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Pandemic Influenza in Maine
1918 Pandemic Influenza in MaineSaturday, September 7 1918 The first soldier at Camp Devens becomes ill with influenza. Just 35 miles northwest of Boston this camp, like so many other military camps, was hurriedly erected the summer of 1917 just after President Wilson and Congress declared war against Germany and entered the United States into World War I. Built to hold a maximum of 36,000 soldiers, Camp Devens is now crammed with over 45,000 soldiers, most of whom have recently been assigned there from Maine and other New England states after the draft was expanded from 21 to 35 year old men to include any healthy men ages 18 to 45 years old. Nearly 5 million Americans now serve in the military, including 35,000 Mainers serving, including almost 300 women nurses. Additionally, as part of the American Red Cross Nursing Corps, 24,000 women are also serving the country in World War I. Despite this recruitment, the military suffers from nursing shortages, and recruitment efforts are intensifying. Saturday, September 14 Influenza epidemic starts in Boston among the civilian population. Wednesday, September 19 75 Boston policemen are home with the illness. The supply of the drug used by the War Department is exhausted for the civilian population. Saturday, September 21 6,000 cases of Spanish influenza are reported in the camp today, and the Boston Red Cross summoned nurses from all New England hospitals to care for the soldiers suffering from the disease. An Auburn boy in the camp writes that the disease has spread through the entire cantonment. Monday, September 23 20% of the over 45,000 soldiers at Camp Devens are ill with influenza. Wednesday, September 25 The Maine Department of Health has issued timely warnings about the disease’s transmission – that
the disease is given off in secretions and transmitted by Relatives of men sick at Camp Devens flocked from across New England to the camp in large numbers to visit. Relatives of those most critical were allowed to remain overnight in the camps. “America must put her home in order,” said Mrs. Halsey W. Wilson of New York City,
secretary of the National Women’s Suffrage Association, who spoke last evening before a large
audience in the Columbia Hotel in Portland. We are fighting for ideals abroad which we are refused at home. Since the beginning of the war England has enfranchised her women, and several weeks ago the women of Canada were given the right of a voice in the government. America is behind England from whose power we released ourselves in 1776.” Thursday, September 26 The City of Portland’s Mayor Clarke has called a conference in his office for Friday morning to see what action is necessary to suppress the further spread of influenza. Managers of theaters, the superintendent of schools, Bishop Walsh, Bishop Brewster, and head of the Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, Jewish societies, and church federation as well as members of the board of health, have been invited. Portland’s Chief of Police stated that the anti-spitting laws would be strictly enforced. Elsewhere in New England, places of public assembly are closed. Undertakers report they are hard pressed to fill demands for hearses and carriages for funerals. Some cities are forbidding public funerals. Telephone exchanges in Greater Boston lose 700 operators through influenza. The telephone company requests that only essential calls be made. Friday, September 27 Dr. Leverett D. Bristol, the health commissioner of Maine, said that he believed the epidemic of Spanish influenza in this state seems to be increasing, and he thought moving picture theaters ought to be closed temporarily as a preventative measure, but that the schools should remain open. He noted that the state department of health has no authority to order the theaters closed, but the
local boards of health could act in the matter. The epidemic seems to be waging the fiercest in Portland, Bath, Lisbon Falls, and some scattered areas all over the state. Dr. Thomas Tetreau, Portland’s Health Officer, reported there were approximately 300 cases of influenza in that city. Four nurses have died from influenza in Portland the past week, according to one local doctor, who also expressed the belief that all public places should be closed at once. Following a conference of 30 citizens in Portland Mayor Clarke’s office Friday, 22 voted informally
to close all places of public assembly. Mayor Clarke quickly frowned on the latter suggestion, which was met with subdued laughter. Lewiston Board of Health Chairman late Friday said, “To close the schools and theaters, or to in any other way suggest to the people that there is an epidemic here – for there most certainly is none.”He voiced the sentiment of many prominent business and professional men. The suggestion, advanced last night by State Health Commissioner Bristol of Augusta, that the theaters of Maine be closed, met this morning with very decided opposition here – not an opposition inspired by commercial reasons, but by a genuine desire for the city’s good. Saturday, September 28 Dr. Bristol, Maine’s Health Commissioner, said that although the epidemic of Spanish influenza is showing a gradual increase, he did not think people should be particularly alarmed or panicky. The malady is raging worse in Portland. Reports were received by the department that the epidemic had struck Biddeford, Saco, and Eastport. Dr. Bristol sent letters to physicians urging them to be very careful to report cases of the Spanish
