2 minute read
Spanish Flu in the Chathams
Contributed by Rosalind Mytelka, Chatham Township Historical Society
In this time of pandemic, many are writing about the Spanish Flu of 1918 – 1920. But what happened locally? In Chatham?
The peak, both nationally and in Chatham, came in October 1918. In Chatham over 150 cases were reported with three deaths. The Chatham Press wrote editorially, “Never has there been an epidemic that raged so virulently in all parts of the land.”
The State Board of Health closed all “churches, theatres, moving picture houses, dance halls, soda fountains and other places where numbers of people congregate.” The public and parochial schools under the jurisdiction of the local Board of Health were also closed. The State Board advised avoiding unnecessary travel in public conveyances, required all influenza cases to be isolated in bed, prohibited public funerals of those who died from the epidemic, and prohibited the use of common towels and drinking cups.
The information published about transmission and methods of mitigation could have been written today. The US Public Health Service issued an official bulletin. “The disease is always spread from person to person; also by droplets in the air. A person with a mild attack can give someone a severe attack. Caregivers should wear masks. While isolation of known cases tends to retard the spread, such large numbers of mild unrecognizable cases and healthy carriers exist, that quarantine alone will not control the disease. Keep your hands away from your mouth and nose. Isolate members of your household in their own room. Do not cough, sneeze or spit in public places.”
Vapo-Cresoline, which was manufactured in Chatham, was made from coal tar and was heated on a special burner so the vapors could treat lung ailments including the grippe (flu). It was the equivalent of inhaling smoke from multiple packs of cigarettes.
There is no mention of social distancing or contact tracing although one writes: “To keep our town of 2,500 people well, all we have to do is watch 25 people who are sick.”
Ads for Hill's patent medicine appeared in the Chatham Courier throughout the influenza epidemic. It has dangerous side-effects and no effect on the flu.
By November 2, the epidemic is “practically over...as far as Chatham is concerned. It has been less virulent here than in many nearby towns. How much of this is due to the ‘natural healthfulness of the town’ and how much to the prompt action of the Board of Health is an open question.” The newspaper tipped its hat to the public for their good response to the restrictions. The low density helped as well.
From December 1918 to January 1919 there was a children’s epidemic. It was of short duration, owing to the early closure of schools and Sunday schools. There was a milder occurrence in 1920 that required no closures.
Fear of a recurrence remained in the community, but then the Spanish Flu was gone. Hopefully, we can say the same soon!
