Utah State University - flags flying to celebrate the end of the war
1918 was a difficult year - all over the world. The Great War had been going for four long years. It was winding to a close, but who could really know for sure? An influenza epidemic also spread across the country, and killed more people than died in the world war.
Everyone knew someone who dealt with the tragedies of war and disease. Many families sent their sons overseas to battle; most families had someone sick with the 'flu. And every family was affected by the loss of life from both.
WWI Soldier and people wearing masks because of the flu
Our family is fortunate enough to have diaries, histories, and photos that give us an inside look at what these people's lives were like and how they lived through it. And they show us that life really did just keep going on.
Hazel Heninger (my mother's mother) was 21 in 1918. Her life revolved around riding the 'car' to Logan, going to dances, meeting cute boys, and doing her household chores. But the war and the 'flu were ever-present in her diary writing in 1918. Here's a little peek...
1918
August
Preston (her brother) has sailed. I suppose he is on the ocean now. How we hope he has a safe voyage and has good health. Most of the 145th Field Artillery have arrived over seas. Last Friday eve. Millville had a Farewell for her ten Soldiers.
Preston Heninger
The 26th was dear Preston's birthday. How I do miss him and hope this War will soon quit, so our Brothers etc. may come back to us.
October 24
Everything i.e. all public Gatherings etcetera are closed have been for 2 weeks. The 12th was to have been Liberty Day celebration in Logan, But the Influenza broke out. My but it is bad. There are many deaths. Many people wear masks.Everyone wore masks to protect themselves from the flu
November 5To day is election voting day. Went to Logan at 3 -- quite a few people on street considering. Maby 2 doz. How I wish this Influenza would stop so we could soon have something. I'm simply wild to go to a dance.
We heard last Friday of Carl P. Lieshman's death. I simply coulden't believe it. Dear old Carl how well I remember him at all times.
Thur. Nov 7, -18
The Bells began ringing, the whistles blowing and quite a big noise to-day, re'ced word Germany had given in, but a later telegram, denied it. This wicked cruel war.
Mon. 11 about 1.30 a.m.
We were awakened by the Loud ringing of Bells & Whistling, all kinds of noises. This was for sure. The Big headlines on paper were "GREAT WORLD WAR ENDS" How happy that made us all feel. (In border on top of page) "Great World War Comes to End." The Kiaser gave up woulden't sign pease terms. each time the whistles blew it sounded to me like "Our Brothers & friends will come home, home." Why I just felt like hugging everyone.
A float in the Armistice Day Celebration Parade
On Monday people gathered at Logan. On account of the "Flu" They coulden't celebrate. Are going to have Celebration on Thanksgiving.Sat. 16
The papers are quite encouraging about "Flu" situation. Much on improve.
Ruby died of Flu & Spinal Mg. at Okland, Calif Leon Allen has Flu.
In case I get 'Fluenza I shall make a Will. Beginning. I, Hazel Dean Heninger being of sound mind - or sane - body and estate do declare this to be my last will & Testament. 1st.-
Nov 24 Sunday.
Everyone has to wear masks--so awful I think--O I think this Flu is awful. Stay in all the time. Allen's recd a telegram from France stating Orin was killed in action.
Have just read in today's Salt Lake Telegram that 145 Field Artillery was coming home. O I can't express my feelings. Preston is in that artillery. It is just over a year since we took or rather went with the dear boy down to S.L.C. & out to Ft Douglas.
Soldiers marching in the Armistice Day Celebration Parade in Logan, Utah
Hazel had a little photograph album - in it were these photos of the Armistice Day celebration and parade in Logan, Utah. This celebration was actually put off until Thanksgiving because the 'flu epidemic was so bad. What a celebration it must have been - can't you just feel their excitement at finally having that horrible war over?
One thing I love about Hazel's diary is that mixed in with the horrors and tragedies of war and disease are just the simple life experiences of a 21 year old girl.
Hazel Heninger
Cute entries like:
...A letter from Aunt Priscilla, conveying the news that perhaps she would soon be up with an escort, a male one at that...
...H. smiled and spoke so nice. My but he is nice to me lately; ie. since I've become better acquainted. Ask where I resided, I fooled with him. But he can come if I want him to. He is the most handsome boy I know...
...I have been receiving a great many telephone calls lately. Five diff. boys from S.A.T.C. called last Sat night. Some of the usual called. N.B. D.S. also D.W. He called Fri night also. He (latter) puts other fellows at phone--and by the way I think I'm quite polite talking to fellows I don't know...
...I wonder if any one will ever read this- they'd sure think I was queer.
I hope no one ever gets a peep
in the open pages here...
Don't you just love her?!
Does your family have records and memories of World War I? I hope you'll leave a comment and share!
Comments Imported from Blogger:
WOW! thank you for sharing. She may have been embarrassed at the time, but how wonderful to be able to see into her personality a bit.
I know...I've tried to think how she'd feel about me sharing her diary! I decided that she's okay with it - I think she has a cute sense of humor and she'd be happy that we care and want to know her!
It's so fun to read my great grandmother's words when she was just a little younger than me! It sounds like we may have some same personality traits!
This is so special...I just love it! Can I forward it to Gordon's girls? They would just love seeing it. You are so special and I am so lucky to be in this Family!!!
I love You.
Aunt Candi
This is so special...Would you mind if I sent it on to Uncle Gordon's daughters? They woud just love it!
You are so special to do this.
I Love You,
Aunt Candi
Thanks Aunt Candi! Please do - I am so glad you are enjoying it!
Yes I love her!! And you for sharing it with us all! What an amazing time-to have experienced the great flu epidemic and world war. That time in history is one of my favorites to study. People had such perseverance and fortitude concerning their difficult lives-they just amaze me.