In October 1918, in the midst of a worldwide influenza pandemic, Asheville residents opted to wear medical masks as opposed to Halloween costumes.
Tag: 1918 influenza
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Asheville Archives: Death during the 1918 influenza and its lasting toll
“I think the Asheville I knew died for me when Ben died,” author Thomas Wolfe wrote in a 1929 letter. Wolfe’s older brother Ben perished on Oct. 19, 1918, from complications resulting from influenza.
Asheville Archives: City confronts the latest influenza outbreak, 1920
As 1920 began, so too did the city’s latest bout of influenza. An initial six cases quickly skyrocketed to 232. Once again, the city was confronted by a highly contagious virus that needed to be curtailed.
Asheville Archives: What residents learned in the immediate aftermath of the 1918 influenza
“I have no desire to frighten Asheville or to create any unnecessary alarm,” declared Dr. Carl V. Reynolds on Sept. 6, 1919. “But I do feel that the public should get a warning of the danger of failing to take steps to prevent a return of influenza here.”
Asheville Archives: Residents resist the city’s 1919 influenza safety measures
In January 1919, Buncombe County reported 141 new cases of the influenza over a 72-hour period. In response, Dr. Carl V. Reynolds, the city health officer, announced a new ban on social and fraternal gatherings. Displeased residents spoke out against the latest safety measures.
Asheville Archives: How wishful thinking helped spread the 1918 influenza
Throughout November 1918, local health officials and residents continued their efforts to contain the spread of influenza. But as December neared, the city seemed eager to get back to business as usual, despite the risks involved.
Asheville Archives: Exploiting the 1918 influenza
In 1918, as cases of influenza increased, local Asheville businesses sought ways to use the pandemic to increase sales.
Asheville Archives: Two gallons of whiskey and a pandemic
In the midst of the 1918 influenza, one local resident attempted to use the health crisis to aid his legal defense.