital
The total number of patients at the Red Cross Emergency Hospital up to 1 o’clock this noon, was 78, 15 having been admitted since the last report. Three deaths have occurred. In addition to the regular nurses, a large volunteer force is assisting in the work necessary for the carrying on of the hospital. Yesterday afternoon the rooms of the Girls’ club over the Gloucester National Bank* were taken over by the Red Cross as a children’s section, after small children whose parents are sick are being cared for there. It is the intention of the Red Cross to establish a children’s hospital there.

Offer Parish House for Emergency Hospital
The rector and wardens of St. John’s Episcopal Church have offered the use of the parish house and hall on Middle Street to the Board of Health and emergency hospital for hospital or such purposes as the premises might be utilized for during the present epidemic.

Churches cut Services
The prayer meetings at Trinity Congregational church and the First Baptist church this evening and at the Prospect Street Methodist Episcopal, Chapel Street Baptist and East Gloucester Methodist Episcopal churches will be omitted. No services will be held on Sunday at Trinity, First Baptist, Prospect, UU, First Parish, Unitarian Chapel Street Baptist and East Gloucester Methodist Episcopal churches.

Burnham Guards City Clerk’s Office
The City Clerk’s office is especially hard hit by the prevailing epidemic. Mrs. Mildred A. Hall the assistant in the office has been confined to her home for nearly a week with the influenza and Assistant City Clerk Allen F. Grant went home sick yesterday afternoon and was unable to report for duty this morning. Owing to the easterly storm, City Clerk Somes was unable to go to the office today, but expects to be there tomorrow with the advent of clearing weather. In the meantime the office is in charge of chairman of the board of registrars Addison P. Burnham.

Distemper Disarranges Work of (War) Exemption Board
In another column the Exemption Board calls attention to registrants who have received questionnaires which have not been filled out that the Legal Advisory Board, acting on the suggestion of the local Board has suspended meeting these registrants until Monday afternoon, September 20. Where any registrant or any member of the registrant’s family are sick they must not attempt to have their questionnaires filled out until they are absolutely well. The local board in all such cases will extended the time limit on returning them to the board.

Manufacturing Plant Shut Down
Some of the manufacturing establishments in the city are feeling the effects of the malady keenly, and in fact nearly every business and mercantile establishment is suffering from a diminished force. The Gloucester Manufacturing Company have closed their plant indefinitely and the Ipswich Mills will shut down at the close of business tonight until Monday. The Success Manufacturing Company and the Gloucester Manufacturing Company will continue operations for the present unless there should be a serious change in the situation.

Malady Hits Phone Office Hard
Patrons of the telephone are earnestly requested to be as prudent as possible in their telephone calls during the prevalence of the present epidemic, and omit all unnecessary calls, in order that necessary calls may receive as prompt attendance as possible. The reasonableness of this request will be realized when it is stated that at the present time over 40 per cent or nearly one-half of the operating force at the Gloucester office are absent from their posts on account of sickness either of themselves or relatives whose care is devolving upon them. This large shortage of course interferes greatly with the rapid handling of calls, but all possible dispatch will be given, and the public are asked to be patient for a while until the conditions improve and the normal (illegible)

Inside page, 6 Massachusetts Surg. Gen. Brooks’ Advice for Treatment of Grippe Patients 
(**author note: Gloucester officials met with and endorsed the state Surgeon general Guidelines**)

Message from William A. Brooks, Massachusetts Surgeon General  9/26/1918

In view of the scarcity of physicians and nurses the following suggestions were issued last night by the State Department of Health. They are the personal comments of Surgeon General William A. Brooks and at the meeting of district health officers were unanimously endorsed:

• The worst cases come from places where the ventilation has been the poorest.
• Fresh air and sunshine will do more than anything else.
• If there is no sunshine then give the patient all the fresh air possible.
• Putting more than two cases in one room must be avoided as much as possible.
• The feet of the patient must be kept warm.
• The use of the paper pneumonia jacket is highly recommended.
• The temperature should run normal for at least three or four days before the patient is allowed to sit up.
• In many cases the diagnosis of pneumonia can be made from the sputum before there are well marked signs in the chest.
• No one should be allowed to come near the patient without having a mask on.
• Force the feeding of every patient. Feed often and give hot drinks.
• Convalescence should be carefully watched.
• Every case with fever and with a marked cough should be treated as pneumonia.
• A great many of the cases of pneumonia can be cured. A certain number are hopeless from the start.
• A patient may come down suddenly or may be ailing for three or four days.
• There is one form of bacilli–pneumococci—types 1 and 111 hemolytic streptococcus.

· For protection of nurses and doctors the following rules are laid down:

• No one should go near any patient without gauze over the mouth and nose. A wire mask with gauze inside of it is preferred.
• The gauze should be changed frequently. At least every two hours. Before eating, the hands should be carefully washed.
• The hands should never be put to the mouth after handling a patient or anything about a patient.
• The feet should be kept warm. Thick shoes should be worn.
• Nurses and doctors should eat frequently.
• On the theory that the cutting down of sugar and fats has reduced the natural resistance, a little should be eaten each day.
• The use of irritating sprays and gargles should be discouraged.
• Every nurse and doctor should insist on at least seven hours sleep out of 24.
• In hospitals there should be an inspector of masks who should see to it that gauze is changed frequently.
• The bowels must be kept open every day.
• At least six or eight glasses of water should be taken every 24 hours.

Inside page, p.6 op ed Inside If you Love your Fellow Man Then Give Your Aid in this Crisis

IF YOU LOVE YOUR FELLOW MAN THEN GIVE YOUR AID IN THIS CRISIS.

This city at the present time is facing one of the most serious situations in its entire history. From some source, not yet understood, an epidemic has come upon our people and hundreds of them are suffering. To meet the emergency and to meet it manfully is the supreme duty for all our people.

To those who are sick and suffering every possible assistance must be given. There must be no hesitancy on the part of any one entrusted with the responsibility to do everything that is demanded. As far as the expenditure of money enters in the consideration, Gloucester in its corporate capacity must foot the bills. It is no longer a question as to what it will cost or how the dollar is to be saved. Human lives are at stake and human lives are worth saving at any cost. Drastic and extreme measures must be taken.

Very wisely have the public schools and other public places been closed. They must be kept closed until all danger from the disease has passed. It is the cry of a weakling that is raised to bring about the opening of any single public entertainment (illegible) every run every street railway car shall be aired out and fumigated, and that as long as the trouble lasts no crowding of cars will be allowed. And as with the street cars, so with the steam cars. The same measures must be demanded in all large stores where many people congregate during the day for the purpose of enduring.

And if the city and these other utilities have a serious duty in the premises; so has the individual. No person afflicted with the influenza, either in its beginning or as recovery is coming along, should be permitted to mingle with other people. There have been too many people already exposed to persons suffering from the disease who will persist in going about. Life is more important than any one thing at present time.

A word further: Within the last twelve months the people of this city were asked to prepare for any emergency by notifying the Red Cross as to what they could furnish in the way of bedding, blankets and the like. A great many people said they would be able to give a good many things. The emergency has arisen and, sad to say, a good many people have fallen down. It is really pitiful the way the response by some (illegible)and women of Gloucester, now is the time to show your colors in the face of the great emergency that is in our midst. In the name of your own people right here in your midst, suffering and needing assistance, keep your promises. Do everything you can to relieve the suffering.

And still another word. For months emergency classes have been held and a great many people have qualified for emergency nurses in Red Cross hospital work. Was that only a bit of camouflage on the part of ninety or more per cent, of those who thus qualified, or did they really mean to offer their services when the emergency came! Now the emergency has come and but few of those who qualified have offered to do their part. There is need, great need; of nurses not only in the emergency hospital but in many homes. If your training was not a mere bit of camouflage, show the spirit that should prompt you to service.

These words are not written to criticize but to spur to action; written in the name of suffering humanity in our midst, in the name of our own people sick, some even unto death!

Gloucester calls her people to rise promptly to the emergency!

Let it be written, “Nobly have her men and women done so.”

Gloucester Daily Times Op Ed 9/27/1918

Inside page,6 obit death notice Sister of Alderman Silva: Miss Laura A. Silva Was Ill But Five Days

Miss Laura A. Silva, sister of Alderman Antoine A. Silva, passed away this morning at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Manuel Mitchell, 258 Main Street, with whom she made her home, at the age of 38 years, her death resulting from pneumonia following an attack of the prevailing influenza, after an illness of only five days. She has recently returned from a six month stay in California, where she was visiting another sister, Mrs. Theresa Evanoff. She was a native of this city, her parents being Loring and Nancy (Perry) Silva. She was a woman of quiet and unassuming disposition, but enjoyed the friendship of a large circle of relatives and friends. She is survived by three brothers and six sisters. Her funeral will take place at the homer of her sister with requiem high mass at the Church of our Lady of Good Voyage.

Inside page p.6 Prevalent in 23 States: More Cases in Massachusetts than in all other States Combined

Spanish influenza is prevalent in practically all sections of the United States, 23 states from New Hampshire to California and from Florida to the State of Washington are experiencing the mysterious disease, according to official reports received by telegraph by the United States Public Health Service. These reports, the first authoritative statements compiled for the service, reveal that serious epidemics have developed in some sections, while only scattering cases have been discovered in other places.

Massachusetts has more cases than all other states combined, but Dr. Rupert Blue, the surgeon general, expressed the fear that epidemics will develop within a few days in states where few persons have been found to be ill. The disease is exceptionally severe along the Atlantic seaboard. This is especially true of military and naval camps, where influenza is spreading very rapidly. Officials are afraid that it will be impossible to stop the disease from sweeping through the camps.

