Five Weeks in October: Week Four

by Kimberly Lerch  |  Published: June 18, 2020

October of 1918, the fourth week.[1] At the beginning of last week, they closed the Urbana and, a day later, the Champaign public schools. The state stepped in and forced the closure of all non-essential businesses and any schools that did not have a nurse on-site. By the end of the week the state prohibited all meetings that did not pertain to the war (World War I). Induction of men into the service was postponed as the number of cases of flu across the nation continued to rise. So families, unable to go to work or to school, stayed home and waited for this to end. What else could they do?

All of the information used below was drawn from the Urbana Daily Courier archived in the Illinois Digital Newspaper Collections. The Urbana Daily Courier was printed once every Monday through Saturday by the Urbana Courier Co. in Urbana, Illinois. It carried major international and national stories, but concentrated on local stories on local county and city governments, crime issues, farm news, sports, and some university news, right down to the ‘personals’— a section that would list by name who was currently sick, receiving visitors, et cetera.

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Monday, October 21 – Railroad Efficiency Affected by Flu

 

Headlines in today’s issue include: “PLAGUE DEATH LIST IS GROWING,” followed by “EPIDEMIC SEEMS TO BE ABATING: LOCAL HEALTH SITUATION IS SOMEWHAT IMPROVED.”

 

Death List:[2]

As can be seen just from today’s ‘death list,’ the flu was spreading through the Big Four Railroad.[3] These lines traveled through the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan); the train employees would have disembarked and interacted with people in at least some of the locations their trains stopped.

The Big Four shops reported they were shorthanded because half of their employees were off work due to the flu. 121 of 283 men were out, 98 having the flu and the rest stayed home because at least one family member was suffering from the flu. Cars were sent to the shops for repair but weren’t being worked on because they didn’t have enough men to get the jobs done.[4]

 

“The children were going to bear the brunt of the scourge from now on…in spite of the schools… being closed.” October 21, 1918—local doctors on the epidemic

 

The number of cases estimated to be in Urbana on this date was 500. 23 Urbana residents had died from the flu since October 1; this does not include residents that died elsewhere. An estimated 35 Champaign resident died during the same time period.[5] That’s about one person dying every 9 hours from pneumonia or the flu.

Many suffered because there was no one to care for them; there weren’t enough nurses, and family members were sick at the same time. Lodges and churches tried to organize help for families left in this situation.It was reported that things on campus were improving; the number of cases were down by two-thirds.[6]

Hopeful news was heard from Camp Custer in Michigan. The number of pneumonia cases were down in the camp and the flu was reportedly almost totally wiped out.[7]

 

Tuesday, October 22 – Things Just Seem to be Getting Worse

The number of cases in the area was estimated to be close to 1,000.[8]

Four more people died yesterday: one in the barracks; one in an emergency hospital; Harry Henderson; and Earl T. Grobe, the 8-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ansil Grobe.[9]

 

“It is impossible to secure accurate data.” October 22, 1918—Board of Health

 

8-year-old Thelma Zerby, daughter of Rev. Guy Zerby died Sunday. Rev. Zerby’s mother arrived from Eureka to help care for the family. There were rumors that Mr. and Mrs. Zerby were also dead, but such rumors were spreading widely in the community; the rest of the family was improving.[10]

Three more Big Four employees were reported seriously ill with the flu. They all worked the line between Indianapolis and Urbana.[11]

Although there was a proclamation banning burning leaves, residents continued burning them. They were more concerned with the appearance of their lawn than the health of their neighbors, so police shifted from issuing warnings to arresting the smoky offenders.[12]

Recovered University of Illinois faculty members were back at work. It sounds like the University of Illinois did not stop instruction during this epidemic.[13]

An epidemiologist from Massachusetts provided a short story about an epidemic that spread through the Athenian army located in Sicily  in 415 BC. He let his readers know that the human race has lived through many epidemics for centuries. I’m guessing his message was shared to send the hopeful thought of “They got through it and so will we.”[14]

A report from Washington stated that the influenza was dying out in six states, but was spreading in 27.[15]

