1918

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1918

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Creation Date

12-21-1918

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March 15 - Unidentified Committee letter to Dr. J.N. McCormick, State Board of Health:

Dear Sir:

At the Chapel Exercises of the Western Kentucky State Normal School today a resolution was passed by the student-body and faculty thanking the State Board of Health for the very excellent service they gave in vaccinating the members of the school. We appreciate this service very greatly and, in passing this resolution, we pledge ourselves to a cooperation with the State Board of Health in an effort to perfect better sanitary conditions in the rural schools and in our homes throughout the State.

Again thanking you, we remain,

Respectfully yours,

Committee [space for three signatures, all left blank]

October 7 - Kentucky State Board of Health ordered all places of amusement, as well as all schools and churches throughout the state, closed until further notice. . . . The public schools across the state were closed on October 7, and none were permitted to open before November 10. [Baird, Nancy. The Spanish Influenza Epidemic in Kentucky, 1918-1919]

October 9 - Letter to Mrs. W.N. Moore, Trenton, KY re: Newton Moore:

. . . I just called up your son and had a conversation with him. He has had a light attack for the past day or two of the epidemic that seems to be going all over the country, but he is out of bed now and expects to take up his course of study tomorrow. He has had good attention, as Dr. Gregg who is the regular physician for the military unit has been looking after him as has also Mrs. Bass in whose home he is rooming. . . .

October 11 - Henry Cherry letter to K.L. Varney of Pikeville, KY:

My dear Mr. Varney:

I note I am on the program to speak at your Conference on the night of the 17^th. I am writing to ascertain whether the meeting will be held. I note that all public institutions have been closed and public assemblages called off in Kentucky. The epidemic of Influenza is very bad in Bowling Green – the worst siege of sickness this community has ever had. We have had many deaths. More than two-thirds of our students have had it or have it now. It is going to be very difficult for me to get away, though I am hoping to do so, but it is extremely doubtful at this time. I am thinking it is more than likely the order calling off public meetings will not be withdrawn in time for you to hold your meeting. I am writing for further instruction and information as to your purpose. Unless the condition improves at this place, it will be utterly impossible for me to leave as we have a number of students who are desperately ill at this time and I must stay right on the hill, doing all I can. I am sure you understand the situation thoroughly. It may be, however, that everything will clear up before many days.

With all good wishes, I am,

Fraternally yours,

October 31 - Henry Cherry letter to Cora Stewart, portion:

P.S. We have been through the worst epidemic in this city that has ever been known in the experience of the institution. I have really been a nurse and a doctor for three weeks. I have literally lived with the sick. It has about run its course at this place, however, and things are getting in much better shape. . . . .

November 6 - Henry Cherry letter to T.E. Sullenger

. . . The epidemic of influenza which has gone almost all over this country has had a number of victims in Bowling Green and Warren County. There have been no deaths among the student-body, but many, many of them have been sick because of it and it has been necessary to close the school for the past month. This is the first time in the history of the Normal School that such a thing has ever been necessary. We do not know just when we will be able to resume work again, but hope to do so within a few days as conditions are improving in Western Kentucky. . . .

November 7 - . . . the State Board of Health announced that schools and churches could open on November 10 in those counties where the disease had nearly disappeared . . . [Baird, Nancy. The Spanish Influenza Epidemic in Kentucky, 1918-1919]

November 27 - Henry Cherry letter to Judge W.M. Spalding, Lebanon, KY:

. . . We have opened school with a splendid attendance considering the circumstances. The attendance after the holidays will be tremendous. I believe schools will prosper in the future as they have never prospered before . . .

December 21 - Henry Cherry resigns to enter the Kentucky gubernatorial race again. On April 7, 1919 he withdraws and returns to WKU as president.