In the fall of 1918, the worldwide influenza epidemic hit Seattle. The flu was sudden and deadly. The city's health commissioner banned dances and closed theaters, churches, and schools. At the height of the epidemic, anyone going out in public was required by law to wear a mask made of six layers of gauze. This was supposed to keep the flu germs from spreading.
<p>This 1918 photo shows five people, wearing their flu masks, standing in front of the R.C. Erskine &amp; Co. real estate office at 1004 Third Avenue.
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<ul><li>Subjects (LCTGM): Communicable diseases--Washington (State)--Seattle; Influenza; Public health</li></ul>
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Unknown author<span style="display: none;">Unknown author</span></div>
1918<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1918-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/imlsmohai/search">Museum of History and Industry</a>