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ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Influenza Epidemic of 1918
WATERTOWN AND THE 1918 SPANISH FLU
[ Derived from "A Church Built on the Rock: The 150-Year History of St. Henry’s Catholic Church, Watertown, Wisconsin, 1853-2003, Ken Riedl ]
In December of 1918 the Wisconsin State Board of Health declared that the “Spanish flu” epidemic that had just swept the state would “forever be remembered as the most disastrous calamity that has ever been visited upon the people of Wisconsin or any of the other states.”
Between September and the end of December 1918, influenza and related pneumonia debilitated almost 103,000 Wisconsin residents and killed 8,459 - approximately 7,500 more fatalities than would be expected from those causes in a normal year.
More Wisconsin residents died during the six months of the influenza epidemic than were killed in World War I, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict combined. Only the Civil War and World War II claimed more Wisconsin lives.
The disease struck Wisconsin about six weeks before World War I ended on November 11, 1918, when newspapers were dominated by the rapid, victorious advance of Allied armies into Germany and by Liberty Loan drives at home, events that displaced other less dramatic news.
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The Spanish flu swept the nation in 1918; by the fall of that year the city of Watertown had reported 42 such cases.
Nearly 200,000 cases of Spanish influenza in the army camps alone were reported and Red Cross officials and government specialists cooperated in an effort to quell the spread of the malady.
The Spanish influenza resembled a very contagious kind of “cold” accompanied by fever, headache, pain in the eyes, ears, back or other parts of the body, and a feeling of severe sickness. In most of the cases, the symptoms disappeared after 3 or 4 days, the patient then rapidly recovering; some of the patients, however, developed pneumonia, or inflammation of the ear, or meningitis, and many of those with these complications died.
Many churches throughout the United States were closed in October of 1918 since, under the police powers of the state and its authorized boards, all places of public assemblage could be closed in times of serious epidemics.
Archbishop Messmer issued a letter to the clergy of his archdioceses in this regard.
You are already aware, no doubt, that the civil authorities have ordered all places of public gatherings, among them churches and schools, to be closed so as to check the spreading of Spanish influenza. Although this entails a great religious sacrifice upon the Catholic people, we must obey the order.
Hence, until the order is recalled, there will be no public services in our churches, Sundays or weekdays. The main doors of our churches will be locked. Bells may not be rung except for the Angelus, but funerals may be held and marriages performed in the churches, with a low Mass, provided only near relatives of the parties be present.
The priest will also be ready to hear confessions and give Holy Communion whenever asked to do so, provided no large number of people are present at any given time. For these purposes the side door or the sacristy door may be left open for those persons, as well as for those who desire to make their private devotions in the church. Gatherings or crowds must be avoided in all cases.
Whether the general order regarding the closing of schools shall be enforced or not depends upon our local authorities. Where those allow schools to continue, the strictest supervision over health must be exercised.
Every morning a sick call shall be made in each class, calling for every child who is not well or who feels sick to report at once to the teacher. The teacher ought to know the symptoms of influenza, and when these are shown, the child should be sent home immediately with a request to call the family doctor or to report at the dispensary.
A notice with this information may be posted on the front door of the church.
In the city of Watertown there was no mandatory order against meetings of lodges and societies; this matter was put squarely up to the organizations themselves. But public funerals were advised against. The Majestic and Classic moving picture houses were closed down. The Home Guards could meet, but had to have their drill outside the armory. The city’s Northwestern College continued classes, but only for resident students and professors; those living off the grounds were banned from attending. The Watertown Public Library was open as usual, but no one was permitted to remain in the library for reading or study. Further, no books were checked out to patrons whose families were suffering from the influenza. And one knew matters were really serious when the city’s pool rooms and bowling alleys were shuttered.
Not all of the clergy agreed with the archbishop’s order to close all of the churches in the diocese. Father H. C. Hengell, rector of St. Paul’s University Chapel in Madison, vigorously protested the directive: “The ban is a most severe attack upon the chief moral and religious agencies of our communities. The closing of our churches is doing irreparable harm to religion . . . Our conduct in the war has proved that we are ready for any sacrifice for a benefit that is certain, but Prussian bureaucracy, at its worst, can scarcely surpass the unreasonableness of continuing a ban . . . I hereby register my protest against the unnecessary closing of our churches, while pool halls, bowling alleys and dance halls are open as usual (in many cities in the archdiocese).”