influenza to the local boards of health, so as to keep track of the cases. The Portland Board of Health issued the following order: Portland Editorial:With the influenza epidemic reaching a stage where it has been found necessary to close the public schools and theatres and forbidding all unnecessary gathering, would it not be a wise measure for the Mayor to request the trolley company to use open instead of closed cars until such a time as the epidemic has abated? Fresh air is advanced as one of the best preventatives.The comfort of a closed car should not be taken into consideration when the health of the community is at stake. An active campaign of education in preventing the spread of grip or influenza was started in Lewiston Saturday following a meeting in Mayor Lemaire’s office Friday afternoon. Printed instructions will be posted in the factories, shops, stores, and other public places. Every possible means will be used to teach citizens how to fight this disease. Mayor Lemaire said Saturday morning that the situation depends “more upon the person himself than upon the board of health or the doctors. If every man, woman and child will follow the instructions we are having printed, there is no reason why the disease should spread. If every person who has the grip will take every possible means to keep from giving it to other people,
it will soon be checked.” Monday, September 30 Livermore Falls selectmen, board of health physicians, and the school board met to determine influenza preventive measures. They announced the Androscoggin County Fair is to be postponed. All public schools, churches, theaters, dance halls, pool rooms, and lodge room are closed until further notice. Dr. Bristol, Maine’s Health Commissioner, notes Spanish Influenza has risen slightly in Maine, but is hitting Portland and Bath the hardest. Tuesday, October 1 On account of the epidemic of Spanish influenza and the fact that five students who arrived this morning were found to be afflicted with the disease, the opening of Colby College has been postponed for 10 days. Students whose homes are less than 100 miles from Waterville will return to their homes during that period. The remainder will be taken care of on campus. The Augusta Board of Health yesterday ordered all public schools, churches of every denomination, theatres, and the public library to be closed until further notice. Children shall be excluded from public streets unless accompanied by parents or proper persons in charge. The Portland Board of Health extended the public gathering orders to ban funerals. “I don’t know when I’ve been more angry,” said Chairman Epstein of the Lewiston board of health this morning, “than when I read in a local paper that there are 400 or 500 cases of influenza in these cities. We only have an official tally of 27.” As to the closing of the Lewiston theaters – this is a problem which does not affect Auburn, all of the theaters being in Lewiston. On the other hand, there are those who point out that general conditions in Portland and Bangor, where the theaters have closed, are not parallel with those in Lewiston. Portland and Bangor are essentially cities of homes, which are reasonably well heated. Lewiston is to a considerable degree a city of tenements – of individual rooms, occupied by factory workers who have no homes of their own. And nine out of ten of these rooms are not heated. With the theaters closed to them, what are they to do? It is a serious matter to them. And of course, sitting in unheated rooms at this time of year would mean the spread of many colds. Wednesday, October 2 By authority of officials of the two cities of Lewiston and Auburn, the schools, churches, theaters, pool rooms, dance halls, business college – everything but Bates College and the wage-earning industries – will be closed, beginning Friday morning, to prevent the spread of the influenza epidemic. This was decided at 3:15 this afternoon at a meeting in Mayor Lemaire’s Office. The difference of opinion regarding the theaters extended to the schools. Many advised that they be closed. But, others – including the school authorities – thought it better that they stay open. Children are much safer in school than in unheated tenements or on the street. Women Suffrage was beaten today in the U.S. Senate. By a vote of 53 to 31, the Senate failed to give the two-thirds majority necessary to adopt the resolution passed by the House submitting to the states the Susan B. Anthony suffrage amendment to the Federal constitution. Maine senators split their vote, with Fernald favoring and Hale opposing. Thursday, October 3
The Red Cross is mobilizing the nursing force of the City of Portland to help in caring for the many who have been stricken with the influenza. They urge those who have maids or other employees who are willing to go into homes to take care of the sick and manage the household affairs, to release them for this patriotic service. Friday, October 4th This has been arranged as a matter of precaution against spread of the epidemic. More beds are needed, also bed clothing, mattresses, etc. It is a busy spot down at the Elks Building in Lewiston, as a number of women are making gauze masks for physicians and nurses in the present influenza epidemic. The only way to stop the spread of the influenza is to close churches, schools, theaters, and public institutions in every community where the epidemic has developed, in the opinion of U. S. Surgeon General Blue of the Public Health Service.
