a historic tradition: Keeping students safe

IN 1918, the ‘Spanish Flu’ affected Holy Names in many ways that are similar to 2020’s coronavirus pandemic. All Oakland schools were closed from October 1918 through January 1919, and everyone was required to wear face masks.

During that crisis, Holy Names did its part. Faculty members donned face masks and moved their classes outdoors. Today, we continue in their footsteps as our community rises to this extraordinary occasion.

Excerpts from the archives of the Sisters give us a glimpse into their 1918-19 experience. While much has changed since then, many of their sentiments and fears still resonate.

EXCERPTS FROM THE ARCHIVES

OCTOBER 27, 1918

Second Week of Quarantine

Since we were obliged to dismiss our day scholars, and close our day schools, we have kept strict isolation and observed every precaution against influenza. American Red Cross masks of white gauze have been worn by all - Sisters, pupils, those engaged in the domestic service, and even by the priests who came to say Mass, or hear confessions. Thus far we have been entirely free from the epidemic. As much as possible Sisters and pupils are keeping in the open air for work and study, and the classes are being conducted outside.

OCTOBER 29, 1918

Call for Our Assistance

The distress in so many homes and the crowded condition of the hospitals has summoned helpers from every rank of life, and today we received a call to come to the aid of the Christian Brothers’ boys at Peralta Hall, Berkeley. Sixty-five boys have been stricken. Our Mother Provincial answered the summons with all charity. Sister M. Rosaura, a certified nurse before her entry, gave lessons in the care of the sick to selected Sisters, and four Sisters from St. Mary’s School and three from the Oakland house have gone to meet the emergency at St. Joseph’s School, Berkeley...Protected by masks and wearing white coverall aprons and white veils, they will devote themselves to the sick boys, while using every precaution themselves to avoid contagion.

NOVEMBER 1, 1918

Death of Sister Mary Regis

Although our own Oakland home has been so marvelously spared, our Sisters of San Francisco have lost one of their number. Sister Mary Regis, who came to us from Ireland exactly 11 years ago, passed away at St. Mary’s hospital on November 1 at 12:45 am. A cold from which she apparently recovered was succeeded by a relapse, which quickly developed into pneumonia. As soon as the case was seen to be serious, Sister was taken to St. Mary’s hospital. She received the last Sacraments, after which she grew rapidly worse and on All Saints’ Day, the anniversary of her arrival in Oakland, she passed to her reward…. Her sudden taking off has been quite a shock to Sisters and pupils.

NOVEMBER 25, 1918

Reopening of Parochial Schools

In accordance with the decision of the Catholic Superintendent of Schools, Rev. Ralph Hunt, our Parochial Schools reopened today. The attendance was most satisfactory. Both teachers and pupils wore masks. The Sisters report most favorable health conditions in the homes of the pupils.

DECEMBER 31, 1918

Remembrance

In all future ages the year 1918 will be remembered as the year of the end of the Great War, and as a year of anxiety, sickness and mourning, as well as of gladness and triumph.

JANUARY 30, 1919

Return of Day Pupils

After having been quarantined since Christmas, our day pupils have been allowed to return to classes today.

Oakland Deptartment of Health Influenza 1918 poster

Volunteers in Oakland sew masks to prevent the spread of the flu in 1918. Photo: Oakland Public Library

Oakland Civic Auditorium converted to a hospital in response to the spread of the flu in 1918. Photo: Oakland Public Library

Background: Holy Names College campus circa 1910