Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 10

“Six thousand, six hundred cases of Spanish influenza have been reported in the city of Hamilton since the epidemic first became prevalent, it was announced at the headquarters of the board of health today. During the past week, there were 462 cases reported, and 40 within the past 24 hours. There were six deaths reported within the same space of time. The scourge still shows no signs of abatement.”

Hamilton Spectator. October 19, 1918.

The bad news just kept coming, although it was thankfully leavened with stories of how Hamiltonians were responding to the needs of their fellow citizens.

As another indication of the conflict between Hamilton Medical Health Officer Roberts and the city’s physicians was a statement made by Dr. Roberts on the matter of wearing face masks:

“Dr. Roberts this morning came through with the statement that in his opinion the use of influenza masks so highly recommended by local physicians in public was not only useless, but probably harmful.

“ ‘A great many well-meaning people have been calling me up and asking me why don’t we introduce a rule that masks should be worn, the same as in Buffalo and in other cities. I will never make such a ruling,’ said Dr. Roberts. ‘The masks prevent the good old ozone from circulating through the nostrils and lungs, and that can do no good. I do not even say that using them at sick beds is not harmful. I merely say that I have no objection to them in such cases.’

“A number of Hamilton physicians are beginning to practice what they preach, and are appearing in public in their masks.”¹

¹ “6,600 Flu Cases Here Since Outbreak : Car Windows Open, Passengers Shivered ; Masks in Public Not Approved By M.H.O. : Are Useless and Probably Harmful”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 18, 1918.

Under the auspices of the Hamilton Medical Society, the city physicians made the following presentation as regards how Hamiltonians should be dealing with the influenza outbreak :

The Hamilton Medical association has given out the following statement :

“The Hamilton Medical society wishes to impress upon the citizens of Hamilton the absolute necessity for more stringent measures of protection than have yet been taken by individuals to prevent the spread of the epidemic of influenza.

“The physicians of the city have already exceeded the limits of safety in their efforts to attend to the sick. If the ranks of the physicians are depleted as a result of overwork and loss of rest, the community will suffer for want of medical assistance.

                   AVOID CROWDS

“Every effort, therefore, should be made to check the spread of the disease. It is evident that in this, as in many other diseases, there are people who are carriers of the disease; that is, that while they are themselves immune, they spread the germs among others.

“Therefore, too great care cannot be taken to avoid contact with other people, even those in apparent health.

                   USE OF MASKS URGED

“Do not go within four feet of any other person in a closed place without wearing a mask. Masks should certainly be worn in stores and street cars. Masks decrease the danger of inhaling the germs. The outside of the mask, therefore, becomes contaminated. Care should be taken to change them quickly and sterilize the used ones by boiling or ironing with a very hot iron.

“The mask is not a perfect protection, but it is of great assistance in warding off the disease. Its use, however, does not do away with the necessity for other precautions.

                    KEEP CLEAN

“Keep the face and hands clean by frequent washing. Never take food without previously washing the hands. Keep the hands from direct contact with the face and mouth.

“At the first evidence of infection, the patient should be put to bed and isolated from other members of the family. Both patients and attendants should wear masks. Patients should be kept warm and given hot lemonade or other hot drinks. A good dose of laxative, such as castor oil, should be administered promptly. Patients should not become alarmed at this stage, as rest and quiet are more important than medicines.

“If the above directions are followed, the disease may be kept within bounds and there need be no uneasiness if there is a short, unavoidable delay in securing the attendance of a physician.

“Convalescents must remain in bed for three days after the temperature is normal, in order to avoid serious complications and to minimize the danger of spreading the disease.”2

²“How You May Help Check ‘Flu’ Epidemic : Doctors of Hamilton Say More Stringent Steps Are Necessary”

Hamilton Herald.    October 18, 1918.

Medical Health Officer Roberts had issued an order that affected everyone riding in the city’s electric street cars :

 “ ‘They have been calling for better ventilation of the street cars, and now they are going to have it, good and plenty,’ said Dr. Roberts this morning, referring to the order that windows in the street cars should be opened on both sides. Patrons of the street cars this morning were given their first experience of the fresh air treatment, and came to the unanimous decision that the company might as well bring out the summer cars.

“George Waller, of the Dominion Power and Transmission company, called at the board of health offices this morning to see whether the company was allowed to keep the front vestibules of the cars closed for the benefit of the motormen.

“ ‘Our motormen would freeze at their posts if the windows weren’t closed,’ said Mr. Waller. ‘There is a great deal of discomfort through the order, but the patrons and employees are enduring without complaint.’²

There was a major depiction of what the local branch of the Canadian Patriotic Fund was doing to help the families of Hamilton soldiers serving overseas :

 “Something in the way of a record in the preparation of an emergency hospital has been created in the establishment of a completely-equipped 24-bed hospital of three wards at Ballinahinch, Upper James street, by the relief committee of the Canadian Patriotic fund.