New England has been hit exceptionally hard by the disease and health authorities are somewhat disturbed by the number of fatalities. While the Federal officers have received no official reports of the disease appearing in Maine, they have received unofficial statements that it is prevalent in some sections. The health officer for New Hampshire reports that influenza has been discovered in several localities, and a telegram from Vermont says the disease is prevalent in many parts of the state. The report from Massachusetts includes the already large total, adding that the total for Camp Devens alone has advanced to 11,000. Rhode Island health officials say several (illegible) the disease. Connecticut reports an outbreak in New London and 2000 new cases in eastern and southern sections.

New York has escaped so far except for scattering cases. The disease is prevalent in New Jersey, especially at Camp Dix. Wherever camps and cantonments are located the influenza has spread more rapidly than in civilian communities. A severe epidemic has developed in Philadelphia. Only a few cases, with one death have been reported in the District of Columbia, but the disease is epidemic in various parts of Virginia. Epidemics are in progress at Newport News, Norfolk, and Portsmouth and at Camp Lee. West Virginia has only a few cases. Epidemics have developed in Raleigh and Wilmington, and in the military camps in North Carolina. The disease has appeared at several places in South Carolina. In Georgia, August reported six new cases yesterday while Macon reported several. A severe epidemic has been raging in Key West, Fla., but yesterday’s report said it is believed to be on the decline. A few cases have been reported in Louisville, Ky. Other states from which official reports have been received include California, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington. The disease has appeared in Chicago and its vicinity. Thirty (illegible) Five counties in Texas have reported cases. Thirteen new cases (illegible) Generally speaking, the disease scattering in the Western states but it spreads so rapidly once it starts that the health authorities are afraid it soon will become epidemic.

The officials not only are following developments at home but are sure studying conditions abroad. Dr. Blue received a cable message from London today saying that a large epidemic has developed in London. So far as officials are able to determine, the spread of the disease has not been nearly as rapid as in 1889, when it occurred in America almost simultaneously with its appearance in Western Europe. In the absence of a clean-cut symptomatology, distinct from that of other diseases, it is most difficult to make a diagnosis in individual cases. It is likewise impossible for the official to assert or deny the unity of this epidemic (illegible) Officials are showing exceptional care (illegible) in the past fortnight points to human contact being the means of spreading. From local symptoms it has been assumed that the nose and throat have been the points of inoculation. No development indicates that animals have any part in carrying the disease. Influenza spreads much more easily in winter than in summer. Coming, as it has, in early in the fall, experts are hopeful that the disease which appears quickly will spend itself out before the real cold weather comes. It may continue until spring.

Endicott releases comprehensive details about public meeting bans during the influenza epidemic
“…There are undoubtedly towns and cities in the Commonwealth from which the influenza has not been reported, but of course we must face the fact that the chances are very much in favor of the spread of the disease. I urge such communities to assume their part of the common responsibility, and to act as if they were already in the midst of the epidemic. The doctors and nurses of Massachusetts who are devoting themselves to the care of the sick in this emergency are all heroes and heroines, and many of them have paid the penalty. Not one of them, as far as I am aware, has shirked in any way; they have overworked; they are without sleep—yet, still they go on. Massachusetts can never repay its debt to this noble band of men and women. We are using every effort, both through the government and outside the State to get additional help for these people…Cancellation of the Liberty loan meetings…It will never be said of Massachusetts that she was so immersed in her own private troubles that she for one moment failed to heed the Nation’s call to practical service. Massachusetts must and will do her part.”

Henry B. Endicott, Mass. Emergency Public Health Committee on Banning Public Gatherings
9/25/1918 published in the GDT 9/26/1918

Federal guidelines, Division of Sanitation circular 9/26/1918

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Friday, September 27, 1918

**author note: No flu news on the GDT local front page, but a LOT going on at the two week mark of epidemic**

Inside page City tries to shake off pall of influenza. Bright sunshine after depressing downpour of yesterday tends to make situation brighter—Deaths recorded today number five—State Military Unit established on Gilbert Hospital Grounds—Health Board issues drastic orders—Splendid cooperation of all able to help.

With the advent of better weather and a restoration of the confidence of the people through the establishment of a military hospital unit to relieve the overworked Gloucester physicians and nurses, and the Red Cross emergency hospital workers, there appeared to be a slight change for the better in the influenza epidemic situation today. However, even with this encouraging news, there is no occasion for a let up of the most stringent precautionary measure that have been taken for a complete stamping out of the pestilence.

The Deaths of the DayThe following deaths have occurred since yesterday:

• Anthoncy C. Costa, 26 years, Friend Street
• Charles Barker, 44 years, 13 Traylor street
• (illegible)
• (illegible)

Died on Wednesday

• Miss Jennie A. Googin, 23 years, of Norwood, Bass Rocks

At Essex

• Chester W. Walen, 33 years of East Gloucester (at his in-laws)

At Camp Upton, Yaphank, NY

• Harold E. Oakes, 27 years, Eastern Avenue

Gloucester is receiving all the help possible from outside sources and a fine military field hospital has been established on the grounds of the Addison Gilbert Hospital for giving the best possible attention to 100 patients. The death list is smaller than yesterday, only four deaths being reported up to noon. There was one Wednesday that has just been reported, making the total 54 since the epidemic started two weeks ago.

Precautionary Measures Taken
Additional precautionary measures have been taken by the Board of Health, among them the cleaning up of several bad spots in the city, including the “Fort” district. Orders have been issued to milk dealers to deliver no more milk in bottles to householders where there is sickness. This can be overcome by the family having a pitcher or other receptacle for the milkman to pour the milk into on his arrival.

Plan to handle city by districts- home nurse facilities

In order to get a coordination of all the home nurse facilities, there was a conference between the Board of Health, Red Cross and District Nursing authorities this forenoon. The officers of the District Nursing Association over the Gloucester National Bank have been selected for a headquarters for this purpose. The Board of Public Health Dispensary has been closed and the nurse, Miss (illegible) Board of Health requests that all calls for nurses and physicians be sent to the District Nurse headquarters. Miss Wyles of the State Department of Health came here this morning and was accompanied by a nurse and they are helping out, working from the new headquarters. All nurses and organizations supplying volunteer nurses are requested to report at the District Nursing Association each morning for instruction.

Be sure and fumigate
The Board of Health has also recommended a thorough fumigation and cleansing of premises in all cases where there is influenza immediately on the recovery of the patient. Fumigators may be procured at the Board of Health office, City Hall, free of charge from 9-12 o’clock in the morning and from 2-5 in the afternoon.

The “Fort” situation was also taken up this morning and a complete clean-up of all rubbish in the back yards and on all the premises has been ordered. Carts will go through there this afternoon and Officer Cronin has been detailed to the district to see that the orders are carried out.

“Emergency” doing noble work
The Red Cross Emergency hospital reported this morning that the present number of patients was 66; that four had been admitted since the last report and that there was one death. The total number of patients to date looked after by the hospital has been 88.

Phone Service Hard hit
The local telephone office like exchanges in many other places has been hit quite hard by the epidemic and there are eight operators out. Three from the commercial department and several men in the plant department are also sick. Manger Rolfe is also ill.

Two Crews Ill
Sch. Pollyanna Capt. John G Stream: arrived today from Provincetown with the skipper and crew all sick. The Pollyanna laid for four days in Provincetown and then with conditions getting no better Capt. Stream gave up the trip and came home. The captain was taken to his home in a taxi and the other members of the crew were taken care of.

Sch. Arthur James: Capt. John Seavey; is another vessel that has returned from a seining trip with members of the crew ill.

Among the victims of the influenza
Among the victims of the influenza was Miss Jeannie A. Googins a school teacher of Norwood who was attacked while spending her vacation at Bass Rocks (author note: first Gloucester death reported at Bass Rocks) and who passed away on Wednesday. Her remains were sent to Norwood; where the funeral services and interment took place.

Hospital Unit Help
On account of severe weather, it was (illegible) toward establishing the military held hospital yesterday afternoon or last night. However, just as promised, the equipment came yesterday afternoon and last evening, the first truck load from the Quartermaster’s Department at Framingham arrived here at 5:50pm yesterday afternoon. Last evening others arrived despite the rain, although nothing could be done until this morning. Favorable conditions early this morning soon made the hospital grounds a hotbed of wonderful activity.

In a remarkably short space of time the tents were up and the unit well established, so that this afternoon it will be ready for patients. There are 100 tents for patients, each waterproof, provided with board floor, cot and other essentials for the proper care of the sick.

Addison Gilbert Hospital, Gloucester, Mass. then/now ^aa

Means Best of Care of Ill
There can be no doubt in the mind of anyone but what the best of care and medical attention will be furnished at the new emergency unit (illegible) Sturgis, prominent Salem physician is in command of the hospital section of the camp and 15 nurses of the State Guard will arrive this afternoon. Other physicians will also be located with the unit. Major Sturgis has been assisting here for several days and remained until late last evening when he was obliged to return to Salem to look after patients there. Five ambulances are also to come this afternoon.

State Guard Doing Good Duty
Both companies L and K of the State Guard of this city are to remain on active duty in connection with the camp and Capt. Carlton H. Parsons of company L is in command of the infantry section. The men are camped in tents far in the rear of the hospital detachment. Company L is in command of Lieut. Radcliffe and on account of the illness of Capt. John J. Burke, Company K is commanded by First Lieut. Charles T. Smith.

The Quartermaster-General, Lieut.-Col. Emery is here to superintend the bringing of supplies and the supply division is commanded by Lieut. Cole of Salem of the Supply Company 15^th infantry. The latter and his assistants detailed for duty here by Col. Eldredge.

The basement of the nurses’ home has been taken for a supply depot. This morning lights, water, sewerage and latrines were quickly established for camp. There are six supply trucks here and they were kept on various active duties.

For the present, no one except the patients will be admitted to the camp. A guard has been thrown about the grounds for this purpose. An information and guard headquarters has been established near the entrance and the information depot will be in charge of Rev. Capt. Bertram D. Bolvin, chaplain of the 15^th regiment.