By the time of the Thanksgiving holiday in 1918, there was a partial lifting of the ban on churches when services were moved from Thursday to Sunday. Local pastors were allowed to open their churches on that day to address their people or hold other services not requiring congregational singing, provided that the service be not more that half an hour in length and that before services the pastors request any persons present who were suffering from coughs, colds or sneezing, to leave at once.
The city’s houses of worship opened again on Sunday of the following week under the same restrictions. During the course of that week the city-wide restrictions were lifted, keeping in place a strict quarantine of all the affected homes, with only the bread winners allowed to leave the home under any condition.
Although the worst of the epidemic was behind, caution prevailed.
On account of the prevalence of Spanish influenza a general dispensation is hereby granted from fast and abstinence on the ember days of this week [three days of fasting before Christmas], including Friday.
For the same reason Midnight Masses in parish churches on Christmas are not allowed this year.
1918
10 07 SPANISH FLU IS INCREASING
HUBERT J. KREUZIGER
/ EMMET RESIDENT SUCCUMBS IN CAMP
Spanish Influenza followed by pneumonia
cause
Will be buried with military honors
Wednesday morning
Private Hubert J. Kreuziger, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kreuziger, town of Emmet, died in Camp Grant on Friday evening following an attack of pneumonia, which was preceded by Spanish influenza.
His father had been called there owing to his serious condition.
Private Kreuziger was born in the town of Emmet July 12, 1895. He was educated in St. Henry’s school and finished a commercial course in Sacred Heart College.
He was called in service on July 25 and since that time has been stationed at Camp Grant. He was sick but one week.
Besides his parents he is survived by one brother and one sister.
The body was brought to Watertown this morning and was taken to the home of his parents.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday morning with services at 10 o’clock in St. Henry's church and will be of a military character. Members of Watertown Council No. 1478, Knights of Columbus, will attend in a body and an escort from the Watertown Separate Guard Company will meet the funeral cortege near the city limits and escort the body to the church and the grave. Watertown News, 10 07 1918
Cross reference: Link to obits
10 18 ART RABENHORST FIRST WATERTOWN VICTIM OF THE INFLUENZA
Republican
Candidate for County Clerk dies after attack of La Grippe
Wife also down
with the disease
Arthur Rabenhorst, republican candidate for county clerk of Jefferson county, succumbed to an attack of Spanish influenza in his home, 612 Main Street.
His wife is also ill with the disease.
Mr. Rabenhorst was taken sick about a week ago and pneumonia which followed the attack of la grippe caused his death.
Mr. Rabenhorst was born on a farm on the county line road March 21, 1891, and has been a resident of Watertown since he was seven years old. He was educated in the Watertown schools and at Mendota college, Mendota, IL.
He for several years was connected with the retail grocery business here and at Ixonia and preceding his death was employed by the Watertown Wholesale Grocery Cos.
He was married to Edith Slout in 1914. He was a member of the Advent Christian church and a member of the Loyal Workers society of the same church.
He is survived by
his widow and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Rabenhorst,
one brother, Milton, and one sister, Florence, of this city. The Watertown News
Buried in Oak Hill cemetery
11 14 SPANISH FLU IS INCREASING
Only One Death
Has Occurred in Watertown from La Grippe
Several are
afflicted in one family
Several additional cases of Spanish flu or la grippe were reported to the health department today. At noon Dr. C. J. Habhegger said that there were 62 cases reported to his office, but in some cases more than one member of a family was down with the disease, and that so far the fatalities had been confined to one.
The churches, schools, movies and theatres are complying with the order to stay closed until further advices are received.
While there is an increase of cases in Watertown, people should not become alarmed and start worrying as that is the worst thing possible. Think of things more pleasant than sickness and help the toxin in your system to ward off the microbes.
Everybody should know that influenza has the possibilities of being a fatal disease if it is neglected. And yet if it is properly cared for the chances of death from it can be greatly reduced.
