Celebrating Lakewood's History - The Influenza Epidemic Of 1918 Hits Lakewood

Lakewood Hospital used the old Robert Rhodes estate (now Lakewood Park) for influenza patients

The Influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 killed as many as 100 million people worldwide. Far different from other influenzas, the Spanish Flu killed a large number of people between 16 and 40 years old. In excess of 5 percent of the people in the world died. Lakewood was also hit by the Spanish Flu outbreak. The local paper, the Lakewood Press, provided coverage of the epidemic, providing some insight into the city’s reaction to the virus.

The Lakewood Press included articles on the new high school building, scheduled to be opened on October 7, 1918. In the paper a “Warning to Public” appeared: “Persons suffering from any kind of a cold should remain indoors, should keep away from crowded assemblies, and should insist upon plenty of ventilation, both in their homes, stores, offices and street cars.” The same issue announced “Lakewood High Open with 1,000 Pupils.”

Just one week later, the spread of the flu resulted in “an order…closing places of public assembly in Lakewood for a period of one week at least.” Mayor Byron M. Cook signed the quarantine order, which affected at least 7,000 school children, who found the school doors locked on Monday morning. “All public gatherings are for the time being under police regulation, including dance halls, picture shows, theaters, night schools, lodges and assemblages of similar character. Lakewood Hospital is already filled to capacity and will be unable to care for but very few 'flu' patients.”

By October 31, the paper believed that Lakewood had “escaped lightly” during the epidemic. “The explanation may be found in the fact that our streets are wide and open, permitting free circulation of air, houses for the most part are separated, homes are provided with modern sanitary arrangements thus encouraging cleanliness of living. Personal hygiene is one of the most important factors in warding off the disease.” The Lakewood Press printed helpful advice, such as staying in bed at the first indications of symptoms, opening all the windows in the bedroom, “tak[ing] medicine to open the bowels freely,” eating nourishing meals, and protecting others “by sneezing and coughing into handkerchiefs or cloths, which should be boiled or burned.”

Lakewood celebrated the end of World War I with “tremendous enthusiasm.” They were also celebrating the lifting of the flu ban. Churches and other public assemblies reopened. Schools reopened on November 13, trying to overcome “the serious handicap” of the ban.

But, new bans were instituted in late November and December. On November 26, the schools voluntarily extended a fall vacation for an additional two weeks, planning to reopen on December 30, as “Public sentiment has practically insisted that the grade schools be closed.” The Chamber of Commerce pushed for a city-wide ban of large gatherings (including churches) due to a recurrence of flu cases. The city, although very reluctant to reinstate a citywide ban, did restrict the activities of children. A resident wrote that her father “wouldn’t let us go to church because of the flu. Children under six have to stay home—they are not allowed on the street or at picture shows.”

Eventually, the flu virus ran its course, but not until after months of worry, quarantines and overflowing hospital wards. By summer of 1919, the Spanish Flu was gone from Lakewood. For more information on the influenza pandemic, consult The Great Influenza: the Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History by John M. Barry.

The Lakewood Historical Society’s mission is to celebrate Lakewood’s past, educate the community and preserve information like this for future generations. The society relies almost entirely on volunteers and dues from society members to achieve this. In addition, the society is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Want to learn more about the Lakewood Historical Society, find out about upcoming programs or purchase items? Visit us at www.lakewoodhistory.org.

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Volume 6, Issue 8, Posted 8:06 PM, 04.20.2010