Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of a handwritten journal of funds (primarily payroll) expended to combat the outbreak of influenza. Influenza is an acute, highly contagious viral disease characterized by sudden onset, fever, prostration, severe aches and pains, and progressive inflammation of the respiratory mucous membrane. In February, 1920 (Chapter 5), the legislature appropriated $50,000 for use by the State Commissioner of Health for the "suppression and control of influenza and other diseases of the respiratory tract".

The department's Annual Report for 1920 stated that the Division of Communicable Diseases attempted to locate physicians and nurses to administer services in areas not served by health care professionals and contributed the services of two physicians to communities in the northern part of the state.

The journal is entitled "Influenza Epidemic of 1920" and is divided into two sections. The first section (pp. 1-4) lists salaries paid and includes such information as: date of appointment; name; position; and salary rate (January 1920-June 1921). Positions ranged from clerks and stenographers to physicians, nurses, supervisors, motion picture operators, and a field agent and publicity expert.

The second section (pp. 15-25) lists "Regular" account expenditures from February 1920 to December 1921 and shows: date of payment; to whom paid; folio number reference (to an unknown ledger volume); amount for traveling, communication, or salary; and the available balance.

A brief table of contents appears on the verso of the volume's title page.