“At noon on Tuesday, the chairman of that committee, A. H. Lovering, received from the trustees of the property permission to use it, free of rental. On Friday evening, everything pertaining to the needs of such an institution was in place, even to the sign on the gate, ‘Canadian Patriotic fund relief hospital. No visitors.’ To install water, gas, telephone, wash, dust and clean the extensive premises long unoccupied, provide range, kitchen utensils, glass, china and silverware, coal and wood, repair defective plumbing, provide beds and bedding for wards’ and assistants’ rooms, medical and surgical supplies, stationery, forms, charts, arrange for helpers, nurses and V.A.D.’s in 60 hours meant energy and much executive ability and co-operation on the part of many persons who,  working with enthusiasm, made the seemingly impossible task possible, and today will see some dependents of Hamilton’s men overseas, who have been the unfortunate victims of the existing epidemic, in exceedingly comfortable surroundings, in charge of trained nurses, who hope to bring them back to health through the prompt of their good friends, the Canadian Patriotic fund of Hamilton, the only branch of that fund which has in the present emergency undertaken the not inconsiderable task and expense involved. This relief hospital, which is for the reception of the dependents of men overseas or returned who are in the charge of the Patriotic fund only and who are suffering from Spanish influenza., is splendidly housed in the handsome and stately mansion for many years the home of the late Edward Martin, K.C. The former drawing room with a splendid southern exposure; the dining room and large living room, are fitted up as wards, the latter being provided with cots for little children. Twenty of the beds have been loaned by the militia department, together with the regulation bedding, which has been amplified by the local Canadian Red Cross society, which, with the Secours National, has stocked the linen room and supplied many ward necessities. The library is now the office of the nurse in charge, Miss N. P. Pegg, who has associated with her Mrs. H. G. Snow, Miss Mary Clark, Miss Galvin and Mrs. S. B. Thompson, all graduate nurses. Two bedrooms are fitted up for the nurses in residence, and a small isolate ward is also provided on the upper floor.

          “The kitchen and pantries will be in charge of Miss F. E. Garden and Miss Campbell, instructors in domestic science. The kindly response to the requests of Mr. Cyrus Birge, president, and Mr. Lovering, chairman of the fund, has been unanimous, ‘not one refusal’ being their report, and many volunteers, offers of assistance are filed for future acceptance. These gentlemen who have their given time to such a good purpose have obtained the necessary encouragement from the staff of nurses and assistants who have displayed exceptional and inspiring interest in the undertaking, and from those furnishing advice, assistance and the many and varied supplies.

“The officers of M.D., No. 2, Mrs. P. J. Myler and Mrs. W. A. Spratt for the Canadian Red Cross society, Miss Lovering, Mrs. Whitton, Mrs. Birge of Secors National, the Green furniture company limited, the Right House, James Crawford, Benson Johnson Limited, Reid Press limited, Drs. W. F. Langrill and Huerner Mullin, Mrs, G. Gilles and others have been of most material help and were in a large measure responsible for the general result.

“The Queen’s Canadian hospital committee have sent to Mr. Lovering a donation of $50 to cover extraordinary expenses and Mrs. Spratt and the other mentioned organizations have assumed responsibility for various needs, while the hospital exists.

 “The Hamilton Medical association will provide an advisory committee, and with the nurses and Mrs. AR. Hendrie, Misses F.E. Barker, Leslie Sutherland, Geraldine Grantham, Miss Rousseaux, Miss Husband and other V.A.D.’s the welfare of patients would seem to be assured. Should the epidemic spread amongst the class for whom this splendid emergency hospital has been created, the gentlemen responsible for its opening and equipment will have given a further and substantial evidence of the capabilities of the relief committee of Hamilton Patriotic fund, and will have done a great good for those in their charge. The expense of supplies and maintenance, which will be considerable notwithstanding, voluntary service of the assistants and nurses will be borne by the patriotic fund.”³

³ “Hospital Was Fitted Up in Record Time : Ballinahinch Now Ready For ‘Flu’ Patients : Twenty Beds Loaned to the Militia Authorities : Advisory Committee From Medical Council”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 19, 1918.

Finally, a series of brief items from the day’s news on the influenza front:

 “A meeting of the board of health was held this morning, at which plans were made for the organization of a local branch of the Ontario Emergency Voluntary Health auxiliary, which has been authorized by the provincial board of health. It was decided to hold an organization meeting at the city hall on Monday afternoon at 4 o’clock, at which all citizens who have the interests of the public health at heart are asked to attend. It was stated that the meeting does not come under the prohibitions of the board of health, as it is directly incidental to the stamping out of the disease.

“Controller Jutten returned from Toronto yesterday, having completed arrangements for the improvised ambulance to take patients to the hospitals. The controller first borrowed a Ford chassis, and went to Toronto where he purchased a body. The ambulance will be in use on Monday.

“The Jockey club temporary hospital will be opened on Monday, according to T.H. Pratt, chairman of the hospital board. Arrangements are being made for the placing of a good nursing staff at the institution.

 “Among many other pathetic cases of distress reported at the board of health office was one this morning in which a whole family was suffering from the influenza. Arrangements were made for the relief of the family.

“The school at the Beach was closed yesterday until further notice. The sandstrip has remained fairly free from the epidemic and no cases have been reported among the school children, but the authorities decided that it would be well to close the school as a precaution.

“There are at present nearly sixty cases in St. Joseph’s hospital and one death occurred this morning.”³

Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 9

 “Seven deaths, and 64 new cases reported to the medical health officer, was the toll of the Spanish influenza during the past 24 hours. There was little or no sign of the abatement of the scourge, and cases of distress were pathetically numerous.”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 18, 1918.

Day after day, the news on the influenza epidemic seemed to be alarming. The man at the eye of the hurricane as regards public response to the situation was Hamilton’s Medical Health Officer:

“The medical authorities are taking heroic measures to stay the epidemic. Dr. James Roberts, medical health officer, is the busiest man in Hamilton today. The chief step taken today was the securing of the Hamilton Jockey club hotel, corner of Barton and Ottawa street, for an emergency hospital. These premises had been rented by the East Hamilton branch of the Great War Veterans’ association as a club house, but when the board of health approached the veterans this morning, they gladly gave the place over to be used as a temporary hospital. But a few beds are left in the other institutions.

