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The influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 killed more people than World War I. It is estimated that 675,000 Americans died from this disease and that between September 1, 1918 and January 16, 1919, 45,000 people died in Massachusetts. The disease entered the country with some sailors that docked in Boston on August 27. Within two weeks, over two thousand men stationed in the Boston area were infected. By October, towns in western Massachusetts were seeing high rates of infection and death. This article reports that the disease reached an epidemic in Greenfield on September 28. From September 26 thru noon on October 4, there were 340 cases and 16 deaths. The deaths included two nurses. The Board of Health ordered schools, libraries, theaters, and private clubs closed.

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