Proclamation enforcing all schools, churches, and theatres in the province to close indefinitely after 11 October 1918.
Source: RS136-L5d3: Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
New Brunswickers’ reactions to public health demands varied considerably. Among the most controversial of government decisions was the closure of all public gatherings throughout the province, including churches and schools, effective between 11 October and 18 November 1918. Many were quick to voice their grievances, expressing frustration that the government was being too intrusive whereas others believed measures were not strict enough. However, one featured exception is an advertisement for men’s pyjamas, suggesting some businesses adjusted their marketing in light of the pandemic. The following sources contain a cross-section of enthusiasm and indignation while highlighting the very voices of those impacted by the restrictions.
"Big Délaide was very scared of it, in the store she had camphor and she ate peppermints […] they said that camphor would kill the germs but she died of it all the same, poor woman."
Mme Hector Boutôt
Proclamation enforcing all schools, churches, and theatres in the province to close indefinitely after 11 October 1918.
Source: RS136-L5d3: Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
In answer as to why they buried them alive:
"It was because he was in a coma and they thought he was dead and they closed the grave. It was the priest, the priest was really afraid of that."
M. Mme Émile Michaud
"I was about 12, 11, 12, and there was one of my cousins who was almost buried alive. He was in a coma and the priest we had […] once you got it, when the Spanish flu broke out he locked his church and there was no mass, nothing at all, and Papa was in the woods. He was a cook for about 10 men and those men all got the flu and they couldn’t leave the woods. The doctor had shown and brought some remedies and explained things properly and after that well … so as not to contaminate … and still managed to save those men."
M. Mme Émile Michaud (75 ans)
Attached to the proclamation, a list of New Brunswick papers likely contacted to notify readers of the closures.
Source: RS136-L5d3 (2): Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
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Letter from Percy H. Green of Wood Island, Grand Manan, dated 24 October 1918, appealing to Dr. George Melvin to allow schools and churches to reopen for the small population of roughly one hundred.
Source: RS136-L5d3: Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
"I got the Spanish flu. I was supposed to get married on Wednesday. I got married on October 10, no September, and we had to postpone it for a month."
Mme Elodie Caron
Letter from Minister of Health, William F. Roberts, dated 25 October 1918, to Reverend A.J. Vincent of the Main Baptist Church in Sackville warning against further violations of public health restrictions regarding large public gatherings.
Source: RS136-L5d3: Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
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"We couldn’t have people in at that time. When we needed something, he would come and put it on the front steps and we would go get it."
Mme Doria Dupuis Source : MC317/ MS1/56 (5)
Advertisement for J. H. Fleming’s Haberdashery for men’s pajamas in the 30 October 1918 issue of Fredericton’s Daily Gleaner. Considering theatre and bowling alley closures, the promotion highlights sleeping as the new chief evening adventure for New Brunswickers.
Source: MC1474: The Daily Gleaner fonds: [1889-2008], FF02946.
Correspondence between theatre proprietors in Saint John and Minister of Health William F. Roberts concerning the reopening of theatres in early November 1918. While business owners are anxious to reopen and prevent further loss of profits, Roberts maintained that the province must exercise caution.
Sources: RS136-L5d3-14661-B3 a & b & c & d & e: Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
Letter from F.G. Spencer and colleagues, dated 2 November 1918 to Dr. William F. Roberts, requesting a conference to discuss the reopening of Saint John theatres.
Source: RS136-L5d3-B3e: Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
Dr. William F. Roberts’s reply to F.G. Spencer and co., dated 3 November 1918, regarding the reopening of theatres in Saint John. Although Roberts expresses understanding towards the owners’ frustration and appreciates their cooperation, he cannot indicate for certain when conditions will be safe enough for any reversals.
Source: RS136-L5d3-B3d: Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
Telegram to Dr. William F. Roberts from various motion pictures businessmen calling for theatres to reopen in Saint John during the week of 6 November 1918. The appeal refers to economic losses and assures their premises will follow all precautions when open.
Source: RS136-L5d3-B3a; b; c: Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.
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Report on an influenza outbreak in Dalhousie, New Brunswick that blames the provincial government’s neglect in the 2 December 1918 issue of Saint John’s The Standard.
Source: MC1438: St. John Standard fonds, F03797.
Letter to the Editor in the 24 December 1918 issue of Fredericton’s The Daily Gleaner referring to the government’s inconsistency with public closures and advocating for the masses to wear face masks.
Source: MC1474: The Daily Gleaner fonds: [1889-2008], FF02946.
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Letter to Chief Medical Officer Dr. George G. Melvin, dated 5 February 1920, appealing for Minto’s only church to remain open if influenza rages again in New Brunswick. The author, Edward J. Conway¬¬¬¬, casts blame of past spread on other public meeting places frequented by “a few dirty foreigners.” Eight years later, on 7 March 1928, Reverend Conway would die from bronchopneumonia resulting from influenza (RS141C5: Index to Death Certificates).
Source: RS136-L5d3 (13): Records of the Deputy Minister of Health.