139. The 1918 Flu Epidemic, and Ruth's memories of school, and "singing waitress" at Bryce Canyon.
The Flu of 1918 – Written November 1993 from Ruth's journal I’ve heard that the flu of 1918 caused more deaths than the war did. (World War 1) Be that as it may be, a great amount of the deaths of the soldiers was terminated “flu.” It was before the days of penicillin or any other drug we use now to fight bad colds or “flu” with. It was in Europe, and all parts of the United States and in the entire world. It hit Panguitch about October so we stayed on the farm a few weeks longer so we would not get exposed to it. We moved from the farm November 11, 1918, into town as we came into town we could hear Church bells ringing, and school bells saying that the war was over, but the dying had just begun as far as we knew. For the town was full of “flu”. Everyone was wearing masks we made ourselves by doubling gauze several times and then had elastic top and bottom. (As the doctor now wears when they operate – at least on T.V.) I