In some states, the State Board of Health has this power, but in many others it is a matter of municipal
regulation.” Canvass your town thoroughly for women who will volunteer as nurses in the present emergency. It is not necessary that they be experienced or trained nurses. You can include women who have had practical experience in the home. Ask each if she can and will volunteer for nursing in this State or elsewhere at regular nurses’ wages with her traveling expenses paid…” Saturday, October 5th Then, the Federal Fuel Administrator sent word that such a lifting of the Sunday driving ban should not be taken, as conserving fuel is still an important war effort. Accordingly, Administrator Hamlen’s announcement was then rescinded. While this is the largest number so far reported in any one day, the physicians and health officials were not alarmed, for it was no more, in fact, less, than they had a right to expect from the weather conditions the day previous. With clear, cool weather and plenty of sunshine, it is expected the number of new cases will take
a downward trend. To further prevent the spread of influenza the closing order is hereby extended to include all indoor gatherings at churches and other places of public worship, all lodge meetings, society meetings, club meetings, such parts of building as used for pool rooms, billiard rooms, bowling alleys, and to prohibit the serving of ice cream, soda or other soft drinks so called in other than individual paper containers that cannot be used a second time. By Order of the Board of Health On Saturday morning the Lewiston Board of Health, followed by a conference with Mayor Lemaire in his office, decided it would make no effort to prohibit outdoor masses tomorrow by parishioners of the Catholic churches. Secretary Epstein, although acquiescing in the decision, expressed his personal opinion that there
should be no gatherings of any kind. With this view the mayor did not agree, and there was a half hour of discussion. Nobody seemed to know the exact extent of the local board’s authority, or just what it could do in the event of determining to forbid meetings of any kind. Finally Mayor Lemaire suggested: “Why not call up the State board?” A minute later they had Dr. Young, the State Board’s medical advisor, on the telephone. Mayor Lemaire listened for about five minutes and then said: “He believes this local board has authority to prohibit any public meeting, if it is thought for the best.” The mayor waited a minute and added: “It seems up to you, gentlemen. The representative
of the State Board says you have full authority.” Bar Harbor Times Editorial Is this new disease which has already killed hundreds and stricken thousands of our soldiers and civilians
a new German war offensive? If not, how did it happen that this epidemic appeared so suddenly
and extensively in such widely scattered cities and army camps throughout the country? Monday, October 7 Dr. Leverett D. Bristol, State Commissioner of Health, said this afternoon that the epidemic of Spanish influenza, in his opinion, is gradually increasing in the State, but not to an alarming extent. Evidence of the malady is brought more to the attention of the health department by the new ruling of the State Health Council approved by the Governor and Council, requiring doctors to report their cases to the local boards of health. In other words, there might have been 100 cases of influenza in a community which had not been reported until after the rules adopted by the Public Health Council had become effective. The Board of Health in Waterville has closed all places of amusement due to the epidemic of Spanish influenza. It was understood that on Saturday evening many from this city went to Fairfield, where the moving picture establishment and the pool rooms did a thriving business. No closing order has yet reached Fairfield, but it would seem apparent that Waterville people in doing such a thing would be endangering those they meet up there as well as themselves. The cars have not been fumigated. Tuesday, October 8 Justices of the Maine Supreme Court have fallen into line with other officials in the matter of combating further spread of influenza, by suspending or postponing the current terms of court. Governor Milliken, in a call to the people of Maine, Tuesday requested that every precaution be taken to prevent further spread of the influenza epidemic and included in his request the suggestion that all places of amusement be closed.