Field kitchens and other supplies will be here this afternoon and after today the State Guardsmen will remain right at the grounds. This noon the men went to the armory for dinner.

State Calls for Help
An appeal to the President of the United States, the Governors of Vermont, Main and Rhode Island and the mayor of Toronto for the assistance of physicians and nurses from these places to fight the influenza epidemic here was made formally by Acting Gov. Coolidge by telegraph last night.

This was by far the most radical action of any official of the state so far taken in the fight to stamp out the wave of influenza and pneumonia, the mortality figures from which have gradually mounted in the past week since the spread of bronchial and pulmonary disease became a source of alarm to state and city officials.

Not since 1872, the year in which the Boston board of health was established at a time when an epidemic of smallpox was raging in this community, has the metropolis, or the state for that matter, been confronted with anything like the restrictions placed upon public and private institutions as are public and private institutions as are public and private institutions as are in vogue today with the official order for the closing of all theatres, moving picture houses, dance halls and public assembly rooms until October 6.

Telegrams Seeking Aid
Because of the prevalence of influenza and pneumonia in Connecticut and New Hampshire, Acting Governor Coolidge did not ask help of the Governors of those states in his telegraph appeal last night. His telegram to President Wilson, Gov. Horace F Graham of Vermont, Governor Carl E. Milliken of Maine and Gov. R. Livingston Beeckman of Rhode Island read:

“Massachusetts urgently in need of additional doctors and nurses to check growing epidemic of influenza. Our doctors and nurses are being thoroughly mobilized and worked to the limit. Many cases can receive no attention whatever. Hospitals are full, but arrangements can be made for outside facilities. Earnestly solicit your influence in obtaining for us this needed assistance in any way you can.”

Lt. Governor Coolidge urgent telegrams disseminated 9/26/1918

Inside page Lt. Gov. Coolidge’s telegram to the Mayor of Toronto

Inside page Card of Thanks
We the undersigned with to express our gratitude and thanks to all who assisted us in our recent bereavement in the loss of our wife and mother; also to thank all those who sent the beautiful flower offerings.

Inside page p. 6 East Gloucester column
No regular mid-week services will be held at the Chapel Street Baptist and Methodist Episcopal churches this evening on account of the prevailing epidemic. Mrs. Alphonso Davis is indisposed at her home on Mt. Pleasant. Arthur H. Stilphen is improving from his illness of the present epidemic. Joseph O’Maley who has been very ill with the prevailing distemper, at his home on Haskell Street, is improving.

Inside page p. 6 Fifth death in the Walen Family Chester N. (photographer) succumbed yesterday to dread influenza.
Charles N. Walen a young citizen of East Gloucester, well and favorably known, died in Essex, yesterday, after a short illness of the prevailing distemper, he being the fifth member of the Walen family passing away with the dread disease. The deceased was 33 years old. Following the death of his sister, Miss. Marth E. Walen, the deceased was taken ill with the grip, pneumonia rapidly developing. He was stopping at his summer camp in West Gloucester with his wife at the time he was taken ill and it was thought best to have him removed to the home of the wife’s aunt in Essex. The death of Chester N. Walen removes the third member of the immediate family of William and Margaret (Chambers) Walen of Clarendon street, Rocky Neck, and the fifth member of the family to die recently. Mrs. Ruth A., wife of Roy W. Parsons, a sister of the deceased, is being buried today, having fallen victim other malady. Another sister, Miss Martha E. Walen, died only last Saturday afternoon. Two grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. William Walen passing away recently with the epidemic were Letter Carrier Sherman R. Walen and Nester T. Walen, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph W. Walen. The Walen family is certainly burdened with grief at this time and these people, overburdened with sorrow, have the sincere sympathy of the whole city, the plague which has saddened so many homes, drawing the people of our city in closer fellowship and a tenderer bond of sympathy. The late Chester N. Walen was born at Rocky Neck. After graduating from the Point Grammar school he entered the employ of R. W. Phelps, the photographer of Main Street, this city. He was proficient as a re-toucher and he was also clever with the camera, having won one of the prizes offered by the Boston Herald in an amateur photographer’s contest. The deceased married Miss Marlon S. Wonson of Eastern Point road, over two years ago. He leaves behind his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Walen, four brothers, Ralph W., James C., Edward M. and Kirk E Walen and two sisters, Mrs. Jennie, wife of James E. McCurdy and Mrs. Annie wife of N. Christian Bocken of East Gloucester.

Inside page obit Thomas Guard 61 years, a native of this city, and a well-known resident of Lynn(**author note: may have been in town for Parson funeral**)

Inside page obit Popular Young Man William Bentley Victim of the Prevailing Malady.
The funeral of William Bentley took place from his late home, 53 Duncan Street, yesterday afternoon, the services being conducted by Joseph H. C. Cooper, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church….Mr. Bentley was a victim of the prevailing epidemic, passing away on Tuesday after an illness of one week, at the age of 26 years and 2 months. He was a native of this city…He was in the employ of the Gloucester Coal Company when stricken with his last illness. He has been president of the Progresso Club for several years. He married Miss Blanche Wagner, who survives him with two children, Louis and Doria Bentley…

Inside page Funeral: Nestor T. Walen.
The funeral of Nester T. Walen son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Walen on Monday was held yesterday afternoon from the Giles Chapel, Rocky Neck. Friends and relatives officiated. Rev. John B. Wilson officiated, reading scripture and offering prayer. The pastor also read two appropriate poems, “The Sands of Time are Sinking” and “The Homeland.” The casket was covered with the American flag, the deceased having been in training for the past four months at Camp Devens, Ayer. Interment was in Mount Pleasant cemetery.

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Saturday, September 28, 1918

**No flu articles on the GDT front page. Fourth Liberty Bonds sale opens today: Manchester Cricket publishes President Wilson’s letter on the front page.**

Front page Open Strong for Liberty Loan: Local workers and public take hold in good shape despite epidemic Old Cape bound message to “the boys” will be “right”.
The Fighting Fourth Liberty Loan, and it is a real fight with all that the name implies, was ushered in this morning with vim and enthusiasm. The men and women’s committees are working and soliciting and are getting fine results from the appeal for early action. Gloucester is waging a struggle against pestilence but the boys in France faced more than pestilence when they went “over the top” many many times in the last six months. They fought to the utmost and now those at home must fight to the utmost to put over the biggest loan in the world’s history.

Front pageNotice card of thanks

Front page Red Cross notice
Owing to the prevailing epidemic, the Surgical Dressings department at the Red Cross will be closed until further notice.

Front page notice: Board of Health Special Agents

Public notice is hereby given that Simeon B. Hotchkiss, Fred W. Tibbets and Fred Shackleford have this day been appointed special agents by the Board of Health to act during the present emergency or until otherwise ordered. Per order, PP Moore, M.D., Chair, Osborne Knowles, Christian D. Saunders, John A. Radcliffe, Clerk.

Gloucester Board of Health

Inside pageHopes Raised with Advent of Clear Weather. Believe new cases of influenza less than yesterday—New military hospital in service this afternoon—Deaths here since last report number 13—Board of Health appoints special agents with full powers—vessels leaving port must be fumigated—no services at Protestant churches tomorrow.
Despite the stringent measures taken by the authorities to stamp out the influenza epidemic, 13 more deaths have occurred in this city since yesterday noon, making the total 67. There were quite a few new cases reported today but the number is believed smaller than yesterday. At the Red Cross Emergency Hospital, although there were seven deaths, only one new patient was admitted and one was discharged, showing the best improvement for several days. The new military hospital is now completely established (illegible).

Thirteen in today’s total
The following deaths have occurred since yesterday:

• J. Elliott Karcher, 28 years, 17 Exchange street
• Capt. John Byron Doucette, 41 years, 18 Commercial street
• Mrs. Johanna Caroll, 70 years, 2 Shepherd street
• Antone M. Pata, 19 years, 91 Friend street
• Viggo Juncker, 38 years, 23 Willow street
• Mrs. Bettie Waanana, age and address unknown
• James DeCoste, Allen street
• Mary Pedrotti, Lanesville
• John Baptiste, age and address unknown
• Sylvia Berethelia, age and address unknown
• John Sullivan, 29 years, Sylvan street
• —- Riley, 155 Maplewood avenue
• Dametiric Cusso, 16 years, Fort square

Died on Thursday

• Manuel Mitchell, 41 years, 64 perkins street.

Owing to the lack of room, headquarters for home nurses and for receiving emergency calls for physicians were transferred this morning to the Public Health Dispensary in the Bergrengren block over Barker’s drug store. The rooms there are fitted for the purpose and afford much more room than the district nurse association office in the Gloucester National Bank building. The Board of Health this morning appointed Simeon B. Hotchkiss, Fred W. Tibbets, and Fred A. Shackelford special agents of the board to act during the present emergency or until otherwise ordered. The board also ordered the fumigation of all vessels and steamers leaving port during the present emergency.

The Hospital Report
The official report from the Red Cross Emergency Hospital this morning stated that seven had died during the period from 2:45pm yesterday to 6:45am this morning. One new patient was admitted and one discharged, making a total of 59 patients now being cared for.

Hope comes with fine weather
The second day of clear weather is expected to have considerable good influence in bringing about a change in conditions. Although things looked brighter yesterday, there was not much change today.

Land Your Nurse and Auto Aid
There is urgent need of automobiles for nurse transportation for this evening. Nurses are also needed badly to help out at the Red Cross hospital.

Offer Trucks for Police Service
A. Manton Pattilo has given the services of his long Ford truck and Story & Shepherd have also offered the use of one of the Magnolia busses to take the place of the police ambulance, which has broken down.

Malady Hits City Fathers
Mayor Stoddardt has so far recovered from his illness as to be able to visit his office at City hall for a short time this forenoon, and expects to be able to resume his duties in full on Monday. Alderman Silva, Poole and Hubbard are still on the sick list, but all are reported to be improving. Alderman Andrews was the only member of the board able to be at City hall yesterday.

