July 1, 2020
The Framingham History Center (FHC) launched a COVID-19 Digital Archive in response to the extreme conditions facing the world in the wake of this fast spreading virus. We are making an effort to collect a digital archive of community members’ experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic in real time. One FHC member, David Hornfischer, has been inspired to engage with his own family’s stories as a way to communicate how a moment in the past is coming alive to him now.
I don’t recall hearing about the Spanish flu pandemic from my parents or other relatives despite the fact many of them were born between 1900 -1910. They talked often about the roaring 20s, the depression of the 30s and surviving thru World War II.
Recently, my cousin Marlene Parker uncovered copies of some letters that my Uncle Herb Hornfischer had received while in Army training in Georgia from his parents (my grandparents) John and Ida Hornfischer of Tortington, Connecticut in 1918-19 during the heart of the Spanish Flu. While much of the text was devoted to personal matters, I was surprised by the extent to which the flu virus was highlighted in each letter.
Most significant to me is that my father was sickened by it around age 12. Fortunately (especially for my later creation) he survived, though it sounded like a struggle that seemed to go on for close to a month.
To bring this to life, I’ll follow this contextual introduction with excerpts quoting from my grandparent’s letters.
Grandma Ida wrote in her October 10, 1918 letter to son Herbie, reflecting on a need to use basic treatments to prevent the disease. She said, “I’ll send you a bottle of Liniment to rub on yourself also a bag with Camphor which I want you to rub on your chest to prevent all kinds of sickness.”
Then describing the flu’s impact on life in Torrington, Connecticut (city then of about 20,000 in Northwest Connecticut) she adds, “Everything is closing up on that account here, 15 cases one day, 43 next, 100 the next day. I will send you newspapers so you can read the news.”
She then named several acquaintances who had died in Torrington and New London, noting that their burials had to be private without wakes.
She says she is glad Ed, another of her sons, has come home from work in New London on the tough waterfront albeit to a lesser Foundry job, because, “if anything happens, I can take care of him.”
She adds, “so many are dying all over the country.” She tells her son that, “in a way I’m glad you didn’t go to Camp Devens in Mass as 10,000 soldiers are very sick. 150 died in one day and 182 in another. They can’t get coffins enough to bury them. They are all stretched out in the yards at Camp Devens with canvas over them, such a sight.” She concludes in desperation, “0’ God, the world is coming to an end if it keeps on as they can’t even get enough nurses. I am going to help in the Red Cross rooms as soon as I can as our help is needed.”
The second undated letter, written on holiday decorated stationary, probably in December, after covering some family matters, goes on to note that one friend had returned from Virginia, but several other local friends had died.
She comments that their youngest son, 12 year old Raymond (my later to be father) was “very sick. Doctor wanted to take him to the hospital but I wouldn’t let him. I kept ice bags on him. He was sick since Thanksgiving but is up and around now. I wish you could see how tall he has grown since he was sick.”
Then on January 7, 1919, my grandfather John wrote to his son with more family news, but adds, “The influenza is the cause of a good many deaths but at present is letting up some.” He adds that “Raymond and [younger sister] Dorothy had a touch of it but got over it OK!”
Then referring to the economic impact, he optimistically states that, “work [he was a factory tool maker] at present is slow all around the neighborhood towns, but I think it soon will be in normal condition again if only God will help and make a job for me soon as I am sick of loafing especially now in winter.”
Obviously in 1919 he felt his economic survival was dependent on a God and not the government. He did state earlier that they had sold off some property from the adjacent woodland to raise some funds.
Seeing this family history, written in their own handwriting, brought the Spanish flu alive to me unlike what any history book could do. Despite the 100 year gap, while so much is different in 2020, many issues are similar such as relying on simple medicines, fear of using hospital facilities, loss of friends, concern over growing numbers of cases, inability to honor the deceased, job losses and fear of when it might end. Their ability to persevere, try to help others and remain somewhat optimistic comes through. As children of immigrants themselves, 30 years earlier, my Hornfischer grandparents had what it took to get through the 1918 Spanish Flu and most important keep my future father alive! Hopefully today’s Hornfischers’ will be up to the similar 2020 challenge.
Hope y’all enjoy this and THANKS Marlene for saving and sharing this history!