Dr. Bristol noted that most of the influenza cases in this state are traceable to people who have gone to Massachusetts, particularly to Camp Devens, and brought the germ of the disease back with them. The October meeting of the Rockland City Council is generally a prosaic affair, but last night’s session was interesting enough to stamp it as an exception. A. S. Black, president of the Maine Theatres, Inc appeared before the municipal officers to enter a protest against the closing of theaters, churches, and schools, when the board of health is apparently neglecting other places in which the dreaded influenza can gain a foothold. “There’s no middle ground,” said Mr. Black, “either the situation is serious enough for radical action, or it is not serious enough to warrant the steps which have been taken.” Mr. Black listed a number of places which had not been asked to close: public funerals, soda fountains, restaurants. “We’ll take our medicine with a smile, no matter how bitter the medicine is, “said Mr. Black, “but we won’t smile unless a fair deal is being given and all are being closed alike.” Thurdsay, October 10 Portland Editorial However, there are a number of places where not the slightest attention appears to be paid to these regulations. Beer saloons have been ignored. They are over crowded, glasses are shared and hardly washed, and men freely spit on the floor. Portland has a sanitary inspector and a restaurant inspector, both of whom are supposed to enforce the law and know thoroughly existing conditions. Someone is responsible for permitting these conditions to exist. Who is it? What is the reason for these places being freely open? For nearly three hours, late Wednesday afternoon, clergymen and physicians of Lewiston discussed the influenza epidemic and the vitally important question of whether or not the churches shall be required to close. Lewiston Mayor Lemaire called the meeting to order about 3:15 and very briefly told the purpose of it – to get at some understanding as to whether schools and churches should be closed or not during the present epidemic. He called upon the doctors and clergy to state their views. Two prominent figures in the meeting were Dr. Epstein, the Chair of the Lewiston Board of Health and
Monsignor McDonough, pastor of St. Patrick’s Church. Dr. E Not in that sense. The factories and mills are necessary to sustain life. Dr. E Certainly, they are essential in a sense, but not in the sense that mills and factories are essential. Dr. E I do not care to discuss that phase of the situation MMc Are mills and factories not dangerous? Dr. E Do I understand you would like to close the factories? MMc I believe there are no half-way measures – if you’re going to close public gatherings, I would close everything. Dr. E This epidemic is serious – influenza is a contagion and causes infection. MMc They say that you can’t close the mills. Why? Because they are essential. Some
of us believe the churches essential – very essential indeed. We should not be denied
the privilege of appealing to our Heavenly Father. Dr. E. MMcAnd, if I should open my church next Sunday, you might call in the police and close me up?” Dr. E. MMc Aftermath of Meeting It was believed that the Lewiston Board of Health would meet and take some decisive vote – but, according to its chairman, it didn’t. He said, when questioned by the Lewiston Evening Journal, that the board adheres firmly to its original
decision that all churches must close. When asked what the board will do in case of refusal,
the chairman refused to say another word. Mayor Lemaire feels that he has done all that he can do, as mayor, in the present situation. “I am not a member of the Board of Health, even ex-officio. I have worked all through for the best interests of the city, so far as my power went. I called three meetings of the physicians of the city, as I felt they, if anyone, would know best what to do. At every meeting the majority of the physicians has been in favor of closing.” “I do not know what the Board of Health can do, or will do. I presume they know their powers, but I do not. Speaking for myself, I do not see any great harm in the churches being open for short services Sunday, and this attitude I have held since the beginning. However, it is for the physicians and the Board of Health to say, not for me.” Friday, October 11 The Camden Congregational Church vestry has been converted to a hospital and is full of cot beds for the care of the sickness in town. Saturday, October 12 In Rumford it was decided to use McCarthy Hospital exclusively for influenza cases. An emergency hospital to care for additional influenza cases is being set up at the parochial building. The town will bear the expenses and be assisted by the Red Cross. The sisters in the convent are also working in the hospital. The Portland Board of Health today passed an order, which later was approved by Supreme Court Associate Justice Scott Wilson. The order provided for the closing of churches, theaters, and other places of public assembly in event of an epidemic or a threatened epidemic. Instructions to hold masses in all the Catholic churches of Portland were then rescinded today by
