The year 1918 saw a number of destructive events worldwide, including an influenza pandemic that claimed the lives of many people in different countries, including the United States. In Alabama the disease struck all facets of the population, and as medical professionals grew ill, everyday citizens stepped up to care for their family members, neighbors, and even complete strangers. Schools and churches closed throughout the state as Alabamians prioritized limiting the disease’s spread and helping nurse the infirm back to health. Order this issue at www.AlabamaHeritage.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: James L. Baggett, head of the Birmingham Public Library Archives and archivist for the City of Birmingham. For their research assistance, special thanks to Ned Harkins and the staff of the Mobile Municipal Archives; Scotty Kirkland and Meredith McDonough of the Alabama Department of Archives and History; and Gigi Gowdy, Catherine Champion, Don Veasey, Rosalind Brooks, and Barbara Hutto of the Birmingham Public Library.