Bans on public gatherings due to the epidemic forced political campaigns to change their modus operandi. Several candidates running for office decided to run large advertising campaigns in newspapers and had their campaign workers stump in their local neighborhoods on politicians’ behalf.[16]

Peter Marazzo of Chicago, 36, killed his wife and four small children. He then killed himself by slashing his own throat. The police believed he was not in control of himself because of the flu.[17]

 

Wednesday, October 23 – If You’re Still Alive, You Can Go Shoot Pool Now

The epidemic death toll continued to rise. The people in Champaign county, not just those in Urbana and Champaign, began feeling the effects of the flu, as well.[18]

Death List:

Ansil Grobe, father of 8-year-old Earl Grobe (see October 22 entry), was sick with the flu. He was not told; folks were afraid the news would kill him.[19]

The ban on pool rooms was lifted, but police warned they would not tolerate fellows hanging about the premises. Owners of the billiard halls were instructed to shoo spectators away.[20]

 

“…but the authorities will guard against premature relaxation of vigilance, lest they have to do it all over again.” October 23, 1918—Dr. C. St. Clair Drake, Secretary of the State Board of Health

 

Though fewer new flu cases were occurring in the St. Joseph area,  there were still numerous serious cases.[21]

Mrs. Ethel M. Benson of Chicago shot and killed Gustave Kyberg, a boarder in her home. She claimed self-defense, declaring that he beat her and was about to beat her daughter. She believed that whatever took over Pietro (Peter) Marazzo’s mind (see October 22 entry) came over Kyberg.[22]

 

Thursday, October 24 – Will a Change in Weather Kill the Flu Germ?

 

“DEATH LISTS ARE APPALLING: NEARLY A SCORE MORE FATALITIES REPORTED,” October 24 1918—article title from this day

 

Death List:[23]

The weather forecast predicted rain soon, so the Courier ran an article on the weather and its possible influence on the influenza. Physicians and surgeons disagreed on whether the coming rainy weather would be good for the epidemic. According to the doctors, one positive of a good rain was that it would clear the air of dust particles; it was believed that the flu germs were in the air (in the airborne dust). Another positive was that a good rain would wash the streets and gutters; it was believed that germs lived in the gutter dirt. The negatives were: germs breed in moisture; germs breed in standing water; and cold, wet feet cause colds and make people vulnerable to catching the flu. One doctor announced that a cold snap would kill the germs. All agreed, however, that the rain would not help those currently sick with the flu.[24]

Although five “Big Four” men died last week from the flu, others recovered and the missing work dropped from 96 to 75.[25]

 

Friday, October 25 – Cortege of Names

Today’s Death List:[26]

The Courier counted 43 Urbana and Champaign residents that died from flu or pneumonia in the last 3 weeks. On October 21, the estimated number reported was 58 (see October 21 entry); someone at the newspaper must have gone back and double-checked their records.

Urbana and Champaign Residents Death List (to October 24):[27]

Fraternity activities were postponed because of the war, not the epidemic.[28]

The chrysanthemum show was not held because of war, as well.[29]

It seemed that no matter how many citizens were suffering and dying, the drives for war bonds from those same citizens never ended.[30]

 

Saturday, October 26 – Central Illinois Has Not Hit Its Peak Yet

Over the last day and a half, no one died from the flu or pneumonia in the area. New cases were still reported, but they were milder and those that were already sick seemed to be recovering. There was hope that epidemic was ending. Undertakers were still busy. Funerals had to be delayed. Services were short, simple, and private.[31]

School closures were extended through October 31. The local health authorities looked to the State Board of Health for guidance. Students were advised to keep up with their studies as much as possible. The board of education would eventually figure out how to make up for time lost because of the epidemic.[32]

University Baptist decided to offer one service on Sunday. Previously the university districts had not held them.[33]

Fraternities were allowed to have business, but not social, meetings in private rooms.[34]

The Women’s Committee of the National Council of Defense wanted to know who needed help; they asked for the names of flu victims needing help so that they could provide meals (at cost) for them.[35]

 