Bishop Louis S. Walsh The Bar Harbor Hospital, the isolated hospital, and the hall in the Odd Fellows’ Building, which was converted into an emergency hospital, are completely filled with patients comprised for the most part of men from the local naval reserve station. Monday, October 14 Local Lewiston and Auburn physicians are working practically day and night, while the number of people needing their attention steadily grows larger. Not only are the doctors overworked, but it is impossible to find help for affected homes where it is needed. Whole families are ill with the disease, with no one to care for them. All of the Catholic churches of Lewiston held indoor services yesterday, disregarding the closing order of the board of health. Out of door services were held by the Catholic church in Auburn, in compliance with a request of the
Auburn Board of Health. Portland Editorial Tuesday, October 15 The Red Cross in the Rockland area is playing a great part locally in fighting the epidemic. In addition to other work the women have been busy making gas masks, dish towels, holders, bed socks, stockings, and other articles for which there is great need in the afflicted homes. Besides this, young women go into the homes where sickness has prostrated the inmates and busy themselves washing dishes, cleaning the house, and doing many services for the sick. Similar work by these helpful young women is done also at the Knox Hospital, washing dishes, arranging trays for the sick, helping in the wards, etc. Through the Home Service department, soup and bread is furnished the sick in their homes. Here is shown in our midst what the Red Cross means in its thousand activities. Wednesday, October 16 Secretary Goldthwait of the Bangor Board of Health announced a total of 787 cases of grip in Bangor, although he noted that many cases are going unreported, given that only a few doctors are reporting. Eastern Maine General Hospital and private hospitals are now not able to accommodate many patients. Rev. Patrick J. Garrity, rector of St. John’s Catholic Church, is giving the use of the girls’ catholic high school, which will be able to care for about 30 additional patients. The Sisters of Mercy will care for patients at the school. Thursday, October 17 Dr. Bristol asked on Wednesday that $25,000 be appropriated from the emergency war fund, the state epidemic fund practically having been exhausted, and that the governor appoint a committee, representing the state health department, the U.S. Public Health Service, the Red Cross, and the Maine Committee on Public Safety to have control of the situation and fight the epidemic. Governor Milliken agreed, and appointed the Special Emergency Influenza Committee to take charge of the situation in the State. Friday, October 18 The State Prison in Thomaston reports 80 cases of influenza with eight deaths. The meeting at which the emergency hospital proposition took form was held in the City Council rooms Tuesday evening. Several physicians spoke in favor of the new emergency hospital, noting that getting the patients concentrated would help provide for their needs, including tending to their sickness, food, and clothing. Rev Fr. Flynn spoke strongly in favor of such a hospital, but insisted it be a non-denominational affair. The statement of a previous speaker that some of the city’s foreign residents might avail themselves of the privilege caused Fr. Flynn to speak warmly on behalf of those who are “considered good Americans on Liberty Loan Days.” In order to carry out the work set in motion by the general emergency epidemic committee of the state and to be prepared for combating the influenza in its district, the Augusta Red Cross has organized a special epidemic committee. Augusta Mayor Swift will have charge of procuring supplies. Mr. Viles will be in charge of nurses, canteen unit, motor unity, and volunteer nurses. Dr. Coombs will be in charge of supplying doctors and nurses, and is arranging for an emergency hospital. Mrs. Hichborn will be in charge of the collection and distribution of food. The committee’s work is headquartered in the Augusta Trust Bank building. “Thrift is a quality that has been most instrumental in shaping the destinies of men and nations. It is a historical precedent that a nation must be thrifty to be permanently powerful among the nations of the world. Yet, (with the World War and the prevailing epidemic), never before in the history of America was there such urgent need for thrift as at the present time.” From an essay by Carl Beal, of Philips in the Franklin Journal Saturday, October 19 The relief work movement, inaugurated by the Bangor Daily News Friday, of a volunteer force of helpers to those in distress on account of the prevailing epidemic had an immediate effect, many offers of assistance in various ways being received at Mayor Woodman’s office at City Hall during the day. Several women volunteered as nurses, while many others who could not engage in such work offered their
services to cook for those who need aid in that line, and others will give part of their time for cooking