It is a mistake for one to attempt to fight off an attack and think that he can fool the germs by ignoring them. It is an equally great mistake to lie down and die of fear that one is going to die from influenza. The ideal attitude is to be neither foolish nor cowardly.
The great danger of death lies in the likelihood of pneumonia developing. The pneumonia of this epidemic is proving to be especially deadly.
A physician who is in the midst of the fight against the disease in one of the military camps says: “If any of you get the ‘flu’ — don’t be darn fools and keep on going. Quit, use antiseptic in nose and throat, consult a physician as to the kind and method of use, keep the bowels open and quit eating. I can’t believe that it is necessary to have the lung complication if one has sense.” Watertown News, 10 14 1918
11 18 CLOSING ORDER
The Spanish influenza, which at the present time is affecting a considerable portion of the population of Watertown, has also acquainted itself with our students.
The first victims, the Messrs. Pautz, Hein, Boettcher and Degner, were at once removed to the sick room where with the aid of medical care will soon regain their health.
Miss Doris Ott is
the first co-ed to be affected with the influenza. Watertown News 11 18 1918
11 18 CLOSING ORDER
PUT
ON FLU LID / MANY CASES ARE REPORTED / CLOSING ORDER
Mr. Charles Pieritz,
Chief of Police, Watertown
Dear Sir: In view of the recurrence of epidemic influenza in a serious form, the Department of Health, acting under instructions from the State Board of Health, has found it necessary to institute the following measures in order to prevent its further spread:
All schools and churches in the city must be closed.
All theatres, movies, pool rooms, bowling alleys and other
places of amusement must be closed.
All public meetings of any character are prohibited.
All funerals must be private.
Saloons to be open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., and no free
lunch to be served.
No loitering or congregating in saloons or on the streets.
Will you kindly see that above regulations are strictly
enforced at once until further notice.
Very truly yours,
C. J. Habhegger,
Health Commissioner.
With an alarming increase of Spanish influenza cases in Watertown, the health department has ordered the ban put on for the second time, going into effect today.
Many new cases have been reported the last few days, and Health Commissioner Dr. C. J. Habhegger has been in close touch with the state board of health with the result that Dr. Habhegger advised that gatherings in public places be prohibited until there is a decrease in the epidemic.
The closing order includes churches, schools, theatres, movies, pool and billiard halls. The order will also close saloons until 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
Northwestern college will be allowed to conduct studies so long as no cases develop in that institution.
The bowling alleys will also be closed.
The order curtailing the hours in which saloons may be open also prohibits the serving of free lunch in any of the saloons. This does not prevent the serving of food that is ordered and paid for, but only the serving of free lunch.
So far two deaths have been reported since Friday owing to the flu, but there are a number of cases where the patients are in a critical condition.
The public library will be open as usual for persons who wish to draw books, but no one will be permitted to remain in the library for reading or study. Further no books will be issued to homes that are suffering from influenza.
The public is requested to cooperate heartily in the carrying out of these regulations.
Deaths in Nation.
In its battle with the influenza epidemic this nation has lost 115,000 lives. This is the number of deaths so far reported to the United States Public Health Service. It is far from the total since during the first two weeks deaths from influenza were not required to be reported.
One
of the outgrowths of the nationwide struggle with this disease as shown by
reports reaching Washington is an increased demand for public health nurses who
proved their value during these last months as a means of checking epidemics by
the care of the sick and the education of the public. The national organization for public health
nursing and its war program committee with headquarters in Washington are putting forth every effort to help
meet this demand for more nurses which it is believed will increase as
reconstruction progresses.
The war program committee was formed a year ago to raise funds for the increased activities of the organization occasioned by the war and reconstruction. Watertown News, 11 18 1918
11 27 HEROIC WORK IS BEING DONE
BY PHYSICIANS
Epidemic of Spanish Influenza taxing powers of local doctors who are working day and night with many patients.
If there is any class of professional men that is being overworked at the present time it is the physicians. Since the beginning of the flu epidemic several weeks ago, the local doctors have been on the go day and night administering to the hundreds of patients who were stricken with this pernicious disease, which in many cases results fatally.