“The new hospital will be used as much as possible for cases from boarding houses and hotels, it being planned to keep patients at their homes as much as possible.

“Every nurse available, even with only partial training, is being pressed into service to attend victims of the scourge.”¹

¹   “Seven Deaths, 64 New Cases of Influenza : Jockey Club Hotel As Temporary Hospital : Beds in Other Institutions Reported Filled : Where Possible, Patients Will Be Kept at Home”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 18, 1918.

The problems that Dr. Roberts had to address in the health emergency could not only be addressed by providing additional accommodation :

“Whole families reduced to complete helplessness through the influenza was a sad feature of the cases reported during the past twenty-four hours. Last night, two doctors came to the board of health and asked for authorization to remove three entire families suffering from the disease to the hospital. One of the families was huddled in a garret.  In this case, Dr. Roberts ordered removal to the institution, but in the other two, they were kept in the homes and nurses were dispatched to attend the sick and take care of the house. This form of procedure is now being adopted in the case of whole families being stricken, as no more families can be taken in the hospital.

          “While stating that at present no further restrictions, further than those announced in the proclamation yesterday were contemplated, Dr. Roberts this morning emphasized that the board of health would take more drastic measures if it saw fit.”

“The recommendation that masks be worn at theaters and at other public assemblies pending the official closing on Monday apparently does not meet with much favor, said Dr. Roberts. At the theatrical performances, the ‘flu’ masks were distinctly unpopular, he said. In cities across the border, a person subject to the disease, who appears even on the street without a mask, is liable to a fine.”¹

In the matter of whether the wearing of masks was a necessary part of fighting the spread of the spread of the epidemic, the opinion of Dr. Roberts was not the opinion of the city’s physicians:

 “Dr. W. F. Langrill, as well as many other medical men, is strongly in favor of wearing masks while in contact with patients who are afflicted. The doctors also insist that the patients wear masks while they are working over them. The most efficient mask to wear, Dr. Langrill says, is one made of three plys of butter cloth, 6 by 8 inches, with a tape at each corner, so as to tie it over the ears and around the neck, covering the entire face with the exception of the eyes.” ²

²“Organizing to Combat the ‘Flu’ Outbreak : Veterans Will Turn Over Club House for Hospital Purposes : Many New Cases Reported and Six More Deaths Recorded”

Hamilton Herald.    October 18, 1918.

The city physicians were working as hard as humanly possible in the face of the crisis:

“Doctors of the city are working to the limit of endurance. One medical man, spoken to by a Herald reporter last evening, stated that he was handling over 100 cases of ‘flu’ and that the number was on the increase. Some doctors are of the opinion that whisky is a good thing, while others describe it as ‘A whip on a tired horse,’ that has no lasting effect, and gives the patient no reserve energy. The ‘flu’ cases are being treated much as the grip. They state that the ‘flu’ as a sickness is not a serious one, but is very serious when complications set in.”²

In other developments, the Spectator reported that the matter of the ban of church services was drawing different responses from different churches:

“Rev. Canon Daw, rector of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, and Rev. W. P. Robertson, rector of the Church of St. Thomas, waited upon the board of health this morning for further particulars as to the ruling of the board on meetings of less than 25 persons. The clergymen were hoping to arrange for small church meetings of less than 25, but Dr. Roberts stated that the provisions of the latest enactment that no such meetings be held, would have to be enforced.

“Rev. Dr. S. B. Nelson, pastor of Knox church, announced this morning that his church would be closed on Sunday, in spite of the fact that the official order does not come into effect until Monday.

“ ‘If public meetings are a means of spreading the ‘flu’ on Monday, they surely must be on Sunday,’ said Dr. Nelson. ‘Therefore, we are closing in the interests of the public health.’

“It is thought that other churches may follow the example.”¹

The issue of the Hamilton Public Library and the epidemic was reported upon :

“The medical health officer this morning after consultation with the librarian, decided that it was necessary to close the library on Saturday, as large crowds were in the habit of gathering there. The doctor stated that he was of the opinion that the library was a good thing and should stay open on other days, if possible, as some sort of amusement must be given people whose sources of entertainment were taken away by the closing order. He also stated that books, should they contain a germ, would not carry it for very long as the germ would soon die.”²

In response to the emergency, it was decided to call for a special meeting of the local branch of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire:

“Mrs. P. D. Crerar has called a meeting of the ten chapters of the Daughters of the Empire tomorrow morning at the Y.W.C.A. to form committees to assist the nurses working on ‘flu’ cases. Nurses report that in many of the homes they go to the residents have not proper material with which to make nourishing food. In order to assist this situation, the Daughters of the Empire will open soup kitchens and supply to the poorer homes comforts and other necessaries. A transportation committee will be formed, which will endeavor to get a corps of motors to deliver the baskets. The board of education has been asked to give the use of the domestic science department at the Caroline street school for a kitchen.”²

          Progress had been on the conversion of the handsome residence, Ballinahinch into a relief hospital:

          “The Canadian Patriotic fund’s relief hospital, Martin homestead, South James street, will be available Saturday for dependents of overseas men, who are in receipt of allowance from the fund, who may be sent by their physicians suffering from the present epidemic of Spanish influenza. The verification of the person’s name on the fund list and previous arrangement with the nurse in Charge, Miss Pegg, are the only requisites necessary for entrance while the beds are available. The hospital telephone is Regent 3877, and further information may be obtained from W. H. Lovering, chairman of relief, telephone Regent 6850-6851.

“As there will be no resident physician in this hospital the patients will be required to arrange with their own physicians for attention.”