and general housework. It is requested by Mayor Woodman, whose office is headquarters for the relief work inaugurated by the Board of Health and the Red Cross, that all physicians of the city report to his office the families which may be in distress. Monday, October 21 In accordance with an order issued by the Board of Health and approved by Associate Supreme Court Justice Scott Wilson, all of the churches in Lewiston remained closed Sunday on account of the epidemic of influenza. Out of door masses were held by the Catholic churches. A week ago all Catholic churches in Lewiston held indoor services, disregarding the health board’s order. The emergency hospital in Rockland at the Narragansett Hotel now has 40 patients. The Courier Gazette has been printing the needs for materials, and the citizens of Rockland have responded with great generosity. The articles called for especially were babies’ cribs, children’s night dresses, blankets, old linen, towels, sheets, and mattresses. Even the children of Rockland are doing their part, by sending their toys to the juvenile patients in the hospital. Tuesday, October 22 The Maine Anti-Tuberculosis Association issues this pertinent warning: “Spanish Influenza is undoubtedly due to lack of sunshine and fresh air, to dampness outdoors and in getting wet feet; and is spread by careless spitting, and by coughing and sneezing without covering the mouth. Therefore, the measure of our patriotism may be indicated just as truly by where we spit and how we cough or sneeze, as by the number of W.S.S we buy or Liberty Bonds we purchase. That which spreads influenza likewise spreads tuberculosis; and the methods of preventing the one are also effective with the other.” Thursday, October 24 The influenza situation at Swan’s Island is very serious. There are 260 cases out of a population of 800, and there have been 10 deaths. The only doctor on the island, Dr. Gage, is assigned to government duty, and has asked to be relieved of this duty so he can return to the island and care for the sufferers. Dr. Bristol, Maine’s Health Commissioner, states that in general, the influenza conditions are improving in this state, but small towns along the coast and Aroostook are very hard hit. The influenza situation in Portland has improved to such an extent that the board of health ordered the removal of the ban on public gatherings. There have been a total of over 8,200 cases of influenza reported there since September 24 with almost
200 deaths, but these records are incomplete, as many cases, especially early on, went unreported. The Canadian road is completely tied up. Shipments of pulpwood to various points to Maine are thus made impossible and the Canadian road is refusing B&A cars at the point. Saturday, November 2 The influenza epidemic which has caused so much suffering in Portland, has passed its climax, but it has left behind weakness and desolation. Many families which have always been self-supporting have lost their providers. Others are weakened by sickness so that they cannot at once resume their normal activities. Thursday, November 7 The epidemic of influenza has hit some Aroostook towns pretty hard. In Caribou, the Knights of Columbus Hall was opened as an emergency hospital, with materials kindly supplied by citizens. Caribou has been unfortunate to have so few physicians at this particular time, and the few available are working day and night. Monday, November 11 At 11AM on November 11th, 1918, World War I officially ended, as the Armistice is signed with Germany. Worldwide, 10 million died from the war, 20 million wounded. The “war to end all wars” or “the Great War” resulted in the League of Nations, but also to a new kind of warfare that harnessed the powers of air, chemicals, tanks, and artillery, which then laid the groundwork for World War II. Monday, November 18 Le Madawaska La main de Dieu s’est abattue sur notre population. Grand est le nombre des familles qui ont vu partir qui une mere, qui un pere, qui des freres, qui des soeurs. Les vides sont nombreux et le denil regne partout. Peu sont les familles qui n’ont pas ete eprouvees. Jamais un pareil fleau a visite notre pays. L’epidemie semble avoir ete apportee ici par un train de soldats venu de la Nouvelle-Ecosse. Le train parti avec un contingent de 500 (cinq cents) soldats tous en bonne sante arrive a Edmundston le 26 (vingt six) Septembre avec six soldats souffrant d’influenza. Tuesday, November 19 Dr. Bristol stated that he firmly believes new legislation is needed by which the State Department is given greater power, and he will urge this upon the legislature that sits in January. He said, “At the present time, the State Department has no authority that will permit it to assume charge of a situation such as has faced Maine during the past few months. All the work that has been done has been in assisting the local boards. A law should be passed that would given the State Department full power to handle an epidemic of any kind without interference from a local board. Additionally, a number of physicians and local boards of health have not done their duty in making
daily reports of disease.” Tuesday, December 3 The appalling ravages of Spanish Influenza in this country are perhaps best realized by the statement
recently made, that more deaths have resulted in little more than a month from this disease than our
whole participation in the battles of the European War. Aftermath of 1918 Epidemic Influenza waxed and waned in Maine throughout late 1918 and the first six months of 1919. The 1918 State Department of Health report states that Maine “was one of the first in the U.S. to take action requiring influenza to be reported by physicians to local boards of health, and by the latter to the State Dept of Health; and giving local boards of health authority to institute modified quarantine.” The Report goes on to describe the work of the Emergency Influenza Committee, convened by Governor Milliken.
