The great flu epidemic that began in 1918 killed half a million Americans and 25% of the entire population was infected. Cincinnati was hard hit with 80,000 cases and 1,700 deaths from flu in 1918. To cope with the poorly understood disease, hotels removed chairs and sofas from lobbies. Theatres, schools and churches were ordered closed. Leaf burning was banned. At Camp Sherman in Chillicothe … Continue reading The Great Flu Epidemic in Southern Gallia County, Ohio

When my father Howell Wood was born in 1903 on the family farm near Mercerville, rural life in Gallia County was strenuous but enjoyable. Food was mostly home grown, friends and family were nearby and Gallipolis and villages nearby were growing along with the commerce on the Ohio River. The country was at peace, Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House and the wounds of … Continue reading Early 20th Century Life in Southern Gallia County Ohio