Finally the Herald of October 18, 1918 carried the following brief items related to the Spanish Flu matter:

 “Undertakers are observing the private funeral order, and in cases where a person has died of ‘flu’ have refused to take the body to a church. Other regulations are being observed very closely by them.

          “The city hospital, as well as St. Joseph’s, is so crowded for room that they have been forced to use the corridors for patients. Only very serious cases of ‘flu’ are admitted under any circumstances. The city hospital has 68 cases and the mountain hospital 28.

 “A number of cases of Spanish ‘flu’ are said to be in the Hamilton asylum. It was stated that the hospital nursing staff there was working day and night due to a shortage of help. It is also reported the house nursing staff was very short-handed, due to sickness. Several deaths have occurred there in the last few days.”²

The Spanish Influenza epidemic had a victim who proved to be complicating problem for, but a problem cleverly addressed :

         

 “Arrested last night by the Dominion police on a charge of failing to carry his passport, Nick Garain, a Dundas foreigner, collapsed when brought into police headquarters. ‘He’s got the ‘flu,’ guessed Detention Room Officer Finlayson. ‘I don’t want to expose my other guests in there (pointing to the cells to infection, so we’ll have to get him out of here.’ So Nick was taken to the hospital, where an examination that Constable Finlayson’s surmise had been correct.”³

³“Had ‘Flu’ : Prisoner Collapsed at Police Station ”

Hamilton Herald.    October 18, 1918.

Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 8

October 17, 1918 was yet another day in Hamilton when the effects of the Spanish Influenza epidemic was causing concern in the city.

At the session of the Hamilton Police Court, Police Magistrate Jelfs initiated his own ban as a result of the epidemic :

 “A crowded police court this morning, packed to the doors with foreigners, some of whom were coughing and sneezing, caused Magistrate Jelfs to order the court cleared of everyone who had not been summoned to be present. At the same time, he issued instructions that, while the epidemic of Spanish influenza continued to ravage the city, the doors of the court were to be kept locked and only those who had business in the court were to be admitted.

“ ‘Chief,’ instructed the magistrate, ‘put that man out. That man in the second row. He’s got a bad cough and has no business in here.’

“ ‘It’s not fair that so many people should be allowed to congregate in this court room when such a serious epidemic is playing havoc in the city. I want the doors locked in the future so that this will not occur again.

“ ‘We try to conduct the proceedings here quite openly and in fairness to the public, but in times like this we must take precautions. As long as we have an able press to report what is done in this court, I see no reason why the place should be packed to the doors every morning.’ ”¹

¹ “Cleared Police Court Today : Chief Shooed Sneezing Foreigners Into Open : Only People With Business Admitted : Precaution Taken On Advice of Magistrate”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 17, 1918.

In other news, the increased demand for liquor as a result of the epidemic caused a problem :

 “Just to what length Hamiltonians are prepared to fight the epidemic is evident by the fact that the government liquor dispensary on Charles street actually ran out of imperial quart bottles yesterday. There were lots of the wine measure quarts and imperial pints in stock, but it would seem from the conversation of the prescription holders that nothing less than a full imperial quart of booze is of any value as a preventive or cure for the ‘flu.’

“ Rather than miss the chance of getting every last drop their prescriptions entitled them to, many customers took a chance of getting the ‘flu,’ or dying of it and waited until today for the new supply of imperial quarts which were rushed to the dispensary.

“Inspector Sturdy stated this morning that many doctors who hitherto had steadfastly refused to issue liquor prescriptions, were now giving their ‘flu’ patients orders for whisky. He considered that the privilege was not being abused and that it would not be right for him to intervene at a time like this.”²

² “More Victims of Influenza : Dispensary Cleaned Out of Quart Bottles”

Hamilton Herald.    October 17, 1918.

Several Hamilton nurses, who had travelled to Boston to help flu victims in that city, where the epidemic had manifested itself earlier, were on their way back to Hamilton as nurses were desperately needed:

“Dr. Roberts this morning received a wire from Boston stating that eight of the nurses who had been dispatched to Boston at the early stages of the outbreak of the epidemic had already left for Hamilton, and it was stated the rest would follow in a few days. The nurses who were on their way are Misses Longly, Levy, Waddell, Galbraith, Ferry, Finn and Witthun. Two of the Hamilton party are convalescing from attacks of the ‘flu.’ Dr. Roberts wired asking for the return of the nurses on Monday.”

¹ Hamilton Herald. October 17, 1918

At the same time, steps were being actively taken assemble enough volunteers to assist in helping flu victims :

“So far twenty women have volunteered to Mrs. Harry Carpenter for service under the banner of the Canadian Emergency Nursing league, and in the course of another day, arrangements will be made for the opening of a lecture course by physicians, when a local branch of the league will be formed. Any woman who will volunteer for this work, in case her services are required, is requested to communicate with Mrs. Carpenter at Regent 2333.”¹

The Hamilton Board of Health’s ban on public gathering received some reaction when representative of the city’s faith and entertainment communities made representations to the board :

“Board of Health Stick to Monday Closing Order : After More Discussion Decides to Let Things Run Till Then : Eight More Deaths Have Been Reported Since Yesterday”

Hamilton Herald.    October 17, 1918.

(PARTIAL)

“Local preachers and theatrical managers met Dr. Roberts and representatives of the board of health in the city hall last evening to discuss the closing order, and decided that the order was not a correct one, and that it would do more good to allow gatherings until that date.

“Several of the ministers stated that the churches were needed and should not be closed. One stated that he had a children’s meeting Sunday and did not want it interfered with by the order being enforced now. Rev. Dr. Banks Nelson was in favor of an immediate closing and talked with considerable force on the subject.