The Committee worked in special offices set up in the Blaine Mansion.” Maine 1918 – Pandemic Impact in Maine In reviewing the 1918 and 1919 Maine Department of Health reports, the statistical impact of the 1918 Pandemic with Influenza on Maine is astounding: Between September 1918 and May 1919:
1918 Pandemic - National Impact
1918 Pandemic - Worldwide Impact
The impacts here in Maine on public health and health care were fairly immediate. For instance, in January of 1919, the Maine Department of Health wasted no time in having legislation introduced. Dr. Bristol appeared to have strong support, as virtually his entire proposal became law. For instance,
Maine 1918 Aftermath - Isolation Ward at MMC Maine General Hospital in Portland, now known as Maine Medical Center, built an isolation ward. Their 1918 annual report describes the conditions during the pandemic: “On September 19th appeared in the hospital the first case of Epidemic Influenza…We filled all available apace in the old unused amphitheater with influenza cases…No cases were admitted to the Hospital proper since strict isolation was deemed an advisable procedure. It was extremely difficult to do work with these extemporaneous facilities…This experience only accentuates the great need of the Hospital for a conversion of this building into isolation wards.” Maine 1918 - Emergency Medical/Nursing Corps The Maine Department of Health built an emergency corps of physicians and nurses, with the help of the Maine Medical Association. The Journal of the Maine Medical Association in October 1919 ran an editorial urging its members to volunteer for the emergency corps. By November, 1919, the Journal noted: “288 out of 1,175 physicians have already volunteered for emergency influenza work if the need should arise. If called up, they would be placed upon the payroll of the U.S. Public Health Service. In this way the State Commissioner of Health has in hand an emergency corps of physicians to throw into the field should the necessity arise for combating influenza in epidemic form…Dr. Bristol has obtained the promise from the American Red Cross to supply nursing service in such an emergency if needed, and the Red Cross has someone designated to direct such nursing work under Dr. Bristol’s supervision.” Maine 1918 Aftermath Improved Disease Surveillance Routine disease surveillance in Maine also improved as a result of the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, most disease reporting was in response to physicians needing assistance from the State Board of Health. After the pandemic, the State Department of Health urged routine reporting of certain diseases such as influenza for the purpose of tracking their spread. The Journal of the Maine Medical Association in November 1919 urged its members to report any cases of influenza to local boards of health, stating that 544 physicians had already agreed to do such reporting. Maine 1918 Aftermath Evidence Today of Pandemic – Bath There are small signs scattered across our state even today, leaving evidence of the impact of the 1918 pandemic. One example is in the Bath-Brunswick area. This city was more vulnerable to the impact of influenza because its population had recently doubled to nearly 20,000 as a result of wartime jobs in the shipyard. In a matter of weeks, Bath saw more than 3,000 cases of influenza. Although Bath had its own hospital, 4 additional makeshift hospitals were set up. For two weeks in mid-late October, all public gatherings were closed. Tagging of houses with white cards and red letters tacked to the doors warned people not to enter because of influenza in the household. As in other Maine towns, influenza outbreaks visited twice more over the coming months. Among those who succumbed to the infection in Bath were three nurses who volunteered to assist the city: Harriet Bliss, age 28, Alice Dain, age 29, and Adelaide Hogue, age 34. As evidence of the pandemic’s effects, a commemorative plaque still hangs today at MidCoast Hospital, in honor of these young women. Women’s Suffrage Some of the pandemic’s impact may not all be negative. The need for women during WWI and the pandemic may have contributed to the passage of the right of women to vote. Indeed, the U.S. Congress finally ratified the 19th amendment to the constitution, granting women the right to vote in the spring of 1919, just after both the war and the pandemic ended. Maine too finally ratified the 19th Amendment, but hit a bump in the road when it was suspended by a People’s Veto. However, by 1920, women in Maine and across the country were finally able to vote in a presidential election. Silent Epidemic The 36-year old Assistant Secretary of the Navy was carried off a troopship in September 1918, too
ill with influenza to walk. He recuperated for several weeks at his mother’s home. Fortunately,
for us, Franklin Delano Roosevelt went on to do other things in his life. How many others with
such great promise as FDR died in the pandemic we’ll never know – they never had a chance
to earn their fame. Lessons Learned
Questions Asked, Not Answered Still Today In addition to numerous lessons we can learn from Maine’s response to the 1918 pandemic, there are also some questions we are left with – some not fully answered. Monsignor McDonough’s question: “what is essential to community?” Do we know that answer today? If we were to close non-essential public gatherings today, what would they be? Schools? Churches? BIW? Restaurants? The Maine Mall? The Legislature? Who is most vulnerable in our communities today? Immigrants? The poor? Disabled? These questions and lessons from 1918 are with us today. And, that’s why today we are gathered – to ask questions, to learn together and move forward to improve our preparedness. |
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