State will spend money to fight distemper
The executive council yesterday appropriated $100,000 to be used by the state in co-operation with local authorities, to fight the influenza epidemic. The council also adopted an order giving the state health department and the surgeon-general full authority to take any steps deemed necessary.

Think state has 50,000 claims.
An attempt is being made by state and city boards of health to determine approximately the number of influenza cases in each of the cities and towns of the commonwealth. This action is taken at the request of the federal authorities at Washington. The request came from Washington yesterday in answer to the plea of acting Gov. Coolidge for doctors and nurses to fight the epidemic. Despite the fact that that boards of health of city and state have been hart at work trying to get the approximate number of grip and pneumonia cases, no positive statement as to the exact number could be made. Dr. Bernard W. Carey, state epidemiologist, however, estimates the number of cases in Massachusetts as 50,000 and this is but a rough guess.

The President’s Liberty Bond Appeal

Again the Government comes to the people of the country with the request that they lend their money, and lend it upon a more liberal scale than ever before, in order that the great war for the rights of America and the liberation of the world may be prosecuted with ever increasing vigor to a victorious conclusion. And it makes the appeal with the greatest confidence because it knows that every day it is becoming clearer and clearer to thinking men throughout the (illegible) war is an essential investment. The money that is held back now will be of little use or value if the war is not won and the selfish masters of Germany are permitted to (illegible). Men in America, besides have from the first until now dedicated both their lives and their fortunes to the vindication and maintenance of the great principles and objects for which our Government was set up. They will not fail now to show the world for what their wealth was intended.

President Woodrow Wilson

Inside page Congressman W.W. Lufkin Works for Fishermen Wants them reimbursed for submarines—takes matter to secretary of state for war settlement

Inside page East Gloucester Column
No services will be held at the Chapel Street Baptist church and Methodist Episcopal churches tomorrow, on account of the present epidemic.

• Allen M. Varney of Rocky Neck has taken his departure for the resuming of his studies for the second year at the University of Maine, Waterville, ME.
• Mrs. Benjamin M. Gill has improved from her illness of Spanish grip at her home on Eastern avenue.
• Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Way and family have returned from their home on Haskell street from their Starknaught Heights cottage.
• Harry Dagle of the U.S. mail service is resuming his duties on the parcel post delivery after his recent serious illness of the prevailing distemper.
• Freeman W. Hodson of the U.S. mail service has resumed his duties. **author note: his wife doesn’t survive**

Inside page Anniversary Postponed
The observance of the anniversary of Alden Post 67, GAR, of Manchester, which was to have been held this evening has been postponed indefinitely. The meeting of Col. Allen Women’s Relief Corps next Monday evening will be omitted.

Inside page notice No Visitors at Hathorne Hospital
By direction of Governor McCall and the state authorities, the state hospital at Harthorne (Rockport) will be under quarantine during the prevalence of the present epidemic.

Inside page notice Notified of Illness
A telephone message was received at the police station last evening asking the local department to notify Mrs. Hannah Rogers of 8 Allen street that her nephew Arthur Lehan, was seriously ill at the Peter Bent Brigham hospital in Boston. Officer Foley notified her.

Inside page obit Leaves four little ones: Mrs. Margaret M. McMahon Died at Emergency Hospital
Mrs. Margaret M. (Wagner), wife of Bernard McMahon, passed away at the Red Cross Emergency hospital on Wednesday, after an illness of only four days from pneumonia following an attack of influenza, at the age of 27 years and 2 months. She was a native of this city, her parents being Lewis and Mary (Quinn) Wagner. She was a woman of home loving disposition, devoted to the interests of her family, and was held in high esteem by a large circle of relatives and friends. Besides her husband, she is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mary Hennigan, one sister, Mrs. Blanche, widow of William Bentley, whose husband passed away the day preceding from the same malady, and four small children, Marion, Kathleen, Marcella, and Geraldine, the latter an infant only 8 weeks old. Her funeral will take place Monday at St. Ann’s.

Inside page obit Widow of Benj. F. Parker, Mrs. Annie Parker Died From Complication of Diseases (not flu)

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Sunday, September 29, 1918

No newspaper on Sunday

**See excerpt from brutal and bleak letters about Fort Devens: by Dr. Roy Grist (below); and Dr. Victor C. Vaughan (in my article above).**

“…Camp Devens is near Boston, and has about 50,000 men, or did have before this epidemic broke loose. It also has the base hospital for the Division of the Northeast. This epidemic started about four weeks ago, and has developed so rapidly that the camp is demoralized and all ordinary work is held up till it has passed. All assemblages of soldiers taboo. These men start with what appears to be an attack of la grippe or influenza, and when brought to the hospital they very rapidly develop the most viscous type of pneumonia that has ever been seen. Two hours after admission they have the mahogany spots over the cheek bones, and a few hours later you can begin to see the cyanosis extending from their ears and spreading all over the face, until it is hard to distinguish the coloured [sic] men from the white. It is only a matter of a few hours then until death comes, and it is simply a struggle for air until they suffocate. It is horrible. One can stand it to see one, two or twenty men die, but to see these poor devils dropping like flies sort of gets on your nerves. We have been averaging about 100 deaths per day, and still keeping it up. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a new mixed infection here, but what I don’t know. My total time is taken up hunting rales, rales dry or moist, sibilant or crepitant or any other of the hundred things that one may find in the chest, they all mean but one thing here — pneumonia — and that means in about all cases death.

The normal number of doctors here is about 25 and that has been increased to over 250, all of whom (of course excepting me) have temporary orders — “Return to your proper station on completion of work” — Mine says, “Permanent Duty,” but I have been in the Army just long enough to learn that it doesn’t always mean what it says. So I don’t know what will happen to me at the end of this. We have lost an outrageous number of nurses and doctors, and the little town of Ayer is a sight. It takes special trains to carry away the dead. For several days there were no coffins and the bodies piled up something fierce, we used to go down to the morgue (which is just back of my ward) and look at the boys laid out in long rows. It beats any sight they ever had in France after a battle. An extra long barracks has been vacated for the use of the morgue, and it would make any man sit up and take notice to walk down the long lines of dead soldiers all dressed up and laid out in double rows.”

Dr. Roy Grist, 9/29/1918 (Grist, 1979)

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Monday, September 30, 1918

Front page fundraising appeal $25,000 Needed at Once
The public safety committee realizing the serious conditions that exist in Gloucester are asking for immediate subscriptions to an Emergency Fund of $25,000 to be expended under the direction of the Local Red Cross organization. The sum is absolutely needed at the present time to relieve cases of distress and suffering in the homes of Gloucester (illegible) Let every citizen respond to the Limit of His resources. (Illegible) Let every friend of Gloucester give and give until it hurts. Money and lots of it is in great need. In the name of suffering Gloucester give and give quickly. All subscriptions should be sent to Daniel T. Babson, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Treasurer of the Home Service Red Cross Emergency. – Public Safety Committee by John A. Stoddart, Mayor; Thomas J. Carroll Executive Chairman, Henry F. Brown, Secretary.

Inside page p.6 Fighting Hard to Curb Sway of Influenza Continued Good Weather Aiding Untiring Efforts of Doctors, Nurses and Volunteer Workers in Sturdy Battle to Master Advance of Dread Malady—Emergency Hospital Patients Being Removed to Military Hospital Post—Deaths Here Since Saturday Noon Number 23—Four Local People Die of Scourge at Other Places—Canada Sends Us Ten Nurses

The toll of lives from the Spanish influenza epidemic during the two day period from Saturday noon until 1 o’clock today was 23, the largest number of deaths yet reported, but it should be remembered that this is for two days so that the average per day has not largely increased. It brings the deaths in the city to 90 since the disease first broke over two weeks ago. Despite the large number of deaths, conditions seem to be somewhat better in recent (illegible) for doctors and nurses are being diverted that they were lesser today than usual. The period of fine weather which began on Friday still continues and is apparently helping out greatly.

Ban Public Funerals
Plenty of fresh air and sunshine is advocated by the health authorities and in another column the public is requested to thoroughly air the houses by frequently opening all windows. The Board of Health also took two more important steps today, closing all soda fountains and forbidding all public funerals during the period of the present emergency.

Four other Gloucester people have died at military, naval and civilian hospitals in other places and there was one death reported at Pigeon Cove today and two more in Essex.
The deaths since Saturday noon are as follows:At their homes

• John A. Swinson, 33 years, 25 Webster street
• Joseph S. Vizzaro, 38 years, 50 Taylor street
• Russell D. Oakes, 24 years, 42 Hartz street
• Stanley J. Tarr, 33 years, 248-1/2 Main street
• Sylvester Lotite, 20 years
• Joseph E. Keith, 31 years, 10 Fremont street
• Everett A. Morton, 29 years, 24 Hammond street
• Emile Esmati, 30 years, 1048 Washington street
• James M. DeLouchery, 44 years, 10 Howe street
• Mary Alice Gibbs, 9 years, 30-1/2 Warren street
• Everett Roderick Oliver, 24 years, 22 Sadler street
• Mrs. Alice May (Riley) Dunsky, 29 years, Perkins street
• Antonio Palazola, 17 years, 51 Fort square

At Red Cross Emergency Hospital

• John Pedrotti, Colburn Street, Bay View
• Alfred Mouse, address not known

At the State Emergency Hospital Post

• Waino Johnson, 15 years, Bay View
• William Freed, address not known
• Mrs. Sara A. White, 7 Prospect street
• Sam Soraphhale, address not known
• Joseph Tracco, 71 Friend street
• William Deering, 19 years, 11 Angle street
• Joseph Patz, 51 Friend street

At Camp Devens

• Carl Seaburg, Magnolia

At Gallup’s Island, Boston Harbor

• Phillips Haskell of this city, 26 years

At the Philadelphia Naval Hospital

• Osborne Proctor Friend, of this city, 23 years

At Pigeon Cove

• Jacob Jylikka, 28 years

At Essex

• Clarence Burnham, 5 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Burnham
• Miss Marion Kent, 21 years

At Provincetown

• William Doucette of Lynn, one of the crew of the sch. Natalie Hammond

At Portsmouth, N.S.