It is no mild epidemic, this Spanish influenza, and a doctor's services are necessary from the inception of the disease until all danger from pneumonia is passed.
The writer was told the other day that one physician had thirty-five cases he was compelled to visit on one evening. This indicates the extent to which the disease has progressed. But our people should not feel worried. Everything possible is being done to stamp out the epidemic, and Dr. C. J. Habhegger, health commissioner, is doing all in his power to combat the disease, and should be given every encouragement and help in his undertaking, and should not be harassed in any way in his work.
The whole medical fraternity is doing overwork in this crisis in an effort to save life and relieve humanity, and it is to be hoped that their services will result in finally shutting off the epidemic within a short while.
In the meantime citizens should take all precautions themselves against the spread of the disease and should also at the first warning of approaching sickness call a physician and stay within doors until all danger from death or infection of others is passed.
If anything were needed to show the worth of a hospital in this city, the present epidemic has supplied it. The efforts of the local physicians have been supplemented by St. Mary’s Hospital whose wards in the old hospital building have been filled with influenza patients receiving care. The sisters whose lives are given over to relief of suffering mankind have been indefatigable in their work of nursing, while at the same time the force must necessarily be divided with patients receiving treatment for other maladies and for necessary operations. Their work has been commendable and it has been the subject to much favorable comment from many people, regardless of race or religious differences.
Recently a well-known Chicago physician at the head of one of Chicago’s big hospitals was called here to visit a relative who was taken to St Mary’s after being stricken here. The physician, after complimenting the sister superior, stated that St. Mary’s was as well equipped as any hospital in the city of Chicago, and its operating room one of the best in the country for the size of the institution. Watertown News 11 27 1918
11 29 GEORGE HENNING CALLED BY
DEATH
VICTIM OF THE FLU
Young Man Succumbs to Attack of Spanish Influenza
The death of Mr. George Henning occurred in the family home, 310 College Avenue, on Wednesday evening of pneumonia. He was born March 18, 1899 and attended the Watertown high school three years, when he entered the employ of the Milwaukee Road, remaining there up to the time he was taken sick. In his high school days he was prominent in athletics and was also an active member of the Watertown Ski club. Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henning, he is survived by two brothers, Felix and Carl, and three sisters, Miss Elsie, at home, Mrs. August Kubboo, Decatur, Ill., and Mrs. George Zimmermann, Chicago. The funeral will take place on Monday afternoon with services at 2 o’clock in the home. The Rev. George Sandrock will officiate. The interment will be made in the Immanuel cemetery. Watertown News 11 29 1918
12 02 MAYOR APPEALS TO CITIZENS FOR HELP
IN STAMPING
OUT INFLUENZA
Proclamation!
MAYOR APPEALS TO CITIZENS FOR HELP IN STAMPING OUT INFLUENZA.
After finding that the influenza was on the increase, Dr. Habhegger and Mayor Mulherger telephoned Dr. Harper, secretary of the State Board of Health, for advice, and he replied as follows;
Have all doctors report new cases promptly.
Have the afflicted family isolated from the public and let only the bread winners of the family out of the house.
Take all precautions as soon as a slight cold or any other sign of the disease appears.
Have every house containing a case placarded properly.
Do not take off the placard or leave the house until thoroughly cured.
Above all, if you have a cold, sneeze or cough, do not go into public places.
Many new cases have been reported in the last three days, and one death took place this morning. If the disease keeps on spreading at the same rate more drastic measures of quarantine may have to be taken.
But let us hope this can be prevented by following the above suggestions.
Dated December 2, 1918.
CHARLES MULBERGER, Mayor.
12 06 CLERGYMEN WRITE LETTER TO STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
Dr. Harper, Madison, Wis.
Dear Sir:
Our city is suffering from a severe epidemic. Many are sick. Not a few have died. The present reports are not encouraging. The number of cases have increased. The clergy of this city deeply sympathize with the sufferers and are vitally alive to all measures taken for the community’s relief.