                   READY TO CLOSE UP

“The theatrical men stated that they did not oppose closing and would do anything possible to assist the board of health in any stand it might take. Manager Turner of Loew’s theater stated that he would be pleased to have his theater used as a place of mass meetings where the health officer and his staff could explain to the public the necessity of caution and how to protect themselves, if there was a way to do so.

“It was the general feeling at the meeting that if the schools were kept open, as well as churches, etc., where short speeches on the prevention of Spanish ‘flu’ could be given, it would do more good than closing at once and leaving the general public in the dark as to what it was all about.

“One theater manager stated that there were masses of people who could not read or write, and the only way to reach such people was by word of mouth. He stated that there was no question of a large number of cases among these people and they hardly knew what it was. They just considered themselves sick and not afflicted with the disease which is now raging.”²

² “Board of Health Stick to Monday Closing Order : After More Discussion Decides to Let Things Run Till Then : Eight More Deaths Have Been Reported Since Yesterday”

Hamilton Herald.    October 17, 1918.

The ban, although decided upon at the Board level, required an official proclamation by the City of Hamilton:

 “ This morning the chairman and medical officer of the board of health prepared a rough draft of the proclamation which is being published today, in regard to preventive measures for dealing with Spanish influenza, and tonight the city solicitor will put the final touches on it and have it conform to the statues. In this proclamation, which will be published in the newspapers, and printed on hangers in several languages for displaying in the industrial district and in factories, it is ordered that all theaters, schools, seminaries, dance halls, billiard and poolrooms, and other places of public gatherings, be closed. Public gatherings, it was explained by Dr. Roberts, will include football or other athletic affairs in the open. This clause will also the holding of religious services in the open air, on church grounds, such as was done by one denomination in Brantford, and which action was under consideration here by some clergymen.

“The proclamation will also prohibit the use of a common towel or drinking vessel, and that not more than four passengers shall be admitted to an elevator in any building at one time.

         

“A sweeping order will be issued to the traction companies, calling for the keeping open not only of the ventilators, but all the windows on one side of all the street cars and suburban cars. It is reported that the conductors on most of the city cars have respected the board of health’s request to keep the cars well-ventilated, but some of the cons. on suburban lines have totally ignored the instruction issued. A passenger on the Dundas car last night called attention to the conductor that no ventilators were open in the main body of the car which was fairly well-filled, and he stated that he knew nothing about any ventilation instruction and anyway he ventilators were out of order. With a view to forcing many workers to walk for their own safety and preventing crowding one the cars, at certain hours, a stop order covering certain periods of the days will be issued. To facilitate retail business in the heart of the city by women who live some distance out, it is again suggested that as many as possible do their buying in the morning hours, when the stores and the cars are patronized least.

“The proclamation may not be the final one issued by the board, Dr. Roberts stated this morning. Further prohibitive orders will be issued if the board considers it wise to do so, he stated.”³

³ “Cars Must Travel With Open Windows : Stop Order Will Be Enforced, If Necessary, at Certain Periods of the Day : Only Four Persons Allowed in Elevator at Same Time  - Other ‘Flu’ Restrictions”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 17, 1918.

While the Hamilton Medical Society had put together its thoughts on how to cope with the epidemic, the Hamilton Board of Health did the same and issued the following :

 “The board of health today issued the following bulletin “

Avoid contact with other people as far as possible, Especially avoid crowds indoors, in street cars, theaters, motion-picture houses and other places of public assemblage.

Avoid persons suffering from ‘colds,’ sore throats and coughs.

Avoid chilling of the body or living rooms below 65 deg. Or above 72 deg. F.

Sleep and work in clean, fresh air.

Keep your hands clean, and keep them out of your mouth.

Avoid expectorating in public places, and see that others do likewise.

Avoid visiting the sick.

Eat plain, nourishing food and avoid alcoholic stimulants.

“Cover your nose with your handkerchief when you sneeze, your mouth when you cough. Change handkerchiefs frequently. Promptly disinfect soiled handkerchiefs by boiling or washing with soap and water.

Don’t worry. Keep your feet warm. Wet feet demand prompt attention. Wet clothes are dangerous and must be removed as soon as possible.

                   WHAT TO DO FOR INFLUENZA AND COLDS

Oftentimes it is impossible to tell a cold from mild influenza.

Therefore :

If you get a cold, go to bed in a well-ventialted room. Keep warm.

Keep away from other people. Do not kiss anyone. Use individual basins, and knives, forks, spoons, towels, handkerchiefs, soap, wash plates and cups.

Every influenza patient should go to bed at once under the care of a physician. The patient should stay in bed at least three days after fever has disappeared and until convalescence is well established.

The patient must not cough or sneeze except when a mask or handkerchief is held before the face.

He should be in a warm, ventilated room.

There is no specific for the disease. Symptoms should be met as they arie.

The great danger is from pneumonia. Avoid it by staying in bed while actually ill and until convalescence is fully established

“The after effects of influenza are worse than the disease. Take care of yourself.””³

³ “TO AVOID INFLUENZA”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 17, 1918.

Finally, the editorial page of the Spectator carried advice to all Hamiltonians in light of the epidemic:

“The closing of the schools, churches and theaters, after Sunday next, and the issuing of special permits for gatherings of over thirty people, together with the alarming forecast of the doctors, emphasizes in the most impressive way the seriousness of the epidemic which is raging in our city. There has been a reluctance to take this drastic step, but since advice and solicitation have been unavailing to keep people from public assemblies, no other course was open. The disease must be curbed by every possible means.

