Can Boston learn something from the Spanish flu?

Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time Boston has faced citywide closure and disturbance to public life. Just over 100 years ago, in September 1918, the Spanish influenza broke out amongst sailors stationed in the Boston area.

Before long the flu had infected a large percentage of the city’s population, forcing Lt. Gov. Calvin Coolidge (recognize him?), to close all schools and places of public gathering until late October.

Notably, school teachers no longer teaching classes were offered full pay if they volunteered in relief efforts. Perhaps the Boston of today can learn from its very own history.

– Margot Calmar, The 100 Companies