Ban on Influenza Holds Until Oct. 26

From The Indianapolis News, Friday, October 18: Because of the “continued prevalence of the influenza epidemic,” the state-wide ban on all public gatherings will continue until October 26. The Indianapolis board of health established an opening time of 9:45 a.m. and a closing time of 6:15 p.m. for all retail stores in the Indianapolis downtown district, except groceries and drugstores, to reduce crowded conditions in the stores. Health officials have warned that the influenza-pneumonia epidemic has by no means slowed, and that everyone must take the greatest care if the progress of the disease is to be checked. Since the first of the month, a total of 3,690 civilian cases with 170 civilian deaths have been reported in the city. Persons who need to sneeze or cough should use handkerchiefs as the disease is communicated by promiscuous coughing and sneezing.

“Ban on Influenza Holds Until Oct. 26,” The Indianapolis News, 18 October 1918, p. 1:2

#onehundredyearsago #banonpublicgatherings #influenzaepidemic #SpanishFlu #publichealth #BoardofHealth #crowds

Red Cross Canteen Has Tent at Union Station

From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, October 17: A tent equipped to care for emergency cases of Spanish influenza which might arise among troops passing through the city has been erected at the Indianapolis Red Cross canteen at Union Station. The tent has a board floor, electric lights, two cots, and first aid supplies. Mrs. Harry Griffith is in charge of the Red Cross workers. The Indianapolis Union Railway Co is planning on building a room under the elevated tracks where the canteen can continue its service during the winter. (Mrs. Philomen) Genevieve Watson is in charge of the canteen. She organized the canteen service at Union Station in May with thirty-eight women volunteers. Since then, the number of women volunteering at the canteen has grown to seventy-five. The canteen corps will soon be wearing the Red Cross regulation winter uniform.

“Red Cross Canteen Has Tent at Union Station,” The Indianapolis News, 17 October 1918, p. 18:1

#worldwarone #RedCross #UnionStation #canteencorps #wareffort

French Heroes March in Indianapolis Streets

From The Indianapolis News, Monday, October 7: Clad in olive tinged khaki and carrying shouldered rifles with long bayonets flashing in the sun, a detachment of the French Foreign Legion, led by a mounted police escort and the Indianapolis Newsboys’ Band, marched through Indianapolis downtown streets this afternoon amid the tri-colors of France, the colors of the United States, and the applause of thousands of onlookers along the parade route. Earlier in the day, the legionnaires marched to Monument Circle and reverently raised their shinning bayonets in salute to the American flag and in respect to the heroes of 1861. Much of the welcoming ceremonies and entertainments prepared by the city’s reception committee were curtailed because of the health board’s influenza order against public meetings. The sixty-seven legionnaires are touring the country on behalf of the Fourth Liberty Loan campaign.

“French Heroes March in Indianapolis Streets,” The Indianapolis News, 7 October 1918, p. 13:1

#worldwarone #FrenchForeignLegion #parade #MonumentCircle #ceremony #influenzaepidemic #LibertyLoan