A deadly flu epidemic, and dangerous ice and snow
One hundred years ago today ... The Daily News front page reported on the dangers of winter: 2,855 new cases of influenza, and gave a visual lesson in hygiene.
The full front page of The Daily News, January 26, 1920. Library of Congress.
Down at the bottom, more bad news:
More ‘ice casualties’ than have come to the notice of the authorities for many years… The Flower, Brooklyn, and Bellevue Hospitals treated more than a score of persons for broken bones and bruises. According to a hospital surgeon, the best way to prevent broken bones when falling is to relax and fall limply like an acrobat.
“Speed graphic film and video” has posted a montage of film footage, “New York in the Snow 1920-1929.” The video does not include more specific dates of each shot.
Regarding the “Flower” Hospital mentioned above, this was the Flower Free Surgical Hospital, named after Roswell Pettibone Flower, New York Governor from 1892-43. In 1920,
The Flower Hospital starting offering degrees in nursing through New York Medical College Flower and Fifth Avenue Hospital (FFAH).
Caption: Flower Free Surgical Hospital nurses, undated photo. Courtesy New York Medical College.