We are eager to cooperate with the health department in every rational endeavor to protect the health of our citizens. So much so that we unprotestingly submitted to the closing of our churches for four Sundays; practically one week more than either schools, pool rooms, or motion shows were required to close. We readily submitted then, we will now, providing we are assured that our sacrifice Is not made futile by lack of restrictions in other places where people often resort.
We beg to remind you that as an alleged health measure, the churches and schools are closed practically. The clergy of this city submit, but we protest against closing churches and schools when places of public resort of less civic value and greater hygienic menace operate without restraint. Recently Watertown built a new high school. It cost much. It is the last word in ventilation and sanitation. This school, like the churches, has been officially closed, while any shack with a saloon license is left open. Fifty-seven saloons, one for every kind of pickle, are open seven days a week. [Poorly] ventilated and cleaned; a wet ring around the cuspidors from [poorly] directed expectorations; glasses dipped into water and given to consecutive customers. Saloons are open. Churches and schools are closed.
The clergy realize the severity of this epidemic. It has been our sad duty to encourage the dying, comfort the bereaved, perform the last rites. We understand the seriousness of the epidemic and promise our support in any sane measure for the control of the disease. But we are convinced that merely closing the schools and churches while saloons are left open is of no protective value. It savors of politics rather than hygiene. It is false in principle, biased in application and unjust to our best citizens.
The clergy here are ready to cooperate with the public health department if the department’s acts are worthy of cooperation. But when you close the churches and yet leave other places more menacing to the public health open, the legislation is not only futile, but implies a sad ignorance of the function and value of the church. We therefore bring to your attention two unquestioned facts.
Many, in the time of fear and distress are dependent on the church for consolation. Their morale is impaired if not destroyed because of a closed church.
The morals of a community are admittedly nurtured by the churches. But you have closed the churches and opened the saloons, to the detriment of the city’s morale and moral life.
The clergy make two requests:
In any future legislation please make the measure efficient, rational, through from the start. The present measures are evidently tentative and experimental. They are not worthy of your high office, sir. We request therefore that in [the] future the churches be closed only when the city is efficiently quarantined.
Kindly inform us where the closing authority is vested. We are at times informed that all orders come from you. Sometimes the local health officer apparently issues the order. Lately the press has issued orders in the name of the mayor. Kindly inform us, who has the last word in local matters affecting the city’s health?
We desire the courtesy of an early answer. We have not received the satisfaction from your office which you previously promised. We therefore advise you that this letter or other similar will be given to the press at our option. A letter from you, which was before promised us and failed of delivery, may obviate this action.
We remind you that to close the schools is to stultify the mental development of our future men and women; close the churches and you stop the moral and spiritual education of the community. But in addition you not only put us out of business, humanly speaking, but you prevent us as priests performing our duty to Almighty God. Yet ironically you open the saloon which if closed would do what hurt?
Yours obediently,
Committee of the Clergy The Watertown News, 12 06 1918
10 21 EIGHT NEW CASES OF SPANISH FLU REPORTED TODAY
The Watertown News, 21 Oct 1918
Total of 120 Cases In the City With Six Deaths So Far
Many Patients Convalescing Now.
Eight new cases of Spanish influenza were reported to the health office today, making a total of all cases reported 120.
But it must be borne in mind that many of these cases are now convalescent and on the road to recovery.
Owing to the prevalence of the disease Dr. C. J. Habhegger on Saturday issued a warning to the public which was approved by Chief of Police Charles Pieritz forbidding the loitering of people in saloons, also prohibiting card playing or other games in saloons, and closing all poolrooms, billiard rooms, bowling alleys and other places of amusement until further notice.
The order is a drastic one, made necessary by the spread of the epidemic in Watertown, although the fatalities so far have been confined to four cases.
There is no need of worrying over the situation. There is an old saying that care killed a cat, and the same is true with most epidemics.
Fear hastens the ravages of any disease by lowering the resisting power of the system.
Forget that there is such an epidemic, take ordinary precautions, and keep smiling.
There’s not one chance in 50,000 of your dying from the malady, and but little chance of catching it at all.
Watertown News, 10 28
1918
NO SPANISH FLU CASES REPORTED IN THE CITY TODAY
Watertown News, 10 28 1918
Only One New Case on Sunday and No Case Reported to the Health Department Today.