“I estimate that the state is approaching one million cases of Spanish Influenza.” October 26, 1918—Dr. C. St. Clair Drake, Director of the State Department of Public Health

 

The northern part of the state was said to be past its peak, and the quarantine would be lifted there in the next few days. The central section was said to be approaching its peak. The southern area of the state was expected to reach its peak within the next two weeks. Rural communities were hit hard.[36]

Churches were not officially closed, but the Department of Health recommended those that chose to hold services properly ventilate their buildings and remove anyone who coughed, sneezed, or spat.[37]

 

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Notes:

[1] For an overview of local events during the third week of October, see the previous post, “Five Weeks in October: Week Three.”

[2] “Death Plague List is Growing,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 2, October 21, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181021.2.3&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[3] “Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railway,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland,_Cincinnati,_Chicago_and_St._Louis_Railway. Accessed 6/13/2020.

[4] “Big Four Shops Badly Crippled,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 5, October 21, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181021.2.52&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[5] “Epidemic Seems to be Abating,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 2, October 21, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181021.2.16&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———

[6] “Epidemic Seems to be Abating,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 2, October 21, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181021.2.16&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[7] “Epidemic Abates at Custer,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 5, October 21, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181021.2.54&srpos=1&e=21-10-1918-21-10-1918–en-20-TUC-1–img-txIN-%22Camp%22——–.

[8] “See No Change in Local Situation,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.2&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[9] “See No Change in Local Situation,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.2&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[10] “Zerby Family Improving,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.2&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[11] “Big Four Men are Near Death,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 5, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.62&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[12] “Burning Leaves Torture the Sick,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.3&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[13] Faculty “Flu” Victims Return to Classes,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 2, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.27&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[14] “Influenza Epidemic as Far Back as 415 BC,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 2, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.29&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[15] “Influenza, Dying Out in 6 States, Worse in 27,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 4, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.44&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[16] “Influenza, Dying Out in 6 States, Worse in 27,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 4, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.44&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[17] “Delirious from “flu,” Kills Wife and Four,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 4, October 22, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181022.2.59&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[18] “Epidemic Death Toll Rises,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 23, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181023.2.2&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[19] “Father, Ill, Does Not Know Son is Dead,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 23, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181023.2.10&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[20] “Remove Ban on Pool Rooms,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 23, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181023.2.5&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[21] “Situation at St. Joseph Improved,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 5, October 23, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181023.2.63&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[22] “”Flu” Causes Another Killing in Chicago,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 5, October 23, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181023.2.60&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[23] “Death Lists are Appalling,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 24, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181024.2.2&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[24] “Will Have to Wait and See,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 2, October 24, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181024.2.17&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[25] “Big Four Men Resume Work,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 5 October 24, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181024.2.47&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[26] “Epidemic Takes Ten More Lives,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 25, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181025.2.2&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[27] “What Epidemic Has Cost Twin Cities,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1 October 25, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181025.2.7&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[28] “Would Postpone Social Affairs,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 25, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181025.2.7&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[29] “Would Postpone Social Affairs,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 25, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181025.2.7&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[30] “County’s Quota Fixed at $70,000,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 5, October 25, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181025.2.37&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[31] “Invasion of Death Checked,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 26, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181026.2.6&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[32] “Schools Will Remain Closed,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 1, October 26, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181026.2.6&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[33] “Will be One Service Sunday,” Urbana Daily Courier, page 1, October 26, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181026.2.6&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[34] “Urges That Fraternities Discontinue Meetings,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 2, October 26, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181026.2.13&srpos=3&e=26-10-1918-26-10-1918–en-20-TUC-1–img-txIN-rooms——–.

[35] “Report Needy Influenza Victims to Headquarters,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 2, October 26, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181026.2.15&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[36] “Will be Danger for Four Weeks,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 8, October 26, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181026.2.54&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.

[37] “Will be Danger for Four Weeks,” Urbana Daily Courier, p. 8, October 26, 1918, https://idnc.library.illinois.edu/?a=d&d=TUC19181026.2.54&e=——-en-20–1–img-txIN———.