• Soren Bjerm, 10 Pearl street, this city, one of the crew of the sh. Natalie Hammond

Military Hospital Unit is Working Bravely
The new hospital unit sent here by the State is known as the State Emergency Hospital Post and was put in operation on Saturday afternoon when a number of patients were received. Saturday evening six of the worst cases were taken over from the Red Cross Emergency Hospital and a number of patients from all parts of the city were brought in so that the total reached 45 yesterday. Today, the remainder were taken from the Red Cross hospital, while a number of convalescents were discharged to their homes. Seven deaths have occurred up to 1 o’clock at the State Hospital.

The field hospital is a wonderful institution and shows in a large measure what the State Guard can be depended upon to bring about. Day and night the men have worked to put the hospital in shape and to look out for the sick ones. It is simply remarkable the way the many details have been arranged to establish such a wonderful institution well worthy of the name. Electric lights, water, sewerage and floors in the tents have all been put in, chiefly through the efforts of the fine types of men that compose the State Guard.

The hospital camp is in command of Major Sturgis and Drs. Egan and Burbank. The duties of the physicians have been divided so as to give each ample opportunity to look after his practice and at the same time give the needed attention to the hospital cases.

Two Crews Ill
Sch. Hjela J. Silva and Sch. Henry L. Marshall returned to an Atlantic port with short trips, returning on account of the illness among the crew. The skippers of both crafts and a number of the crews are reported sick.

Ipswich Mills Resumes
The Ipswich Mills resumed operations this morning having but a comparatively small percentage of their employees absent, many who are detained at home being so on account of the illness of relatives for whom they are caring.

Good Phone Service Installed
Six telephones have been installed on the hospital grounds. They are information headquarters. 2000, in charge of Chaplain Bertram D. Bolvin; Major Sturgis and hospital headquarters 2004; Company K, 2003; Company L, 2005; Liut. Radcliffe, 2006; Quartermaster 2002.

Company M of Rockport, George E.B. Strople, was called out on Saturday afternoon it being found that the service of three companies were necessary for the work to be done. Companies L,K and M will be on duty indefinitely. Adjutant Frank C. Thompson is permanent officer of the day and Lieut. Sanborn commander of the guard.

Sch. Natalie Hammond – Capt. Colson’s Crew Hard Stricken
Capt. Charles Colson of the sch. Natalie Hammond, which arrived here last Friday, reports six of the Hammond’s crew taken ill during the last trip, two of whom have died of the Spanish influenza and pneumonia. After the first day out of port, three weeks ago last Friday, Wallace Doucette of Lynn was taken ill and three others, Peter Doucette, William Tarnun and David White, were stricken with the disease and landed by Captain Colson in Provincetown. Doucette died in Provincetown. A week ago last Tuesday, Capt. Colson landed two more of his crew, Augustus Thompson and Soren Bjerm at Yarmouth, N.S., the latter passing away there. Both dead men were married. Doucette, who is about 28 years of age lives in Lynn. He registered in his home city the day the Hammond left and he jumped on board just before the craft left port. Bjorm was 33(?) years old and leaves a wife and little daughter at 10 Pearl street, this city. The remains of the latter fisherman are expected to arrive here today from Yarmouth for burial. Sixteen of the Hammond’s crew with her captain arrived home well.

The commissary for the hospital
The commissary for the hospital is an important part of the establishment of the camp. This is in charge of Frank H. Shute, a well known hotel proprietor and experienced steward, who is a member of the local State Guard, and Harold S. Maddocks. In addition to preparing food for the patients, Mr. Shute also has the force of night and day nurses, physicians, and orderlies to look after which is quite some task, but fortunately it is in capable hands.

Hamilton Ontario Canada sends us nurses
Canada has responded nobly to the Massachusetts appeal for aid and a large number of nurses from their good quota have been sent here to help out. Gloucester has been fortunate in securing the services of 10 of the. The young ladies reached here late Saturday evening after a long ride of 14 hours from Hamilton Ontario. They were immediately on duty. In their hurry they came with little equipment, taking the first train, but they were fitted out yesterday by Lieut. Radcliffe; he arranged with local dealers to supply sweaters, heavy shoes and rubbers and other things necessary for outdoor work. There are also five nurses here from the State Department of Health and several civilian orderlies. Arrangements have been made to care for 150 or more patients and the services of 10 more nurses have been requested. Mayor Stoddart visited the camp on Saturday afternoon and was much pleased with all that had been done. Col. Eldredge, Col. Barrell, Lieut. Col. Jenkins, Col. Brooks, Col. Emery, Capt. Hyde and Capt. Lapham, State Guard officers, also visited the post on Saturday.

Must Wash Glasses In Boiling Water
State health Commissioner Woodward in this connection Saturday night issued the following order:

“No glass, cup, spoon, fork, or other utensil need for the public sale or dispensing of liquids, beverages, drinks food or other refreshment for consumption in or about the place of sale or dispensing shall be again used unless the same be thoroughly cleansed and scalded with clean, boiling water, or otherwise sterilized.”

The above order will go more into effect immediately with its publication in the newspaper today. In certain refreshment places much difficulty will be met with in the scalding process especially where cold water has been a rule solely used in rinsing glasses hurriedly to meet the demands of the trade. In some places where drinks are sold it was stated that the particular caliber of glass used in dispensing certain kinds of beverages cannot withstand the scalding process unless executed with great skill and dexterity, which would consume much precious time. Everywhere, however, the order will be carried out scrupulously.

fACE mASKS (Flu masks)

Directions for making Gauze Face Masks
Use as fine gauze or cheesecloth as possible. Fold material to make five thickness and cut an oblong 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches. Make three half-inch plaits at each end, turn in edges and stitch. Cut four feet of tape into four lengths and sew one to each corner. Make box plait 1-1/2 inches in width in one of the long edges of the mask, stitch down one inch. To adjust, place mask over face: tie tapes from upper corner around back of head and tape from lower corners around back of neck. Place box plait over nose. Masks should be worn by attendants whenever caring for those sick with influenza or pneumonia.
They should be changed at two-hour intervals and oftener if wet, and immediately boiled for five minutes, (illegible), or wrapped securely in paper bag or newspaper until they can be boiled.

Gloucester Daily Times 9/30/1918

Courage, Gloucester!

Now if ever the citizens of Gloucester must meet manfully the terrible calamity that like a thief in the night has come upon the City. Now if ever they must stand should to shoulder, looking out confidently into the future. It is not the time for the brave men and women to turn backward, “Courage, now if ever.” must be written in large letters upon the faces and in the hearts and homes of every citizen. Gloucester men and women have never failed to meet the direst calamity no matter how severe it has been. Many times in her history has the hour seemed the darkest and the cloud has seemed to have no silver lining. War has frequently called (illegible) Gloucester men to battle and many have fallen. Storm and (illegible) has wrecked many a vessel and thousands of her bravest fishermen have (illegible). Fire has twice devastated her principal street. Business (illegible) cast a hoary gloom over the city when hundreds of men have been out of employment and the city has been most insistent in meeting the poverty of the people. Never in all the three hundred years since the landing at Stage Head have the people lost heart nor given up the fight. Standing closer to each other when the day was the darkest, the men and women have looked into each other’s faces and gathering courage have gone about their tasks determined that come what will they would not give up. And today her people, under the lead of men and women whom the emergency has raised up to lead them, will face the future and will do everything that men and women can do to strengthen and sustain those who are sick, those into whose home death has come, those whose hearts may be faltering. Let no one feel that there is nothing for them to do. If they cannot nurse the sick, if they cannot carry sympathy into the homes where death has entered, if they cannot give of the dollar so sadly needed, surely they can do many other things (illegible) and not down out and not in, they can lend (illegible). The request has been made for the co-operation of all persons that they shall give over their own selfish pleasures and that they shall deny themselves in every possible way. Let the request be heeded. Cut out in every way all those things which one can do without. And to those into whose sickness has come there is still a duty and a responsibility. They too must co-operate. They too must have courage. They too must do their part. No person in whose home, there is sickness, no person who is sick or has been sick should mingle with the people until all danger from the sickness has passed. When the danger has passed and not till then must they resume their ordinary routine of living. Courage men and women of Gloucester! Stand shoulder to shoulder as never before. Look manfully into the present and into the future. The Almighty God is still the good Father and He will not forsake His people nor allow Evil to triumph. Courage, the courage of brave hearts and the confidence that is born in faith—these will win the fight. Courage, even if the hour seems the darkest. Be patient, be kind to one another; be calm. All will yet be well.

dynamite Gloucester Daily Times Op Ed 9/30/1918

Inside page p.6 Notice from Mayor: Fresh Air and Ventilation

Notice from the Mayor 9/30/1918 Plenty of Fresh Air and ventilation is one of the greatest aids in the present epidemic in Gloucester. Every house, whether a case of disease has existed or not, should be thoroughly aired during the day. Open up the windows. Let the air and sunshine in. Sleeping rooms should be ventilated (illegible) which I most heartily concur. I also wish to approve of the stringent measures which our Board of Health has adopted during the emergency. Every citizen must cooperate with them. Clean up the back yards, dumps, and filthy places. If your neighbor will not act, consult the Board or its emergency agents and prompt action will be taken. Let everyone cooperate and assist our health officials in the excellent work they are doing.

John A. Stoddart, Mayor

Inside page p.6 Notice Post Office to Close Earlier Until further notice
The post office will close at 7:30pm except on Saturday night when it will close at 8pm. This action is made necessary by the reduced postal force by reason of the prevailing epidemic.