The Spanish influenza seems at last to be on the decline.
There was only one case reported on Sunday to the health department and there was no case reported to the department today.
Some people incline to the belief that the generous rainfall killed the germs in this section, while others hold to the belief that the epidemic has just played out, which will be pleasing news if it turns out to be true.
During the prevalence of Spanish influenza one should keep a cool head and a right attitude of mind. Do not worry over the matter. It is said that people can deceive themselves into thinking they have any disease on the calendar and doubtless many of them have thought themselves into their graves.
“Fear is the first thing to be overcome, the first step in conquering this epidemic,” said Dr. Witte of Des Moines, lowa, recently.
“I am not a Christian Scientist, but I believe an application of their principles will materially aid in preserving the health of this community. They did not originate with the Scientists, but are to be found by anyone who will take the trouble to read his bible. In my work in infected communities, I have always found Scientists the first to respond to the slightest suggestion of unsanitary conditions, and the first to comply with fundamental health measures.”
Washington Post story from Jan. 27, 1919.
IN 1918, THE SPANISH FLU INFECTED THE
WHITE HOUSE. EVEN PRESIDENT WILSON GOT SICK.
In the fall of 1918, as President Woodrow Wilson scrambled to end World War I, the Spanish flu slithered its way through D.C., unsettling daily life in the same ways covid-19 is upending America today.
Churches were closed. Public dance halls were shuttered. No corner of the nation’s capital was spared — not even the White House.
Wilson’s personal secretary was among the first in his administration to be sickened by a pandemic that would ultimately infect 500 million people. Margaret, his eldest daughter, got it. Secret Service members did, too. Even the White House sheep were not spared.
In April 1919, Wilson traveled to the Paris Peace Conference for talks on ending the Great War. Soon after arriving, the president become ill with a fever and violent fits of coughing that left him nearly unable to breathe.
Wilson's condition deteriorated so quickly that his personal doctor, Cary T. Grayson, thought he had been poisoned.
“But it soon became obvious the diagnosis was simpler, if only marginally more reassuring,” wrote John Barry in “The Great Influenza.”
Wilson was so ill that the talks were nearly derailed. The president could not even sit up in bed.
In a hand-delivered letter to Wilson’s chief of staff back in Washington, Grayson wrote that the night Wilson became ill “was one of the worst through which I have ever passed. I was able to control the spasms of coughing, but his condition looked very serious.”
Wilson's administration worked furiously to keep Wilson's diagnosis a secret. Grayson told reporters that Wilson had a cold and just needed some rest, blaming the president's illness on the rainy weather in Paris.
Meanwhile, Wilson’s condition worsened. And he began acting strange.
“Generally predictable in his actions, Wilson began blurting unexpected orders,” A. Scott Berg wrote in his biography of Wilson. “Twice he created a scene over pieces of furniture that had suddenly disappeared,” even though the furniture had not moved. Wilson also thought he was surrounded by spies.
Colonel Starling of the Secret Service noticed that Wilson “lacked his old quickness of grasp, and tired easily.” He became obsessed with such details as who was using the official automobiles. When Ray Stannard Baker was first allowed to see Wilson again, he trembled at Wilson’s sunken eyes, at this weariness, at his pale and haggard look, like that of a man whose flesh has shrunk away from his face, showing his skull.
The talks went on, with Wilson relying on deputies before he could return to face-to-face talks. Ultimately, he yielded to several French demands that he had previously said were nonnegotiable. The president fully recovered, only to be stricken by a major stroke a few months later.
In the years since Wilson’s death in 1924, scholars have debated whether he actually suffered a stroke during the conference — not the flu.
Barry opposes those theories. Wilson’s symptoms, which included “high fever, severe coughing, and total prostration,” Barry wrote, “perfectly fit influenza and have no association whatsoever with stroke.”
How did Wilson’s illness affect world civilization? Would the peace terms have been different? Would the war have gone on?
“No one can know what would have happened,” Barry wrote. “One can only know what did happen. Influenza did strike Wilson.”
History of Watertown, Wisconsin