Monday, March 30, 2020

And History Repeats Itself...


Image result for spanish influenza vintage
Social distancing?
As we shelter-in-place in our homes this month and possibly longer, it's interesting to read about former epidemics that rampaged our country, putting our ancestors in much the same position as we are today.  Only science wasn't as good; medicines, tests, or vaccinations had not been developed for these diseases.  No drive-throughs or deliveries or online shopping was available.  Think of it.  Several of my ancestors were lost because of the influenza epidemic of 1918.  It was a common thing for families.

From the Crescent-News, October 12, 1918 -



Image result for spanish influenza vintage Sound familiar?  Many of the arguments concerning the origin of the flu were present in 1918, too.  It was called the Spanish influenza, but Spain claimed it didn't start there, but in the Orient.  And it wasn't toilet paper and hand sanitizer that was in shortage, but Vicks VaporRub, thought to help cure the disease.





Defiance Crescent-News, March 8, 1919

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