“The formation of the Ontario Emergency Volunteer auxiliary, for the purpose of coping with the influenza epidemic, is an excellent movement in harmony with the spirit of these times of unselfishness and sacrifice. The object is to give these women workers a hurried training to fit them for the duties they will be called upon to perform. These women – S.O.S., or Sisters of Service – will act as volunteer assistant nurses, or go into the homes and nurse influenza patients. Mrs. Henry Carpenter will organize the local branch immediately

“It should not be necessary to warn all who are at present exempt to avoid every possible risk of infection. Plenty of fresh air, sunshine and wholesome food, and the shunning of crowds, are the best preventives of the complaint. Above all, co-operate in every with those who are striving to fight the scourge; heed the advice and obey the instructions given.”⁴

⁴ “Fighting Influenza”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 17, 1918.

Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 7

In the Hamilton of 1918, the three daily newspapers, The Hamilton Herald, the Hamilton Times and the Hamilton, usually issued two editions. An early edition hit the streets at the break of day, while shortly after noon afternoon editions hit the street. If there was something important that required an immediate update, extra editions would be issued, usually with only minor alterations to the front page.

          On October 16, 1918, the Hamilton Herald updated its account of how the Hamilton Board of Health was dealing with the Influenza epidemic.

The Herald reporter covering the meeting recounted a major decision arrived at by the board and a message delivered to board members from a representative of the Hamilton Board of Trade, stating its intention to support the decision :

“The board of health this morning passed a resolution and issued a proclamation to the effect that on and after Monday, October 21, all public gatherings of any nature at which there will be an attendance of twenty-five people or more, be cancelled.

“T. L. Brown, secretary of the board of trade, appeared before the board and presented the following resolution, which was passed at the meeting last evening : ‘Resolved, that we firmly believe, in the interest of public health and safety, that all schools, churches and public places where gatherings congregate should be closed for two weeks, and that we are prepared to support the medical health officer in that attitude.’

“This will include churches, schools, theaters, and all gatherings in public buildings. Dr. Roberts also instructed that all funerals be private. He stated that this order would be carried out if it took the whole police department to enforce it, and has issued instructions to Chief Whatley to see that the board’s orders are carried out. The order dealing with private funerals means that every funeral, whether it be as the result of ‘flu’ or not, be held privately.

“Norman Clark, chairman of the board, stated that they would experience no difficulty in closing the theaters, as the managers were agreeable.”¹

¹“Will Close All Public Places Next Monday : Board of Health Ruling Applies to Schools, Churches, Etc. : No Gathering of More Than 25 Persons Allowed Anywhere”

Hamilton Herald.    October 16, 1918.

Another representation was made to the Board of Health by a Hamiltonian willing to contribute in the fight against the epidemic:

 “Mrs. Harry Carpenter appeared before the board and asked for its co-operation in forming a Hamilton branch of the Ontario Emergency Volunteer auxiliary, to train young women in the art of nursing to such an extent as to fit them to nurse ‘flu’ patients, should they be needed. It was explained that lectures would be given the young women, and while they would not be paid for the time occupied in taking the course, they would be while employed as nurses. The wage suggested was $2 a day with maintenance. The board passed a resolution supporting Mrs. Carpenter in the forming of the auxiliary and giving her any reasonable finances.”¹

The extra edition of the nHerald carried a full account of a meeting the previous evening, a meeting the other papers had not sent a reporter to cover. It was at the Hamilton Board of Trade office where the Hamilton Medical Health officer had been asked to attend.

Details of the ever-widening rift between the Hamilton physicians and the Hamilton Board of Health, particularly Dr. Roberts:

 “Controller Jutten explained that the board had not been criticized and was dealt with fairly at the meeting by the board of trade, but stated the doctors did criticize, and thought that everything should be closed. The board of trade, he said, had offered to put cars at the disposal of the board of health, take over clerical work and assist in any possible manner. The most serious criticism of the doctors, he said, was to the effect that the board of health up to the present time, had done well in handling the situation, but the time had come for it, in their opinion, to take more stringent methods. They strongly recommended the closing of school.

“Dr. Roberts said : ‘I don’t want to get out from under the burden of responsibility. Because we close the schools, we cannot sit back, and say we have done everything possible. We cannot make a grandstand play and then do nothing. I looked into the statistics of 500 cases of the ‘flu’ and have found that only 20 per cent of that number were children at school. I do not see where the medical men can say that the larger number of cases are among children. We must continue to do everything possible to check the advance of the epidemic, and to carry the full burden of responsibility. No effort is too great for this department to undertake to help the situation.”

“The doctor then moved that the resolution be passed to close all public gatherings.

“T.L. Brown suggested that meetings where twenty-five would be present, should secure a permit from the health officer, and that he use his own judgment in granting the permit.

“The board pointed out to the doctor that it thought he would be justified in changing his mind and closing the schools if he thought such action was necessary.”¹

The Hamilton Herald also updated its editorial on the Board of Health decision:

 “Today the board of health decided in favor of the policy of fighting the ‘flu’ by closing all the city schools, churches, theaters and other places of amusement, forbidding the assembling of numbers in excess of twenty-five, and ordering that all funerals must be private.

“Now if this policy be necessary in order to check the progress of the epidemic, it ought to be put in force immediately. But with singular ineptitude, the board of health decides that the order shall not come into effect until next Monday, the delicious reason for the delay being that both the city solicitor and the city clerk are out of the city and there is nobody at home who can be trusted to draw up the proclamation.

