It is the year 1918 and a young woman of 18 begins a
diary. World War I rages in Europe and
the recent involvement of the United States in the war approaches full effort. On the home front a variety of rationing and
other sacrifices are being implemented, criticism of the U.S. war effort and
even of the flag have been criminalized, local newspapers present pages and
pages of war-related stories, war bond (Liberty Loan Bond) drives are under
way, and the movie industry has pledged support for war propaganda. And then the disastrous influenza pandemic
strikes, ultimately killing 50 million people worldwide, three times more than
the Great War.
Living in Philadelphia, Mary O’Neill, chronicles her
day-to-day life during this tumultuous time.
Her diary, transcribed by Kirk Gulden, begins on January 31 and ends on
October 30. Through Mary’s words and
accompanying contemporary newspaper clippings and other documents, we experience
her high and low points, her longing for the soldier boy she holds dear, her
perspective on the war effort, her friendships and social activities, her
devotion to her religion, her frequent silent movie and occasional vaudeville
attendance, her work challenges and her own family’s tragic experience with the
influenza pandemic.
Mary O’Neill’s diary, published as And Then I Went to Bed:
A 1918 Philadelphia Diary, and available at amazon.com and other
distribution sources, forms the core of this blog. I will periodically comment on Mary’s
experiences, now 100 years past, supplementing those with other contemporary
issues and events using the digital age to explore a time when there was no
electronic social media, no television and no radio to disseminate information
and conversation.
Comments about Mary’s diary and the experience of the time
are welcome. Input from descendants of
individuals mentioned in the diary and any related anecdotes would add
particular insight into the people and life of the time.
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