The Great Influenza Epidemic of 1918
My grandmother’s sister, Ada Margaret, died in the great influenza epidemic of 1918. She was only eleven years old.
A couple years ago I decided I wanted to learn more about the insane disease that claimed the life of my great aunt. I picked up a MONSTER book at B&N called The Great Influenza. It was a really great narrative about modern medicine and the ignorance of the average human about illness at this time. The disease killed over 500,000 Americans and tens of millions around the world. It’s a great read even though it’s pretty dense.
Photo courtesy of Shorpy.com
My dad sent me this photograph of my grandmother and her sisters. Pictured form left to right, Ada Margaret, Ruth (my grandmother and namesake) and Edna. They all look so beautiful. What an amazing time period.
Do you have any historical stories relating to your family history?
I don’t have any great stories like that, but I certainly feel like I’m dying from influenza right now. I can’t imagine living during that.
My mother’s mother’s mother and my father’s father’s father both died during the Influenza epidemic. The impact of their deaths is still felt in the family. I’d love to read that book!
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