The Influenza pandemic in New York (again)
FOR OUR PREVIOUS POST ABOUT THE PANDEMIC, SEE JANUARY 26TH
The Daily News Mar. 3, 1920. Newspapers.com
One hundred years ago today ... The worldwide influenza pandemic that had started in 1918 appeared to be waning in New York. This did not keep actor Margaret Davis from committing suicide in response to her lover’s succumbing to the virus and dying.
The virus, having devasted Europe throughout 1919 had wreaked havoc on New Yorkers’ health and nerves throughout the first two months of 1920
The New York Tribune of Feb. 19th had reported that 445 new cases had arisen in the previous 24 hours, the lowest total in a month (“Flu Lowest Since January 20th,” p. 9).
Letters poured in to the papers, including one about the state of the floors on the Staten Island ferry.
The Daily Herald, January 9, p. 10.
The Evening World, Mar 2, 1920, p. 17. Newspapers.com.
On March 2nd, Begy’s Mustarine was being advertised as an influenza cure. Yes, in 1920, some New Yorkers were smearing a mustard-based ointment on the skin to stave off the flu.