“Dr. Roberts, M.H.O., moved he resolution for adoption of the closing down policy. Apparently, in doing so, he did not give effect to his own judgment, for he has been saying all along that it would be a great mistake to close the schools, because, in his opinion, the children are better looked after in the schools  and less liable to contract the disease there than at home or out on the streets. The action he took appears to have been taken under pressure from the doctors. It should be stated that the opinions and action of the health authorities in many of the cities on this continent do not support the policy which our medical officer of health has favored up to the present, for they have enforced even more drastic preventive measures than those which were decided upon here today.

“Perhaps when the time comes for the enforcement of the board of health’s order, it will be unnecessary to enforce it, for the epidemic by that time may have run its course. It came upon us suddenly, and it is likely to end as suddenly.”²

²  “The Closing Order”

Hamilton Herald.    October 16, 1918.

Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 6

 “Up to noon today, thirty-four new cases of Spanish Influenza were reported to the office of the board of health, but only one death from the disease has been announced since yesterday, although a number of patients are reported to be in precarious condition.”¹

¹ Hamilton Spectator.    October 16, 1918,

The afternoon editions of both the Hamilton Spectator, on October 16, 1918, carried the latest information on the influenza, and the news was important to know about, but difficult to learn about given how bad the situation had deteriorated.

Among the most needed individuals to cope with the effects of the deadly ‘flu’ were the members of the local medical community who were putting themselves at risk:

“At least a dozen members of the medical fraternity are laid low with the prevailing disease, and the lives of Dr. Gooch and Dr. Woodall, both of King street east, are despaired of by the doctors in attendance.

“Dr. Roberts explains, however, that the number of cases reported from day to day do not tell the whole story of the ravages of the epidemic by any means, as some of the doctors are so busy that they have not taken time to make reports to his office. Some of the doctors, at the present time, are working 18 and 20 hours a day, and have scores of patients to see daily or oftener.”¹

¹   “Influenza Still Taking Serious Toll in This City : Thirty-Four New Cases Reported Today : But Doctors are Too Busy to Keep Records : But One Death in the Last Twenty-Four Hours”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 16, 1918.

The previous evening, members of the Hamilton Board of Health and some doctors, member of the Hamilton Medical society met, and one of the main topics on the agenda was the potential benefits of the Board of Health issuing an order regarding public gatherings in the city :

 “The Hamilton Medical society and the board of trade met in session last evening, and Dr. Roberts stated they were of the opinion that all large buildings should be closed tight. Dr. Roberts pointed out that large cities, that had the closing order, conditions were worse than in Hamilton, and that he was of the opinion that the closing order would not do much good. He further stated that people who could not be educated to stay away from public buildings would have to be legislated for, and to that end moved that a closing order be enforced as a trial. Mayor Booker seconded the motion, and stated that he would stand behind Dr. Roberts and the medical men. He also mentioned that he was in receipt of numerous telephone calls from citizens, asking that closing action be taken at once.

“Dr. Robert announced that one doctor, at the meeting last evening, stated there would be 1200 deaths in the city before the epidemic was wiped.

“Controller Jutten explained that the board had not been criticized and was dealt with fairly at the meeting by the board of trade, but stated the doctors did criticize, and thought that everything should be closed. The board of trade, he said, had offered to put cars at the disposal of the board of health, take over clerical work and assist in any possible manner. The most serious criticism of the doctors, he said, was to the effect  that the board of health up to the present time, had done well in handling the situation, but the time had come for it, in their opinion, to take more stringent methods. They strongly recommended the closing of school. Dr. Roberts said : ‘I don’t want to get out from under the burden of responsibility. Because we close the schools, we cannot sit back, and say we have done everything possible. We cannot make a grandstand play and then do nothing. I looked into the statistics of 500 cases of the ‘flu’ and have found that only 20 per cent of that number were children at school. I do not see where the medical men can say that the larger number of cases are among children. We must continue to do everything possible to check the advance of the epidemic, and to carry the full burden of responsibility. No effort is too great for this department to undertake to help the situation.”

“The doctor then moved that the resolution be passed to close all public gatherings.

“T.L. Brown suggested that meetings where twenty-five would be present, should secure a permit from the health officer, and that he use his own judgment in granting the permit.

 “It is not likely that the official proclamation concerning the closing up of public places on Monday morning till Friday, will be announced tomorrow, as the city solicitor is out of the city today, and will not be back until tomorrow evening. The order will be made as general as the law will permit, the health officer taking the position that to close only some places would cause a movement into others. The gathering of a large number of persons at one place is what the authorities desire to avoid, and the law regarding public funerals will be enforced at once. While the churches will be permitted to hold service next Sunday, it has been suggested that in those churches where individual communion cups are not in use that the communion be not administered.

“Another suggestion that has been made that some of the larger employers of female labor in the heart of the city release some of them at earlier hours in the afternoon, to lessen the congestion on the street cars between 5 and 6 o’clock, it being realized that crowded cars are the worst places for spreading the disease. At last night’s conference, it was suggested that the board of health issue an order compelling the company to keep all the windows on one side of each car open all the time, and the doctor promised to give the suggestion consideration.”¹

Other influenza-related news was published in the local press on October 16, 1918.

From the Spectator :

“The board of health is having bulletins printed in English and several foreign languages for posting in the large industries, giving instruction in regard to the spread of the disease, and these will be delivered tomorrow. The board of trade has asked its members to make detailed reports of sick employees to the board of health so that closer tab can be kept on the disease.