Inside page “Our Boys” Write Bright Letters Home
excerpt from Private John J. Smith letter to his mother, Mrs. Charles W. Smith, of 5 Center Court, dated 9/1/1918, published 9/30/1918 : “…I feel better over here than I did in Camp Devens and sure have got that same good old appetite…”

Inside page Roger W. Babson leaves Boston hospital for his home in Wellesley Hills

 Continue to October 1918

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Tuesday, October 1, 1918

Front page To the Women of Gloucester

MESSAGE FROM THE CIVILIAN AID COMMITTEE TO THE STATE HOSPITAL UNIT

The situation in this City at the present demands the volunteer assistance of every woman of Gloucester who can give even a few hours each day to the nursing of the sick at the State Hospital Unit on Washington Street. Previous experience in nursing is not necessary. The surgeons and registered nurses in charge will direct the work of those who volunteer. There is no danger of infection as every precaution is taken in caring for the sick. This appeal goes out to every woman in Gloucester who can assist. Several hundred women must volunteer at once in order that the disease may be checked and the sick made well. Do not wait. Register today at the Red Cross Rooms, 53 (illegible) let the women of Gloucester respond as they have always done in every emergency. Assignment of hours, the calling for the volunteers and their getting home after their service and all the details will be given to those who volunteer. Gloucester must have your services today. –

Fred W. Tibbets, Chairman, Walter C. King, Secretary, Civilian Aid committee to the State Hospital Unit

Front Page Notice To the Catholic Women of Gloucester

The need of nurses to care for those who are stricken by the sickness now raging among us is most urgent. I appeal to the women of St. Ann’s parish whose family conditions will permit it to offer themselves at once for this work. I am sure that when they know that their service will help to save precious lives, the will not hesitate to give it.- William J. Dwyer

Front Page Board of Health Notice to Milk Dealers!
The Board of Health prohibits all milk dealers from delivering and householders from receiving milk in bottles in any house or premises where influenza, or any contagious disease exists. Tenants or occupants of such premises using milk are requested to place pitcher or receptacles out of doors; in which milk will be delivered. Per Order F.P. Moore, Chairman, Osborne Knowles, Christian D. Saunders, Board of Health.

Front Page Board of Health Boil Notice

The Board of Health hereby orders that all bar rooms, (illegible) all utensils and napkins shall be sterilized in boiling hot water before serving to other persons. Until further notice.

Front Page Reminder notice Fresh Air and Ventilation Reminder notice from Mayor Stoddart

Front Page Reminder notice Public Funerals suspended until further notice

Front Page “Card of Thanks” Manuel D. Souza and Family, Nally family,

Inside page p.6 Splendid help of Women Asked: State Emergency Hospital Post Makes Humanity Call for Aid—Women of City Urged to Volunteer for Combating Illness

On account of insistent demand for volunteer nurses at the State Emergency Hospital Post, a hurry-up call was sent out at 10:30 o’clock last evening to a number of prominent women of Gloucester and at 11 o’clock they met at Addison Gilbert hospital to consider the situation and to take action to procure nurses. The meeting lasted until 1 o’clock AM.

Among those present were*: Capt. Carleton H. Parsons, Lieut. William J. MacInnis, Lieut. Burbank, Lieut. John J. Egan, Liuet. Ratshesky, Thomas J. Carroll, Rev. Albert A. Madsen, Ph.D., Fred A. Barker, Thomas P. Bolger, Fred L. Davis, Joseph F. MacPhee, Senator Charles D. Brown, Daniel T. Babson, Miss Martha N. Brooks, George Frye Merril, Miss Leach, matron of the Addison Gilbert Hospital, Miss McCarthy, Fred W. Tibbets and Walter C. King. Capt. Parsons stated that the point had been reached where the State hospital unit must have volunteer assistance to do nursing in order to successfully combat the serious illness of its patients. He stated that there would have to be at least several hundred, all of whom could be employed, whether they had experience or instruction in nursing or not, and under the direction of the registered nurses in charge could assist in caring for the sick. He also said it was absolutely impossible for the force of registered nurses to do the work expected of them and it was also impossible to get out of town nurses. He said that those employed had taken precautions for protection and that there was no danger to the nurses or to their homes. These statements were corroborated by Drs. Egan and Burbank and Lieut. Ratshesky. Surgeon Burbank stated that there would arrive in Gloucester today two of the leading experts from Washington who would make a careful and intensive study of the conditions in this city and then probable issue a report to the public regarding the infection. The meeting was then opened to discussion and organization and Fred. W. Tibbets was chosen chairman and Walter C. King secretary. The committee will be known as the Civilian Relief Committee for assisting the State Emergency Hospital Post. After organization, the committee discussed for quite a while the best way to go about it and each person present pledged him or herself to get busy this forenoon and ascertain the number of volunteers willing to render immediate assistance. Each agreed to be ready to present the names of volunteers at 11 o’clock this morning. Ref. Dr. Madsen was appointed to take charge of a church census and Mr. Carroll was appointed a committee of one to recall all school teachers who have gone out of town and request their assistance in the present emergency. It was also suggested that the women be relieved from the clerical work on the questionnaires and request the male teachers to help out with the questionnaires. The present need is a grave one but if the women will respond as the committee have every reason to believe they will ,it is believed that it will only be a question of a few days before the (illegible) it’s up to the people to give their time and money as they have never before been called to do. With every body helping willingly, the easier it will be for all and the (illegible).

Women Must Help
This morning at 11 o’clock the committee met in the municipal council chamber at City hall when Chairman Tibbets outlined what had been done last night and that the situation had reached a stage where the women of Gloucester must take hold. In addition to those whose names appear above, there are some 55 members of the Women’s Liberty Loan Committee, members of the Board of Health and License Commissioners in attendance. Mr. Tibbets impressed on all the imperative need of not one, two or three, but several hundred nurses, and emphasized the two facts brought out last night: there is no danger from contagion to the nurse or the nurse’s family, under the precautions taken, and experience is not necessary. He urged all to have courage above all things and told what the surgeon had said of the wonderful cooperation he had found in Gloucester, the most remarkable in his experience, particularly among the members of the State Guard in which it was only a question of what can we do. The various members made reports on what they had already accomplished and the names of some 75 women who have volunteered for nursing work were presented. Mr. Carroll said he was particularly impressed by the statement of Surgeon Burbank who said, “Give us the nurses and we’ll save them.” Mrs. Preston O. Wass reported for the Women’s Liberty Loan Committee and stated that she had been in touch with all the workers, possible to be reached and a goodly number had volunteered, but it was deemed inadvisable to stop all work. Mayor Stoddart was present and made some brief remarks.

Inside page p.6 Little Change in Epidemic of Influenza Number of new cases believed smaller but fatalities continue despite struggle to combat the dread malady—deaths here since yesterday are 9 and one at Rockport where epidemic is spreading—urgent appeal to the women of Gloucester for assistance as nurses at State Hospital Post was sent this morning
An urgent appeal for volunteer nurses was one of the important developments of the day in the local Spanish Influenza situation, which is no worse than yesterday and probably some better, although there has not yet been anyway to get at the exact number of new cases each day because of the strenuousness under which physicians are laboring in looking after patients. The deaths since yesterday number nine, bringing the total to 99 since the epidemic first broke out. The death rate will continue to run high for several days, even though the number of new cases should stop at once. This will result from the large number of serious cases not only at the State Emergency Hospital Post, but in the homes. There were some (illegible) tient passed away. Rockport is beginning to feel the ravages of the pestilence and it has apparently broken out in that town as bad in proportion to the population as it has here. One more death was reported from there since yesterday and it is believed that there are hundreds of cases in town. Every precaution and safe guard possible will be taken by the Rockport people and a meeting will be held there this evening to take steps in this direction. The Leander M. Haskins hospital which has been closed will probably be opened immediately.
The deaths since yesterday’s report are as follows:

• Mrs. Margaret A. Brown, 54 years, 77 Eastern Avenue
• Miss Helen F. Thurston, 22 years, 172 Washington street
• Mrs. Ruth M. (Springham) Benham, 25 years, 24 Bass avenue
• Mrs. Edith (Lewis) Quadros, 33 years, 102 Friend street
• Tassi Mazzareno, 30 years, address unknown
• Dorothy Lopes, 8 months, 53 Taylor street
• Edna May Thomas, 14 years
• Harry T. Dennen, 11 years, 18 Wells street
• Miss Edith Ella B. Hight, 18 years, 64 Magnolia avenue

At Rockport

• Miss Rachael Y. Hodgkins, 22 years, 43 High street, Rockport

Quick Response to Appeal for Funds
The appeal of the Public Safety Committee of Gloucester for an Emergency Fund of $25,000 to relieve the existing conditions in this city, to be expended under the direction of the local Red Cross organization has touched the hearts of many people already. Hardly had the advertisement asking for the amount appeared on the front page of yesterday’s issue of the Times when a telephone call came in to the Times from the Gorton-Pew Fisheries Company offering their liberal subscription of $1500. Then came the good news of $500 contributed by the Gloucester Electric Company, and several others followed who had offered generously $100 each. The immediate need of the fund should be realized. It will be expended to relieve cases of distress and suffering in homes of Gloucester, where either sickness or death exists. The appeal comes quick to the heart for the cause and conditions with which we are familiar in our midst. Any contributions will be gladly received and they are requested to be sent quickly to Daniel T. Babson at the Cape Ann Savings Bank, the treasurer of the Home Service Red Cross Emergency.

The Board of Health
The Board of Health held a meeting at their office in the city clerk’s office City hall this forenoon and rescinded the action taken yesterday on closing soda fountains. A measure as adopted requiring all fountains, saloons and every place serving drinks of any kind to wash the receptacles in boiling water before using again. This is in line with action taken in other places.

