From the Archives 1918 Influenza Pandemic According to the Centers for Disease Control, the 1918 influenza pandemic, which was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin, spread worldwide during 1918-1919, with about one-third of the global population becoming infected with the virus. The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million worldwide and about 675,000 occurring in the U.S. The presence of the pandemic was felt on the Westminster School campus as recorded by the school’s founder, William Cushing, in his fall term 1918 daybook. The daybook was a place where he made daily entries about campus arrivals and departures, chapel services, health events, meetings and even the weather. Some of his entries related to the pandemic included: Sept. 27, 1918: “Spraying of all boys and household against Spanish Influenza.“
Oct. 4, 1918 (entered as Sept. 4): “The Hill in quarantine. No one allowed to go to village or to receive visitors from outside.”
Oct. 12, 1918: “Mr. and Mrs. Holder arrived at noon. Quarantine rules kept them out of the school buildings.” Oct.13, 1918: “Prof. Tweedy’s engagement (for chapel) cancelled. Quarantine.”
Oct. 28, 1918: “O’Donnell boys with mother arrived. Boys in infirmary for quarantine.”
Nov. 3, 1918: “11’o’clock chapel. Rev. H.E. Adrian’s engagement cancelled. Quarantine.”
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Westminster Bulletin
Above, William Cushing and his 1918 daybook