“The board of health opened an emergency hospital on Barton street, near Wentworth street, this afternoon, placing Miss A. Torrie in charge as superintendent. Only one patient has been admitted so far, but there is accommodation there for 30 or more patients, and more will be admitted as soon as the general hospital and St. Joseph’s hospital become taxed to capacity. At the city hospital this morning, denial was made to the report made at last night conference that Superintendent Langrill had been attacked by influenza. The doctor was on the job this morning, although quite a number of the staff are still under treatment for the malady.”¹

“Although the board of education gave the chairman, Lyman Lee, full power to act in the matter of closing the schools, it is not likely that he will take any action before the proclamation is issued. He stated that he would be guided entirely by Dr. Roberts, M.H.O. and will not act except on his advice. His opinion was that many of the children, particularly in the industrial district, where many mothers go to work at 7 and 8 o’clock in the morning are better off in school than in running the streets.

“A lawyer whose business takes him to the police court frequently made the suggestion this morning that the military police ease up for a short period in their work of gathering men who fail to carry military papers, as he did not think it was in the interest of public health that a dozen or so men from boarding houses or private homes should be herded in the pen at that court. He thought that while the epidemic was raging, no person should be admitted to the police court who has not personal business there.”

From the Herald :

“Mrs. Harry Carpenter appeared before the board and asked for its co-operation in forming a Hamilton branch of the Ontario Emergency Volunteer auxiliary, to train young women in the art of nursing to such an extent as to fit them to nurse ‘flu’ patients, should they be needed. It was explained that lectures would be given the young women, and while they would not be paid for the time occupied in taking the course, they would be while employed as nurses. The wage suggested was $2 a day with maintenance. The board passed a resolution supporting Mrs. Carpenter in the forming of the auxiliary and giving her any reasonable finances.

 “Dr. Roberts stated that at the present time there were over 6000 cases of the ‘flu’ in Hamilton.” ²

Both the Spectator and the Herald had reporters at a meeting of the Hamilton Board of Health, October 16, 1918, a meeting that promised to be controversial :

“The board of health this morning passed a resolution and issued a proclamation to the effect that on and after Monday, October 21, all public gatherings of any nature at which there will be an attendance of twenty-five people or more, be cancelled.

“T. L. Brown, secretary of the board of trade, appeared before the board and presented the following resolution, which was passed at the meeting last evening : ‘Resolved, that we firmly believe, in the interest of public health and safety, that all schools, churches and public places where gatherings congregate should be closed for two weeks, and that we are prepared to support the medical health officer in that attitude.’

“This will include churches, schools, theaters, and all gatherings in public buildings. Dr. Roberts also instructed that all funerals be private. He stated that this order would be carried out if it took the whole police department to enforce it, and has issued instructions to Chief Whatley to see that the board’s orders are carried out. The order dealing with private funerals means that every funeral, whether it be as the result of ‘flu’ or not, be held privately.

“Norman Clark, chairman of the board, stated that they would experience no difficulty in closing the theaters, as the managers were agreeable.

“Dr. Robert announced that one doctor, at the meeting last evening, stated there would be 1200 deaths in the city before the epidemic was wiped.

“Controller Jutten explained that the board had not been criticized and was dealt with fairly at the meeting by the board of trade, but stated the doctors did criticize, and thought that everything should be closed. The board of trade, he said, had offered to put cars at the disposal of the board of health, take over clerical work and assist in any possible manner. The most serious criticism of the doctors, he said, was to the effect that the board of health up to the present time, had done well in handling the situation, but the time had come for it, in their opinion, to take more stringent methods. They strongly recommended the closing of school.

‘Dr. Roberts said : ‘I don’t want to get out from under the burden of responsibility. Because we close the schools, we cannot sit back, and say we have done everything possible. We cannot make a grandstand play and then do nothing. I looked into the statistics of 500 cases of the ‘flu’ and have found that only 20 per cent of that number were children at school. I do not see where the medical men can say that the larger number of cases are among children. We must continue to do everything possible to check the advance of the epidemic, and to carry the full burden of responsibility. No effort is too great for this department to undertake to help the situation.”

“The doctor then moved that the resolution be passed to close all public gatherings.

“T.L. Brown suggested that meetings where twenty-five would be present, should secure a permit from the health officer, and that he use his own judgment in granting the permit.”²

 ²“Will Close All Public Places Next Monday : Board of Health Ruling Applies to Schools, Churches, Etc. : No Gathering of More Than 25 Persons Allowed Anywhere”

Hamilton Herald.    October 16, 1918.

The Hamilton Herald carried the following editorial :

.

“Today the board of health decided in favor of the policy of fighting the ‘flu’ by closing all the city schools, churches, theaters and other places of amusement, forbidding the assembling of numbers in excess of twenty-five, and ordering that all funerals must be private.

“Now if this policy be necessary in order to check the progress of the epidemic, it ought to be put in force immediately. But with singular ineptitude, the board of health decides that the order shall not come into effect until next Monday, the delicious reason for the delay being that both the city solicitor and the city clerk are out of the city and there is nobody at home who can be trusted to draw up the proclamation.

“Dr. Roberts, M.H.O., moved he resolution for adoption of the closing down policy. Apparently, in doing so, he did not give effect to his own judgment, for he has been saying all along that it would be a great mistake to close the schools, because, in his opinion, the children are better looked after in the schools  and less liable to contract the disease there than at home or out on the streets. The action he took appears to have been taken under pressure from the doctors. It should be stated that the opinions and action of the health authorities in many of the cities on this continent do not support the policy which our medical officer of health has favored up to the present, for they have enforced even more drastic preventive measures than those which were decided upon here today.

“Perhaps when the time comes for the enforcement of the board of health’s order, it will be unnecessary to enforce it, for the epidemic by that time may have run its course. It came upon us suddenly, and it is likely to end as suddenly.”²

²  “The Closing Order”

Hamilton Herald.    October 16, 1918