Need of nurses
The need of nurses to assist in the state hospital work has been made clear and the women of Gloucester are appealed to for volunteers. Rev. William J Dwyer in another column makes an eloquent appeal to all the Catholic women of Gloucester to respond and Mrs. Alan S. Rowe of the Women’s Liberty Loan Committee has issued as appeal to the women workers of the Liberty Loan or all who can to give up the loan for nursing during the present emergency.

There are Boxes for Caskets
George L. Browne, the undertaker, has arranged four rooms very nicely on the second floor of the building in which his establishment is located, 39 Main street, for the accommodation of bodies. Also, the bodies are fumigated at the entrance, before being placed in the receiving rooms. Contrary to report, that boxes for caskets could not be secured, by Mr. Browne, the latter states that he has plenty of them on hand having ordered a carload of boxes some time ago, before the epidemic.

Inside page p.5 Notice Owners and Skippers of Vessels must fumigate coming and going
**author note: protective measures particular to Gloucester**

Inside page p. 5 Notice Heaters for State Guard needed
**author note: protective measures particular to Gloucester**

Inside page obit Mourners are many and sincere“Jimmy” DeLouchery, Waterfront Authority, Victim of Influenza
James M. DeLouchery, whose death from pneumonia was reported yesterday, was a well-known laborer along the water front, having been for more than 20 years in the employ of the American Halibut Company. He was a man of industrious habits and fine character and a foremost authority on vessels and water front movements, and his unexpected death will bring sorrow to a great many outside his immediate family. His brother, John W. DeLouchery, was the first man who was drafted in the present German war. He is survived by two sisters.

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Wednesday, October 2, 1918

Massachusetts State Department of Health Authoritative Influenza guidelines

INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL

• To keep well, keep clean.
• Wash your hands before each meal.
• Don’t go to crowded places.
• Avoid the person who sneezes.
• Smother your cough in your handkerchief.
• Keep out of dirty restaurants. Warmth is necessary. Be well clothed.
• Soda is unnecessary. Why run the risk of infection from (illegible).
• Safety lies in boiled dishes.
• A common towel is only for filthy people.
• You wouldn’t use my tooth brush. Why us my drink cup?
• Sleep well. Eat well. Play well.
• DON’T WORRY.

INSTRUCTIONS TO NURSES

• Practice what you preach—keep clean.
• Isolate your patients.
• When in attendance upon patients, wear a mask which will cover both the nose and mouth. When the mask is once in place, do not handle it.
• Change the mask every two hours. Owing to the scarcity of gauze, boil for 1-2 (1/2?) hour and rise, then use the gauze again.
• Wash your hands each time you come in contact with the patient. Use bichloride of mercury, 1-1,000, or Liquid Cresol compound, 1-1,000, for hand disinfection.
• Obtain at least seven hours’ sleep in each twenty-four hours.
• Eat plenty of good food.
• Walk in the fresh air and sunshine daily, if possible.
• Sleep with your windows open in all weather.
• Insist that the patient cough, sneeze or expectorate into cloths that may be disinfected or burned.
• (illegible)
• Keep patients warm.

INSTRUCTIONS TO HOUSEHOLDERS

• Keep out of the sick room unless attendance is necessary.
• Do not handle articles coming from the sick room until they are boiled.
• Allow no visitors, and do not go visiting.
• Call a doctor for all inmates who show signs of beginning sickness.
• The usual symptoms are: inflamed and watery eyes, discharging nose, backache, headache, muscular pain, and fever.
• Keep away from crowded places such as “movies,” theatres, street cars.
• See to it that your children are kept warm and dry both night and day.
• Have sufficient fire in your home to disperse the dampness.
• Open your window at night. If cool weather prevails, add extra bed clothing.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKERS

• Walk to work if possible.
• Avoid the person who coughs or sneezes.
• Wash your hands before eating.
• Make full use of all available sunshine.
• Do not use a common towel. It spreads disease.
• Should you cough or sneeze, cover nose and mouth with a handkerchief.
• Keep out of crowded places. Walk in the open air rather than go to crowded places of amusement.
• Sleep is necessary for wellbeing—avoid over exertion. Eat good, clean food.
• Keep away from houses where there are cases of influenza.
• If sick, no matter how slightly, see a physician.
• If you have had influenza, stay in bed until your doctor says you can safely get up.

Inside page obit Talented Girl Gone Miss Helen Thurston’s Death Will Be Deeply Mourned

Inside page obit Died at Camp Devens Remains of Private Carl Seaberg Arrived at Magnolia

Inside page obit F. Walker Johnson Parents of Prominent Swampscott man reside here

Inside page obit Belonged to W.R.C. Mrs. Eben C. Brown Loving Mother and Devoted Friend

Inside page obit Bright Young Woman Miss Edith E.B. Hight Magnolia Victim of Prevailing Malady

Inside page obit Had Fished Out of Here Alexander Hayden Passed Away at Cape Canso, N.S.

Inside page Deaths column

• McIntosh – in this city (Moody)
• Benham- in this city, Sept 30, Mrs. Ruth M. (Springham), wife of Capt. Thomas J. Benham, 25 years 10 months 6 days
• Brown- in this city, September 30, Mrs. Margaret Ada, wife of Eben C. Brown, 54 years (private service at her home 77 Eastern Ave)
• Lopes – in this city, September 30, Dorothy, daughter of joseph and Isabel (Mitchell),
• Mazzareno- in this city, Sept 30, Tassi Mazzareno, 30 years

Inside page.5 Sees No Reason Now for Alarm: United States Army Surgeon in Charge of Emergency Hospital Believes Malady Has Reached Height Here—Pleased With Way Handled.

Major A.N. Thompson detailed from the United States Army Medical Corps. Who has come to Gloucester to take charge of the State Emergency Camp Hospital on the Addison Gilbert Hospital grounds and assist the Board of Health in stamping out the epidemic in this city is well pleased with the organization and cooperation that has already been given to him, as can be readily gathered from the following letter to the Board of Health this morning:

Dr. Philip P. Moore, Chairman, Board of Health, Gloucester, Mass.
The co-operation offered me since my arrival here late yesterday afternoon has been most gratifying, and I feel that Gloucester should be congratulated upon the thorough going manner in which the situation is being handled. At the present time there appears to be ample medical and nursing service to take care of the urgent problems confronting us. All organizations are being thoroughly coordinated in their activities and there is at the present (illegible) consensus of opinion that we have reached the height of the epidemic. The survey as being conducted by your department will give us the actual figures with 24 hours, and at (illegible) the board should issue for the information of the public such figures as are thoroughly indicative of existing conditions. The work being done for the care of the sick is, under existing conditions, most admirable. The wonderful work and untiring zeal of the various volunteers, both men and women, both in uniform and out, has been a wonderful demonstration of what the combined effort of a community can produce. It is hoped that such bulletins as may be issued from the State Emergency Hospital and other organizations dealing with the epidemic will be issued through your office. Any information that I may have to give (illegible) transmitted to the Board of Health, as this seems to me the logical channel for a transmission of health bulletins.

Major A. N. Thompson, October 2, 1918

Inside page p.5 obit Anthony Cooney is Malady Victim: Leading Fish Dealer at the Fort Passed Away at Rockport
The community was further saddened by the news of the death of Anthony Cooney, owner and manager of the cold storage plant and extensive fresh fish business at the Fort, who passed away at his home in Rockport this morning from pneumonia which developed from an attack of Spanish influenza, at the age of 38 years, 7 months and 3 days…His widow and children are all ill with pneumonia.

Inside page p.5 Need Cleaning Up
The premises around the Wilson block on Pleasant street (Rockport) were reported in bad condition and a similar report was received by the police about the premises around the block on Highland court. Both cases were referred by the police to the board of health.

Inside page p.6 Situation Here is Now Looking Much Improved: United States Army Surgeon Assumes Charge of State Military Hospital—Women of City Hasten to Answer the Call for Help—General Conditions About the City Seem Much Better—Death Roll Reduced to Seven
The influenza epidemic condition here is some improved (illegible) shows a decrease throughout the city as far as can be learned. However, there are still a great many people very sick and the situation in some districts is still desperate where men, women and children are ill and suffering from lack of attention. The number of deaths since yesterday was smaller than for several days, the number being 7 and making 106 for the total.
The organization of the State Emergency Hospital Post was changed last evening when Major A.N. Thompson , a medical officer of the United States Army, arrived here and assumed command of the entire camp. Major Sturgis, Capt. John J. Egan Lieut. Burbank will continue their work as physicians and a consulting board. Lieut. John A. Radcliff of Company J has been designated as aide to Major Thompson. Capt. Carleton H. Parsons (illegible) command the military division.

Nurses Rush to Help
The response to the appeal for nurses has been wonderful but there was a misunderstanding in the working out of the plans for assistance. It is believed that this will be adjusted without friction. Last night many nurses were sent home. However, their assistance is urgently needed and they will be called on as soon as the working plan can be carried into effect.

The List of Deaths

The following deaths have occurred:

• Edward J. Dagle, 25 years, 52 Summer street
• Mrs. Angie E. Nickerson, 25 years, 31 East Main street
• Angus A. Munroe, 26 years, 21 Sargent street
• Mrs. Grace E. Comeau, 21 years, 21 Allen street
• Mrs. Alice Young, 9 Perkins street
• Anthony Mello, Cherry street
• Joseph Traverse, 16 Silva court

At Rockport

• Anthony Cooney, 28 years, 118 Main street, Rockport
• William Larson, 20 years, Rockport
• Mrs. Arline Brown, 27 years, 22 Cleaves street, Rockport
• Margin Ahola, 8 years, 2 Holbrook street, Rockport

At Manchester

• Miss Nettie E. Smith; Stanley Crombie, William Munroe 45 years formerly of this city

At Jamaica Plain

• Miss Cornadine Burns, 21 years, formerly of this city

At Portland

• Frank W. Cook, 39 years of this city

The nurses on duty last night were assigned to six hour shifts whereas the Civilian Relief Committee for assisting the military hospital was informed that the volunteers would only be required to work four hours on a (illegible)without friction and there is every assurance of the cooperation of all. This morning the Civilian committee met at City hall and went over the situation. Those present were Fred W. Tibbets, Walter C. King, Mayor Stoddart, Alderman Andrews, Hubbard and Silva, Daniel T. Babson, Fred A. Shackelford, Rev. Albert A. Madsen, Miss McCarthy of the Red Cross, George W. Woodbury, Fred A. Barker and Miss Wylie from the hospital, and Chaplain Bertram D. Bolvin of the State Guard. The fact of the need of nurses aids for home service work as well as for nursing at the hospital was brought out by Miss Wylie, while Mayor Stoddart stated that it had been learned that there were 20 nurses at Toronto who would be willing to come here and they had been telegraphed to come. The matter of caring for children also came up and the names of several places were given by Miss Wylie. They will be inspected by Major Thompson this afternoon and if a place is selected, it will undoubtedly be turned over to the authorities voluntarily. Otherwise it will be taken over by the Major who will be empowered by the Federal authorities. Mayor Stoddart and George Frye Merrill were appointed a committee to confer with Major Thompson this afternoon to see what assistance could be given the military hospital. Senator Charles D. Brown has been appointed a special agent of the Board of Health to act during the present emergency and until otherwise ordered. The board also issued a request to all stores not to hold any special sales for the present that will attract crowds. This morning lime was sprinkled along Main street in the gutters and around all catch basins.

Daughters of Isabella to help
The special meeting held last evening by the daughters of Isabella was in direct answer to the recent appeals sent out by the Red Cross and Rev. Father William J. Sawyer. Extensive plans were made to take immediate action in cooperating in every way, and to do everything possible to help check the epidemic prevailing in the city.

Closed Pool Rooms
The Board of Health notified the police to close all pool rooms yesterday forenoon and Officer Joyce was (illegible)

A Sad Case
A sad case was reported to the police Monday afternoon, where the father, mother, and five children were sick at a house on Commercial street, with no one there to even give them a drink of water. The matter was referred to the Red Cross.

Must Report All Cases
By action of the state health committee, influenza has been placed on the list of diseases. Physicians and householders will be required by law to report influenza cases to the local board of health in Massachusetts beginning October 4.

Inside page p.6 Loan Drive Work Goes Bravely On
Despite the setback which the malady of influenza so terribly prevalent here, would be naturally expected to make for the time being in the work of the Fighting Fourth Liberty Loan drive, it is pleasing to note that the work is going on in this city in a fairly satisfactory manner.

Inside page p.6 obit Captain’s Wife Dead Here While Skipper Brings Craft to N.S.

The death of Mrs. Ruth M. (Springham), wife of Capt. Thomas J. Benham, has been learned with the deepest regret by the many friends of the deceased. She passed away on Monday from her home 34 Bass avenue, after a short illness of Spanish influenza at the age of 25 years, 10 months and 6 days. The deceased was born in East Gloucester, her parents being William and Alice (Hastings) Springham. She was a young woman of many notably fine traits of character and an ideal mother, she being most devoted to her three children, two boys and little daughter. Capt. Benham, who is one of Gloucester’s (illegible) and most successful skippers, and who was out on the deep sea when his wife died, has the sincere sympathy of his host of friends in maritime circles in the sad event of the break in his family circle and the loss of a kind and devoted wife. The late Mrs. Benham before her marriage was a stenographer in the office of David B. Smith & Co. fish firm, this city.

Inside page obit Leaves Two Little Ones Raymond A. Nickerson

Victim of Wide-Sweeping Malady Angie E. (Griffin), wife of Raymond A. Nickerson, died of the Spanish influenza and pneumonia, at her home, 21 East Main Street this morning. The deceased had been ill a week….The death of Mrs. Nickerson is one of the many sad cases in the results of the present epidemic where little children are bereft of their mother’s love and watchful care, the deceased leaving a young daughter Dorothy, aged seven, and a little one, Anna, aged only three months…The funeral will be held private at the home of the deceased…

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Thursday, October 3, 1918

**author note: How can one not try to find his house after following the news storeis? I believe this is where Alderman Poole resided at the time (near the rotary now)**

Front page obit Alderman Poole Malady Victim: Popular City Official held high in local esteem passed away of pneumonia this forenoon—City flags flown at half-mast.
**author note: Poole very active; attended many meetings to advocate for Gloucester including going to Boston; registering for Draft 9/12/1918, etc.** 

Alderman William F. Poole whose serious illness from pneumonia resulting from an attack of the prevailing influenza has been the anxious topic of every tongue for the past few days, has at last succumbed to the disease, and passed away at his home, 169 Washington street, shortly after 11 o’clock this forenoon. He made a gallant fight against the disease, but his (illegible) which was forced upon it by his condition. He was a native of this city, where (continued on page 5) he was born September 27, 1881, his parents being John F. and Jennie E. (Gammon) Poole. He has been connected with the street railway service in this city almost continuously since reaching manhood, conducting a variety store at the head of the harbor for a year or so previous to accepting a position as a motorman, and serving in this capacity up to his election as alderman two years ago with the exception of (illegible) time spent in Can (illegible). He is popular among his associates and with the general public, as shown by the flattering vote he received at both years of his election as alderman, and was the president of the local union of street railway employees. He took a prominent part last year in the deliberations relative to the increase in pay of the conductors and motormen, and was recognized both in this city and through the Bay State system as an able and conscientious advocate for the requests of the men. Of “Bill” Poole, as everybody called him, it could be truly said, “he was a man.” Previous to his election as alderman in 1916, he had never held public office. The flags of the city were ordered displayed at half-mast by Mayor Stoddart as soon as the news of the alderman’s death was received. He married Miss Ethel M. Hadley September 9, 1903, who has also been seriously ill with the disease, but is now improving. Besides his wife, he is survived by his parents and a brother, Leland C. Poole, now an ensign in the United States marine corps.

Front page Board of Health notice reminder
The Board of Health hereby order: That all bar-rooms, eating houses, drug stores, in fact, at any place where food or drink is served, that all utensils and napkins shall be sterilized in boiling hot water before serving to other persons. Until further notice.

Front page Board of Health notice

NOTICE The Board of Health has ordered that our merchants hold no special sales of any kind during the prevailing epidemic. Front page card of thanks notice – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Curtis and family

Inside page p. 5 NOTICE Great Risk to Hold Church | Public Safety Board Hears from Endicott
A meeting of the Public Safety Committee was held at the Municipal Council chamber City hall last evening. Thomas J. Carroll, executive manager, presided, and those present were Daniel T. Babson, Alderman Antoine A. Silva, Charles E. Cunningham, Fred A. Shackelford, Walter C. King, George W. Woodbury, George Merrill, Rev. Albert A. (illegible) Mr. Carroll read the following telegram from Endicott, chairman of the (state’s ) Emergency Public Health committee “Believe there would be great risk in churches holding services next Sunday. Leading doctors on our boards all agree on this. Advise all churches in your vicinity to this effect.” (telegram reprinted)

Inside page obit column (continued from page one – see Poole above) Herbert A. Marsh
Former Local Insurance Superintendent Dead in Waltham. Herbert A. Marsh, superintendent of the Metropolitan Life Insurance company at Waltham, who formerly held a similar position is this city, passed away in that city yesterday his death resulting from an attack of Spanish influenza, developing into pneumonia…

Inside page obit Died in Portland: William F. Cook was a vaudeville performer of note
William F. cook, a native of this city and a vaudeville performer of considerable ability, died at a hotel in Portland on Monday night, after an illness of only a few days with pneumonia. He as playing at a theater in that city when he was stricken…

Inside page obit Leaves Five Little Ones  T. Augustus Thompson died in the Hospital at Yarmouth, N.S. (Nova Scotia)
T. Augustus Thompson, one of crew of sch. Natalie Hammond, who has been previously reported landed at Yarmouth, N.S. ill with influenza and pneumonia passed away at the hospital there on Tuesday at the age of 48 years. He leaves a widow, nee Margaret Harnish, in this city, with five children whose ages range from nine to two and a half years, a nine months old daughter passing away a few weeks ago. He also leaves a sister Marie in NYC and a brother in Norway, of which country he was native. 

Inside page obit Young Man of Much Promise Many Mourn the Death of William S. C. Deering
The many relatives and friends of William S. C. Deering were deeply grieved to hear of his death, Monday morning, from the prevailing epidemic after an illness of but a few days. Mr. Deering was a young man of great promise, of a sunny, genial disposition, and well-liked by all with whom he came in contact…He was the son of the late Sylvester Deering…The funeral was held from his late home, 11 Angle street…The pall bearers were Nicholson and Amos. H. Tanner of this city, Howard Crossman of Canton, Mass., and Charles W. Smith of Hollis, N.H.

Inside page obit Life Closed. Mrs. Edith Quadros Was Very Highly Esteemed by Many.
Mrs. Edith (Lewis Quadros) pass away at her home, 102 Friend Street, on Tuesday morning after a week’s illness of influenza…The funeral will be held from her home…

Inside page obit Ill But a Short Time George S. Grant Passed Away at His Home on Mansfield Street.
George S. Grant, a well-known, business man, passed away at his home on Wednesday after a short illness of pneumonia… (leaves three daughters)

Inside page obit Second in His Family: John Baxter a Victim of the Prevailing Epidemic.
John Baxter, a native of East Gloucester, son of William H. and Mary G. (Sonia) Baxter, died of the Spanish influenza and pneumonia at his home on Fisher avenue in Roxbury…Mrs. Harry G. Burbridge, sister of the deceased, died of the malady yesterday at the State Military Emergency Post Hospital

Inside page obit Stricken in Lynn **author note: maybe not**
Mrs. Margaret M. (Baxter) Burbridge, wife of Harry G. Burbridge of 101 Mt. Pleasant avenue, E